Sunday School Lesson (Book of James Chapter 2)
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James Chapter 2
James Chapter 2
This chapter deals with “favoritism in the church”
Who is James?
James, Jesus’ half-brother
Also known as “James the just”
He was born in the early 1st Century, and he is thought to have died around 62 AD
His death was due to being stoned – this was the order of High Priest Ananus
When was the book of James written? Around AD 49, prior to the Jerusalem council (AD 50)
The Book of James is often recognized for its practical wisdom and ethical instruction
What is the setting of the Book of James?
This letter expresses James’s concern for persecuted Christians who were once part of the Jerusalem church
The epistle or in other words (a formal letter) of James takes a deep dive into Christian ethics, trials, and true faith
This Book is to the scattered Jewish believers and emphasizes the importance of living out one's faith through actions
The book of James is a very practical book, which deals with the ethics of being a Christian
Verses 1-13 deal with “The Sin of Partiality”
Verses 14-26 talks about “Faith and Works”
Key Themes for Chapter 2 of James
Avoiding Partiality:
The chapter begins by warning us against favoritism, particularly in how we treat the rich versus the poor.
James emphasizes that showing partiality contradicts the faith in Christ, as God values all people equally.
James says that the rich often oppress the poor and that true faith should reflect God's impartial love.
Faith and Works:
James famously declares that "faith without works is dead."
James says that genuine faith must be accompanied by action.
James uses examples like Abraham and Rahab, he illustrates that true belief is demonstrated through obedience and good deeds.
This passage challenges the idea that faith alone is sufficient without a life that reflects it
1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
Verses 1-13 deal with “the Sin of Partiality”
1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
Just like in
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
James is addressing the “brethren”
He is bringing this letter down to earth using a sense of familiarity with the shared faith he is (Relating) to them
James is bringing to light the concept that faith in Jesus Christ is not compatible with favoritism
We all are created equal in His eyes. Favoritism, goes against the way God designed the world to function
The “Lord of glory” is speaking to Christ’s divine nature and authority
“With respect of persons” is talking about partiality
We must remember that God is without partiality (unfair bias in favor of one thing or person compared with another; favoritism)
2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
James begins by presenting a vivid illustration involving two distinct characters:
one dressed in fine, extravagant clothing, symbolizing wealth and status,
and another clothed in tattered garments, representing poverty and lack.
This is a huge contrast between the 2 types of people
rich man is described with symbols of wealth, such as a gold ring and fine apparel
the poor man is described as wearing "vile raiment," indicating he is in a state of disregard in the society that he is living in
James points out that these 2 different types of people have come into our church or place of worship
And then verse 3 takes it further, with the treatment of each type of person
3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
In this verse, James condemns the practice of favoritism based on outward appearances.
This verse shows a stark contrast of the treatment between the rich and the poor
We must be very careful as a church that we aren’t showing favoritism to one over another.
This favoritism can go beyond rich or poor. We do not want a reputation in the community for segregating anyone type of person – we can call this “The Church’s Witness”
Their eternity is just as important as the next person, even yours and mine. We are called to love each other, no matter what
We must be inclusive to everyone, ONLY as it reflects in the character of Christ.
In my notes I capitalized ONLY, because we must be Christ like not the way that the world views inclusivity. You know what I mean.
4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
So, this verse follows James’s persuading message against the practice of showing favoritism,
And us as believers may unfairly treat individuals based on their social status.
partiality here is fundamentally an act of judging, a sin in God’s eyes
when we start showing favoritism to the instances mentioned back in the previous verses
we are demonstrating an inward bias and a misalignment with being Christ like.
Being partial is contrary to the nature of God.
Remember that God treats everyone with impartiality (equal, without bias)
We as Christians are commanded to do the same
14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
“Love” spoken of in Galatians 5:14 is not merely a natural affection but this is a divine command, this is the very essence of what it means to be a Christian
we can’t possibly be partial and follow God’s law – IT’S IMPOSSIBLE!
