SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS:

1) What is the difference between knowing about something and being equipped to do something well?

2) The pastor shared a conviction to teach how to study the Bible, not just what it says. Do you think learning how to study the Bible is so important for a believer’s faith? Why or why not?

3) The sermon contrasted two ways of reading Scripture: exegesis (drawing truth out of the text) and eisegesis (reading our own ideas into it). Which approach do you think most people fall into naturally, and why?

4) How might using eisegesis—reading our own biases into the Bible—affect the way we live, treat others, or interpret God’s will?

5) In the love note analogy, the speaker said, “You don’t want to read into it something other than what is being communicated.” How might this illustration help us handle Scripture more carefully?

6) The sermon encouraged using tools like a concordance or Bible websites to explore topics. How familiar are you with these study tools, and which might help you the most in your own Bible reading?

7) Before jumping to application, the sermon zoomed out to ask questions about authorship, audience, and context. Why is understanding who wrote the book and why so important before interpreting what it says?

8) Read James Chapter 3 together and discuss the text within the context of its authorships, historical background, theme, genre, and intended audience.

9) James wrote to Jewish Christians facing injustice and oppression. How does knowing that historical situation change the way we read his warnings about speech and wisdom?

10) The people James wrote to were angry and tempted toward violence and revolt. In today’s world, where do you see similar anger or frustration spilling out through words—online, at work, or in relationships?

11) James contrasts the “wisdom from above” with “earthly, unspiritual, demonic” wisdom (James 3:15). How can we tell the difference between the two in everyday life or even in church teaching?

12) The sermon defined meekness as “a selfless and voluntary control over one’s power.” What would it look like for you to show meekness in your words this week?

13) The pastor warned that even Scripture can be twisted for selfish purposes. Can you think of modern examples where people misuse God’s Word to push personal or political agendas?

14) James 1:19 says, “Be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” Which of those three do you personally find most difficult—and why?

15) The sermon closed with a challenge to “stand firm in the truth of His Word.” What specific step can you take this week to ground yourself more deeply in Scripture and guard your speech in a way that reflects Christ?