Discussion Guide Questions – James 2:1-13 – 1/31/21 – Faith and Favoritism Open (something fun/engaging to get everyone sharing)

• What is something you are interested in that is unique (or even nerdy!)?

Observation (What do we learn from this passage?)

• Have someone read James 2:1-13. • What does it mean to “show

partiality”? Why is faith in Christ and favoritism incompatible? • Who might the well-dressed man and the poor man be in our society today? What makes

someone honored, or what makes someone discounted and overlooked? • What are the four reasons James gives in verses 5-9 for why favoritism is a sin? • Have you ever struggled with the idea of God “choosing” us to be saved? How is this

good news? • What does it mean that we will be judged under the law of liberty? • How does God’s mercy for us in Christ change the way we treat those who are poor in

the eyes of the world? Application (How are we to live in light of this passage?)

• What are some ways that favoritism shows up in our lives individually or as a church? • What are some ways we can show mercy to those who are poor in the eyes of the world? • If this passage was fully obeyed in our church, what difference would that make in our

fellowship? • In what ways are we tempted as a church to seek favor in the eyes of the world? What

would happen if we were fully satisfied in “our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory”? (Kneel in) Prayer – (What can we ask our Father, giver of good gifts?)

• Ask God to root out any sins of favoritism from our hearts and our church. • Make us a place where those who are poor in spirit are welcomed. • Help us know our glorious and rich inheritance in Christ.