Intentional Faith: A "How To" Guide - How to Tell the Truth

Introduction:

If I'm Going to Tell the Truth: (James 5:12)

1. I must understand Truth is the highest priority .
2. I must stop Seaking Deceptively .

   Matthew 5:33-37

   Matthew 23:16-19

3. I must speak Honestly .
4. I must reckon with the Consequences for lying .

   Matthew 5:34-37

5. I must do What is true .

   Colossians 3:9 - Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.

   Ephesians 4:25 - Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

   Matthew 7:12 - So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

   1 John 2:3-6 - And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

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

Small Group Discussion
Read James 5:12

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

2. What are some reasons we may not take our responsibility to tell the truth seriously? How valid are those reasons?
   

3. What are some excuses people make to minimize the wrongfulness of lying?
   

4. What types of lies are you most prone to telling? For example, exaggeration, excuse making, stonewalling (“I’m fine”), etc.?
   

5. Does the connection between keeping the Lord’s commands and being truthful make it simpler or harder to tell the truth? (1 John 2:3-6; Matthew 7:12)

Breakout
Pray that the Lord will impress on our hearts the imperative to be truthful, and that as a congregation we will be committed to telling the truth in love..

Intentional Faith: A "How To" Guide - How to Be Patient with People

Introduction:

Five Things to Say to Yourself When You Are Losing Your Patience with People: (James 5:1-11)

1. Lost people act like Lost People . (Jas 5:1-6)

   Matthew 6:21 - For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

2. Things won't Always be as they are now. (Jas 5:7-8)

   Romans 8:18 - For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

3. Don't forfeit your Rewards . (Jas 5:9)

   2 John 8 - Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward.

4. Faithful people are patient. (Jas 5:10)
5. Patience is Good for me. (Jas 5:11)

   Job 1:22 - In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.

   Job 42:5 - I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you...

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

Small Group Discussion
Read James 5:1-11

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

2. Do you struggle to be patient with people? What kinds of things do people do that require extra patience (no names!)?
   

3. How is the Christian life like being a farmer, according to Jas 5:7?
   

4. Which of these 5 reminders from James on how to be patient with people is the most helpful to you? Why?
   

5. Which person from the Bible (besides Jesus Christ) do you find most inspiring to you in your walk with Christ? Why?
   

6. How is patience ultimately a benefit for the one who has to show patience (Jas 5:11)?

Breakout
Pray for one another to be patient with people.