“Become Judges of evil thoughts” referring to the rich over the poor will create discrimination. This is all superficial
5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
“Hearken, my beloved brethren” James again is saying listen up
James is asking the question – hasn’t God chose those who are poor in the eyes of the world, to be rich in faith
And He promised that those who love Him will inherit the kingdom
In other words, worldly riches don’t grant us access to Heaven.
It’s to be “rich in faith”:
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Having worldly wealth isn’t your access to heaven!
Only through faith and trusting Jesus as your personal savior, will you have that access.
6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
James is referring to verse 5 when God is choosing the poor that is rich in faith
Pretty much I just told you how God views the poor
But now ye (you and me) are despising(dishonoring) the poor (beggar)
“Do not rich (wealthy) men oppress (to exercise dominion over you)”
The word draw here (to drag literally or figuratively)
“Before the judgement seats” To put you and I in front of the judges
I think that James is trying to tell us reassess who we are aligning with
We need to recognize that honor does not come from wealth but from righteousness and godliness.
In other words “why are we trying to align yourself with someone that will throw you under the bus”
7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
James is asking a rhetorical question – speaking of the “wealthy”
favoring the wealthy, we not only commit a sin but also dishonor the name of Christ—an act equal to blasphemy
Blasphemy - the act or offense of speaking sacrilegiously about God; profane talk – speak evil, reviled
8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
If we really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, we should love our neighbor as we love ourselves
18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord.
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
This “Royal Law” is coming from the king of Kings, we should be following and honoring this “Royal Law”
Verse 39 “And the second is like unto it” - Jesus is saying this commandment is just as important
We as a people and a Nation would be in such a better place if we would follow this
back to James 2:8 “Ye do well” is an affirmation that those who follow the royal law
“well” in verse 8 translates from the Greek as “in a good place”
9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
Here is that conjunction again “But”
The phrase “But if ye have respect to persons” means if you are showing favoritism
And you are committing sin
The word convinced in the Greek means to be convicted
So, we would be convicted of the law as “transgressors”
“Transgressors” in the Greek means violator / breaker of the law
10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
This verse is for all of us but in my opinion it’s for those that think they do good works
In other words, I’m not a murderer or one of those capital type crimes – I help people – I’m nice
This verse is very important to just how dangerous that sin really is
The phrase “and yet offend in one point” means
Just one “LITTLE” sin means that you are guilty of it all – remember just the littlest of sins (maybe a white lie) or for us parents lying to our kids, maybe to try and keep them “innocent”
even the little white lie we tell our children - "If you keep making that face, it’ll get stuck that way."
These will send you to Hell, without The Savior Jesus Christ
I am really trying to drive this home
so that we understand that no one can keep the law, no matter how innocence we think we might be
11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
This is verse is comparing the severity and the interconnectivity of the sins - adultery and murder
Both sins are what we would consider to be worst of the worse
James is presenting two major violations of the law—adultery and murder—James is stressing that breaking any commandment, no matter the severity constitutes sin
James is making sure that we understand that “some sins are lesser than others” is not true – sin is sin
All sins hold equal weight in the eyes of God
James’ use of the terms ‘do not commit adultery’ and ‘do not kill’
I believe this is how easily one might assume personal righteousness based on selective adherence to the commandments.
12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
This is where if we “talk the talk” we better be “walking the walk”
This verse is stressing to us, that true faith is evident through our actions and words.
This is a reminder about the judgment that awaits us as believers,
reinforcing the significance of conducting ourselves according to the standards and principles that God sets for us believers
The “law of liberty” refers to the freedom that we as believers receive through Christ
freedom from sin, condemnation, and the forever punishment of sin – forever separation form Christ
However, this liberty is not a license to sin; we have a great responsibility.
