What James Says About Doubt

Horizon Community Church - Philadelphia

We continue our series on doubt and look at what James says about people who doubt. This week's discussion questions are below: Discussion Questions 1/26/25 1. Growing up, were you ever made to feel like doubt was a weakness or a sin? How has that impacted your faith or view of God? 2. How does the meaning of the Greek word diakrinoo (doubt) reshape the way you understand James 1:5-7? 3. James 2:4 uses the same word to discuss discrimination. How might this broader understanding of “doubt” as divided loyalty or internal conflict apply to your faith life? 4. How does Matthew 5:45, where God gives rain to the righteous and the unrighteous, challenge the idea that doubt or sin might limit God’s generosity? 5. James doubted his brother, Jesus, until after the resurrection. How does James’s story encourage you in seasons of doubt? 6. Why do you think James ends his letter by referencing Elijah, a prophet who experienced deep doubt? What does this say about God’s grace toward doubters? 7. The sermon highlights how some churches portray doubt negatively. How can churches create space for honest conversations about doubt without fear or shame? 8. Alex said that “if the gospel is true, it can hold up to honest questions.” What role does community play in creating an environment where questions and doubts are welcomed? 9. Reflecting on James’s teaching and personal story, how might you approach prayer differently when you’re feeling unsure or doubting?