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The Unseen Realm

Session 1 – The Angelic Realm

(2 Kings 6:8-17)

1) The Angelic Realm Confusion

a) Are angels real?

b) What can they do?

c) Are there bad angels?

d) Can I see them?

e) What are the capabilities of angels?

f) What are the limitations of angels?

g) What is the difference between Cherubim, Seraphim, Guardian angels?

h) Who are the major angels, Gabriel, Michael, Lucifer?

2) The Ancient View of the Supernatural

a) The ancient biblical worldview included several important assumptions:

i) The supernatural realm was real, not symbolic.

(1) Ancient Israelites did not sharply divide reality into a "natural world" that is real and a "supernatural world" that is mostly theoretical. Heaven and earth were interconnected realms, populated by intelligent spiritual beings who interacted with human affairs.

ii) Yahweh rules over a heavenly household or Divine Council.

Psalm 82:1 (ESV), "God has taken His place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods [elohim] He holds judgment."

(1) Psalm 82:1: These elohim are not human judges but real spiritual beings belonging to God's heavenly administration. Other passages such as Job 1–2, Psalm 89, 1 Kings 22, and Daniel 7 reflect this heavenly-council setting.

iii) These beings are not equal to Yahweh.

(1) This is crucial. Calling spiritual beings elohim does not mean the Bible teaches that there are many gods equal to Yahweh. Yahweh is incomparable—the Creator and sovereign ruler. The other elohim are created inhabitants of the spiritual realm.

b) God has both a heavenly family and an earthly family.

i) There is a parallel between the "sons of God" in the heavenly realm and humanity as God's image-bearers on earth. God's original design involves both divine creatures and human imagers participating under His authority in His rule. This is God governing visible and invisible creation through intelligent agents.

c) The biblical story includes supernatural rebellion.

i) There are multiple rebellions behind the Bible's story: the rebellion associated with Genesis 3, the sons of God in Genesis 6, and the rebellion connected with the nations following Babel and Deuteronomy 32. These help explain why Scripture later speaks of hostile supernatural powers associated with the nations.

d) The ancient world understood geography spiritually.

i) Nations were not viewed merely as political territories. From Deuteronomy 32 and Daniel 10 that the biblical writers understood nations as being associated with supernatural rulers; the background for Daniel's "prince of Persia," "prince of Greece," and Michael as the prince connected with Israel.

e) Why this matters for your Unseen Realm teaching

i) This fits very well at the beginning of Session 1 — The Angelic Realm. This lesson already emphasizes that popular culture gives us distorted pictures of angels and that Scripture must be our authority concerning the supernatural realm.

f) Ancient worldview for your group this way:

i) "The biblical writers did not need to be convinced that the supernatural realm existed—they assumed it did. They understood heaven as a populated realm under Yahweh's absolute authority, where spiritual beings served God, carried out assignments, participated in His heavenly council, and sometimes rebelled against Him. The unseen realm was not less real than the visible realm—it was simply unseen." [adapted from Michael S. Heiser – Unseen Realm]

g) This will be made clearer 2 Kings 6:15–17 as an excellent picture of this point. When Elisha's servant's eyes were opened, the spiritual army didn't suddenly arrive—it was already there.

3) Big Idea: "The ancient world didn't question whether there was an unseen realm; the question was who ruled it."

4) Popular Misconceptions

a) Movies often reflect the evolving cultural, spiritual, and psychological ideas about angels. While they tap into ancient archetypes and try to update them for contemporary audiences, they often misrepresent or completely distort the Biblical truths about angels.

i) "Michael" (1996) – John Travolta's archangel is rough around the edges but ultimately is a kind-hearted protector.

ii) "City of Angels" (1998) – An angel (Nicolas Cage) falls in love with a human and must choose between divinity and humanity (Nephilim Concept – Gen 6).

iii) "Constantine" (2005) – The angel Gabriel (Tilda Swinton) becomes morally unclear, showing complex motivations.

iv) "Legion" (2010) – Archangel Michael disobeys God to save humanity, blurring the lines between loyalty and rebellion.

v) "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) – Clarence the angel helps guide George Bailey in the frustrations of his life, a more classic and sentimental take on angels. When a bell rings an angel gets his wings – wrong!

b) Popular angelic archetypes of the "Self," the "Higher Self," or the "Anima/Animus" (inner psyche) – representing spiritual integration, guidance, or inner awakening.

