Group Notes | June 7
Greater Things: Starts In the Heart
June 7, 2015
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Open:
Most cultures equate the heart as being the essence of our emotions. We say our heart “broke” or it “stopped” at certain situations. What are other common expressions?
Last week we began a series, “Greater Things,” to focus on ways God desires to use us in the future. We learned that prayer is the key to having a life devoted to Him, but prayer that is effective has to come from a pure heart. Today we are going to examine subtle sins of the heart that can keep it from being one wholly devoted to Him.
Discuss:
A Double-Minded Heart Will Never See Greater Works
1. Read James 4:8-10. James refers to being “double-minded.” What did he mean?
2. Jesus often spoke of our bodies as “vessels.” What are the instructions in 8b?
3. What are we to mourn over? Is this the same as Matthew 5:4?
4. Why will sin destroy a Christian, or a church?
A Proud Heart Will Never See Greater Works
5. Read verses 10, and 13-18. What is the main focus of these verses?
6. What are some dangers of pride in one’s heart?
7. What was Satan’s greatest sin? In verse 16, what does God call it?
A Judging Heart Work Never See Greater Works
8. Read verses 11 and 12. What is happening in our heart when we judge the actions of another believer?
9. Matthew 7:1 tells us not to judge each other. What will happen if we do?
Close:
James gets down where you live, desiring that believers live holy, pure lives. Sin in the heart defiles a man, so daily you have to make choices to do right or wrong, fighting a battle between the flesh and the spirit. As we break into small groups, examine your heart for any unforgiven or unrepentant sin, and ask God to expose it; examine your life for pride, and ask Him to expose that as well; and then be honest with yourself as to the habit of judging, and confess it, so you can do “greater works” this week.
Memory Verse: James 4:17: “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” (NKJV)