Here’s how the study works: Read the chapter mentioned in the heading several times during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for a chapter creates the opportunity to reread it several times and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
v.1 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.
Christians should not be impressed with worldly fame and glory.
v.1 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.
Christians should not be impressed with worldly fame and glory.
v.6 Is it not the rich who are exploiting you?
I have read a few books lately that speak about how the West exploits poorer country by not paying their workers a decent wage for the work they do for them which makes James' words timeless. The rich still exploit the poor. And it is still wrong which is a problem for those of us who are benefiting from it.
I believe one day the oppressed will cry out to God and He will intervene on their behalf. Then we will have some serious life style changes to face.
v.6 Is it not the rich who are exploiting you?
I have read a few books lately that speak about how the West exploits poorer country by not paying their workers a decent wage for the work they do for them which makes James' words timeless. The rich still exploit the poor. And it is still wrong which is a problem for those of us who are benefiting from it.
I believe one day the oppressed will cry out to God and He will intervene on their behalf. Then we will have some serious life style changes to face.
v.8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.
(From Constable’s Commentary) “God gave the Mosaic Law both to regulate the life of the Israelites and to reveal the character and purposes of God to the Israelites and all other people. Its regulatory function ceased when Jesus died on the cross. Its revelatory value remains forever; it is part of Scripture that is still profitable…The fact that the "golden rule" was part of the Mosaic Law as well as the law of Christ does not mean that we are still under the Mosaic Law.
v.8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.
(From Constable’s Commentary) “God gave the Mosaic Law both to regulate the life of the Israelites and to reveal the character and purposes of God to the Israelites and all other people. Its regulatory function ceased when Jesus died on the cross. Its revelatory value remains forever; it is part of Scripture that is still profitable…The fact that the "golden rule" was part of the Mosaic Law as well as the law of Christ does not mean that we are still under the Mosaic Law.
v.12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom.
James emphasises “the law that gives freedom” (1:25)
v.12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom.
James emphasises “the law that gives freedom” (1:25)
v.13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
We are not in danger of losing our salvation but we will suffer loss (either now or in the future) if we are not merciful.
v.13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
We are not in danger of losing our salvation but we will suffer loss (either now or in the future) if we are not merciful.
v.14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?
When a person’s actions disagree with their words it calls in to question the value of their words.
Elsewhere we are encouraged to produce good fruit – outwards signs of our faith. However some fruit trees don’t bear much fruit so it is actually possible to be a Christian and show little evidence.
v.14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?
When a person’s actions disagree with their words it calls in to question the value of their words.
Elsewhere we are encouraged to produce good fruit – outwards signs of our faith. However some fruit trees don’t bear much fruit so it is actually possible to be a Christian and show little evidence.
v.19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that —and shudder.
Demons are a rather extreme example of someone/something that believes in God but does not have saving faith.
v.19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that —and shudder.
Demons are a rather extreme example of someone/something that believes in God but does not have saving faith.
v.20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?
Some versions say “dead” instead of “useless” but useless seems a better way to understand what James is saying. It is possible to have saving faith but not live by faith day by day so it is actually useless in the world.
v.20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?
Some versions say “dead” instead of “useless” but useless seems a better way to understand what James is saying. It is possible to have saving faith but not live by faith day by day so it is actually useless in the world.
v.23 Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.
Even Abraham gained righteousness through faith and not by good works.
v.23 Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.
Even Abraham gained righteousness through faith and not by good works.
v.25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?
Rahab actually lied but was considered righteous because of her faith.
v.25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?
Rahab actually lied but was considered righteous because of her faith.