Please forgive this rough draft format, as these are my raw study notes on the book of James, although they are a bit better formatted than former efforts. I felt a great sense of urgency to publish them rather than waiting until I had the time to pretty them up. Thank you and I pray that God blesses and encourages you through this material. I’m not sure of the condition of the world at the time of this publication. But at the time of its writing, summer 2009, things are looking increasingly bleak with the economy, health care and unemployment, there is a renewal and increase of racism, and godly principles of living being disregarded. Are these the first stages of birth pains? The last? God only knows. And He is very busy these days. Seek His wisdom. Encourage each other. Pray. Jesus is coming to deliver His people and judge the wicked…Stacey
Take a few minutes to pray and savor chapter 2 of the book of James. Then return here and ponder the thoughts, answer the questions, and be sure to leave comments about your own revelations…
No to favoritism, Yes to good works. Show your faith through who you are.
Appearance is not more important than character.
No partiality (for the rich)!
They persecute the poor (believers)
Favoritism violates the law of love, so it is sin (v. 8)
Favoritism will be judged.
2:1-4 – Favoritism is a sin. See v. 9, Leviticus 19:15, Luke 20:21.
We must ignore external appearances.
Assessment – assigning a value. This is ok.
Judgment – an opinion. This isn’t ok.
When we judge and show partiality, we’re saying that Jesus was wrong – in how He lived, how He taught, everything!
2:5 – beloved brethren – James reminds the people that he loves them.
2:11 – Both commandments mentioned violate the law of love to one’s neighbor.
2:12 – Judgment of believers to determine rewards, not to determine eternal destiny.
2:13 – Be merciful – it triumphs over judgment. Memorize this verse.
2:15-16 – Are you paying lip service? Or walking the talk?
2:18 – a genuine Christian will have a changed life.
2:19 – It isn’t enough to just believe. Even the demons believe! What are you doing for Jesus?
• The book of James is called the “Proverbs of the New Testament”. What pearl of wisdom have you harvested from today’s reading, and how will you apply it to your life?
• What attributes of God do you see in this book?
• What verse of scripture seemed to be God speaking directly to you? What is He teaching you in these verses? How does He want you to respond?
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