Teaching Guide September December 2018 Volume 3, Number 3. Copyright 2018 Smyth & Helwys Publishing Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form without written permission. All Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. All rights reserved. Lesson texts based on the Revised Common Lectionary, copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts (CCT). Suggested Daily Bible Readings based on the Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright 2005 by the CCT. Additional copies may be obtained by calling 1-800-747-3016 or from <www.nextsunday.com>.
Using the Connections Teaching Guide The Smyth & Helwys Connections Series Bible Study Teaching Guide is designed to help you, the Bible study leader, teach lessons with confidence. Indepth background study, as well as engaging teaching suggestions, complement each other and equip you to design an enriching Bible study using the Connections Teaching Guide and the Connections Resource Kit. The Connections Commentary, by Dr. Brian Harbour, offers additional engaging commentary for each lesson in theconnections Bible Study Series. Each lesson in the Connections Teaching Guide offers the following features: Teacher Preparation Section Teaching Principle a concise statement of the lesson s theme Introduction helps teachers grasp the Bible study theme Scripture Context sets the historical, biblical, and literary context Bible Background expository Bible text and background study Conclusion final and summarizing Bible study remarks Class Teaching Section Before the Lesson suggestions for Bible study preparation Beginning the Lesson lesson starters to gain class interest Teaching the Lesson class study directions by verse and section Applying the Lesson ideas for lesson application activities Closing Prayer a prayer suggestion for concluding each lesson Teaching Options optional discussion outlines and suggestions The Connections Resource Kit (available at nextsunday.com/connections) is intended to encourage class participation, provide visual aids, and offer more
opportunities for group discussion. Weekly Resource Kit handout pages complement the Bible study lessons with activities, reflection pieces, or information sheets. The Resource Kit also contains four large posters announcing unit and lesson titles, dates, and Scriptures to be studied. Encouraging a Vibrant Sunday School Environment The gathering period before the Bible study lesson is an important fellowship time for both Sunday school regulars and guests. Here are suggestions for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere (each item can be assigned to a reliable group member): Arrive early and ensure that the meeting area is bright, clean, and welcoming. Encourage joyful fellowship by providing coffee, tea, juice, or snacks. Be purposeful about seeking out visitors and greeting them personally. Be sure to register their attendance. Remember to get contact information so you can tell them later how much you enjoyed having them. If guests are unaccompanied, pair them with friendly regulars for the morning. Be intentional about catching up with regular class members. Enlist other members for this ministry. Gather the classes together for a brief general assembly. Start on time and keep things moving; do not repeat announcements. Allow class members to introduce any invited guests. Consider acknowledging other guests but be sensitive that some people do not like to be singled out. Share news of Sunday school and church activities. Offer a moment of prayer concerns and reasons for thanksgiving.
Lead a brief time of spoken or silent prayer. Some groups may enjoy singing a hymn at this point in the gathering. Send classes off to study by introducing the day s teachers and announcing the class meeting locations. After the day s Bible study, the adult Sunday school coordinator can call teachers for member and guest information updates. Visits or calls to that day s guests may be arranged. Special pastoral care needs among the class participants can be noted and passed on to Sunday school leadership and ministry staff. This is a good way to communicate continued interest and encourage shared ministry with Bible study teachers.
Table of Contents JAMES: LIVING WITH INTEGRITY September 2, 2018 Doers of the Word James 1:17-27 September 9, 2018 Acts of Mercy James 2:1-10, 14-17 September 16, 2018 What Words Reveal James 3:1-12 September 23, 2018 Real Wisdom James 3:13 4:3, 7-8a September 30, 2018 Prayers of Faith James 5:13-20 JOB: WHEN RIGHT FEELS WRONG October 7, 2018 Job s Situation Job 1:1; 2:1-10 October 14, 2018 Job s Contention Job 23:1-17 October 21, 2018 God s Response
Job 38:1-7, 28-41 October 28, 2018 Job s Confession Job 42:1-6, 10-17 BEING DISCIPLES: SOME BASIC PRACTICES November 4, 2018 Obedience Mark 12:28-34 November 11, 2018 Generosity Mark 12:35-44 November 18, 2018 Insight Mark 13:1-13 November 25, 2018 Worship Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Revelation 1:4b-8 PROPHETIC VOICES FOR ADVENT: ANTICIPATION AND FULFILLMENT December 2, 2018 A Righteous Branch Jeremiah 33:14-22 December 9, 2018 The Messenger of the Covenant Malachi 2:17 3:5 December 16, 2018 The Lord in the Midst
Zephaniah 3:11-20 December 23, 2018 The One of Peace Micah 4:9 5:5a December 30, 2018 The Maturing Messiah Luke 2:41-52 Keith Gammons Publisher Michael L. Ruffin Connections Editor Kelley Land Assistant Editor William Scruggs Editorial Associate Daniel Emerson Dave Jones Graphic Design Nikki Browning Marion Moore Monica West Church Relations Phil Logan (Unit 1)
Aimee Day Yeager (Unit 2) Prince Raney Rivers (Unit 3) Joh Carroll (Unit 4) Lesson Writers Cover photo: Fra Angelico, Sermon on the Mount An Imprint of Smyth & Helwys Publishing
