Worship Preparation Guide for September 5, 2021
Worship Preparation Guide for September 5, 2021
Call to Worship: Psalm 100 (Responsively)
Confession of Faith: The Nicene Creed
Hymns and Psalter Selections:
#134 Come, Bless the LORD with One Accord
#51C God, Be Merciful to Me
#204 A Parting Hymn We Sing
Sermon: James 1:16-18
Series: Practical Wisdom in a Godless World
Discussion Questions:
What is the connection of 1:16 with 1:12-15?
When James writes, “Do not be deceived,” to what is he referring?
Compare and contrast the nature of God and our nature. See 1:17.
Why is it important to know that God does not change?
What practical lesson is being taught in 1:18 as it relates to the gospel?
What theological truth is being taught in 1:18? Focus on the phrase, “of his own will.”
What is “the word of truth” specifically? See Eph. 1:13; Col. 1:5b-6.
What does James mean when he uses the term “firstfruits”? See Jer. 2:3; Rev. 14:4; Cp. Rom. 8:19-23.
Applications:
We should not be deceived into thinking that temptations come from God and fall prey to justifying our behavior as a result.
We should recognize that trials and testing come from God and that they are good for us.
We should understand the compassionate nature of the gospel, especially when we fall into sin or fail to patiently endure the trials of this life, knowing that God does forgive his children.