We all love others. As Christians we know it's our call to love our neighbor as ourselves. And all of us do so, one way or another. But James'concern here isn't that we might not be loving others, his concern is with the selection of who we choose to love. We tend to be selective with our love. We don't loveallof our neighbors as ourselves. We loveselectneighbors as ourselves. But in light of the gospel, under the law of liberty, God has a better way.
Application Questions
1. Who can you point to as examples of people you are striving to“love as yourself” ?
2. In what ways might you be loving these people selectively, and conveniently avoiding loving others?
3. Do you tend to think of this kind of“selective love” as sin? If not, why not?
4. How does the gospel and the“law of liberty” motivate you to love others and show mercy without partiality?
09. The Law of Liberty
“God’s call is higher than to just love someone.”
November 3, 2019
01. Joy and Suffering
September 1, 2019
James begins his book with a discussion of trials, because living faith is seen in unique ways in the midst of suffering. He wants us to understand that it is actually possible, through faith, to count trials as joy without pretending they don't hurt. And he teaches us how by showing us what trials look like, what they produce, and how these things lead to actual joy that runs deeper than the pain of trials. Application Questions 1. What are some of the multi-colored trials you have experienced or are experiencing? Have you seen those trials produce more endurance in you? 2. When you imagine yourself “lacking nothing,” what images pop into your head? How does that teach you what you think life is about? 3. What will it look like for you to “count it all joy” when you face trials this week?
02. Navigating Suffering
September 8, 2019
As we try to navigate life in our fallen world, we are constantly confused by the situations we find ourselves in. We don't know what to do. We don't know where to turn. We don't even understand the reality of what's happening. Thankfully God gives us the lens of wisdomthrough whichto view the world, which provides clarity and an accurate picture of reality. But wisdom can seem like a difficult (if not impossible) virtue to attain. In our passage today, James teaches us the one sure-fire way we can all gain the wisdom we need. And the amazing thing is, it's a lot simpler than you'd think. Application Questions 1. In what situations or suffering do you currently need wisdom? 2. What can help you practically remember who you're talking to when praying? 3. How often do you simply ask God for wisdom? 4. What would it look like to take time to think and listen with the glasses of wisdom on? What keeps you from doing so? 5. What keeps you from acting in the confidence of wisdom?
03. Suffering and Eternity
September 15, 2019
James gives us examples of trials we face when he brings up“lowliness” : having little money, little power, and little social standing. He also discusses the rich, who enjoy more power, comfort, and respect. But James turns things upside down: he encourages the low to boast in their high position, and the rich to boast in their low position. He does it because he is aware of eternity, and what it holds for those who trust in Christ—and he wants us to be aware of it too. Application Questions 1. What are some things in your life that you boast in? 2. How could thinking of eternity change the way you look at your circumstances, whether “lowly” or “rich” ? 3. What are some ways you will be tempted to boast this week? How can you boast in Christ instead?