Living Faith: Embracing God's Mercy and Rejecting Favoritism

Summary

In the exploration of the Book of James, there is a call to engage deeply with the word of God, not merely skimming through the scriptures but stooping to investigate their meaning and implications for daily living. This approach is not just about reading but about allowing the scriptures to transform lives. To facilitate this, resources such as a five-day devotional series and small group materials are provided, which are based on the teachings from the previous Sunday, aiming to help individuals and groups reflect on the passages and apply them to their lives.

The teachings from the Book of James emphasize the importance of being doers of the word, living out faith through actions such as controlling the tongue, caring for the vulnerable, and leading a consecrated life. The focus then shifts to James chapter two, which addresses the issue of favoritism within the community of believers. James provides a clear illustration of this issue by describing a scenario where a rich man is given preferential treatment over a poor man based solely on their appearance. This behavior is identified as discrimination and is equated with having evil thoughts.

The letter of James is understood to be a summary of what is to come in the rest of the letter, highlighting two types of religion: one that is empty and worthless because it bears none of the fruit of the Spirit, and one that is pure and faultless in the sight of God. The latter is characterized by practical outworkings of faith, such as caring for orphans and widows and keeping oneself from being polluted by the world. This is not about being saved by works but about the transformation that occurs when one accepts Jesus and allows the Holy Spirit to work within them.

The narrative then delves into the nature of God, who does not distance Himself from humanity despite its brokenness and sin but instead finds a way to dwell with His people by becoming human. This act of redemption is a powerful example of God's lack of favoritism and His desire to be with His people. Believers are thus encouraged to emulate this attribute of God by showing mercy to all people, not based on what can be gained from them but out of the riches they have in Jesus Christ.

The concept of favoritism is further explored by considering the cultural context of the time when James was written. In the ancient Near East, there was a stark divide between the poor and the ultra-rich, with virtually no middle class. The temptation to show favoritism to the wealthy, who had the power to change one's situation, was significant. However, James challenges this mindset by reminding believers that God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith and inherit the Kingdom promised to those who love Him.

The teachings conclude with a benediction from Hebrews 10, which speaks of the confidence believers have to enter the most holy place by the blood of Jesus. It calls for drawing near to God with a sincere heart, holding unswervingly to hope, and spurring one another on towards love and good deeds. The message is clear: do not show favoritism but instead, out of the blessings received from God, pour out to those in need and share the gospel message.

Key Takeaways:

- The deep engagement with scripture is not merely an intellectual exercise but a transformative practice that requires meditation and application to one's life. This approach allows for a richer understanding and a more profound impact on how individuals live out their faith. [54:12]

- True faith is evidenced by actions that reflect the character of God, such as caring for the vulnerable and living a life free from worldly pollution. This is not about earning salvation through works but about the natural outworking of a life transformed by the Holy Spirit. [01:00:33]

- God's character is revealed as one who does not show favoritism but instead seeks to dwell with His people, despite their flaws. This understanding challenges believers to show mercy to all, not based on personal gain but as a reflection of the mercy they have received in Christ. [01:16:15]

- The cultural context of the Book of James highlights the temptation to show favoritism towards the wealthy for personal gain. However, the teaching of James reminds believers that true riches are found in faith and the inheritance of God's Kingdom, not in worldly wealth or status. [56:08]

- The benediction from Hebrews 10 serves as a reminder of the privilege believers have to approach God with confidence and the responsibility to encourage one another in love and good deeds. This communal aspect of faith fosters a supportive environment where favoritism has no place. [01:44:26]

Study Guide

### Bible Reading

1. James 1:26-27: "Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

2. James 2:1-9: "My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, 'Here’s a good seat for you,' but say to the poor man, 'You stand there' or 'Sit on the floor by my feet,' have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong? If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, 'Love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers."

3. Hebrews 10:19-25: "Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

### Observation Questions

1. What does James say is the mark of "pure and faultless" religion according to James 1:26-27?
2. In James 2:1-9, what scenario does James use to illustrate the issue of favoritism within the community of believers?
3. According to Hebrews 10:19-25, what are believers encouraged to do as they draw near to God with confidence?

### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does James emphasize the importance of controlling the tongue and caring for the vulnerable as indicators of true religion? ([49:25])
2. How does the cultural context of the ancient Near East, with its stark divide between the poor and the ultra-rich, influence the temptation to show favoritism? ([55:15])
3. What does it mean to "draw near to God with a sincere heart" as mentioned in Hebrews 10:22, and how does this relate to the communal aspect of faith? ([44:26])

### Application Questions

1. Reflect on a time when you may have shown favoritism based on someone's appearance or status. How did that situation make you feel, and what could you have done differently? ([50:09])
2. James calls believers to care for orphans and widows. Identify a specific way you can support a vulnerable person or group in your community this week. ([01:00:39])
3. The sermon mentioned the importance of not just reading scripture but allowing it to transform our lives. What is one practical step you can take this week to engage more deeply with the Bible? ([07:08])
4. How can you emulate God's lack of favoritism in your daily interactions, especially with those who are different from you? ([01:06:52])
5. Hebrews 10:24 encourages believers to spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Who in your life can you encourage this week, and how will you do it? ([44:26])
6. Think about the concept of drawing near to God with a sincere heart. What distractions or barriers do you need to remove to deepen your relationship with God? ([44:26])
7. The sermon highlighted the importance of living out our faith through actions. What is one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate your faith in a tangible way? ([01:00:33])