September 2, 2018 Doers of the Word Lesson Text: James 1:17-27 Background Text: James 1 A Verse to Remember James 1:22 Other Lectionary Texts: Song of Solomon 2:8-13; Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Teaching Principle: Our lives should demonstrate externally what God is doing in us internally. Before the Lesson (1) Provide copies of the Bible and Connections Study Guide for distribution as needed. (2) Display the Unit 1 poster, James: Living with Integrity (Connections Resource Kit). (3) Display the following lesson theme outline: Doers of the Word James 1:17-27 We Originate in the Word of Truth (1:17-18 ) Meekly Welcome the Word of Truth (1:19-21) Be Doers of the Word of Truth (1:22-27) (4) Make sure your classroom has a whiteboard or flipchart. (5) Provide paper and pens or pencils. (6) If using the second teaching option, prepare copies of Widows, Orphans, and Others (Kit, p. 1). INTRODUCTION Apart from the name James (1:1), we know little about the writer of this book. We don t know where or when he lived or to whom he was writing. James (Jacob in Hebrew) was a popular name in the first century. The New Testament mentions three individuals with the name: James the brother of Jesus, the apostle James the brother of John, and the apostle James the son of Alphaeus. But the letter doesn t reveal who its author is beyond calling him James. The author writes to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion (1:1), which probably refers to the church scattered throughout the known world of the time. But we can t determine the exact circumstances under which it was written. We do know that this James had words from the Lord for the Christian community then and now. SCRIPTURE CONTEXT
When read separately from the rest of the letter, James 1 appears to offer a collection of moral teachings. But when we read James from beginning to end, we notice that the rest of the letter repeats and elaborates on the first chapter s themes. For example, James talks about the value of trials in 1:2. This theme is picked up and explained in greater detail in 5:7-11. James 1, then, functions like a table of contents in modern books. We meet three of the letter s most important themes in this first chapter. James contrasts (1) the single-mindedness or integrity of God (and those who are in harmony with God) with the doublemindedness of those opposed to God, (2) the usual attitudes and behaviors of each approach, and (3) the true religion with the false religion that result from each approach (Johnson, 1272-73). BEGINNING THE LESSON Say: As we study the book of James, we will learn about who we are as God s creation and as Christ s disciples. Ask: When someone asks who you are, how do you answer? Discuss: How could we introduce ourselves to others by talking about our identity (who we are) rather than our activity (what we do)? Say: Today and for the next three weeks, we will look at selected passages in James that will help us answer the question, Who are you? Let s pray to learn how to testify to who we are with our words and actions, showing others that we are God s creation and Christ s followers. BIBLE BACKGROUND WE ORIGINATE IN THE WORD OF TRUTH James 1:17-18 (17) Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (18) In fulfillment of
his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures. 1:17 The heavenly bodies are the lights of which God is the Father. People in many ancient cultures worshiped the sun, moon, and planets in the belief that they were divine beings that exercised control over humans. James states the biblical view that God is the Creator or Father of the lights. Unlike the heavenly bodies, with God there is no variation or shadow due to change. Heavenly bodies sometimes overshadow each other, such as during a solar or lunar eclipse. Nothing overshadows God. What God does is always true to who God is. God is whole and undivided. James says that God is gracious and generous. God gives wisdom generously and ungrudgingly to all who ask (1:5). But even more generous and gracious are the gifts God gives before we ask for them or before we are even aware that we need them. Just as God is the Father of lights, so God is the Father of all creation. We didn t ask for life or for other gifts God gives, but we didn t need to. Because God is gracious and generous, God called us into being. Our existence is God s gracious gift, and so is every perfect gift that nurtures and supports us. 1:18 God s graciousness extends farther. The word of truth through which God gave us birth is the gospel of Jesus Christ (Eph 1:13; Col 1:5b-6a). The word of truth teaches that God in Christ forgives us and gives us new birth. The purpose of this is to make us a kind of first fruits of [God s] creatures, which means we are evidence of what God is doing to bring salvation to the world (Church, 343). Our creation and redemption fulfills God s purpose. Integrity, graciousness, and generosity characterize God, and God s actions express these attributes. As our words and actions reflect God s character, we offer hope to the world. Next we will see that God s graciousness and generosity toward us have profound implications for who we are and how we act. TEACHING THE LESSON James 1:17-18 Say: If we read the book of James straight through, we will begin to see how things mentioned in the first chapter are
connected to things said later. I encourage you to read the entire book of James in one sitting each week as we study this unit. Divide the class into groups of two or three. Ask them to read through James 1 and list the topics James addresses. Have the groups report their findings. Say: Some commentators suggest that the first chapter of James acts as a table of contents that introduces readers to the rest of the book. As you read the book of James in coming weeks, note where the topics your group listed are mentioned again. Ask someone to read James 1:17-18. Ask: Who is the most generous person you know? Ask: Why did you name that person? Say: James says every perfect gift, is from above (v. 17). Ask: What has God given you that you did not ask for? Ask: How does this illustrate God s graciousness and generosity? Say: The heavenly bodies change in appearance through eclipses or by moving positions. Ancient people worshiped the heavenly bodies and tried to make sense of the changes they observed in them. James says that God doesn t change the way the heavenly bodies do. Ask: What are some of God s characteristics that don t change? Why is this good news? Ask: Do you see a relationship between the last line of verse 17 ( with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change ) and the first line of verse 18 ( In fulfillment of his own purpose )? How might they go together?
