New Testament in a Year – James 2

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?