August 23

HE GIVES MORE GRACE (James 4:4-6)

Small Group Discussion Guide — James 4:4–6

1. WHAT HAS YOUR HEART?

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

What people, possessions, accomplishments, or experiences are most likely to compete with God for your heart?

2. FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD

“Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?” — James 4:4

What is the difference between loving the people of the world and becoming a friend of the world system?

3. WHERE DO YOU SEEK APPROVAL?

“For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” — John 12:43

In what areas are you most tempted to measure your worth by other people's approval rather than God's approval?

4. WHAT DOES GOD'S JEALOUSY MEAN?

“For I the LORD thy God am a jealous God.” — Exodus 20:5

How does understanding God's jealousy as covenant love—not insecurity or selfishness—change the way you view His commands and correction?

5. WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO GET FROM THE WORLD?

“Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” — Matthew 6:24

What does your use of time, money, entertainment, or possessions reveal about where you look for comfort, pleasure, identity, or security?

6. DO YOU BELIEVE GOD'S GRACE IS GREATER?

“But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” — Romans 5:20

When you become aware of your sin and failure, do you tend to run toward God for grace or away from Him in shame? Why?

7. WHERE DO YOU NEED MORE GRACE?

“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9

What weakness, temptation, relationship, failure, or circumstance in your life is currently reminding you of your need for God's grace?

8. WHERE IS PRIDE KEEPING YOU FROM GRACE?

“God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” — James 4:6

What does pride look like in your life right now—excuses, defensiveness, comparison, self-reliance, unwillingness to confess, or something else?

9. ARE YOU LIVING WITH ONE FOOT IN EACH KINGDOM?

“No man can serve two masters.” — Matthew 6:24

Where are you experiencing the tension of wanting both Christ and the world's values, pleasures, or approval?

10. WILL YOU COME HOME TO GRACE?

“I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee.” — Luke 15:18

What would it look like for you this week to acknowledge your sin, surrender your pride, and actively receive God's greater grace?