Small Group Notes for 3rd May 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/
Small group questions on James 1:19–27
Open your gathering by reading James 1:19–27 and praying together for God’s help in being open and accountable with each other as you discuss the
questions. You may find it helpful to read the passage in The Message as well as your usual translation.
1. Much of this week’s passage is about self-control as it applies to our words and actions, and about how much we put what we know of the Bible into
everyday practice (see verses 22–25). Think back over your week and consider your actions, conversations and decisions. Which ones reflect your faith well? Which would you like to revisit and do differently?
2. What practical measures can you put in place to make sure you are ‘quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry’ (verse 19)?
3. ‘Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless’ (verse 26). This is a blunt and challenging verse! Why do you think James says this?
4. What does it look like for you to ‘look after orphans and widows’ (verse 27) in your personal situation? (Note: this need not literally be widows and orphans as it was when James was writing, but can be taken as meaning all those who are made vulnerable by their circumstances.) How will you do these things this week?
5. How can you engage fully with the world (e.g. watching/reading the news in order to pray in an informed way, being an active member of the local
community) while not being ‘polluted’ by it (verse 27)?
Pray for each other, that you will be able to ‘do what it says’ (verse 22) this week.
The sermon slides are available here /content/pages/documents/sermon-03-may-2026.pdf