Preaching Guide January '16

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Walk This Way: Studying the book of James

walk O this way

By Eunice McGarrahan

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ne of the consistent convictions of First Pres is its desire to bear witness to the saving grace of God that is ours because of the incarnation, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. For as long as I have known this congregation, members have put a high value on ministry that leads persons to faith in Jesus Christ.

This commitment takes many forms. Many of our members are engaged full time in ministry organizations that evangelize to many different people groups. Others are involved in ministries that train and equip individuals to make disciples of others. Many in our congregation live their personal lives in public in such a way that their speech and actions draw people to Jesus and into the life of the church. All of these forms of witness follow strong Biblical teaching and narratives. But, in addition to the personal witness that enables others to encounter Jesus, there is also the corporate witness of a community of faith. The life of the community of Jesus allows those outside of the church to see the Gospel in action.

Bishop Lesslie Newbigin, a missionary in South India for 40 years, has said the “congregation is a hermeneutic of the Gospel.� In other words, the visible life of a congregation interprets the good news of Jesus to its surrounding neighborhood. So, for example, if we say that the Gospel is about reconciliation, are we living as reconciled people? If we say that Jesus is

good news for the poor, are we caring for the poor? It is not just about individuals doing these things. It is about a community acting together and living in the way of Jesus. This was an important lesson Newbigin learned in India. Because the culture in India was so pluralistic, the words of Jesus were not enough – the life of Jesus needed to be embodied by a community so that the culture could see with its own eyes the difference Jesus made.

It is in this congregation that I learned about the kind of incarnational theology of ministry that Bishop Newbigin describes.

Those lessons have stood the test of time. To do ministry – to live as a Christian – in an incarnational way means that one will enter the world in the way Christ did as it is described in Philippians 2. We will have the mind of Christ; we will humble ourselves; we will not hold on to our own desires and wishes. We have expressed this approach in the way we talk about the “marks” of disciples at First Pres: (1) we create community wherever we go; (2) we bring hope where hope is at risk; (3) we collaborate wherever possible; (4) we learn what we do not know.

To help us live by those marks, we will be spending five weeks reflecting on the Letter of James. Many of you know that this book of the Bible has sometimes had a rocky ride throughout church history. Martin Luther called it a “right strawy epistle,” and others have thought

that it was dubious because it appeared to emphasize works over grace. James does exhort individual Christians to live with integrity, humility and wisdom – virtues that are consistent with what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.

But, those personal acts of faith are meant to create a community of witness to the redeeming and reconciling work of Christ.

The Body of Christ is called to offer the world a new way of life together. The “new creation” of 2 Corinthians 5:17 is not just about persons, but also about communities. Each congregation should be a place where the religion of self (and its destructive results) is replaced by obedience to the Great Commandment where love of God and Neighbor are tangible. James calls us to replace “divisiveness, intolerance, favoritism and wealth and status-seeking with a true community based on mutual care and interdependent responsibility.”

In a time in our society’s life when things are hostile and divided, the message of James is really like water on parched ground. May our time in this “right strawy epistle” prepare us to be a people who live together in a way that says to our neighborhood, “This is what the love of Jesus looks like. Come share it with us.”

Eunice McGarrahan is the Pastor of Discipleship at First Pres.

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W e C reate C ommunity W herever W e G o…

By Jennifer Holz s followers of Jesus at First Pres, we understand the value of being formed in a Christ-centered community. As we allow ourselves to go deeper with one another in Christian fellowship, that significantly impacts how we approach others in the world around us. Once the Spirit of God catches us up in love for one another, we can’t go anywhere without moving toward others — we naturally begin to create community wherever we go. I’m hoping our series in James can be a catalyst for a communal spiritual formation for our family of faith that will help us become more intentional community builders in the places God sends us.

This preaching guide is formatted to help you engage more deeply with the book of James in community. Several writers in our congregation have spent time in James and put together questions and thoughts to help facilitate further discussion within our groups. If you are not already meeting with others for the purposes of spiritual growth, consider bringing some folks together for that purpose.

One of the most helpful books I have found on Christian community is Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Life Together. Bonhoeffer writes clearly about the marks of Christian community: gratitude, serving one another, gathering around the Word of God and allowing the Spirit to lead our relationships, just to name a few. One of the most helpful concepts Bonhoeffer gives us in his writing is the shattering of the “wishdream.” We all have ideas and ideals about what we would wish our Christian communities to look like, but when we allow the Spirit to break through those dreams, God can create transformational communities that bring us deeper into relationship with Him. Bonhoeffer writes, “The more clearly we learn to recognize that the ground and strength and promise of all our fellowship is Jesus Christ alone, the more serenely shall we think of our fellowship and pray and hope for it.” I would recommend this book for group study and practice.

