041005

REAL FAITH FOR A REAL WORLD
IMPARTIAL LOVE
JAMES 2

James 2: 1-7
1) In these verses James (the younger brother of our Lord, Jesus) really comes down on the church for showing favoritism among its members. Keep this thought in mind: The way we behave toward others shows what we really believe about God!
a) In Matthew 5:46-47, Jesus gives us a great example of the favoritism shown by the world. How, or is this any different from the favoritism that James is condemning in the church?
b) Taking a good hard look at ourselves always helps to keep us humble and to show God’s mercy and love to others. See what 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 has to say about me and you. So, what gives us the right to show favor to one above another?
c) 1 Samuel 16:7; Mathew 22:16 and Acts 10:34 and may give us a little insight as to why this strongly goes against what God intends for His church. Explain.
d) Romans 12:8-10; Romans 12:16; 1 Timothy 5:21 (I like the KJV) and 1 Peter 2:17 give us clear commands on how we should treat all our brothers and sisters in the Lord.
e) Jesus reminds us to be humble with our relationships and to not be puffed up about ourselves or our positions. (See Luke 14:8-14; Romans 12:3-5 and 1 John 3:16-18)
f) Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. Just a little exercise—repeat this passage using your own name. (i.e., Jennifer is kind, etc.) Doesn’t quite cut it, does it? Now, do the same thing, only this time—use the name of Jesus! Wow! Now, that fits—God is love (See 1 John 4:8).
g) Another reason loving one another is so important is found in Jon 13:34-35. What is it?
h) Finally, follow Christ. Jesus looked at everyone as having potential. If we are looking at a brother or sister in the Lord, then welcome him/her because Christ dwells in their hearts. If we are looking at an unbeliever, then realize that Christ died for him and loves him/her while they are yet sinners!
James 2:8-13
1) What is mercy? Jesus gives us a beautiful picture of the mercy of God in Matthew 18:23-35 and still another in Luke 10:25-37. How would you describe mercy based on these accounts?
a) When we show favoritism is mercy at work?
b) We always want mercy extended to us. On a scale from 1 to 10, how would you rate the mercy
you show others?
c) The NIV translation of James 2:13 proclaims, “Mercy triumphs over judgment!” In John 8:4-11, we get a glimpse right into the merciful heart of Jesus. The Law demanded that this women (by the way, the man, too—but he was no where to be found) be stoned to death. What a great example of mercy triumphing over judgment! No accusers! Isn’t that what we all want—no one to stand up and condemn us—especially our Lord? Then surely, we should be first in line to extend mercy to our brothers and sisters! Let’s be careful here—while we are to show mercy, and we do receive mercy—by doing so, we are not saved! We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone!
d) We’ve studied the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) over the past several weeks and one of them is, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Can you recall an incident where you obtained or extended mercy from someone? How did you respond? Was it freeing?
James 2:14-18 and James 2:21-26
1) Faith without works is dead—that’s one translation. This seems to contradict Ephesians 2:8. So, what about the thief on the cross (Luke 23:40-43?) Oh, and look at John 6:28-29! Any thoughts?
a) Ephesians 2:10 seems to back up James’ assertion. God has give each of us gifts to be used to build up His church (See Ephesians 4:8; Romans 12:6-9; 1 Corinthians 12.) How are you putting to work the gift(s) God has given you? A mature Christian “lives” his/her faith! True faith results in change (See Galatians 5:22-23.)
b) 1 Corinthians 13 shows us a more excellent way—love! Oh, girls—love! 1 Peter 4:8 gives us a rich promise if we follow the law of love. What is it?
James 2:19-20
1) The devils believe and tremble—now that is a scary thought! You have to remember, the devils are fallen angels—they were once in the presence of Almighty God, His Son, Jesus and the Holy Spirit—each and every one of them beheld the Ancient of Days face to face! The reason they tremble is because they know they are doomed! They will spend eternity in the place prepared for them (Matthew 25:41) because they rebelled against God’s authority (Isaiah 14:12-17 and Revelation 12:7-9).
a) What is saving belief? (See Romans 3:20-27 and Romans 4:3.) By the way, ours is an unseeing faith! (See 1 Peter 1:8-9.) Jesus, Himself said that we are blessed because we believe and have not seen (John 20:24-29.)

Strong’s gives the following as a definition of believed: to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ):

KJV--believe(-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.


b) If you every find yourself doubting, or not feeling very strong in your faith, remember Mark 9:24. Don’t be afraid to admit your weakness—ask for more! God promises that His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9.)
c) Oh, and don’t worry that you will suffer the same thing that awaits the devils—look at 1 Thessalonians 5:9. Yeah, God!