True freedom in Christ is to live in obedience to God’s will
13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
Judgement will be without mercy to those that won’t show mercy
The phrase “he shall have judgement” in the Greek means to accuse, condemn, damnation (eternal punishment in hell)
“Without mercy” God’s pity, compassion, and kindness toward people
A harsh judgment awaits for those who fail to extend mercy to others
A lesson here for us – Those of us who have received God's grace/mercy should reflect and extend that same mercy to others
We are called to love
“mercy rejoiceth against judgment” mercy will have a great victory over judgement
Jesus says during The Sermon on the Mount in
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed (happy) are merciful (to show compassion and kindness)
Verses 14-26 talks about “Faith and Works/Actions”
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
I found a quote while studying this verse out, from Matthew Henry
“A faith that produces no good works is as unprofitable as a tree that bears no fruit”
This really stands out to me.
These next questions are rhetorical/or for you and I to think about and I don’t want anyone to answer out loud.
Why are we being closet Christians? Or why are we trying to keep Jesus all to ourselves and not sharing the Gospel?
genuine salvation will produce fruit in the context of good works
Are you really right with the Lord if you are not producing fruit?
The faith in this verse refers to a superficial faith
This is referring to someone that professes that he has faith but doesn’t have any fruit to back it up
This is what James is asking “can faith save him?” or in other words can this kind of faith save him?
James is asking what are we gaining?
true faith naturally results in good works,
A “faith” that does not produce good works, is good for nothing – in other words if we have true faith there will be evidence of good works
if there is an absence of works/action
this is a contradiction of our claim of believing/being a Christian
“can faith save him?” - James is talking about a faith that does not produce good works “Can it save him?”
This question is to get us to think about - are we really producing the works of a person that is saved?
works are not the means of salvation but rather the evidence of salvation
True Faith: Produces obedience.
Active Faith: Is demonstrated through charity, serving in church, and good deeds.
Evidence of Transformation: Works can show a life changed by grace.
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
This verse is a clear depiction of poverty and need.
The terms "naked" and "destitute/lack thereof" are showing us a vivid image of desperation
Verse 15 is setting the scene for verse 16
This is a depiction of a possible real-life situation that people may be facing
This verse is not merely about a momentary feeling of pity but about a deliberate call to action
Again, truly being saved will cause us as believers to respond to the needs of the community – we are called to love
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
This begs the question, “are you really a child of God, if you turn your back to the needy?”
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
The phrase “depart in peace” is superficial and lacks a sincere response
This is saying that we know that this person is in need and we just shrug them off, downplaying their true need for help –
This is an empty response because it lacks follow through
Then we turn them away without addressing their true need for warmth/clothing and food
“what doith it profit” what are we gaining? What is the advantage of doing this to someone?
I promise you, there is great joy in helping someone that is in real need.
I kind of got off on a tangent here but-
We are very fortunate in this church. We have very caring and giving people.
I was told one time “do not take away someone’s blessing of trying to help you”
When Teresa and I were in the hospital with Emmett being born. There were many people in this church that helped.
I guess I said all of this to say if we are turning away people in genuine need of help, we are going to miss out on a blessing.
This verse is asking a question from the situation that verse 15 is depicting
The phrase "Depart in peace" indicates a superficial and insincere response
This is a common pleasantry that lacks substance.
“be ye warmed and filled” - this is symbolizing the basic human needs of food and shelter – again this is referring to the situation in verse 15
“notwithstanding” means but or moreover in the Greek
We are just going to ignore their needs and send them down the road
Here we see the phrase again “what doth it profit?” - James is asking what are we gaining?
We need to do a little self-examination
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
This is talking about the fruit of true faith, will produce good works
If we are not producing good works through our faith
The phrase “is dead, being alone” meaning your faith is dead – dead translated form the Greek means dead (literally or figuratively)
In other words, without works your faith is dead
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
This is a very well-known and popular verse
For a lack of a better saying “if you’re going to talk the talk than you better be ready to walk the walk.
Our good works will serve as the evidence and testimony of our faith to the world
I promise you that when you read God’s word, it will come out
It is impossible to keep it in – you will want to share the Word
Not sure how to explain it, but it’s impossible to hold it in
Read your Bible and let me know what it does for you
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
The word “believest” in the Greek means to have faith or to put your trust in
If we put our trust in and/or have faith in one true God – see that God has a capital “G”
“thou doest well” means that you are in a good place
“the devils also believe” meaning that they also believe in the one true God, capital “G”
And they “tremble” to bristle, stiffen stand up to shudder, to be struck with extreme fear, to be horrified
Could it mean their fear ("and tremble") signifies a recognition of impending judgment?
demons possess a clear understanding of God’s existence and His authority, yet they continue in rebellion against Him
remember that demons are the fallen angles that Satan took with him, they know
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
“But” meaning moreover don’t you know?