Jennifer Holz is the Senior Executive Associate Pastor at First Pres.

Ways to Us e This Guide

• I f you are already in a small community, use this guide to direct your study during the James series.

• I nvite someone you’ve wanted to get to know better to reflect on these questions with you over coffee.

•P ick a question from each week’s study guide and use it as a conversation starter with others.

•S pend some time going through these questions on your own and share what you are learning with your community.

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James 1 A Community of Wisdom

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By Barbara Dickey Start It. Think about how you react to the trials and temptations occurring in your life. As a Christian, what are the steps needed to develop perseverance? Think about how and why Christians are tested throughout life.

Study It .

Carefully read James 1. James is writing to the 12 tribes living among the nations. James is instructing the tribes on Christian living and how they are to deal with trials and temptations. Does James reveal why the faith of Christians will be tested? How are trials to be faced? What does James say about “wisdom?”

Do you think the Christians understood wisdom to mean knowledge, making wise decisions in difficult situations, or both?

The text tells us that if you ask God for wisdom or practical discernment, do not have a doubtful mind. It seems that we will not be able to receive God’s wisdom while having a doubtful mind. Why is a doubtful mind not completely convinced that God’s way is the best way?

What is James’ instruction on temptation?

He writes that temptation comes from evil desires inside us. The desire becomes sin when we dwell on the thought and it becomes an evil action that leads to death.

God never tempts us. Why does James simply say we are to do what the Word says?

Live It. Think about some of the trials that you have faced. Do you think there is a difference between trials and problems? Why should the trials you are faced with be met with joy? Are you willing to accept your trials with joy and see them as a process toward being mature and complete? Do you believe the trials in your life are instructions for your soul?

How do you react to temptations? Are all temptations evil? When should wisdom be used with temptation and how could that behavior be modeled to others? Do you turn to God’s Word when you are angry or are you quick to lash out before thinking? Once you listen to the Word, can you do what it says, remembering it always? Do you believe by listening and obeying the Word that God will bless you for doing it?

Pray It. Heavenly Father, we ask that as we have trials in our lives we will seek your wisdom through Your holy Word and that we may take Your Word into our hearts to give us perseverance through the trials. We further pray that we may recognize evil desires inside us and not act on them but intently surround ourselves in Your perfect law, pushing sin away and ridding ourselves of the world’s pollution. Amen.

Barbara Dickey is part of the Discussion Guide writing team for First Pres.

Find these and other guides at www.first-pres.org/discussionguide.

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JAN 17

James 2 An Authentic Community

By Pat Robertson Start It. Traditionally it is accepted that the James who wrote this book was the brother of Jesus and a leader of the Jerusalem church. This book almost didn’t make it into the New Testament. Martin Luther would have eliminated it for several reasons, including that he felt it emphasized salvation by works and was in opposition to Paul’s teaching on salvation through grace. After studying James 2, see if you agree with Luther or Paul!

Study It .

When you read, “has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom,” what do you think it means? Can you recall times in Jesus’ life where His actions gave value to the poor and rejected of society? How is the law summarized in regard to human relationships? Is He showing partiality in opposition to this? How does the command to love your neighbor overcome partiality?

Explain what James means by “the law of liberty.” (v.12) Why does Paul call it the law of slavery? (Gal. 3:23, Romans 4:15) Can it be both? James says faith without works is dead. Jesus said to the thief on the cross, “today you will be with me in Paradise.”

(Luke 23:43) Can they both be true?

Live It. Do you show partiality in your personal life?

Do you think First Pres is ever guilty of this?

Give examples to support your conclusion. Is favoritism in the church shown in ways other than catering to the wealthy? How does the statement, “judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy” impact you?

Will you show mercy to those you encounter this week? Do your actions speak louder than your words? Do friends know you for what you speak or what you do? If you would like to change this how would you start?

Pray It. Heavenly Father, help us to see people with Your eyes and not judge them by looks, success or money. You said when we help the least of society we help You (Matt. 25:40) so inspire us to treat everyone with the same love and care we would show You. Thank you that You never show partiality but treat us all with undeserved love. When we respond without mercy bring to mind the mercy You have extended to us. And most importantly, Lord, may we never be considered hypocrites because we talk the talk but do not walk the walk. Help us to live in such a way that people will know we love You and live by Your commandments.

