1. James 3:2

James says maturity is revealed in our speech.

Question: In what types of situations do you find it hardestto control your words (conflict, stress, social media, family, leadership,etc.)? What does that reveal about your heart in those moments?

2. James 3:5–6

James compares the tongue to a spark that can start a forestfire.

Question: Have you ever seen a small comment grow intosomething much larger—either in your life, your family, or the church? What didyou learn from that experience?

3. James 3:8

The sermon emphasized that behavior modification isn’tenough—we need heart transformation.

Question: What is the difference between trying to “watchyour words” and surrendering your heart to Christ? How does real heart changeaffect speech?

4. James 3:9–10

James confronts inconsistency—worshiping God while speakingharshly about people made in His image.

Question: Where do you see tension between your worship andyour words? What practical steps could help bring consistency between the two?

5. James 3:11–12

Fresh water and bitter water don’t come from the samespring.

Question: If your words this past week revealed thecondition of your heart, what would they say about your spiritual health? Whatneeds to change at the “source”?

Sermon Title: Faith That WorksScripture: James 2:14–26What does real faith look like? Is it something we simply believe… or something we live out?In this message, we walk verse-by-verse through James 2:14–26 and confront the difference between professed faith and proven faith. James challenges the church then—and us today—that faith without action is lifeless. Genuine faith moves toward needs, serves without favoritism, and reflects the heart of Christ in everyday obedience.You’ll be encouraged and stretched as we explore:• Why words alone are not enough• The danger of comfortable, inactive belief• How obedience gives faith its evidence• Biblical examples of faith in action• What it means to live a faith that is visible and transformativeWhether you’re new in your walk with Christ or have followed Him for years, this sermon calls each of us to examine: Is my faith alive?👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔔 Subscribe to stay connected and receive weekly messages of hope and growth.#FaithThatWorks #BookOfJames #LivingFaith #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching

1. Incompatibility of Faith & Favoritism

James 2:1–4

James says we cannot hold faith in the “glorious Lord Jesus Christ” while showing personal favoritism.

Question:

Where are you most tempted to make snap judgments about people (appearance, background, lifestyle, income, politics, etc.)? What do those instincts reveal about your heart?

2. Seeing Through Heaven’s Lens

James 2:5–7

God often chooses those the world overlooks to be “rich in faith.”

Question:

Can you think of a time when someone you initially underestimated turned out to have deep faith or spiritual influence? What did God teach you through that experience?

3. The Royal Law in Real Life

James 2:8–9

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Question:

It’s easy to say we love everyone—but harder to live it. What practical behaviors show the difference between genuine love and subtle favoritism inside a church community?

4. The Weight of “Respectable” Sins

James 2:10–11

Stumbling in one point makes us guilty of all.

Question:

Why do you think we tend to minimize sins like favoritism compared to others? How does James’ teaching challenge our personal “sin ranking system”?

5. Living Under the Law of Liberty

James 2:12–13

Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Question:

How does understanding that Christ has freed us from self-justification change the way we treat people—especially those we might normally judge?

Bonus Question:

Who is one person or group God may be calling you to extend greater mercy toward this week?

Speech & Self-Deception (v. 26)James says an unbridled tongue can deceive the heart. What kinds of words or patterns of speech most easily reveal when your heart is drifting from sincere faith?

Worthless vs. Pure Religion (v. 26–27)What do you think James means by “worthless religion,” and how does that challenge common ways people—including us—define faithfulness?

Compassion That Costs (v. 27a)Why do you think James highlights orphans and widows, and who might represent those same kinds of needs in our community today?

Faith Lived Together (v. 27a)How can our MAC Group move beyond individual good intentions and practice compassionate care together in a way that reflects “pure and undefiled religion”?

Guarding Holiness (v. 27b)What does it practically look like to keep ourselves “unstained by the world,” and how can this group help one another guard the new life God has given us?

James 1:19 – “Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.”When you approach God’s Word—whether in personal reading or in a sermon—which part of this verse do you find most challenging: listening, holding back your words, or managing your reactions? Why do you think that is?James 1:21 – “In humility receive the word implanted…”What does it look like to receive God’s Word with humility in everyday life? Are there habits, attitudes, or distractions that can make it harder for God’s Word to take root?James 1:22 – “Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers…”What are some ways believers can unintentionally become “hearers only”? How can we help one another move from simply hearing God’s Word to living it out?James 1:23–24 – The mirror illustrationJames compares God’s Word to a mirror. Can you share a time when Scripture revealed something about you that needed attention or change? What helped—or hindered—you from responding?James 1:25 – “The perfect law, the law of liberty…”How have you experienced obedience to God as something that brings freedom rather than restriction? What is one step of obedience God may be inviting you to take this week?

Perseverance in TrialsJames says we are blessed when we persevere under trial. Can you share a time when God used a trial in your life to strengthen your faith or deepen your trust in Him? How did that experience shape you?

Understanding TemptationWhy do you think it is important to recognize that temptation does not come from God? How does taking responsibility for our own desires change the way we respond to temptation?

The Progression of SinJames describes a progression from desire to sin to death. Where do you see the earliest warning signs of temptation in your own life, and what practical steps can you take to address it before it grows?

Trusting God’s GoodnessJames reminds us that every good and perfect gift comes from God, who does not change. How does trusting in God’s unchanging character help you resist the lies and deceptions of temptation?

Living as FirstfruitsJames says we have been given new birth through the word of truth so that we might be “firstfruits.” What does living as firstfruits look like in your daily life, and how can your faith be a visible testimony to God’s work in you?

Understanding AuthorityPaul says that all authority is established by God (Romans 13:1). How does this truth shape the way you view government, leadership, and laws—especially when you disagree with them?Obedience vs. AgreementWhat is the difference between obeying a law and agreeing with it? Can you share an example where obedience to authority became an act of faith rather than personal preference?Christian Freedom and ResponsibilityPeter tells believers to live as free people, but not to use freedom as a covering for evil (1 Peter 2:16). What are some ways Christians today might misuse “freedom,” and how can we guard against that?Witness in a Watching WorldAccording to 1 Peter 2:15, doing what is right can “silence the ignorance of foolish men.” How does our response to authority affect our witness to non-believers, especially during times of social tension or political division?Raising the Next GenerationHow can parents, grandparents, and the church intentionally teach children and youth to respect authority, engage disagreement biblically, and ultimately trust God’s sovereignty?

1. Where in your life right now do you most need God’s wisdom, and what might it look like to intentionally ask Him for it this week?2. What are some common ways believers today ask God for help while still holding on to control? How can we practice trusting God more fully?3. What circumstances tend to make your faith feel unstable? What helps anchor your trust in God during those times?4. How does our culture define success and worth, and how does James challenge those definitions for believers?5. What practical steps can we take to live with an eternal perspective in our daily decisions, finances, and relationships?