January 13: Submit to God (James 4:1-10)

To begin the session:

Download the Friendly Feud activity here. Perform the activity according to the printed directions.

Lead into Bible study by saying, “We recognize that there are things in our lives that need to change. Many make resolutions this time of year to make some of those changes. James spoke of things in our lives that need to change as well. Let’s look at those and see what can be done about them.”

To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:

Write these three headings on the board:

Stop Fighting! (James 4:1-3)

Make Friends! (James 4:4, 5)

Get Serious! (James 4:6-10)

Have volunteers read one passage at a time aloud. Then have class members brainstorm resolutions for a better life found in that section of the text. List them under the correct column as they are called out. Some sample resolutions follow:

Stop Fighting! (James 4:1-3)

Control desires

Pray to God for your needs

Ask for the right things

Make Friends! (James 4:4, 5)

Separate from the world

Get closer to God

Get Serious! (James 4:6-10)

Submit to God

Resist Satan

Repent

Find true humility