Small Group Notes for 19th April 2026
N.B. Sermon can be heard via our website and YouTube channel and the Paper Service version is on our website: https://parishofmedsteadandfourmarks.co.uk/online-church/paper-services/
Read and Reflect: James 1:1-8 and Matthew 5:1-12
Questions:
- In verse one James addresses us as the ‘12 tribes scattered’. We are the new Israel/People of God, and are not yet home – read, Psalm 23:5-6, John 14:1-4, 15:19 & 17:16, Philippians 3:20, Hebrews 11:13-16 and 1 John 2:15-17.
- How much at home do we feel here?
- How do we keep our heavenly hope clear whilst serving God here?
- We know that to develop and learn in life that we need discipline and hard-work – but we consider ‘gain’ worth the ‘pain’. James applies this same principle for our maturity as disciples of Christ.
- What experiences do we have of growth through ‘trials’?
- How can we ‘consider it pure joy’ when we face trials? Think about the lessons from Revelation, the quote: ‘God answers all our prayers, as we would, if we knew all that he knows.’ and read Romans 8:28.
- James recognises that we need wisdom and understanding to see that trials can be experienced differently in the light of God’s wisdom and future hope.
- Where do we see godly wisdom, in contrast to worldly ideas, impacting our lives?
- James challenges us to be single-minded in seeking of God – not trying to keep a foot in each camp – see Matthew 6:24.
- Where do we struggle to be focused on Kingdom values? (See Matthew 6:33 and Hebrews 12:1-3.
- How can we live with a clearer vision of Christ?