James 1:21-25 | Faith That Moves | 10.26.25

Follow Along with the Message

1. Emanuele opened with a challenge – Imagine being sent to a far-off country where no one knows your name, your church, or your story. All you have is your presence, your life. In that place, would anyone still recognize that you are a follower of Jesus?  Reflect and discuss.
2. James shares a beautiful vision for the church in verse 18. As a kind of “firstfruits” of Jesus’ creatures, in what ways can we be an authentic sign/taste to a watching world that God’s kingdom can be experienced today right here?
3. The command to accept or welcome God’s Word in our lives is a call to have a hospitable spirit toward Jesus; to willingly welcome Him into every “room” in our lives.  Are there places that you keep off limits to Jesus because you view them as too messy?
4. James uses the term “implanted word”; what does it look like to cultivate the soil of our hearts with humility so that the fruit of transformation grows? 
5. Emanuele broke down the key differences between “mere hearers” and “hearer-doers”:
1. What are some ways we can avoid the trap of engaging God’s Word with infrequent quick glances, as opposed to looking into it intently?
2. Is James calling us to act with perfection when he commands us to look intently into the “perfect law”?  Discuss why the words “the law of liberty / law that gives freedom” are not an oxymoron, but rather the beauty of the Gospel good news. 
3. What are the risks to forgetfulness for the “mere hearer”?  Contrast that with the benefits of perseverance / continuation for the “hearer-doer”.
6. James’ message directly reflects the teachings of Jesus that putting your trust and faith into action as a “doer of the Word” leads to transformation, a strengthening of your faith and freedom.  Read and discuss how these passages from John’s gospel impact you:
1. John 7:24-27
2. John 8:32