Pat Robertson is part of the Discussion Guide writing team for First Pres.

Find these and other guides at www.first-pres.org/discussionguide.

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James 3 A Community of Character

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By John Moe Start It. The book of James was written as messages to the Jewish Christians as an encouragement to the new believers. There are many suggestions on how to live Godly lives. In this chapter, we learn about how to be wiser and to use our tongue best. I first studied James 3 when I was a teacher in Australia in the 1970s. I went to a Navigator Conference in Canberra one weekend. Lorne Saney – then President of the Navigators – spoke. I left the conference knowing that I needed to apply the words from this book to my life. The book of James was a challenge, but made for an interesting retreat. In new studies that I have been in, James still comes across with great practical advice for all of us. If we are not stumbling in one area, we can help someone who is.

Share a time when you put your foot in your mouth.

Tell about when you said something that you shouldn’t have.

Who is the wisest person you have known?

Study It .

James 3 is about two topics that relate to each other. With warnings and challenges, we learn about our tongue and how to be wise with it.

On the surface it seems simple. In reality it is one of the most difficult skills we have. It is not because we are unwise. It is because of our

human nature. The tongue section discusses bits, rudders, the tongue and a spark.

Can you think of other examples that are like the tongue? How should we choose our words? Where is the line between saying what we must say and what we should say?

Can you think of a case in which someone was judged as a teacher or leader because they were being judged with greater strictness than normal?

Live It. We can communicate James 3 by our actions, ethics and speech. If we sincerely speak with Christ’s wisdom we will be acting in a Godly way. Each day we can practice the lessons from James. How can you renew your heart to speak rightly? What ways do people get in trouble with their tongue at home, work, church or in public? How can we be wiser?

Pray It. Lord, help us to be wise in all we say and do.

Help us to think from Your perspective and not our own. Help us to think before we speak and to choose words that are helpful and not hurtful. Lord, let us be Your servants and tell the world what You would have us say. Help us not be afraid to say the right things to a world that needs to hear the truth.

John Moe is part of the Discussion Guide writing team for First Pres. Find these and other guides at www.first-pres.org/discussionguide.

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JAN 31

James 4 A Community of Humility

By Ruth Ann Ridley Start It. What kinds of quarreling or fighting have you experienced in your life? How would you define pride? Explain your understanding of humility. Think of someone in your life you admire because of his or her humility. Describe them.

Study It .

In James 4:1 the word translated “desires” or “pleasures” is the Greek word “hedon.” A person who is a hedonist is one who considers pleasure the chief good and proper aim of life. Who do you know or know of that you would consider a hedonist? What are their relationships like?

The New American Standard Version of the Bible translates James 4:2a in a very clear way: “You lust and do not have, so you commit murder; and you are envious and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel.” To live solely for pleasure is to live only for enjoyment and sensuous delight. James calls this “friendship with the world” in verse 4.

Consider our culture. What things might we be involved in if we were truly friends with the world today?

Read verses 7-11 again. What steps of humility does God want us to take? Why are we to mourn? What does it mean to humble ourselves before God? Think of specific attitudes or actions. Review verses 13-17. Notice 8 | www.first-pres.org 6/15

the words that refer to pride. It is a humbling thing to be cognizant of our fleeting status in this world. James uses the word “vapor” as a metaphor for our lives on earth. What other metaphors about the length of our lives do you remember from scripture? live It. When I was in elementary school, I was in a “gang.” I led one gang and my erst-while “friend” Jennie led the other one. The main way we feuded was to gather all our followers in two different groups and chase each other around the school. Sometimes one of the leaders got the other leader in an arm twist or a headlock. Our adult Christian quarrels are seldom this obvious. What battles are you fighting?

Remember the song, “They will know we are Christians by our love.” How can you show love to a Christian friend or acquaintance whose opinions or attitudes make you bristle?

Which of the three cravings mentioned in I John 2:15-16 have appeared in your life at some time or another? Where are you now in this area? Which step in verses 7-11 speaks to you personally? What will you do about it?

Pray It. Consider inviting someone with whom you are conflicted to join you for a time of prayer, confession and repentance.

Ruth Ann Ridley is part of the Discussion Guide writing team for First Pres.

