James 2 Starter Questions

In James chapter 1, some foundations are laid. The first is that of faith. Faith is trusting in God and His plan for our lives. This includes His method of growing our faith through our circumstances and trials (vv 2-8). The second is right living (vv19-27).

James chapter 2 continues both themes and weaves them together in a chapter focussed on application, something the author already exhorts, "But prove yourselves doers of the Word and not merely hearers..." (1:22). Again, the goal of the text is to help believers close the gap between what we say and how we live.

Chapter 2 has two main sections, vv 1-13 which addresses the sin of partiality and vv 14-26 which deal with the proper understanding and application of faith and works. v1 Why is favoritism considered sin and how is it damaging to the message Jesus entrusts us to proclaim? vv2-4 What does favoritism and partiality expose about those who practice it? In what ways might we show this kind of favoritism in church today? How can we avoid this sin? What might be the results if we exercise non-partiality among all people?

It is not a sin to be rich as long as it is not wealth (or anything else) that you trust in over God. God blesses those who willingly recognize their spiritual bankruptcy apart from Him.1 vv5-7 These verses represent a social argument against favoritism. Have people prepared to read (Matthew 5:11, 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, Matthew 25:34, 46). Discuss the relativity of these vv to the what James is saying. v8 James now moves to the moral argument against favoritism. What is the "Royal Law" mentioned? Read Matthew 22:36-40. Discuss why you believe it is referred to as the "Royal Law". v9 How does partiality break the royal law? Why do people really show partiality? vv10-11 How might committing one sin make a person guilty of all? Is one act of favoritism as insignificant as some may think? vv12-13 After reading these vv, have someone read 2 Corinthians 5:10. Does this fact have any affect on how we live our lives? Why or why not? Does this help you be more merciful to those who offend or wrong you? What place should grudges have in our lives? Do you hold people to a higher critical standard than you hold yourself? The Bible says Jesus is gracious. How might we show people grace, and not just those who it is easy to give to? Read 1 John 4:17.

1 Expositor's Bible Commentary, Hebrews/James Morris and Burdick, pg. 179

Note: the abbreviations "v" means "verse" and "vv" means "verses". Faith and Action

*This next passage can be misunderstood as conflicting with Paul's doctrine of justification by faith alone. vv like Ephesians 2:8-10 when carefully read actually are the same point being arrived at from opposite perspectives. James, Peter, and Paul not only agreed on this essential point, but literally shook hands on it! (See Acts 15, Galatians 2:9). v14 James asks two questions in this verse. How would you answer each? vv15-16 While the obvious examples are likely hyperbole2, what might be a milder contemporary form of this issue? (Consider when we ask each other, "How are you?". Are we all really doing fine? Do we really want to listen or get our hands dirty? Why are we often afraid of what might be required of us? v17 How can we know if faith in Jesus is genuine or not? Does the Bible know anything of a personal and private religion? Read Romans 1:16. v18 Read this verse then Romans 2:11-13. What do you think? James issues a challenge: "Show me your faith without deeds." Is this possible? vv19-20 Does it puzzle you that demons have faith in the sense that they believe in God but are not saved? Do you think that many people have the same kind of faith yet think they are saved? What kind of faith saves a person? v21-23 How was Abraham justified? Is it possible for one person to have valid faith without works and for another to have valid works without faith? Genuine biblical faith in Jesus by nature produces fruit. v24 Read this verse. Then read Ephesians 2:8-9. Then read Ephesians 2:10. James was combatting a superficial faith that had no positive effect either in the life of the professed believer or in the church. So Paul and James both say that good deeds are the product of genuine faith. And both indicate that "a faith" that produces no good deeds in incapable of saving a person. What are your thoughts about this? v25 Compare and contrast Rahab3 with Abraham. Does it encourage or disappoint you that an "immoral person" can be saved too? (see footnote). v26 Are you convinced that faith without deeds is like a body without a spirit (dead)? Why or why not?

What will you walk away with from this weeks study? How has James challenged you so far? How can you apply what you have been learning in your lives this week?

2 Hyperbole is an intentional exaggeration used to make a point. 3 Matthew 1 lists Jesus (and James the author's) lineage. Notice Rahab is one of his ancestors. Do you think James had this in mind when he wrote about Rahab? Does it surprise you that not one but two (Tamar) of Jesus' decedents were harlots?

Note: the abbreviations "v" means "verse" and "vv" means "verses".