5) Modern Mythology

a) Cherubs: chubby babies with wings.

b) People (usually women) with wings.

c) Their activity is playing harps and sitting on clouds.

d) Method of warfare is with swords and shields.

e) There are some cultural shifts reflected in these modern portrayals:

Past (Traditional) Modern (Contemporary)

Pure, flawless beings Flawed, emotional, complex

Obedient messengers of God Questioning, independent

Clear good vs. evil Moral ambiguity, gray zone

Religious roots Secular or mythological reinterpretations

Distant/Divine Personal, emotional, even romantic

6) "Angel"

a) מלאך; mal'ak, meaning "one who is dispatched with a message": Used 196 times: 111 times as "angel(s)," 98 times as "messenger(s)," and 4 times as "ambassadors."

b) ἄγγελος aggelos, meaning "a messenger, envoy, one who is sent, a messenger from God": Used 179 times as "angel(s)" and 7 times as "messenger(s)."

7) Ministry of Angels

a) They are constantly on duty to serve the "inheritors of salvation." (Heb 1:14):

Hebrews 1:14 (NKJV), "Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?"

i) They reveal unknown truth (Dan 10:14-21; Acts 27:23-26).

ii) They give personal guidance (Mt 1:20-21; Lk 2:8-12).

iii) They protect us from harm (Dan 6:22).

iv) They deliver us from our enemies (Acts 5:19; 12:7-11).

b) Angels encourage and strengthen us:

i) Jacob (Gen 32:1-2).

ii) Daniel (Dan 8:18; 10:10, 16-19).

iii) Paul (Acts 27:23-24)

iv) Providing food for Elijah (1 Kgs 19:3-8).

c) Angelic Duties:

i) They are guardians Matthew 18:10; Acts 12:14-15.

Individual Angels (for Children)

Matthew 18:10 (NKJV), "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven."

(Peter's Angel)

Acts 12:14-15 (NKJV), "When she recognized Peter's voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. But they said to her, 'You are beside yourself!' Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, 'It is his angel.'"

ii) They guide us Genesis 19:15-17

iii) They encourage us Judges 6:12

iv) They deliver us Acts 12:7

v) They enlighten us Matthew 2:19-20

vi) They empower us Luke 22:43

vii) They protect us Psalm 91:11-12

Psalm 91:11-12 (NKJV), "For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone."

8) Characteristics of Angels

a) Angels are personal beings:

i) They have intellect (Mt 28:5; 1 Pet1:12).

ii) They have emotions (Job 38:7; Lk 2:13; 15:10).

iii) They have will (Jude 6).

b) Angels are spirit beings:

i) They are not limited to material bodies (Heb 1:14).

ii) An angel can be in only one place at one time (Dan 9:21-23; 10:10-14).

iii) They appear in the form of men (Mt 1:20) in natural sight with human functions (Gen 18: 1-8; 22: 19:1); seen by some and not others (2 Kgs 6:15-17).

iv) They do not reproduce (Mk 12:25).

v) They do not die (Lk 20:36).

c) They have physical reality:

i) They lead people by the hand (Gen 19:16).

ii) They indulge in combat (2 Kgs 19:35); they slaughtered 185,000 Syrians.

iii) They can be entertained unrecognized: "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares" (Heb 13:2).

Hebrews 13:2 (NKJV), "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels."

d) Angels have attributes in a degree greater than man but less than God:

i) They have more knowledge than man (Mt 24:31; Lk 1:13-16) but less than God (Mt 24:36).

ii) They have more power than man (2 Pet 2:11; Acts 5:19) but less than God.

e) Angels are organized and ranked:

i) One "archangel," Michael, is named (Jude 9). There are also "Chief princes" (Dan 10:13); "Cherubim" (Gen 3:22-24); "Seraphim" (Isa 6:1-3); and "Living Creatures" (Rev 4).

