James 2:1-13 Inductive Bible Study – Do Not Show Favoritism
- I. Show no partiality (1-4) What does it mean to show favoritism? Is favoritism common in your society? ...
- II. Do not honor the rich above the poor (5-7) Does God show favoritism? What does verse five teach us about God’s character? ...
- III. Fulfill the law by loving others (8-13) What is Scripture’s royal law? Why is this called the royal law? ...
How faith works James 2?
How Faith Works. James 2:1-26. Jim Davis. To the Jewish mind wisdom was the practical application of truth. The book of James gives us a down to earth practical application of God's truth. James seeks to give us wisdom as he seeks to motivate us to translate our thinking into practical everyday living.
Do You Believe in James 2?
Neither director James ... 2: Judgment Day." "I remember sitting there once, high on E, writing notes for Terminator, and I was struck by Sting's song, that 'I hope the Russians love their children too,'" says Cameron. "And I thought, 'You know what?
Would you please explain James 2?
James 2 Explained. So often people attempt to run to James 2 to try to change grace or faith into something more than what they are. So here is my explanation so as to not have to repeat myself often. First things to consider: James is writing to believers (eternally saved people). James 1:2 - brethren; 1:3 they had faith; 1:8 believers can ...
Is James 2 teaching works salvation?
James does not teach that good works are necessary in order to gain salvation and Paul never teaches that good works are unnecessary after a person is saved. On the contrary, Paul agreed with James that for the person justified by faith, good works are essential (Phil. 2:12-13; Titus 3:5-8; Eph. 2:8-10).
What is the main point of James Chapter 2?
James 2 continues the theme of maturity presented at the beginning of the book. When James opens his letter, he challenges his readers to view trials as opportunities to grow rather than obstacles to lament. He asserts that every trial we overcome helps us mature as Christians.
What can I learn from James 2?
James 2:14–26. Invite students to suppose that a young man has recognized that he has sinned. He believes in the Atonement of Jesus Christ and in the Savior's ability to save him. He says that all he has to do is believe and the Lord will forgive him, with no other effort on his part.
What does James teach about faith and works?
(JAMES 1:2 -11; 2:14- 26) That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Teaching about faith and works, James said it does not profit a man if he said he has faith but lacks works because his faith can never save him.
What good is it my brothers and sisters if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?
What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
Who is speaking in James 2?
James 2 is the second chapter of the Epistle of James in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The author identifies himself as "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" and the epistle is traditionally attributed to James the brother of Jesus, written in Jerusalem between 48 and 61 CE.
What is the main message of the book of James?
Framing his letter within an overall theme of patient perseverance during trials and temptations, James writes in order to encourage his readers to live consistently with what they have learned in Christ. He condemns various sins, including pride, hypocrisy, favouritism, and slander.
What did James teach partiality?
According to James, Christians should do away with partiality as they hold on to the faith of Jesus Christ. James admonished the people to show equal attention to the rich and to the poor among them.
What is the spiritual meaning of James?
In fact, the name James means the same exact thing as Jacob—“supplanter” or substitute—and comes from the original Hebrew word for Jacob. Because of its connection to Jacob, James is a Biblical name (two of Jesus' apostles were named James).
Why is the book of James relevant today?
The relevance of the book of James is found in its call for ethical living based on the Christian gos- pel. It is true that James emphasizes the ethical obligations rather than the theological basis of the Christian faith. He is not indifferent to theology; he assumes it.
Can faith alone save you KJV?
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
Is favoritism a sin?
James makes clear that favoritism is not simply disrespectful of people; it is sin against God. “If … you show favoritism, you commit sin” (Jas. 2:9). It is sin because it is contrary to the character and command of God.
Where in the book of James does it talk about the tongue?
but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.
What are the teaching points of James?
Teaching Points. 1. James points out how illogical it is to strive so hard to please to the rich people while neglecting the poor. The poor were often the ones who were saved by God and belonged to God’s family while the rich often mistreated believers and mocked their faith.
What is a small group study of James?
These small group studies of James contain outlines, cross-references, Bible study discussion questions, and applications. Visit our library of inductive Bible studies for more in depth inductive studies on this and other books of the Bible you can use in your small group.
What is James' example of honoring the rich in the church?
James’ example of honoring the rich in church (2-4) – The believers James wrote to fell into the sin of favoritism by treating the rich differently than the poor. They gave the best seats in the church to rich, but the poor were afterthoughts.
What does Isaiah say about justice?
Isaiah 1:17 – Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. Matthew 9:10-13 – While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples.
