Co-laboring
Sermon Notes
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?”
- James 2:14
Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?
- James 2:15-16
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
- James 2:17
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”
- James 2:18a
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.”
- James 2:18b
May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us, yes, establish the work of our hands.
- Psalms 90:16-17
“So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him.
- 1 Kings 19:19
Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. “Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,” he said, “and then I will come with you.” “Go back,” Elijah replied. “What have I done to you?”
- 1 Kings 19:20
So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.”
- 1 Kings 19:21
Table Group Resources
Mixer
What is a Fall tradition that you/your family enjoys?
Sermon Questions
Scriptures: James 2:14-18; Psalm 90:16-17; 1 Kings 19:19-21
1. Pastor Josh taught us how to instill an indicator so that we don’t run out of faith. Do you find yourself losing contact with God because your faith tank goes empty? If so, examine your faith life to determine when this happens (work, family, relationships, etc). What are you doing or not doing that makes you lose contact with God?
2. Read James 2:14-17. Faith without action doesn't work. What steps should one take to live out a faith that is both words and actions?
3. Read James 2:18-19. How does James interpret deeds without faith? Can deeds ever be a conduit to faith? Why are deeds not enough? In what areas of your faith walk has there been faith but no works?
4. In 1 Kings 19:19-21, Elijah invited Elisha into the most radical faith life by throwing his cloak on him, symbolizing for him to leave everything and follow him. If this same request was asked of you, could you leave everything behind to follow Christ? Why or why not?
5. What is the one action you need to take that is so fundamental to your faith? What is the thing you need to burn so that you’ll never go back to it to make room for God? How will you release it to step into the radical life God has called you to?
Serve
It’s Serve Week Kick-off! We’re looking forward to a week of service projects, Oct 28 - Nov 4!
First up is our Trunk or Treat Event (a FREE Family event so tell your friends and neighbors) on Saturday, Oct 28th. Get your group together and decorate a fleet of car “trunks” or help us staff the event by signing up here.
Pray
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
Jesus, Matthew 24:6-7
Heavenly Father, while you are not surprised by what is happening in Israel, for You are all-knowing, we as Your church, are heartbroken over this conflict and the number of innocent lives lost. We are devastated that families have been torn apart, children have been killed, and innocent people taken hostage. We pray that You, O God, will intercede and bring peace amidst this horrific situation.
Fill us with Your love for all those involved, for You call us to love, even for those who are our enemies (Matthew 5:44) and You teach us that we are blessed when we are peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). Give our nation’s leaders wisdom and discernment as they determine how we, as a country, are to be involved.
We pray for Your hand to move mightily to bring this conflict to an end. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