9) The Unseen Realm Scripturally Revealed (2 Kings 6:8-17)

a) The Bible is the only reliable source on the subject of the supernatural realm.

2 Kings 6:8-17 (NKJV), "Now the king of Syria was making war against Israel; and he consulted with his servants, saying, "My camp will be in such and such a place." And the man of God sent to the king of Israel, saying, "Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are coming down there." Then the king of Israel sent someone to the place of which the man of God had told him. Thus he warned him, and he was watchful there, not just once or twice. Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was greatly troubled by this thing; and he called his servants and said to them, "Will you not show me which of us is for the king of Israel?" And one of his servants said, "None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom." So he said, "Go and see where he is, that I may send and get him." And it was told him, saying, "Surely he is in Dothan." Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?" So he answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, and said, "LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."

b) There was a hidden army that was already protecting Elisha and his servant.

10) Key Figures

a) "The Angel of the Lord": (Theophanies or Christophanies)

b) Gabriel: the Messianic Messenger.

c) Michael: the Military Leader.

d) Senior Ranks: Cherubim, Seraphim, et al.

i) Four faces in common?

e) Lucifer: "You were the anointed cherub who covers" and his lieutenants (these will be covered in Session #2):

i) Abaddon/Apollyon: the destroyer.

ii) Gog: the King of the Locusts.

iii) Demons.

f) "The Angel of the LORD" Appearances

i) To Hagar: She identifies Him (Gen 16:7-14).

ii) To Abraham: Announcing the birth of Isaac (Gen18:1) and when he was about to sacrifice Isaac (Gen 22:9-19).

iii) To Jacob: He wrestles with him until blessed (Gen 32).

iv) To Moses: At the burning bush (Ex 3:6).

v) To Israel: Led the Israelites out of Egypt (Ex 14:19) and through the wilderness (Ex 23:20-23).

vi) To Others: Balaam & his talking donkey (Num 22:22-35); Joshua as he approaches Jericho (Josh 5:13-15); Gideon's call as a Judge (Judg 6); and Samson's mother and Manoah his father (Judg 13).

g) Gabriel

i) "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God" (Lk 1:19).

ii) The angel who was sent to Daniel to explain the vision of the ram and the he-goat (Dan 8:16).

iii) He announced the prediction of the Seventy Weeks (Dan 9:21-27).

iv) He announced the birth of John the Baptist (Lk 1:11).

v) He announced the birth of the Messiah (Lk 1:26).

h) Michael

i) "The Archangel" (Jude 9; 1 Thess 4:16).

ii) A military leader on behalf of Israel: "One of the chief princes" (Dan 10:13); "Your prince" (Dan 10:21); "The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people" (Dan 12:1); "And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against…(Satan)...and his angels…" (Rev 12:7).

i) The Mystery of Moses' Body

Jude 8,9 (NKJV), "Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries [authority figure]. Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, 'the Lord rebuke you!'"

i) Moses appears at the Transfiguration (Mt 17) and, possibly, as one of the two witnesses (Rev 11).

j) Super Angels

i) Cherubim (4 wings) – These figures are elevated to close proximate to the place of God and function in several ways:

(1) They guard the way to the tree of life (Gen 3:24).

(2) They guard the ark in Solomon's Temple (1 Kgs 6:23-28; 8:7).

(3) They engage in adoration of God in connection with the mercy seat in the Tabernacle (Ex 25:18-20; 37:7-9)

(4) They support the Lord's throne (1 Sam 4:2; 2 Sam 6:2; 2 Kgs 19:15; Ps 80:1; 99:1).

(5) They form the chariot of Deity (2 Sam 22:11; Ps 104:3; 1 Chr 28:18)

ii) Seraphim (6 wings)

(1) Vision of the Throne of God (Isa 6:2).

Isaiah 6:1-3 (NKJV), "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one cried to another and said: 'Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!'"

iii) zoon Living Creatures (6 wings)

i) Vision of the Throne of God (Rev 4,5).

Revelation 4:6-8 (NKJV), "Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!"

