A Kaleidoscope Community —James 2:1-13

James 2:1-13

The Church is a Kaleidoscope Community of Faith.

Ephesians 3:6 (NLT) —6 And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 3:10 (ESV) — 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

vs 1 - If you claim loyalty to Jesus, be consistent in His priorities.

A Kaleidoscope Community of Faith reflects the King’s priorities.

love god. love others. — Shama

Mark 12:29–31 “29 Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. 30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ 31 The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”

God doesn’t show favoritism around who can become His Kids

God doesn’t show favoritism among His kids

God does show favor to His kids.

Sick need a doctor not healthy - Jesus.

Jesus came to seek and save those lost, poor in spirit.

Blessed are the poor in spirit….unimportant. (Social and financial access)

what James is NOT saying - you only go to heaven in if you fit in a certain financial tax bracket.

(1)Who are those you consider unimportant, less than?

Immigrants? People on government assistance? Wealthy, white collar leaders/execs? Government officials? Fast food workers who can’t get your food out in time?

entitled attitudes and a prejudice attitude go hand in hand. How do you treat and talk about these people?

For the early church is was orphans and widows.

(2) Who has their loyalty and full dependency on God? Those who have no means to do for themselves.

what does your love (ie hospitality) look like? Does it look like Jesus?

How have you given hospitality, welcome, to God’s word? To His presence among us.

A Kaleidoscope Community of Faith reflects the Kingdom.

Value of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12)

everyone is a valuable contributor but not every contribution is equal in value… equal honor toward each other.

Church is a global, multi-ethic, diverse, movement.

Our vision for Groups in the future…

(1) Multi-generational — brings added vantage points, flavors, & experiences

(2) Multi-cultural — various family heritages, upbringing, and nationalities bring greater understanding to the Kingdom

…no place for racism in the Kingdom

(3) Multi-gifted — many gifts and passions expressing care and pursuing God together.

Romans 12:6–13 “6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. 9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.”

Motivational gifts from God for us to love each other and be hospitable.

A Kaleidoscope Community of Faith reflects the King.

vs 10-13…

James uses dress/clothing as the illustration to make a spiritual point…

i love that we are church deeply commited to being clothed in Christ not making value or holiness statements around clothing. Christ is our mark of holiness not our clothing. Our dress code is pretty simple, wear clothes.

The problem James is addressing, is we don’t see people and judge them in the eyes of Jesus, rather in eyes like the world.

Our eyes are most often filtered to see as the world does…worldliness indeed has invaded the people of God…how they treat people, see people, and talk about people.

Rebellion in one area, makes you rebellious. just like if i never speed, but i run stop signs - i broke the law.

Recognizing we are sinners is not permission to remain a sinner, but a call to ongoing repentance.

if you love prayer, but have a potty mouth of slander - you need to repent

if you give lots of money, but you refuse to join a ministry team or should be able to designate how it’s used - you need to repent

if you serve but get offended when you aren’t specifically thanked for doing what you committed to do - you need to repent

if you can love your neighbor but not abstain from sex with someone not your spouse - you need to repent.

if you can love your neighbor but not keep your heart from worldliness - you need to repent

not either/or..but both/and.

if you can celebrate your gifting but not celebrate other’s gifting - you need to repent.

We are set free to serve God from wholeness and holiness, not be slaves to sin and worldliness. That is the “royal law” that sets us free.

it’s not good you vs bad you.. it’s you vs Jesus. He outweighs us. So, are you clothed in Christ?

I’ve heard it said, “the apostle Paul entered heaven and was welcomed by the cheers of those he martyred. That’s the power of God’s saving work.

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PRACTICING THE WAY

As disciples of Jesus, we know our allegiance to Him as King is expressed in our daily practice. We are not pursuing perfection but want to practice our faith each day. These practices will point you toward spiritual formation as an apprentice (disciple) to Jesus.

(1) Start the Bible Recap reading plan.

(2) Recite this prayer/liturgy daily: “Our Father who is in heaven, Holy is Your name. May Your Kingdom come. May Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

(3) Talk it Over (with friends, a spouse, or your Group)

The message was about the Church accurately representing the King and His Kingdom. What is one idea from Sunday’s message that impacted you?

Read James 2:1-13. What does this passage teach about God and His Kingdom?

What is one thing you love about being in the Church? Read Ephesians 3:10. In what ways do you see Churches reflecting the multi-faceted wisdom of God?

Read Mark 12:29-31. What are the priorities of Jesus according to this verse?

Romans 12:6-13 lists several motivational gifts from God, that are hard-wired within us. Which one(s) do you think God has placed within you?

Close in prayer, reciting the Lord’s Prayer (see above) aloud as a group.