Say: James says that God gave us birth by the word of truth (v. 18a). Invite class members to read Ephesians 1:13 and Colossians 1:5b- 6a. Ask: What kind of birth is James talking about? What is the word of truth? How does this word give us this kind of birth? Say: The first fruits is the initial part of a harvest; it offers hope that the full harvest is coming. Ask: What does it mean for us to become a kind of first fruits of his creatures (v. 18b)? What kind of hope does our being born through the word of truth offer other people? BIBLE BACKGROUND MEEKLY WELCOME THE WORD OF TRUTH James 1:19-21 (19) You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; (20) for your anger does not produce God s righteousness. (21) Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls. 1:19-20 You must understand this, my beloved (v. 19a) means we must understand what comes before (vv. 17-18) and after this statement (vv. 19b-21). First, we must understand God s integrity, generosity, and graciousness out of which God gives us good gifts, including new birth. But we must also understand that God has created us by God s word and in God s image (Jn 1:2-3; Gen 1:26-27). God s identity and actions determine ours. We are to exhibit God s generosity and graciousness in our lives.
James will apply this truth to many different situations; for now he focuses on our communication with and response to one another. Practicing generous and gracious communication involves being quick to listen, slow to speak (v. 19). Such communication requires openness to and empathy for others. It entails the willingness and capacity to try to understand the perspective others have because of their experiences. In the end, we may not accept the other person s frame of reference as appropriate and we may have to speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15). But we still should seek to understand the perspectives of others. We must also be slow to anger (v. 19). Perhaps the other person s frame of reference calls into question our beliefs, character, or actions. When this happens, we tend to feel threatened, to become defensive, and to put up barriers to further communication. In doing so, we miss an opportunity to help someone grow or to have them help us make progress. I think of how often I have prayed from my personal frame of reference. I also think of how many times God has spoken to me through Scripture, a sermon, or someone s kind deed to change my perspective. We should act toward one another the way God acts toward us. We should be slow to anger because our anger does not produce God s righteousness (v. 20). Self-interest produces defensive anger, making us selfcentered rather than generous and gracious. We no longer live like the people God created us to be. We disregard the fact that God saved us so that we can become more than we were before we knew Christ. 1:21 Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness. When used literally, the word for sordidness (hruparian) refers to physical dirt. Used metaphorically, it refers to moral uncleanness. The word for wickedness (kakias) means vicious evil (Laws, 81). James uses these terms in the context of instructions regarding communication, so he instructs us to get rid of vulgar and malicious speech. Such communication comes from snap judgments and quick anger. The verb for rid yourselves of (apotithemi) normally refers to taking off clothes (Laws, 82; Col 3:8-10; Eph 4:22-26; 1 Pet 2:1). James calls us to remove self-centered anger as we would take off dirty clothes, and to put on graciousness and gentleness that lead us to speak with love and concern. In doing so, we will avoid lashing out at others with hurtful words and instead grow toward right relationships with God and with people.
We should welcome with meekness the implanted word. The implanted word refers back to the word of truth (1:18). God gives us new birth through the gospel of Christ, and we must welcome that implanted word with meekness. James means the same thing here that Paul means in Ephesians 3:8-10. God s grace gives us the word of truth, and we welcome it with meekness by faith. There is no boasting. We cannot demand salvation from God based on anything we have done. We cannot take salvation as our right. We can only welcome with meekness the word that has the power to save [our] souls. This implanted word that saves us should control our communication, helping us relate to others in the gracious way that God communicates with us. James 1:19-21 Say: In verses 17-18, James tells us that God has given us the good gift of salvation so we can be evidence of its availability to others. In verses 19-21, he begins to tell us what this evidence should look like. Invite someone to read James 1:19-21. Ask: Why do you think James focuses on the need for Christians to have sound communication practices that aren t motivated by anger? How does being quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger (v. 19) lead us to produce God s righteousness (v. 20)? How does being slow to listen, quick to speak, and quick to anger cause us not to produce it? Say: In the same way that we would take off dirty clothes, James calls us to take off self-centered anger that leads us to lash out with hurtful words. In its place, we should put on graciousness and gentleness that lead us to speak with love and concern. In doing so, we will grow toward right relationships with God and with people. Ask: How does the living word become implanted in us (v. 21)? How does the good news of Jesus save us?