9. The Bible is the only trustworthy authority on matters concerning the supernatural realm.

SUMMARY

10. The Bible presents an unseen realm that is real, active, and completely under the authority of God. Angels are not the sentimental characters portrayed by our culture. They are created spiritual beings who serve God, carry out His purposes, minister to His people, and operate within the limitations He has given them. They may possess greater knowledge and power than human beings, but they are not God and they are never equal to God. Pasted text Pasted text

a) The story of Elisha reminds us that what we see is not all there is. The servant saw the enemy surrounding him; Elisha knew there was another reality his servant couldn't see. When God opened his eyes, the mountain was already filled with horses and chariots of fire. The army didn't arrive when the servant saw it—it had been there all along.

CLOSE — "OPEN MY EYES"

11. Maybe that's where some of us are today.

a) You can see the problem. You can see the enemy. You can see the diagnosis, the broken relationship, the addiction, the fear, the uncertainty.

i) And like Elisha's servant, you're asking, "What are we going to do?"

b) But what if there's more happening than what you can see?

i) Elisha didn't pray, "God, send an army." The army was already there.

ii) He prayed: "LORD, open his eyes that he may see."

c) Maybe that's our prayer tonight.

i) "Lord, open my eyes. Help me see beyond what frightens me. Help me trust You when I can't see what You're doing."

ii) Because our confidence isn't in angels. Our confidence isn't in what we can see.

(1) Our confidence is in the God who rules over what is seen—and what is unseen.

d) So when you feel surrounded, remember: You may not be able to see what God is doing, but that doesn't mean God isn't doing something.

i) And don't become so fascinated with the servants that you miss the King they serve.

Small Group Questions:

1. Before this lesson, what did you picture when you thought about angels? Where do you think that picture came from—Scripture, culture, movies, or somewhere else?

2. Why is it important that we allow the Bible, rather than popular culture, to shape what we believe about the unseen realm?

3. Hebrews 1:14 describes angels as "ministering spirits." What does that tell us about their purpose and their relationship to God?

4. The lesson shows angels guiding, protecting, encouraging, delivering, and strengthening people. Which of those ministries stands out to you most, and why?

5. Read 2 Kings 6:15–17. How would your response to fear change if you truly believed, "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them"?

6. Elisha prayed, "LORD, open his eyes that he may see." What are some situations in your life where fear may be keeping you focused only on what you can see?

7. Angels have great knowledge and power, but they are still limited and are not God. Why is that distinction important?

8. Michael, Gabriel, cherubim, seraphim, and the living creatures have different roles. What does this teach us about order, purpose, and service in God's kingdom?

9. Angels consistently point attention toward God and His purposes, not toward themselves. How can we apply that same principle to the way we serve others?

10. Core/Application Question: After studying the unseen realm, what should change more—our fascination with angels or our confidence in the God who commands them? Why?

Notes

The Book of James

Session 3 – Doers – Not Hearers Only

James 1:21-27

1) POINT 1 — LET THE WORD CHANGE YOU

a) James gives us a window into two competing influences in our lives:

i) Lay aside vs. Humbly receive The evil prevalent around you vs. The Word planted within you What threatens your soul vs. What can save your soul

Principle 1 – Repentance isn't just wanting different consequences—it's wanting to become a different person.

Principle 2 – Knowing the Word isn't the same as living the Word.

b) How do we become "doers of the word"?

i) James gives us a progression:

c) LOOK INTENTLY — Dig into the Word. CONTINUE — Stay in the Word. DON'T FORGET — Carry the Word with you. DO IT — Apply the Word.

Principle 3 – Don't just underline the Word—let the Word rewrite your life.

i) The problem isn't looking into the mirror.

(1) The problem is walking away without responding to what you saw.

Principle 4 – The mirror reveals it; grace changes it; obedience shows it.

d) The perfect law of liberty: At first, law and liberty may sound like opposites. We tend to think freedom means, "I can do whatever I want."

i) But biblical freedom isn't the freedom to do whatever I want. It's the freedom to become who God created me to be.

Principle 5 – The blessing begins when you stop admiring the mirror and start making the change.

2) POINT 2 — LET THE WORD COME OUT OF YOU

a) James' point is simple: You can look religious on the outside while remaining uncontrolled on the inside. Church attendance, Bible knowledge, worship, and other outward practices mean little if our faith doesn't change the way we speak and treat people.

