20221211 ADVENT Encountering Emmanuel - Do Some Spiritual Cardio (James 5.7-11)

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The Passage: James 5:7-11
The One Thing: Do some spiritual cardio

Growgroup Discussion Starters
Know
K1 Think of pop culture (movies, music etc). How does today’s society define the word “heart”?

Grow
G1 James 5:8 | Read this week’s verse: You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near. What word stands out to you the most in this verse? Why?
G2 For James’ readers, this verse had to wait 20 years for “the Lord’s coming” (AD 70, when the Romans sacked Jerusalem). How is knowing the historical context of this verse helpful to us reading the verse today?
G3 James 5:10-11 | How are the prophets an example to us in patience and waiting? What about Job?
G4 James 5:8 | Why is it important that we strengthen our hearts in community and not just in isolation? Why is it tempting to try to “go it alone”? What do we miss out on when we don’t seek out spiritual community?
G5 According to the Bible, the heart is not just the emotions. The NIV Word Study Dictionary says this: “The heart was thought to be the seat of the inner self (composed of life, soul, mind, and spirit). “Heart” is similar in meaning to “soul,” but often the “heart” has a focus on thinking and understanding”. How does this definition help you understand your own heart?
G6 A good person produces good out of the good stored up in his heart. An evil person produces evil out of the evil stored up in his heart, for his mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. Luke 6:45 (CSB) What is coming out of your life at the moment? What does this say about your heart?

Show
S1 Do a heart check. How is your heart? What can you do before Christmas to do some cardio (spend 5 minutes in silence? Take a friend out for coffee? Other ideas?)