Welcome to week seven of our study on the Epistle of James! Today we are beginning chapter two which begins with a warning against being partial towards others, especially in favoring the rich over the poor. Jesus emphasized a similar message in His teaching and in the way He came to the world as a humble servant.
Contents
Week One – An Expository Study of James
Week Two – Joy in Our Trials
Week Three – Giving Birth to Sin Part One
Week Four – Giving Birth to Sin Part Two
Week Five – Receiving the Word
Week Six – Receiving the Word Part Two
Outline
- Opening prayer
- Introduction
- Read James 2:1-7
- Read the study notes from ESV.org and listen to 7 minutes of Genuine Faith Does Not Discriminate
- Answer questions 1-5 on page 6 of Workbook on the Epistle of James
- Closing prayer
Opening Prayer
Almighty Father, thank you for the opportunity to come together again to study your Word. We humbly ask that you be with us tonight, and help us understand everything we are about to learn, as we strive to be transformed be the liberating power of the Gospel. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Previous Highlights
In chapter one we learned that genuine faith is actively obedient to the Word. We examined the importance of not merely listening to the Word, but being changed by it. We learned that those who act on God’s Word will be blessed in what they do, and we examined the difference between true and false religion.[1]
Application
Read James 2:1-7, then listen to the podcast at the 20:31 minute mark to 27:08, which focuses on verse 5. Answer questions 1-5 on page 6 of the workbook and read the “place of the passage” on ESV.org. Tonight there are several word studies again. For reasons and tips on why we do word studies, check out What is the Value of Doing a Word Study in Understanding the Bible? and A Simple Guide For How to do a Word Study in the Bible.
Closing Prayer
Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.[2]
Next Week
Next week, we will be looking at James 2:8-13 and answering questions 6-9 on page 6 of the workbook. Have a wonderful week, ladies!
Featured image is from The Book of James.