Week 4: James 2:1-13

We sin when we show partiality to some people over others, whether they’re rich, poor, or different in another way. Believers should extend mercy rather than harsh judgment to others.

“As King, Jesus has demands.”

What’s your immediate reaction to that statement?

What comes to mind when you hear the word King?

When you hear the word demands?

Honestly, do you typically think about Jesus as King?

In what other ways do you think about Jesus?

How does the way you view Jesus affect the way you relate to Him and His words?

“For Christians, it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress

What does this statement mean?

In what ways is this view of sanctification (the process of growing in holiness and Christlikeness) encouraging?

“Where there’s no progress, there should be questions.”

What does this statement mean?

How does this conclusion, based on the previous view of sanctification, challenge you?

Part 1: Judgment

For followers of Jesus, true faith is personal, but it’s also communal. The church is the family of God.

Read

What term is used to identify Christians?

Summarize the foundational truth behind this term of identification.

How does the command in verse 1 naturally follow from the identification?

It’s antigospel, flying in the face of Jesus’ sacrificial love and grace, to treat people as more or less worthy of a seat in the house of our Father. Beyond that, all people have inherent dignity and worth because all people bear the image of God.

Read

What does society tend to value in other people?

How much of that estimation is based upon external factors like wealth, personal style, or attractiveness?

How should that differ in Christians and Christian communities?

When have you benefited from a relationship with a brother or sister in Christ who’s very different from you?

Read

What do these verses say about earthly wealth?

Why are these verses an important reminder for the way we view ourselves?

For the way we view others in the church?

Read

What phrases and themes in Peter’s letter are similar to those in James’s letter?

What two things did Peter identify as having transcendent value?

How would you summarize this passage into your own words?

Part 2: Mercy

Read

What connection exists between the sincerity of our faith in God and the way we treat other people?

Look over

Honestly, do you find it hard to love certain people? Why?

Would you find it difficult to honor them in your church if they showed up and sat next to you? Why?

Scripture isn’t saying you have to be best friends with everybody. But Christian community should be more than friendly.

James referred to the royal law from Scripture: “You shall love you neighbor as yourself (2:8). Judaism interpreted this quotation from as a summation of a perfect religious life.

Read

In verse 29 what did the lawyer ask Jesus, and why did he ask?

In verses 36-37 who proved to be a neighbor? Why would this have been controversial to Jesus’ original audience?

What can you conclude from the fact that Jesus answered the question “Who is my neighbor?” by asking, “Who proved to be a neighbor?”

Whom can we, as individuals or as a group, reach out to include?

Summarize the point of this parable in your own words.

Next Week James 2:14-26