LBS "Living a Life of Genuine Faith" James 2:1-13 Lesson 3

LBS

Living a Life of Genuine Faith

James 2:1-13 Lesson 3

There are two main ideas in last weeks passages: Genuine faith resists and flees from temptation. In verses 13-18 we see the progression of temptation illustrated throughout Scripture: See-want-take-share-suffer. Also, genuine faith is actively obedient to the Word. Verses 19-27 show that those who act on God’s Word will be blessed in what they do, and these verses reveal the difference between true and false religion. 

1. Look back at 1:26-27. What three tests of true religion did James give?

      1.

      2.

      3.

                            Fill in the blanks below from lesson 1 and 2.       

We have Faith, which is tested by _________, which produces _________, which will finally produce ______________ in us.

We have desire, which brings forth ______________, which produces ______, which when it’s finished will bring forth _____________.

Read James 2:1-13

2. In 2:2-4, how were those James addresses discriminating between rich and poor? What clues did they focus on? Are those clues always reliable? Why or why not?

3. Based on the context of Jame’s comments, do you think the early church consisted mostly of wealthy people or poor people? Explain how you reached your answer. Look up Acts 2:45 to help with your answer. 

Apply: Describe a time you were treated with negative discrimination. How did it feel?

4. In 2:8, what is the royal law? Why is it royal? Look up John 15:12 Leviticus 19:18 Matt. 22:37, Romans 13:8; Gal. 5:14 to help you with your answer.

5. What do verses 2:10-11 tell us about being a lawbreaker? Doest it seem fair to you? Why or why not. 

6. Look up Romans 13:8-10. How do Paul’s words reinforce the principles in 2:9-11?

7. Look up judge (verb) in the dictionary and write the definitions or synonyms for them below that best fit the way they are used in James 2:12-13:

judge: 

mercy: 

Apply: How should the idea that we will be “judged under the Law of liberty” impact our words and actions? List some specific examples for each area below:

In our home
In our place of work
In our church
In our community