James 2vv1-13 - Some Bible Study Notes

In case these are of any interest or use for anyone who would like to do some preparation for our midweek Bible study on Wed 7th Oct on James 2:1-13:

 

As we think about this passage, we might keep 1vv21-22 in mind: humbly accepting the word planted in us which can save us, we seek not only to listen to the word but to do what it says, to put it into practice, to live in the light of the gospel.

 

What would you say is the theme of this passage?

 

Favouritism / partiality (discrimination?) is the theme in v1, v4, v9.

V1 – proswpole_mpsais – favouritism / partiality – lit. receiving the face, judging someone on external appearances, a respecter of persons (KJV)

V4 – diakrinw means separate / make distinctions but it can also mean doubt / waver

 

How might belief in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ exclude favouritism / partiality? (v1)

Can you think of anything else from earlier in the letter or indeed any other biblical teaching which tends against favouritism?

 

What particular types of favouritism / discrimination does James seem to have most in mind? Discrimination against whom?

 

Compare 1v27 with the despising of the poor in 2v3. What should our attitude be to the poor and needy? Why?

 

Look again at vv1-3. What are the two types of “glory” talked about?

 

Can you explain why “discriminating amongst yourselves” would be wrong for the Christian? (v4) 

What arguments does the passage give against it?

 

(We have already heard about the rich and the poor in 1vv9-11)

 

2v5 cf. 1 Cor 1:26-27. How does God’s action / the gospel exclude partiality to the rich?

 

Cf. 1v25 and 2vv8-12 on the law

 

What reasons does the passage give me for avoiding condemning and looking down on others (e.g. because of their poverty)?

 

How does the law of God exclude favouritism? (vv8-112)

 

What does the passage tell us about right / wrong judgement? Who should be doing the judging and how?

 

What hope does the passage give us if we are conscious of being law breakers?

 

What reason does v13 give for showing mercy?

 

On mercy see Matthew 5:7; 18:21-35

Does our passage mean we should never make any kind of judgements? Or that we cannot have particular friends e.g. within the church? Am I a judge with an evil heart if I invite some people round for meals more often than others? What does the passage mean?

 

Do you think something like vv2-4 could happen in our church services / gatherings?

Are there ways you / we are tempted to show favouritism?

Do we sometimes judge by faulty criteria?

 

How might our passage encourage praise and prayer?

 

* * *

 

Vv8-9 – Don’t just love some of your neighbours! No favouritism

 

If you’re arrested for assault, it’s no defence to point out you’re not a bigamist!

Breaking the law is breaking the law. Break one law and you are still a law breaker.  

 

Or think of shattering a pain of glass. It doesn’t much matter where you smash it. If it breaks, it breaks.

 

The Law of God is not like those exam questions which say “Candidates must attempt any three questions.”  

 

Selective obedience is disobedience (Allberry, p66)

 

Sam Allberry:

Favouritism contradicts God’s choosing of the poor to be rich in faith (v5)

Favouritism contradicts God’s law (vv8-11)

Favouritism contradicts God’s mercy (vv12-13)

 

Next week: James 2vv14-end