Greatest Hits-Week 2 Small Group Discussion Guide

Small Group Discussion Guide
Living Out Our Faith:Quick to Listen Slow to Anger
based on a sermon preached by Tim Bach, 9/14/25

Opening Prayer
Begin with a simple prayer asking for guidance and understanding as the group explores God's word.

Prayer:
"Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing us together today. As we gather to explore Your Word, we ask for Your Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts and discussions. Open our hearts to understand and apply the truths we learn. Help us to listen, to learn, and to grow in our faith. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Scripture Readings
Select key passages from the sermon to read aloud.

James 1:19-27
- Verses 19-20: Quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.
- Verse 21: Repentance and humility.
- Verses 22-25: Being doers of the Word.
- Verses 26-27: Controlling the tongue and serving others.

Additional Scriptures for Context:
- John 10:10
- Luke 8:11
- 2 Timothy 3:16
- Psalms 37:31
- Matthew 7:24-25

Discussion Topics and Related Questions

1. Truth and Discernment
   - Discuss the idea of "our own truth" versus God's truth. How does society shape our understanding of truth?
   - How can we stay grounded in God’s truth?

Questions:
- What are some challenges of living by God's truth in today's culture?
- How can we better discern truth when faced with conflicting messages?

2. Listening and Anger
   - Reflect on being "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger" (James 1:19).

Questions:
- Why do you think it's difficult to listen without immediately reacting?
- Share a time when listening more and speaking less made a difference in a relationship.

3. Being Doers of the Word
   - Explore what it means to be a doer, not just a hearer (James 1:22-25).

Questions:
- Can you think of a moment when you heard but did not act on God’s word?
- How can we encourage each other to put our faith into action?

4. Controlling the Tongue and Serving Others
   - Discuss the power of words and the call to serve others (James 1:26-27).

Questions:
- How have your words positively or negatively impacted others?
- What are practical ways to serve those in distress (orphans, widows, etc.) in your community?

Follow-Up Exercise
Encourage group members to choose one area to focus on for the week: listening more, speaking less, serving others, or applying scripture actively. Ask them to journal their experiences and be prepared to share in the next meeting.

Closing Prayer
Wrap up the session with a prayer for strength to live out the discussed concepts.

Prayer:
"Dear Lord, thank You for the insights You've given us today. As we leave this study, help us to be doers of Your Word, to control our tongues, and to serve others with love and humility. May our lives reflect Your truth and grace. Keep us safe until we meet again. In Jesus' name, Amen."