Small Group Discussion
James: Faith in Action
- Read James 2:1-4
- How did this issue of regarding people because of external factors present itself in the early church?
- What is the situation James describes in these verses? Is this a situation from the distant past or something that is very much a part of Christian culture today? Explain.
- What is the root issue of favoritism and prejudice? Though James is describing the worship of the church, how does this extend beyond the context of a worship service? Where else have you observed prejudice and favoritism?
- Read James 2:5-6
- James said prejudice is wrong because it is inconsistent with God’s character. Read the following verses and take notice of God’s character: Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11; Colossians 3:25; Deuteronomy 1:17 and 16:19. Who do the Scriptures reveal God to be?
- Read Romans 5:8. What darkness and sin has Christ excused in your life? If God was willing to overlook our sin, why are we so unwilling to overlook less significant differences like race, age, income, ethnicity, or any other number of issues?
- Why should Christians, above all others, be willing to look beyond the surface to see the heart? How should what Christ did for us motivate us to live? How is it motivating and challenging you?
- Read JAMES 2:6b-7
- Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-14. What are some ways that all people—regardless of social status or material wealth—can contribute to the kingdom of God?
- Read JAMES 2:8-13
- What sins did James equate with favoritism? Why do we not think about treating others as “less than” as a serious sin? How often do you excuse this sin in others and in yourself?
- Read John 13:34-35. What makes this a “new” commandment? What is the defining mark of a Christian disciple?
- What does it mean for me?
- Help your group identify how the truths from the Scripture passage apply directly to their lives.
- If you were gut-level honest, what areas of your life do you need to repent of for the sin of favoritism?
- How does showing prejudice and favoritism endanger our witness before a non-believing culture?