Principle 6 – Your tongue reveals your maturity.

b) James shows us that true religion—genuine Christian faith expressed in practice—reveals itself through obedience in two directions: toward others and toward ourselves.

Principle 7 – Real faith doesn't just feel compassion…it moves with compassion.

c) We're called to enter the world's brokenness without allowing the world's brokenness to enter us.

Principle 8 – Love the people of the world without becoming like the world.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

1) What stood out to you most from James 1:21–27?

2) Why do you think it's easier to hear God's Word than to do it?

3) What do you think James means when he says hearers can "deceive" themselves?

4) How is God's Word like a mirror?

5) What is something Scripture has shown you about yourself recently?

6) Why do we sometimes resist what God's Word reveals about us?

7) Which is hardest for you: controlling your words, showing compassion, or resisting the influence of the world?

8) What's the difference between knowing what the Bible says and actually allowing it to change you?

9) What is one specific act of obedience God may be asking you to take this week?

Core Questions:

10) If your life this week were the only evidence someone had of your faith, what would they see?

Notes

The Book of James

Session 2 – Loving God Under Trials

James 1:12-20

1) POINT 1 — ENDURE THE TEMPTATION

a) Notice what James doesn't say.

i) He doesn't say, "Blessed is the person who is never tempted."

ii) He doesn't say, "Blessed is the person who finds temptation easy."

b) He says: "Blessed is the man who ENDURES temptation."

i) The question is what you do when temptation comes.

(1) You don't discover the strength of your faith when everything is easy. You discover it when something is pulling you away from God.

c) PRINCIPLE 1 — TEMPTATION TESTS WHAT IS REAL

d) The crown of life which the Lord has promised: Every time you say NO to temptation, you are saying YES to God.

i) There are (at least) five:

(1) Crown of Life (here) – Enduring trials and temptation; remaining faithful. James 1:12; Rev 2:10.

(2) Crown of Rejoicing – Investing in people and seeing others come to/follow Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 2:19

(3) Crown of Righteousness – Finishing the race faithfully and longing for Christ's appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8

(4) Crown of Glory – Faithfully shepherding and caring for God's people. 1 Peter 5:4

(5) Incorruptible Crown – Self-discipline and running the Christian race faithfully. 1 Cor 9:24-27.

ii) Sometimes victory isn't simply learning to hate the temptation more. It's learning to love Jesus more.

e) PRINCIPLE 2 — LOVE GOD MORE THAN YOU LOVE THE SIN

2) POINT 2 — RECOGNIZE THE HOOK

a) Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God": Temptation does NOT come from God.

b) PRINCIPLE 3 — SIN ALWAYS TAKES YOU FURTHER THAN THE BAIT PROMISED

c) When desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin: Sin never shows you where it's taking you. DESIRE → SIN → DEATH

i) Temptation vs. truth:

(1) "Just one time." God: "One choice can become a chain."."

(2) "Nobody will know." God: "I already know."

(3) "You deserve this." God: "I have something better for you."

(4) "You can stop whenever you want." God: "What you feed can eventually master you."

(5) "It won't hurt anybody." God: "sin always has a cost."

d) PRINCIPLE 4 – TEMPTATION TELLS YOU WHAT YOU'LL GAIN. GOD LOVES YOU ENOUGH TO TELL YOU WHAT YOU COULD LOSE.

e) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above: Temptation tries to tell you that "God is keeping something good from you." But Scripture says, "Every truly good thing comes from God."

f) PRINCIPLE 5 — GOD HAS SOMETHING BETTER

g) Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: This is a simple pattern for controlling anger: listen more, speak less, and react slower.

i) Much of our anger comes when we become focused on our feelings, our opinions, and our agenda's.

h) PRINCIPLE 6 – SLOW DOWN YOUR REACTION SO GOD CAN DIRECT YOUR RESPONSE.

Small Group Questions

1) James says, "Blessed is the man who endures temptation." What is the difference between being tempted and giving in to temptation?

2) "Temptation tests what is real." What can temptation reveal about our faith, priorities, or weaknesses?

