Midweek Bible Study Notes - Session 4
Wednesday 4th April
BIBLE STUDY
Wisdom from James
This Bible study is based on the Letter of James and is intended for group discussion after an initial talk by the minister. The questions set out in each session of the study are intended to stimulate discussion and need not be kept to rigidly but all the questions arise from what is written in this Letter.
Session 4
How Should I Assess a Person’s Value?
Passage for Study
James 2: 1-13
Outline of Talk:
- In these verses James refers to “partiality” or “favouritism” and how it is a sin. He also shows how destructive it is when it is active in any congregation. You will need to discuss what sort of attitude lies behind favouritism and in what ways it shows itself practically.
- In verse 4 James tells us that showing favouritism involves being judgmental. This is different to making distinctions between people and assessing their gifts etc. What James is dealing with is taking this to the level of looking up to some and down on others simply because of outward appearance or possessions.
- In countering the tendency we all have to show favouritism or partiality, James gives us something which contrasts with our human evaluation. He says that it is often the case that God has chosen those who are poor materially but are rich in faith, and in contrast that many who are rich materially are actually enemies of God and of his church (verse 6-7).
- James then introduces again (previously in 1:25) a reference to the law of God. This time, however, he describes it as the “royal law” as well as by “the law of liberty.” You will need to think about what is significant about both these descriptions in relation to the sin of favouritism.
- Finally, the passage ends with references to “mercy” and to mercy “triumphing over judgment.” This brings home to us the fact that God does not treat us as we deserve but in fact tempers his judgment with mercy. This relates to how we are to behave in attitude and practice towards all kinds of people not just those we might regard as our “favourites.”
Questions for Discussion Session:
- If you were a visitor to the church James describes in verses 1-4 what would you be seeing? What would your reaction be? How does it compare to what you see in your own congregation (be honest!)?
- Why do you think they honoured those who were well off and looked down on those who were poor? (“sin” is not a good enough answer – you need to be more specific!)
- How does the title James gives to Jesus in verse 1 help us to be impartial in our dealings with people?
- What sort of problems will “partiality” or “favouritism” lead to in a congregation?
- In verse 8 James summarises the “royal law.” Why do you think he does this? How does he show in verses 9-11 that favouritism is not a “small” sin of little consequence?
- Why do you think the law is called “the law of liberty” in verse 12? (Clue – God frees us from sin and requires a consequent behaviour from us). What does this have to do with favouritism?
- How does the fact that you need a “judgment with mercy” (see verse 13) help you to avoid the sin of favouritism?
