THEMES
Overarching Theme: Wisdom
Chapter Two Theme: Putting our Love & Faith into action
HISTORY
The church in Jerusalem that James led was made up of Messianic Jews, and facing a lot of hardship - famine, persecution and poverty were among the pressures that the congregation were potentially facing, which may give some extra reasoning behind the teaching that James gives here.
James being the half-brother of Jesus, would also have seen the type of faith and love that Jesus displayed, and as such this chapter doesn’t hold back on its calling to live radically!
Session Resources
Verses 1-7
James dives into Chapter 2 with an example of Christ-like living - We are called to value each and every person as Jesus does, without favouritism. We are also reminded here of the dangers of wealth and power.
Questions
How good are our churches at making sure every person is valued, without favouritism?
How can we guard ourselves from the corrupting influence of power and wealth?
Verses 8-13
This leads onto a reminder of one of the most important laws in scripture - To love our neighbour as ourselves, followed by a reminder not to live in a place of superiority.
Questions
Who are the neighbours around us that God is calling us to love?
How can we put our love for others into action?
Verses 14-19
Next comes a very well-known passage, where James makes the case that faith without works is dead, and that true faith should be backed up by how we live.
Questions
James writes about empty words as a reflection of empty faith. How easy do you find it to use words when actions would serve better?
Think of examples of how actions can express your faith.
Verses 20-26
James finishes the chapter with Abraham and Rahab, two examples from the Old Testament, where their faith was counted as righteousness through how they responded.
Questions
Can you think of any more examples in scripture where people were counted as righteous? What was it that made them righteous?
Where does our righteousness come from?
KEY TAKEAWAYS
This chapter really drives home two points: to love one another, and to back our faith up with works. This isn’t a call to become legalistic and try to achieve a works-based salvation, but rather a reminder not to become passive over the gifts of faith and love that God has given us.
James gives some serious warnings of how neglecting to live by faith and love can lead to sin, and so he provides some solid exhortations on how to live as God’s children.
PRAYER & REFLECTION
End your time as a group, or individually, in a time of prayer. If it is helpful, below is a written prayer you can use as a reflection on thoughts and reflections that James has presented us with today.
Dear Lord,
Thank you that it is by grace alone that we have been saved,
and that faith, hope and love are gifts from you.
Please help us to apply these gifts in our lives today.
Search our hearts and show us any area where our
love for our neighbours falls short
or where we need to backup our faith with the works to demonstrate it.
Where there is favouritism, we ask that you would help us to love everyone,
and where our faith feels small, please give us the confidence we need in you.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen