Check the Events Page for What is Happening (not everything is listed here) (waterschurch.org/events):

ALL LOCATIONS:

NEXT WEEK THERE WILL BE NO GUIDE AS WE ARE CELEBRATING FIRST TUESDAY ON MONDAY.   JOIN US FOR ‘MONDAY FOR AMERICA’ ON NOVEMBER 3.

HARVEST HANDS:

Monetary donations are now being accepted for our Thanksgiving outreach.  We aim for 1000 bags filled with a Thanksgiving meal, including a gift card for the turkey.    We are asking for $60 to feed an average size family.  Please go to Waterschurch.org/give and select Harvest Hands from the drop-down.  Please have donations in by November 10, as we are picking up the food on November 12. Thank you! 

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Reminders:

✳ Please regularly check your Planning Center profiles for requests to join your life groups, remove members from the list that no longer attend, or add members not listed. Please ensure that you have added no-reply@churchcenter.com to your email contacts so that you do not miss an email from Planning Center and encourage your members to do so as well.  This will ensure you do not miss a member request or any emails that come from the Planning Center site. Thank you!

Waters Class Schedule:

• 1st Sunday: Discover Waters – after 1st service
• 2nd Sunday: NO CLASSES
• 3rd Sunday: Connect Class – after 1st service
• 4th Sunday: Baptism Class – after 1st service

Waters Help: Need marriage and family care  or have a group member in need of marriage and family care?   Click here:  help resources page  or visit waterschurch.org/help

Location Text Alerts:

LEADER: PLEASE NOT EACH POINT HAS A PRACTICAL APPLICATION TO SHARE WITH YOUR GROUP AND 2 KEY TAKEAWAYS AT THE END OF THE STUDY.

Key Verse: James 3

Ice Breaker:

Q. If you could invent a holiday, what would it celebrate, and what traditions would people do?

Opening Prayer

“Lord, we come to You today seeking wisdom. We desire Your peace in our relationships and Your guidance in our lives. Open our hearts to receive Your Word, transform our thinking, and lead us to apply these truths daily. Thank You for sharing wisdom with us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

James 1:5 (ESV)

I need heavenly wisdom in my earthly relationships.

Two kinds of wisdom:

1. Human wisdom makes sense.
2. Heavenly wisdom challenges our sensibilities.

Three Facets of Worldly Wisdom:

1. Worldly Wisdom ORIENTS Around the SELF 

James 3:13-14 (ESV)

“Bitter jealousy” is an attitude of envy and competition. You see others as obstacles in your life plan.  You cannot rejoice in their good fortune because you are embittered that you did not experience it and deserved it more.

“Selfish ambition” (from the Greek word eritheia referring to Greek politicians) critiquing opponents instead of offering a solution. “Selfish ambition”, as James uses this word, is constant criticism of others.

Q. How do you see jealousy or selfish ambition in today’s world, especially in relationships?

Practical Application: Take a moment to examine your life for areas where jealousy or selfish ambition may have taken root. Pray for God’s wisdom to see people as He does and release envy so you can live in peace.

2. Worldly Wisdom OBSCURES the SELF

James 3:14 (ESV) (previously read)

Those engaged in jealousy and criticism are also typically full of hypocrisy.  They hide their authentic self.

Q. Why do you think people are inclined to hide their true selves in relationships?

Practical Application: Identify one way you might be “covering up” your true self. Challenge yourself this week to be open and authentic in a relationship, trusting that God values your honesty.

3. Worldly Wisdom OBSESSES Over this LIFE

James 3:15 (ESV) (previously read)

Earthly – tied to this earthly realm.  Heaven is not on their minds.

Unspiritual – can be translated as ‘sensual.’  It refers to human instinct, desires, and passions.

Demonic – selfish ambition, putting yourself first, doing whatever it takes to climb the ladder of success, and following your heart is demonic.

Isaiah 14:12-15 (ESV)

Q. How does focusing on earthly wisdom impact our long-term peace and relationships?

Practical Application: This week, refocus your thoughts on God’s perspective. Meditate on Psalm 37:4-5 and consider what “committing your way to the Lord” means for you.

Three Facets of Heavenly Wisdom:

4. Heavenly Wisdom ORIENTS Around GOD

James 3:17 (ESV)

Purity is the bedrock of heavenly wisdom.  Purity refers to the absence of the spiritual, ethical, and behavioral imperfections that are necessarily a part of the double-minded person. 

What James means by pure is to put God first in your life.  When you put God first, the rest will fall into place.

Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

Psalm 37:4-5 (ESV)

Q. Why is purity listed as heavenly wisdom’s “first” characteristic?

Practical Application: Seek to make God the center of your thoughts this week.  Begin each day by asking, “God, how can I honor You today?” Take note of how He leads you.

2. Heavenly Wisdom OPENS Life to OTHERS

James 3:17 (ESV) (Previously read)

Peaceable: Seeks to resolve conflict and heal the relationship.

Gentle: Considerate and gracious toward others.

Open to reason: Ready to hear others out.

Full of mercy and good fruits: Visibly kind toward others.

Impartial and sincere: Playing no favorites without scheming.

(Treat people equally, live without scheming).

Q. What quality of heavenly wisdom (peaceable, gentle, open to reason, etc.) stands out most, and why?

Practical Application: Choose one quality of heavenly wisdom to practice in your relationships this week. Perhaps it’s listening more or extending mercy. Write it down, and intentionally practice it each day.

3. Heavenly Wisdom OVERFLOWS in PEACE 

James 3:18 (ESV)

Worldly wisdom makes sense.

Heavenly wisdom challenges.

Q.  How does the peace from heavenly wisdom impact the individual and the community?

Practical Application: Pray for God’s peace in your relationships. This week, reach out to someone with tension or conflict, seeking to build a bridge of peace.

Key Takeaways

1. Unlike worldly wisdom, Heavenly wisdom centers on purity and peace in our relationships. When we prioritize God and live with humility, gentleness, and sincerity, we reflect Christ’s love and build harmony in our community.
2. Relationships are enriched when we open our lives to others with mercy, impartiality, and respect. This approach allows us to sow seeds of peace and righteousness, fostering unity and inner peace that align with God’s purpose.

Closing Prayer

“Father, thank You for Your wisdom guiding us beyond our understanding. We ask that You fill our lives with heavenly wisdom that brings peace, compassion, and truth. Help us to walk in humility, love, and integrity, honoring You in all our relationships. May our lives be a reflection of Your love and light. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”