Read 2 Corinthians 13:5 & James 2:20-26. Very few people really like to take tests, but tests actually prove your competence and pushes you to be more than a ‘want-to-be.’  It is the same with your faith. Both 2 Corinthians and James make it clear that there should be evidence of your faith in Jesus Christ. You are definitely not saved, being made right with God, by your works and deeds, but if Christ is in you, the work of God will be accomplished through you.

• How do you currently prove you’re competent at your profession? What are the standards?
• Do you believe there should be proof of your faith in Jesus? What evidence can you show?

Read Genesis 22:1-3 & James 1:18, 21. As demonstrated in the story of Abraham and Isaac, faith leads to deliberate action. If and when God calls to you how will you respond? When Jesus called his disciples he called them to ‘follow me,’ which was no easy decision. This decisive turning point in life was not passive but a life changing act to surrender all will, values, prejudices and live choices to the Lordship of Jesus. And that is what Jesus is calling you to commit to as well.

• Describe the first time you remember hearing the voice and call of Jesus in your life?
• Do you think everything in your life is surrendered to Jesus? Name one area in which you are struggling to commit.

Read 1 Peter 1:23 & John 16:12-15. The problem with many Christians is that they continue to live on their own terms and in the basic elementary teachings of the Bible instead of living out an active calling of the Holy Spirit in their life. You are called to know Jesus in a personal way, continually receiving inspired instructions by the Holy Spirit to fulfill God’s purposes in this world for which you were created.

• How do you listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit in your daily walk with God?
• Is there a time when scripture came alive in your life? Describe.
• Describe a time you responded in faith to the leading of the Holy Spirit? What happened?

Read Genesis 22:12 & James 2:23. Obedient faithful action happens not because you believe in God, but because you trust God. And Abraham so trusted in God that God literally called him ‘Friend.” Who are God’s friends? Those God can count on to carry out God’s purposes in the world. God is not looking for people who are good, but people who are available. To have an active work filled faith you need to surrender what you have into God’s hands, trusting that God will more than take care of you in the end. 

• Of money, time, talent, occupation or availability, which do you struggle giving to God? Why do you think it is hard sometimes to be obedient to God and/or God’s word?      
• Do you feel you are trustworthy in God’s eyes? Why or why not?
• Are you honestly able to say, “Here I am Lord, use me”? What step do you need to take today to allow your life to be used for God’s purposes?