Favoritism Forbidden - James 2:1-13
Understand It
- What practical example did James use to illustrate how favoritism was practiced in the church? (2:1-4)
- What has God promised to the poor of this world? (2:5)
- What does the church do to the poor person when it shows favoritism toward the rich? (2:6)
- What do rich people have a history of doing to people in the church? (2:6-7)
- What is the royal law found in Scripture? (2:8)
- What does practicing favoritism do to a person who is trying to keep the law? (2:9)
- What does a person have to do to be considered a lawbreaker? (2:10-11)
- By what standards should a person speak and act? (2:12)
- What promise is made to people who judge without mercy? (2:13)
- Why should we be merciful? (2:13)
Apply It
- From whom can you ask forgiveness this week for showing prejudice toward him or her?
- How can you change the way you look at wealth this week so that you value it as God does?
Faith and Deeds - James 2:14-26
Understand It
- What is the relationship between faith and deeds? (2:14)
- What illustration did James use to explain how real faith affects a person’s deeds? (2:15-17)
- How did James describe faith that has no accompanying deeds? (2:17)
- What is wrong with having faith without deeds? (2:18-26)
- What do the demons believe about God? How does it affect them? (2:19)
- What did Abraham do to show his faith? (2:21-23)
- What made Abraham righteous? (2:23)
- How is a person justified before God? (2:24)
- What did Rahab do? (2:25)
- How did Rahab show faith? (2:25)
- How are faith and deeds like the body and the spirit? (2:26)
Apply It
- In what home, work, or neighborhood situations might you be able to show faith in God this week? How?
- How can you show greater faith in God by what you do this week?
