Godly Wisdom (James 3.2)

Welcome to The Breakdown, the weekly podcast designed for growth group leaders at Soteria Church in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, The Breakdown is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected! REFLECT Who is someone you know that you would classify as “wise”? What made them wise? Describe a time over the past week when you said something foolish. What made it foolish? ENCOUNTER In the middle of chapter 3, James compares the destructive nature of the tongue to a horse’s bit, a ship’s rudder, and a wildfire. In each metaphor, the tongue, a small part of the body, wields the power to damage or bless others and to determine one’s destiny. At the end of the chapter, however, James addresses wisdom from above, wisdom that comes from God himself. Read James 3:13–18 and discuss the nature of true, godly wisdom in your growth group. In your own words, what does James teach about wisdom? What are the characteristics of unspiritual, demonic wisdom? How is biblical wisdom different from worldly wisdom? What is the destiny of those who obtain and practice godly wisdom? TRANSFORM Wisdom is the gateway to living a peaceful life with others and with God. Take some time to reflect on the place that godly, biblical wisdom has within your own heart. How have you taken steps toward godly wisdom this year? How have you failed? Look back at your answer to question two. What would that situation have looked like if your speech was seasoned with godly wisdom What are ways that you can pursue godly wisdom on a daily basis?