7.26.26 - An Introduction to James (Kenny Camacho)
SCRIPTURE: James 1:1-15 & 2:14-18
YOU CAN ALSO FIND KENNY’S MANUSCRIPT FOR THIS SERMON HERE!
REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
The story of Gustave Whitehead illustrates that beliefs need to be tested—visibly!—in the real world. What do you think it means to 'test' your faith in everyday life, and why do you think so many people keep their faith private?
Think about an area of your own life where your faith has stayed mostly 'private.' What would it look like to bring it into the open? What holds you back from doing that?
James 2:14-18 says, 'What good is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith, but has no works? Can faith save him?... Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself.' Kenny describes the difference between thinking like Jesus and acting like Jesus. How would you explain that difference in your own words, and why does it matter?
Is there a situation in your life right now where you've been offering 'good thoughts' or kind words but haven't yet taken a concrete action? What might a next step look like?
Kenny warns that one of the greatest dangers to our spiritual growth is becoming too settled in our own opinions—loving our current 'design' so much that we blame outside forces when things fail instead of accepting correction. How does self-righteousness get in the way of spiritual growth, and what does it look like to 'hold your beliefs in an open hand'?
Is there a belief, habit, or opinion you've been holding tightly that might need to be examined or revised? What would it take for you to genuinely open your hands around it and let God work?