Dig In:
Passage: James 2
Dig Deeper:
Chapter Summary
v1-7 - Do not judge people by the standards of this world, whether it's their wealth, race, or any other measure. Welcome all sincere, penitent people into God's house of worship. Material wealth is no measure of how God sees people. To mistreat people is to blaspheme God's name.
v8-13 - James calls the command to "love your neighbor as yourself" as the 'royal law of scripture.' To break one law of God is to break every law of God, so showing favoritism is just as sinful as breaking any of the 10 commandments. Those who are not merciful to others will not be shown mercy by God.
v14-26 - It's impossible to have true faith without having good works. Abraham was clearly saved by his faith (see today's Old Testament reference below), but his faith was made visible when he actively obeyed God. James concludes that just as a body without breath (spirit) is dead, so also is faith without works dead (v26)
Old Testament Reference - Add even more value to your daily Bible reading by reading a related passage from the Old Testament
Genesis 15:1-17 or Leviticus 19:1-37
Discuss:
Use the comment box below to discuss one or more of these questions. For every comment or reply you post, you will receive an entry for this month's prize.
How we view people according to their race, gender, and other external factors are a big topic of conversation in the world today. How is what James teaches totally different than what so many others are saying right now?
What do you think James means in the phrase "the law that gives freedom" in v12? How is it the same/different than other laws?
We boldly claim we are saved by faith alone, yet James seems to contradict this in v24. What's the relationship between saving faith and good works?
Follow the AAA Prayer Pattern:
ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: God who has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and inherit the kingdom (v5)
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that God will use your faith to cause you to truly love your neighbor as yourself (v8)
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED:
Starting this Sunday - The REAL God sermon series
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