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Scripture and questions for study and reflection:

Read James 4:1-12.

1. In this week\\u2019s video on Right Now Media, Francis Chan is speaking to us from Alcatraz. Why do you think he chose that location? How does that location connect with today\\u2019s passage?

2. The leader guide from Francis Chan says, \\u201cThis is a violent, ugly, selfish section.\\u201d What do you think he means by that? Do you agree? Why / why not? (hint:see verses 1 & 2)

3. Chan says at the heart of this passage is our attempt to find fulfillment in things other than God? When have you been guilty of this? What does that look like in your life?

4. James highlights the shortcomings of his audience\\u2019s prayer lives in verses 2 and 3. What does he say they are doing wrong? When have you made the same mistakes?

5. Why do you think James refers to his audience as \\u201cadulterous people\\u201d? In what ways were they adulterous? In what ways are we adulterous people today?

6. James connects our adulterous lives with God being jealous for us. What does it mean for God to be jealous like this? How does that make you feel? How might that change your relationship with God?

7. James accuses his audience of being \\u201cdouble-minded.\\u201d What does he mean by that? In what ways are we sometimes double-minded in our lives today?

8. In the middle of all the violence, ugliness and selfishness of this section, James says of God, \\u201cBut he gives us more grace.\\u201d How does this make you feel?

9. James concludes with a litany of things we are to do and not do in order to live in God\\u2019s grace. What are those things? (hint:verses 7-12) Why are these things so important? How easy are they to do/not do?

Prayer for the Week:
Lord Jesus, forgive us for all the times we have broken covenant with you, living idolatrous and adulterous lives. Cure the disease of our hearts through the power of your Holy Spirit. Help us to resist the devil and make him flee from us. As we draw near to you, draw near to us. Heal all of our brokenness. Help us to live the abundant life that you came to offer us. Give us the faith, the wisdom and the courage to accept your offer of grace. And may our lives never be the same again. We pray this in your strong and merciful name, Lord Jesus. Amen.