What is the work that James said justifies Abraham?
3) The work that James said justifies Abraham was his offering up of Isaac (Genesis 22:9,12) , an event that occurred many years after he first exercised faith and was declared righteous before the Lord (Genesis 12:1-7; 15:6).
What does James say about salvation?
1) James already stressed that salvation is a gracious gift (James 1:17-18); 2) In the middle of this disputed passage (verse 23), James quoted Genesis 15:6, which forcefully claims that God credited righteousness to Abraham soley on th basis of his faith;
What did Jesus teach us?
Jesus also taught us that we will be known by our fruits. Believers will bring good works and unbelievers will bring bad works.
Why are the two stories similar and appropriate for comparison?
The two stories are the similar and appropriate for comparison because both are stories where the judgment of one by another is seen as wrong when both have come to worship God in the same assembly. The clue is given by Jesus in verse 14.
What happens when you break God's commandments?
Sin is sin. Breaking any of God’s commandments always yields the same result - broken fellowship with God which is sin.
Does James say that faith alone or by itself is not indicative that one is saved?
No , James is saying that faith alone or by itself is not indicative that one is saved. Look at verse 19, James points out that even the demons have faith that God exists. The main point is that faith that God exists and a mental acknowledgement that God exists is simply not enough.
What is the point of test number 2?
Test number two is works. The point is similar to the one at the end of chapter 1 about hearing and doing. Knowing a lot of things is pointless unless that knowledge changes how you live.
What does John say about having two shirts?
Luke 3:11 – John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
How was Abraham's faith proven?
Abraham’s faith was proven through his works (21-24) – In verses 21-24, James uses another case study to prove his point, this time focusing on Abraham. Interestingly, this is the very example used by Paul in Romans to teach the principle of justification by faith (Romans 4).
What does the Bible say about being justified?
Romans 3:28 – For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Romans 5:1 – Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. James 2:24 – You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.
What is the illustration in the Bible that shows that faith without works is dead?
The example is this. A person in need comes to you for help. With smooth words you bless the person and wish them well, sending them on their way.
What is the test number one in the Bible?
In chapter one, he showed that trials test true faith. Perseverance in trials is an indicator that a person’s faith is real and that they are truly saved. Thus, response to trials is test number one.
What does Ephesians 2:8-10 mean?
Ephesians 2:8-10 – For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith— and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
What does the command from James 2:2-4 mean?
As this command from James shows, the apostles had to teach the early church to never hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ... with partiality . 2. ( Jam 2:2-4) An example of the kind of partiality that has no place among Christians.
What is the significance of James in the New Testament?
This means that the earliest Christians considered Jesus to be God, and said so in strong, unmistakable words. b.
What does James mean by the word "Jesus Christ"?
James used strong words to refer to Jesus Christ: The Lord of glory. Moffatt comments: “The Christian religion [is here called] more explicitly belief in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the divine Glory – a striking term for Christ as the full manifestation of the divine presence and majesty.
What is the significance of the work of Jesus?
i. A significant aspect of the work of Jesus was to break down these walls that divided humanity, and to bring forth one new race of mankind in Him ( Ephesians 2:14-15 ).
Do you want to know that faith without works is dead?
Do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? James will now use the Old Testament to demonstrate what he has already said about the character of a living faith, showing that a faith that is not accompanied with works is a dead faith that cannot save.
Do not hold the faith?
a. Do not hold the faith: The glorious faith we have, the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, should never be associated with partiality (discrimination). The Lord of glory Himself shows no partiality ( Deuteronomy 10:17 and Acts 10:34) so neither should those who put their trust in Him.
The Law Or Faith?
- Verse 10 of James 2 is one of the most popular verses that people cite when considering how difficult it is to keep the law. To understand this more we need to remember the purpose of the law. The law is there to show us our need for a Saviour so that we may be justified by faith. Onc…
Works as Evidence of Faith
- This section of Scripture is one that many misunderstand and even misinterpret. Some might say that James totally contradicts what Paul teaches about faith and works. However when you study this in context with the closing verses it becomes very clear that the teachings of James and Paul are in total harmony, as they both teach that faith comes first and then works show evidence of …
Faith Produces Good Works
- As we saw in the previous passage anyone can have faith, but faith without works is dead. We need faith to believe and please God (Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 11:6) but faith also produces fruit (Galatians 5:22-25) and the things that we do as a believer should show evidence of that fruit in our life. It is that fruit (works) that continually add to our faith, growing it. When we quench the H…