in James
James 2:1–13 - 7th November, 2020
OBSERVATION
What does it say?
- Read James 2:1-13
- Who is addressed and mentioned in the passage?
- How does James describe them?
- What questions does James ask?
- What commands are given?
- What reasons are given for the commands? What conclusions are drawn?
INTERPRETATION
What does it mean?
- What is wrong with "making distinctions" or "showing partiality" between rich and poor?
- How has "God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom" (v.5)? What does that mean?
- Who are the rich and the poor?
- What is the royal law? What is the law of liberty?
- What is required?
- How are judgment and mercy connected? Who will receive judgment without mercy according to this passage?
- What sections do you see in this passage? How would you summarize them? How are they connected?
APPLICATION
How should it change us?
- How and to whom are you tempted to show partiality? Why?
- Who do you show favoritism toward, and/or who do you look down upon or avoid? (Spend time confessing and repenting of this!)
- How does the gospel confront the sin of partiality? How does "holding our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory" (v.1) empower us to "show no partiality"?