Find these and other guides at www.first-pres.org/discussionguide.

James 5 A Community of Caring Start It. Once we accept Christ, we have the knowledge that He exists and that we are saved; we call this faith. Faith is our ability to believe in something that we cannot see, but in our heart and soul, we know to be true.

Pray for faith as your read through James 5.

Study It .

First, James talks about the rich and how their coins will corrode and eat their flesh.

Why do people hoard their money? Is it a question of faith? Are we so consumed with our independence and self-preservation that we don’t trust God to supply for our needs? How do the actions of the rich, described here, show the desperation of man apart from God? Is it a matter of faith to have patience, for the time of the Lord is drawing near? How do we keep ourselves and each other from grumbling? How can we be patient in facing our trials and tribulations? What are some ways we can help each other to persevere and not grow weary? How does the Lord show His compassion and mercy to us, in our adversity, daily?

James says we are to “confess our sins to one another;” how should that look? Do we sit across from each other and tell all?

Perhaps it means to confess our wrongs as they happen or as soon as we recognize

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them; take responsibility and make it right.

Are there times we need to be held accountable by someone? If so, go to him/her and ask if she/he would be our accountability partner and we will confess our lack or failings to that person. live It. God has given each of us a work to do on this earth. We are to care for each other, with our own personal gifts and skills. The catch is, we have to stay in Him to do this. How are you doing this? Are you giving time to His Word and time to just being with Him? If you are struggling with this, how can you make this happen in your life? “Ask and you shall receive,” The Holy Spirit, who lives in you, will give you a way to make it happen if you truly want a closer walk with the Lord.

Pray It. Holy Spirit, help me to see how I can spend more time in the Word and with my Lord. I want to thank You for who You are and for Your love toward me. I am a mess without You; but with You, I can do all things! I ask this in Jesus name, amen.

This was written by the Discussion Guide writing team for First Pres. Find these and other guides at www.first-pres.org/discussionguide.

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Why do you think it is important to study the Letter of James?

“James reveals to us a faith that ‘does something;’ a faith that gets lived out in really tangible, practical ways. In our increasingly postChristian society, people need to not just hear us talk, but to see us live a faith that moves and breathes, showing up in the neighborhood, the classroom or the public square. To paraphrase Lesslie Newbigin, the best way for people to see and understand the Gospel is to be around a community of people who believe it and live it.”

— Rev. Katie Fowler Associate Pastor for Missional Strategies “Living in a way that reflects our Lord’s love and character isn’t always easy. James provides practical instruction for what this can look like in our lives, in our interaction with others, in our witness as a congregation and in faithfully following after God.” — Rev. John Goodale Associate Pastor for Caring Ministries

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“The Epistle of James tells us how to be and how not to be the Body of Christ. James levels the Christian playing field for all of us.

He wants us to move from dysfunction to function, from wounded to healed, from privilege to serving one another.”

—Rev. Pat Hartsock Pastor of Men “I’m hoping our series in James can be a catalyst for a communal spiritual formation for our family of faith that will help us become more intentional community builders in the places God sends us.”

—Rev. Jennifer Holz Senior Executive Associate Pastor

for us, as a community,

“We are living in a secular age. People who think about these things tell us that one of the marks of this age is that people do not have a hunger for God. They are not looking to fill that ‘God-shaped hole’ because they don’t feel anything divine is missing. But they are hungry for a community of integrity and mutual caring. We study James as a community because it give us wisdom and instruction that shapes us in a way that will draw others into the orbit of Jesus.”

— Rev. Eunice McGarrahan Supply Pastor for Discipleship

an incredible study on what it means for our church community to put Christ on display and our worship into action.”

– Yemi Mobolade Associate for Local Missions “The book of James was written to the church who was scattered and feeling the pressure of secular society. This practical letter encourages us, as the church, to remain anchored, humble and holy.

James is timely for us at First Pres.”

— Rev. Nate Stratman Assistant Pastor for Family Ministries

“The wisdom of James teaches that we learn and do. As a learning community, our study of James will offer practical wisdom for our community’s tangible witness in everyday life. Get ready for

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address

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$30 per couple and $10 per child Childcare available

Non Profit Org. U. S. Postage PAID Colo. Spgs. CO Permit No. 419

Enrich your marriage, enhance your relationship with your kids, evaluate your direction as a family.

Children’s program included.

Feb. 5-6 at First Pres

The Family Summit