“O” note of exclamation - like an interjection
moreover don’t you know “O” empty man?
“vain man” meaning empty man - this highlighting his foolishness in believing that mere faith without actions, holds any value
“faith without works”
James is painting a clear distinction, faith that doesn’t produce good works is lifeless, incapable of producing spiritual fruit
true faith will naturally result in good works
If we are truly saved by grace, reading, & studying God’s Word - You can’t help but not produce good works
I’ve talked to Chad about, when you read and study the Bible - it will come out
God’s word will not return void - The Word of God is alive, has great power, influence, and effect!
11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: It shall not return unto me void, But it shall accomplish that which I please, And it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
1 And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
2 And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.
verses 3-8 is the journey leading up to Abraham placing Isaac on the alter
9 And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.
10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
11 And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.
12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
Genuine faith is not passive but active
Think about the faith that Abraham had to offer is only son as a sacrifice
the phrase “thou fearest God” in verse 12 means Abraham showed a deep and solemn respect to God
and because Abraham trusted God, he was blessed with a great linage because of his faith and works
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
James illustrates his point by referring to the example of Abraham
Abraham was justified by faith when he offered his son Isaac on the altar
Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac is the picture of his unwavering faith in God
demonstrating that Abraham’s faith had been “wrought” (work with/together) with his works
The phrase "by works was faith made perfect" this means that Abraham’s faith reached the highest point because of Abraham’s works - trusting in God, at that alter
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
James uses Abraham as an example to show that authentic faith leads to righteousness.
This quotation comes from:
6 And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
the phrase “And the scripture was fulfilled” this isn’t just a historical event, this is part of God’s divine plan
because Abraham believed God (or Abraham’s faith), righteousness was “imputed” or in other words credited to Abraham.
We are made righteous by faith in Christ
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
The statement “and he was called the Friend of God” raises Abraham’s relationship with God to an personal level
because of his faith & obedience in God
this status is what we as Christians should be striving for.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
James is not saying that salvation is contingent solely upon works,
but rather he reiterating that true faith is evidenced by works
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
this is a great picture that even Rahab or anyone for that matter -
regardless of their past, can show faith that results in righteousness.
Pastor just went over this in Joshua Chapter 2, during Wednesday night Bible study
Rehab the harlot protected the 2 spies in Jericho, she hid them and helped them get away
because of her faith in God
Rehab knew that Jericho belonged to the Israelites:
9 And she said unto the men, I know that the Lord hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.
10 For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.
11 And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.
if we trust in Jesus Christ, we to can be made righteous
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
comparing the body can’t live without a spirit
is the same faith without producing works is non-existent
you can’t have one without the other
Final Thoughts:
1. Faith Must Be Active, Not Abstract
James boldly declares that faith without works is dead (v.17, 26).
James challenges us to move beyond verbal confession to visible works of compassion—faith that doesn’t act is no better than empty words.
Abraham and Rahab are cited as examples of how genuine faith expresses itself through obedience and risk (v.21–25).
2. Partiality Contradicts the Gospel
The chapter opens with a stern warning: “Have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ... with respect of persons” (v.1).
Favoring the rich over the poor is not just unkind—it’s a violation of the royal law: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (v.8).
James reminds us that God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith (v.5), flipping worldly values up side down.
3. Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment
In verse 13, James delivers a blunt truth: “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy.”
But then he follows up with hope: “Mercy rejoiceth against judgment.”
This calls believers to extend grace freely, just as they have received it.
4. Faith and Works Are Not Opposed—They Are Inseparable
James doesn’t pit faith against works; he unites them.
Works are not a substitute for faith, but the evidence of it.
As he says of Abraham: “Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?” (v.22).
