Wk 2 // August 9 & 10

Wk 2  //  THIS VERSE CHANGED MY LIFE
August 9 & 10, 2025
Small Group Study


SERMON RECAP

Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.

TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES. 

• What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
• Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
• Was there anything that challenged you?

INTRODUCTION

• What’s a time when you had the wrong “key” for something important (literally or figuratively)?
  Where do you most often look for solutions when life gets hard?
• Have you ever faced a situation that felt too small to bother God with, or too big for Him to handle?
  
  

In this week’s message, we looked at James 1:2–5, discovering that trials aren’t obstacles to joy but pathways to it. God’s goal for us isn’t fleeting happiness: it’s lasting joy, and one of the most important things we can ask Him for in the middle of a trial is wisdom.


UNDERSTANDING

ASK A VOLUNTEER TO READ JAMES 1:2–5
 

• James says to “consider it pure joy” when we face trials. Why do you think joy and trials can coexist?
• How does this passage challenge the way our culture defines “the good life”?
• The sermon reminded us: Your trial is not too small or too big for God to use. How have you seen God use something in your life (big or small) for His glory and your growth?
  
  

ASK A VOLUNTEER TO READ JOHN 15:11.
 

• What’s the difference between happiness and joy? How does this verse help explain God’s passion for our joy?
• Why might joy be more resilient than happiness when life is hard?
  
  

ASK A VOLUNTEER TO READ JAMES 3:13–18.
 

• According to this passage, what’s the difference between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom?
• The sermon defined wisdom as knowledge + experience + good judgment. How have trials helped you grow in all three?
• How would your relationships, finances, or decision-making change if you consistently acted with godly wisdom?
  
  

APPLICATION

• In your current season, are you more likely to pray for relief from a trial, or for wisdom in it? Why?
• Which of the “Steps to Growing in Wisdom” from the sermon do you need to focus on most right now?
  1. Pray and ask God for wisdom.
  2. Do what you know to be right and wise.
  3. Involve others.
  4. Be growing spiritually.
• How can our group help each other actually live like God is in control, rather than just say we believe it?
  
  

PRAYER

Thank God that He works in every trial (big or small) for our good and His glory. Ask Him to give each person in your group godly wisdom, the kind that is pure, peace-loving, considerate, full of mercy, and sincere. Pray for perseverance in ongoing trials and the joy that comes from trusting Him fully.