J A M E S 1

T he Ja m es G a n G

Teach IT tAlk SeSSion 1

This talk guide is just that: a guide. Its not intended to be a manuscript to read aloud. Its here to give you ideas, structure, and stories to blend with your personal study (Prep It) as you prepare your talk. The content complements the other Teach It guides, allowing you to give a talk on the same topic students are studying in other settings (like small groups) without too much overlap.

1. Materials (optional)
Video clip from the film Remember the Titans: Chapter 23, Remember ForeverDVD counter cues 1:18:00 to 1:20:04.

2. optional openings
VISUAL ILLUSTRATION

Show a quick clip of the pep talk from the film Remember the Titans: (see Materials for counter cues) in the championship football game, the refs are repeatedly making unfair calls against the Titans. The coach calls the defense together for an unforgettable pep talk. After viewing the clip, share about a favorite adrenaline-pumping talk you received as a student or an athlete. Ask two or three students to share about any pep talks that have inspired them.
QUOTATIONS

To introduce the idea that we all sometimes need a motivational pep talk, share the following quotations: Make your life a mission, not an intermission. Arnold H. Glasgow (U.S. psychologist) Dont go through life, grow through life. Eric Butterworth (1915-2003, new age philosopher and lecturer) Regard it as just as desirable to build a chicken house as to build a cathedral. The size of the project means little in art, beyond the money matter. It is the quality of the character that really counts. Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959, prominent and influential architect) A dying people tolerates the present, rejects the future, and finds its satisfactions in past greatness and half-remembered glory. John Steinbeck (1902-1968, well-known American author)

The way to live our vision on a daily basis is to understand that right now is the only time we have. John Hanley

3. Digging in
PERSONAL STORY

Share a story that illustrates the value of perspective. Heres an example: I have a lot of relativestoo many to name and probably more than I can count. Im very close to some, and some I see only at Christmas. There are two in particular who cant seem to see me without asking a question or making a snide statement about politics. They used to always get me. Im getting a little better at handling it, though. Ive been in huge arguments with these two at wedding receptions. Ive never stormed out of the room but Ive had the door slammed on me. It can get ugly. Now keep in mind, Im really trying to be smarter about these silly little arguments that amount to nothing. But heres the point: not too long ago I had to go to a family funeral. At the funeral nobody really cared about politics. It was a rough day for all of us, and somehow we didnt have the energy to care about Republicans and Democrats, or even the Green party. It just didnt matter. Perspective is a powerful thing. It can keep family members from fighting. It can help refocus us on the things that matter.
OPTIONAL MIx-INS

You may want to point out a few expositional points about James: -The author of James was James, the half brother of Jesus. -James was probably one of the half brothers who didnt believe in Jesus during Jesus time on earth (John 7:5), but who later came around to believing he was the Messiah.

4. Digging Deeper
Share that youre going to read aloud the first few verses from Jamesand that they should listen to see if they can tell what problems James readers were facing, based on what he wrote at the beginning of his letter. Then tell your students that James 1:1-15 says

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because -The book was written as a you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. letter, not to one particular Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and person, but to be circulated complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should among many people ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will throughout the region. be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, God is tempting me. For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Ask a few volunteers to share what problems they think James readers were facing. Here are some observations: -They were facing many kinds of trials. -They were facing lack of wisdom. -They were facing humble circumstances.

-They were facing temptation. -They were facing angry people. -They were facing moral filth and evil. -They were facing slanderous talk. Then share with your students It all starts here. Well never understand James letter unless we know whom he was writing to and what caused him to write it. James was writing a letter to twelve tribesa letter that one day would be part of the bestselling book of all timethe Bible. He was writing to a group of people who had, and would continue to have, some significant rough spots in their faith walk. What I love about James is that he wasnt afraid of telling the truth or laying it all on the line. People call it tough love, but I just call it love. He inspired, encouraged, and kicked them in the rear a little bit. He gave them a pep talk. And he gave them (and us) hope of something better. He helps us see the big picture, and gives reasons for why things seem so tough, mainly so that you may be mature and complete (James 1:4). In light of a lifetime of following Jesus, James helps us put the things that really matter into perspective.

5. taking it inward
Continue with So, there are a few questions dangling out there. First off, what are you going through right now thats similar to what James readers were going through? Trials? Temptations? Take a moment to think about it. Second, who is your James? Who is asking you the big questions and giving you perspective on what youre going through? Think of someone whos helping you and encouraging you through difficult times. Now turn that question around. This may feel like a stretch, but could it be possible that God would want to use someone like you to speak into someone elses life? Who around you is going through things similar to what James readers were going through? Are you someone who can help and encourage them through their hard times?

6. Wrapping it up
Finish with Heres what Id like you to do over the next couple of days. First, contact the person who is a James to you. Thank that person, and share how things are going in your life right now. Next, contact someone you can be a James to. Ask how things are going and if he or she needs any help with anything. Be reminded that James was crystal clear on why we go through trials: were being made complete. Its like being cooked in an oven. You wouldnt want to be removed too soon. If so, you wouldnt be fully baked. God is putting together a mission, and he needs you to be completely prepared for it.