Devotional

Day 1: Transformative Scripture Engagement
Engaging with scripture is an intimate and transformative experience that goes beyond mere reading. It is a practice that involves delving into the depths of God's Word, seeking to understand its profound truths and allowing it to shape one's life. This process of meditation and application is essential for a deeper comprehension and a more significant impact on how one lives out their faith. It is a journey of discovery where the words on the page become a living dialogue with the Divine, guiding, correcting, and empowering believers to live in a way that reflects their commitment to Christ. [54:12]

Bible passage: Psalm 119:15-16 - "I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word."

Reflection: How can you create a daily routine that includes intentional, meditative reading of scripture, and what might be the first step in making this a reality for you?

Day 2: Faith Manifested in Deeds
True faith is not a silent, hidden belief but is vividly displayed through actions that mirror the character of God. It is about caring for those in need, controlling one's speech, and living a life that is untainted by the world's corrupting influences. This active faith is the natural outpouring of a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit, a testament to the work of God within. It is not a means to earn salvation but a response to the grace that has been received. Believers are called to live out their faith with authenticity, demonstrating the love and power of the gospel through their deeds. [01:00:33]

Bible passage: 1 John 3:18 - "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."

Reflection: What is one tangible action you can take this week to care for someone in need as an expression of your faith?

Day 3: God's Impartial Mercy
The nature of God is one of impartiality and mercy, a God who chooses to dwell among His people, embracing humanity in all its brokenness. This divine attribute is a model for believers, who are called to show mercy to all, not for personal gain but as a reflection of the mercy they have received in Christ. It is a call to look beyond appearances and worldly status, to see others through the eyes of Jesus and to extend grace as freely as it has been given. This understanding of God's character challenges believers to live out their faith with a heart that mirrors God's own heart for His people. [01:16:15]

Bible passage: James 2:8-9 - "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, 'Love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers."

Reflection: In what ways can you show impartial mercy in your daily interactions, and how can this practice draw you closer to the heart of God?

Day 4: Rich in Faith, Not Favoritism
The temptation to show favoritism towards the wealthy for personal gain was as prevalent in the ancient world as it is today. Yet, the teachings of James remind believers that true riches are found in faith and the inheritance of God's Kingdom. This perspective challenges the believer to value others based on their faith and character rather than their material wealth or social status. It is a call to recognize the dignity and worth of every individual as a creation of God and to resist the cultural norms that elevate the rich over the poor. [56:08]

Bible passage: James 2:5 - "Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?"

Reflection: How can you actively resist the temptation to show favoritism in your own life, and what steps can you take to honor the true riches of faith in those around you?

Day 5: Communal Encouragement in Faith
The benediction from Hebrews 10 serves as a powerful reminder of the privilege believers have to approach God with confidence and the responsibility to encourage one another in love and good deeds. This communal aspect of faith fosters a supportive environment where favoritism has no place. It is a call to draw near to God with a sincere heart, to hold unswervingly to the hope professed, and to spur one another on towards love and good deeds. In doing so, believers create a community that reflects the unity and diversity of the body of Christ, where each member is valued and supported. [01:44:26]

Bible passage: Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can encourage a fellow believer this week, and how can this act of encouragement strengthen your own faith journey?

Quotes

1) "We don't earn a badge for getting through [the scriptures] quickly; they're designed to slow down, take our time, meditate and let things seep into our hearts." [54:12] (Download)

2) "The biblical authors masterfully wove the truth they were pointing to throughout their text in such a way that the reader would uncover deeper levels of understanding as they studied." [52:58] (Download)

3) "As his people who have received this extraordinary mercy, it should drive us to show mercy to all people, to look at everybody we pass not from the perspective of what can I gain from you, but out of the riches I have in Jesus Christ." [01:30:48] (Download)

4) "The church grew through ordinary people; in fact, it moved through the poor. James is saying, believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, Lord Of Glory who gave up all of this for you, don't show favoritism; be like him, be like Jesus." [01:11:47] (Download)

5) "God's character revealed: He shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing." [01:13:14] (Download)

6) "If we show favoritism, we are failing in the most important law because when Jesus is questioned upon what is the most important law, he responds: love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your mind and all your strength and love your neighbor as yourself." [01:21:18] (Download)

7) "Jesus, who came down to where we are, he who was rich in all the Splendor of the Heavenly throne room, became poor for our sake and in coming down to where we are showed no favoritism." [01:11:00] (Download)

8) "The benediction from Hebrews 10 serves as a reminder of the privilege believers have to approach God with confidence and the responsibility to encourage one another in love and good deeds." [01:44:26] (Download)

9) "The scriptures are not to be approached like a checklist or a speed task. They are designed to be meditated on, and deeper truths are revealed as the reader or hearer engages with the text again and again." [53:34] (Download)

10) "When we love God with all our heart and all our mind and all our strength, the outpouring of that, the working out of that, the practical flow on from that is that we love our neighbor as ourselves." [01:21:59] (Download)

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Transcript

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