Wk 5 // August 30 & 31

Wk 5  //  THIS VERSE CHANGED MY LIFE
August 30 & 31, 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 the most embarrassing or funny thing you’ve ever said without thinking first?
• Share about a time when someone’s words made a big difference in your life (either building you up or tearing you down).
• Which invention do you think has had the greatest impact on humanity? (Wheel, internet, printing press, etc.) Why?
  
  

Words shape our lives. They can build up or destroy, encourage or discourage, unite or divide. The Bible tells us that “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). Today’s passage in James challenges us to pay attention to our words and attitudes in relationships, reminding us that true spiritual maturity is always reflected in the way we listen, speak, and love others.


UNDERSTANDING

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ JAMES 1:19–20. 

• Why do you think James starts with the command to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry”?
• Which of those three comes easiest for you, and which is the hardest?
• How can listening well help reduce conflict in relationships?
  
  

The first step toward healthy relationships is slowing down.  This means listening, reflecting, and choosing our words wisely. When we learn to listen before reacting, anger loses its power, and relationships are strengthened instead of broken.


HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ JAMES 1:21–25. 

• James compares hearing God’s Word without obeying it to looking in a mirror and forgetting what you saw. What does this image teach us about spiritual growth?
• Share a time when God’s Word challenged you to change something in your life. How did you respond?
• Why is it easier to know Scripture than to live it out?
  
  

The mirror image reminds us that God’s Word is meant to transform us, not just inform us. Spiritual growth begins when we move from hearing to doing, applying God’s truth to our daily lives.


HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ JAMES 1:26–27.

• According to James, what makes religion “worthless”?
• How does controlling our tongues reflect genuine spiritual maturity?
• Why do you think James connects pure religion to caring for the vulnerable (orphans, widows) and avoiding worldliness?
  
  

Our faith isn’t measured by how much we know, but by how much we live out. True religion shows itself in love for others and in words that bring peace instead of harm.


APPLICATION

• Where do you most need to apply James 1:19 — in your family, friendships, work, or online interactions?
• What practical step can you take this week to be “quick to listen” in a difficult relationship?
• Which verse from this passage will you hold onto most, and why?
  
  

Spiritual maturity isn’t about being right; it’s about being righteous in our relationships. This week is an opportunity to practice slowing down, listening more, speaking carefully, and choosing peace over anger.


PRAYER

Pray that God would give each member of the group wisdom to listen well, patience to speak with grace, and strength to overcome anger. Ask God to use your words to bring life, healing, and encouragement to the people around you.