Week 4: Root of Conflict

Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer, obviously, if there is a meal)

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, have participants share their understanding of peace. [Encourage an understanding that moves beyond the absence of conflict but includes positive traits as well.)

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes)

Read: James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a

How do commercials and advertisements promote the continual need for more stuff?
How are envy and selfish ambition at odds with order, peace, and mercy (James 3:14-18)? [When we allow God first place, the result is often in harmony with the way God has ordered the world.]
How is “wisdom from above” (1:17) in contrast to the wisdom of our culture?
How do verses 4:7-8 reveal the source of how we can be doers of the word? [Through submitting to God’s ways and drawing near to God’s strength.]
What actions, practices, or habits would help us submit to God’s ways and draw us nearer to God? [The means of grace are a great place to start – worship, prayer, Scripture reading, journaling, fasting, and so on.]
What might God be calling you to do as a response to this passage?

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). End by praying the following or a similar prayer:

God of transforming grace: when we draw near to you, we cannot help but be changed. We submit to your love, your grace, your mercy, your Holy Spirit that you would glorify yourself through our demeanor, behavior, and words. Amen.