Wk 3 // August 16 & 17

Wk 3  //  THIS VERSE CHANGED MY LIFE
August 16 & 17, 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

• When you think about a “five-course meal,” what makes the experience different from grabbing food at a buffet?
• How could that analogy apply to following Jesus?
• Which “course” (Prayer, Praise, Community, Confession, Evangelism) comes easiest for you right now? Which is most challenging?
  
  

The passage in James 5:13–20 offers five interconnected practices that help us fully enjoy our journey with Jesus: Prayer, Praise, Community, Confession, and Evangelism.


UNDERSTANDING

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ JAMES 5:13.
 

• Why do you think James links both trouble and joy to God (prayer in hardship, praise in blessing)?
• How quick are you to pray when life gets difficult? What tends to delay you?
• How can prayer be both honest and humble?
  
  

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ JAMES 5:14–15.
 

• Why does James encourage involving others (elders/spiritual leaders) in prayer for the sick?
• How does this connect to the importance of community in our spiritual growth?
• What does it mean for prayer to be “offered in faith”?
  
  

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ ACTS 2:42–47.
 

• What practices did the early church commit to that fostered such strong community?
• Which of these do you see in your current spiritual circles? Which could be strengthened?
  
  

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ JAMES 5:16.
 

• Why is confession so difficult for most of us?
• What connection do you see between confession and healing?
• How can small groups foster a safe environment for confession and prayer?
  
  

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ JAMES 5:19–20.
 

• How does this verse describe the importance of evangelism?
• What might “bringing someone back” look like in your daily life?
• How do we balance truth-telling with grace when reaching out to someone who has wandered?
  
  

APPLICATION

• Which of the five “courses” do you most need to grow in right now? Why?
• What’s one practical step you can take this week to strengthen your prayer life, praise, community, confession, or evangelism?
• Who in your life might God be prompting you to reach out to or invite back into relationship with Him?
  
  

PRAYER

Thank God for inviting us into a rich, full, multi-course journey with Him. Pray for courage to practice all five elements: to pray faithfully, praise in all seasons, engage deeply in community, confess openly, and share the gospel boldly. Ask God to help your group be a place of healing, encouragement, and mission.