3) Why do you think loving God more is a stronger motivation for resisting temptation than simply fearing the consequences?

4) "My response is my responsibility." Why is it easier to blame Satan, circumstances, or other people than to examine our own desires?

5) Think about the fishing lure illustration. What are some ways temptation shows us the bait but hides the hook?

6) Which lie of temptation is most common: "Just one time," "Nobody will know," "You deserve this," "You can stop whenever you want," or "It won't hurt anybody"? Why is that lie so convincing?

7) James says, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above." How does believing that God has something better help us resist temptation?

8) James tells us to be "swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." Which of those three is hardest for you, and why?

9) What would it practically look like this week to listen before you speak, think before you react, and pray before you respond?

10) The message ended with, "The bait isn't worth the hook." What is one practical boundary you can put in place to recognize the hook before you bite?

CORE QUESTION

11) What "bait" is most likely to pull you away from God, and what would it look like to choose Jesus instead?

Notes

The Book of James

Session 1 – Profiting from Trials

James 1:1-11

INTRODUCTION TO JAMES

a. The book of James was written by James, the half-brother of Jesus. James was one of the sons of Mary and Joseph, making him a brother of Jesus according to His humanity. What's interesting is that during Jesus' earthly ministry, Jesus' brothers did not initially believe in Him. John 7:5 tells us that "even His brothers did not believe in Him."

1) POINT 1 — FAITH GROWS THROUGH THE TEST

a) James and His Conversion: James initially did not believe in Jesus (John 7:5), but Jesus appeared to him after His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7). This appears to have been a major turning point in his faith.

2) Profiting from Trials

a) Count it all joy when you fall into various trials: James says "when" not "if." Trails are inevitable, but believers can choose joy because God uses trials to develop endurance and maturity.

b) Testing of your faith produces patience: This is not passive waiting. It means active endurance;determination to keep going under pressure.

i) Trials don't create faith; they simply test and reveal

Principle 1 – Don't let temporary pain cause you to abandon a permanent work God is doing in you.

3) How to receive the wisdom you need form God.

a) If any of you lacks wisdom: Trials reveal how much we need God's wisdom. We need to know whether God wants us to move out of a situation or to faithfully persevere through it.

i) Wisdom vs. Knowledge: Knowledge gives us information; wisdom shows us what to do with the information.

Principle 2 – Knowledge knows what is happening. Wisdom knows how to respond.

b) But let him ask in faith: Faith believes that God can give wisdom. So don't just ask God for wisdom, truth the wisdom He give you.

Principle 3 – Don't just ask God for direction if you've already decided you won't follow His answer.

c) Double-minded: Literally has the idea of being "two-souled." It is a divided heart that wants God but also wants its own way.

Principle 4 – Ask God. Trust God. Follow God.

4) The perspective of the rich and poor.

a) As a flower of the field will pass away: Everything in this world only offers temporary satisfaction.

Principle 5 – Hold temporary things loosely and eternal things tightly.

Small Group Questions

1) James says "when" you face trials, not "if." How does knowing trials are a normal part of life change the way you approach them?

2) What do you think it means practically to "count it all joy" when you are going through something painful or difficult?

3) James says the testing of our faith produces patience and endurance. What has a past trial taught you about yourself or about God?

4) What are some ways we try to escape trials too quickly instead of allowing God to work through them?

5) Principle 1 says, "Don't let temporary pain cause you to abandon a permanent work God is doing in you. "Where are you most tempted to give up when life gets difficult?

6) What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom? Can you think of a situation where you knew the facts but still needed God's wisdom about what to do?

7) When you need direction, where do you usually go first—God, yourself, friends, social media, or somewhere else? Why?

8) James describes a doubting, double-minded person as being "tossed by the wind." What are some things that can cause our faith to become unstable during a trial?

9) "Ask God. Trust God. Follow God." Which of those three is the most difficult for you right now, and why?

10) James reminds both the rich and poor that circumstances are temporary. What temporary thing are you tempted to hold too tightly, and what eternal thing might God be asking you to value more?

Core Question

11) What is God trying to develop in you through the trial you are facing instead of simply delivering you from it?

Notes

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