ICEBREAKERS
Make sure to start off with prayer. Then choose one or more questions to open up with.
1. Tell us about someone in your family and what your favorite thing about them is.
TALK-IT-OUT
Go through each main point and scripture from the message and use the corresponding questions in discussion with your group. Encourage your group to pull this post up on their own device to follow along.
Main Scripture: James 3:5
A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it!
Opening Questions:
What stands out to you about this scripture?
OR
What questions do you have about this scripture?
Introduction to the book of James: James, a brother of Jesus, became well respected within the Christian community for having great wisdom when it came to making decisions. The book of James is actually a compilation of different sayings and conversations concerning practical topics similar to what you would read in the book of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. These practical topics include the use of the tongue, taking care of the poor, responsible use of wealth, purity, unity, and patience.
TALK-IT-OUT: What area of your life are you most needing to bring some practical wisdom?
Joel 3:10
Let the weak say, "I am strong!"
POINT 1: USE YOUR WORDS TO SELF IDENTIFY WITH WHO GOD SAYS YOU ARE.
Daniel 1:7
The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.
TALK-IT-OUT: What are some of the false identities you have adopted or been given during your life?
TALK-IT-OUT: If we were to hear your self-talk (what you think and say about yourself), what would we think about you?
Matthew 12:37
By your words, you will be acquitted, and by your words, you will be condemned.
POINT 2: USE YOUR WORDS TO ENCOURAGE YOURSELF AND OTHERS.
TALK-IT-OUT: Who did you encourage this past week?
TALK-IT-OUT: Who are you going to encourage this week?
POINT 3: USE YOUR WORDS TO INCREASE YOUR FAITH IN GOD.
Psalm 91:2
I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
TALK-IT-OUT: What are three words you would use to describe God?
WRITE-It-Out
Encourage your group to start writing things down. Do the following exercises:
- Do a SOAP devotion on Daniel 3. Read the chapter and write down at least one observation, at least one application for your life, and one prayer inspired by this scripture.
- Write down the three words you would use to describe God from the final question in the Talk-it-Out section. Add as many words as you can to that list.
Live-It-Out
Encourage your group to start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.
- Every day this week use the three words you used to describe God to lift your faith. Simply fill in the blank each day by saying out, "God is _______. God is _________. God is _________"
- Start a new year Bible reading plan.
- Complete Growth Track. Every Saturday in Tacoma 6:00pm, and every Sunday at all of our campuses. Bellevue 9:45am & Tacoma 11:30am.
Closing Thoughts
- Finish group with prayer requests and praise reports.
- More resources are always available here: Group Resources.