Jesus' Christmas Presence: An Example - He Gives a New Attitude

Introduction:

4 Things the Incarnation Teaches Us About Selflessness (Philippians 2:5-11):

1. Selflessness starts in the Mind . (Phil 2:6)
2. Selflessness is a matter of Identity . (Phil 2:7)
3. Selflessness shows up in Action . (Phil 2:8)
4. Selflessness leads to Glory . (Phil 2:9-11)

   Matthew 23:12 - Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

   Luke 14:11 - For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

   Luke 18:14 - For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.

   1 Peter 5:6 - Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

   James 4:10 - Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Philippians 2:5-11

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Have you ever felt like some job at the church was “beneath you”? What does God becoming man teach you about how we view any job at the church?
   

3. Have you ever felt like you have served too much or given too much? What does the incarnation teach us about how far we should be willing to serve and give?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Jesus' Christmas Presence: A Savior - He Gives Forgiveness

Introduction:

A Savior: He Gives Forgiveness (Colossians 2:8-15):

In Christ...

1. I have been gifted with the Truth . (Col 2:8)

   Colossians 2:2-3 - To reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden ALL the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

2. I have been gifted with All That I Truly Need . (Col 2:9-10)
3. I have been gifted with New and Everlasting Life . (Col 2:11-12)
4. I have been gifted with Total Forgiven . (Col 2:13-14)
5. I have been gifted with Victory Over My Spiritual Enemies . (Col 2:15)

   1 Peter 5:8-9 - Be sober minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Colossians 2:8-15

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. When it comes to this time of year, why is it so easy to slip into a state of forgetfulness regarding the true focus and meaning of Christmas?
   

3. What does it mean to be “in Christ” and “complete in Him”? What blessings and gifts do we receive in Him?
   

4. What specific errors and false teachings do we need to be on guard against right now? How can we prepare to stand against false teaching and “see to it that no one takes you captive”?
   

5. How does the forgiveness of Christ change how you view your sin? How should it fuel your fight against sin?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Intentional Faith: A "How To" Guide - How to Play Well With Others

Introduction:

How to Play Well With Others (James 4:1-12):

1. Stop being so Self-centered . (Jas 4:1-3)
2. Get Right with God. (Jas 4:4-10)

   4 Things I Must Do to Humble Myself:

   1. I must Submit to God. (Jas 4:7a-8a)
   2. I must Repent from my sin. (Jas 4:8b)
   3. I must Mourn over my sinfulness. (Jas 4:9)
   4. I must receive God's Grace . (Jas 4:10)
3. Stop Slandering . (Jas 4:11-12)

   3 Things You Also Say When You Slander:

   1. "I Hate that person." (Jas 4:11a)
   2. "God's word means Nothing to me." (Jas 4:11bc)

      Galatians 5:14 - For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

   3. "I should be God ." (Jas 4:12)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read James 4:1-12

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Why do you think people would rather fight for what they want than ask God for it (Jas 4:2)?
   

3. In Jas 4:3, James says when we ask God for something with selfish motives, He will not answer. How can you tell if what you are asking for comes from a selfish motive or a God-glorifying motive? If you realize you are being selfish in what you are asking for, what should you do? How does this change how you pray?
   

4. What does it mean to “humble yourself”? How do you know when you have done that? In what area of “humbling yourself” do you find the most difficult? Why? See Jas 4:7-10.
   

5. Why does James talk about slander here? How is slander destructive? What should you do if someone is slandering someone else to you?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Intentional Faith: A "How To" Guide - How to Be Wise

Introduction:

James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

How to be Wise (James 3:13-18)

1. Understand what wisdom is. (Jas 3:13)
2. Know the difference between Me-first wisdom and Godly wisdom. (Jas 3:14-18)

   Three questions to ask yourself that will determine what kind of wisdom you live by:

   1. Where does my wisdom come from?
   2. Who is my wisdom meant to benefit?
   3. What is my wisdom producing?
3. Apply liberally.

   Proverbs 15:1 - A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

   1 Corinthians 1:30 - ...you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God...

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read James 3:13-18

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. How can you tell where your wisdom comes from - whether it’s demonic (Jas 3:15) or from above (Jas 3:17)?
   

3. In what area do you need God’s wisdom right now? How does this passage encourage you in both what to do and what NOT to do?
   

4. Have you ever held non-Christians to Biblical standards? (For example: telling your non-Christian coworker he shouldn’t swear because of what the Bible says about our speech.) Why doesn’t that work? How should you address them instead?

Breakout
Pray for one another to grow in godly wisdom.

Intentional Faith: A "How To" Guide - How to Watch Your Mouth

Introduction:

James 1:26 - If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.

How to Watch Your Mouth (James 3:1-12)

1. Recognize its Controlling Influence . (Jas 3:1-5a)
2. Refuse to underestimate its Destructive Power . (Jas 3:5b-9)
   1. It can spread Corruption Easily and Quickly . (Jas 3:5b-6)
   2. It can be a Weapon in the Hands of Satan . (Jas 3:6b)

      John 8:44 - "He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies."

   3. It is impossible to Fully Tame . (Jas 3:7-8)
3. Resolve to only use it for Blessing . (Jas 3:9-12)

   Matthew 12:33-34 - "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers! How can you speak good when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks."

   Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read James 3:1-12

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Why do our words carry so much weight for good or for bad? Why is underestimating the power of our words detrimental and destructive?
   

3. What is your biggest struggle/stumbling block with your speech? What is the heart issue behind that speech issue?
   

4. How can you resolve to use your mouth for blessing this upcoming week? Who is God calling you to bless in particular?

Breakout
Pray for one another and that you would resolve to use your mouth for blessing and not cursing.