BIBLE BACKGROUND BE DOERS OF THE WORD OF TRUTH James 1:22-27 (22) But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. (23) For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; (24) for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. (25) But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act they will be blessed in their doing. (26) If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. (27) Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers. The word here is the same word already referred to twice (1:18, 21). God gives us new birth by the word of truth, which, when welcomed meekly, has the power to save our souls and guide our actions. When we welcome the word of truth, we come to embody it in our thoughts, words, and actions. Integrity characterizes God, so it should characterize us as God s followers. We will be made whole whole when we are true to the word that God implants in us. What we say and do should express God s word in us. James echoes Matthew 7:24-27, where Jesus says that those who hear and do his words are like those who build a house on rock, while those who hear but don t do what he says are like those who build a house on sand. This parable of the two builders comes at the end of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus describes the kind of life his followers are to live. We are to hear and do Jesus words (see also Mt 5:19; Jn 15:14). 1:23-25 James uses a different parable to make the same point. He says that those who hear without doing are like those who study their faces in a mirror but forget what they look like as soon as they walk away (vv. 23-24). Hearing without doing deceives us (1:16, 26) into believing that we fully understand what it means to be created (1:18) and saved (1:21) by the word of truth. On the
other hand, those who faithfully study and live in accordance with the perfect law, the law of liberty (v. 25) will be blessed. The perfect law, the law of liberty that James speaks of is probably Leviticus 19:18b: you shall love your neighbor as yourself (see 2:8). Jesus quotes these words as the second most important commandment (Mt 22:39). 1:26-27 James applies his emphasis on hearing and doing to two issues: the control of the tongue (1:26) and the care of widows and orphans (1:27). In the first situation, James addresses those who are hearers but not doers of the word. Some people curse those who are made in God s image with the same tongue they use to praise God (3:9-12); such people are hearers only. They deceive themselves (1:16, 22) because they believe they live in a way that produces the righteousness of God (1:20), but in reality their religion is worthless. (The Greek word mataios that is translated worthless is used to describe pagan religions; see Jer 8:19; 10:3; Acts 14:15; 1 Pet 1:18.) These people are doubleminded. The second example is of those who are hearers and doers; they care for widows and orphans in their distress (v. 27). The Bible often speaks of God s special concern for widows and orphans (see Ex 22:22-24; Deut 27:19; Ps 68:5; Isa 1:17; Ezek 22:7; Zech 7:10; Laws, 89). People who share in God s grace and generosity care for vulnerable people as God does. They are unstained by the world, which means they do not follow the world s standards that regard the unprivileged and oppressed as insignificant (Church, 346; see Jas 4:4). James 1:22-27 Invite someone to read James 1:22-25. Say: James says that those who have been saved by the word of truth should do more than listen to the word: they should act on it. Receiving the word of salvation should lead to our living actively as saved people. Invite someone to read Matthew 7:24-27.
Discuss: How is James s parable of the mirror similar to Jesus parable of the builders? How is it different? What do the two parables teach us? Invite someone to read James 2:8-13. Ask: What is the perfect law, the law of liberty (v. 25)? How does acting in line with this law lead us to be blessed in [our] doing? Invite someone to read James 1:26-27. Say: James uses the terms religious (v. 26) and religion (v. 27) to name the ways Christians practice their faith. James says that those who don t control their tongues don t practice the Christian faith in the proper way, while those who care for orphans and widows do. Ask: Taking into account what James has previously said in this week s passage about our use of words, what constitutes the bridling of our tongues? How does failing to control our tongues prevent us from demonstrating our salvation by reflecting God s character? How does controlling them help us do so? Ask: How does car[ing] for orphans and widows in their distress (v. 27) reflect who God is and who we are as Christians? CONCLUSION This week s passage teaches us who God is, who we are, and how we are to live in relation to God and each other. God is the Creator who loves and cares for God s creation. God is single-minded in having generosity and graciousness. God creates and saves us by the word of truth. We are images of the God who created us. This is who we are. We are not defined by what we have (material possessions, status, position, etc.). We are identified as creatures made in God s image. Therefore, we should live like it. We should be doers of the word and not only hearers. Those who don t control their speech are being untrue to their Creator. Those who care for the vulnerable, like widows and orphans, are doers of the word.
APPLYING THE LESSON Ask: What does this week s Scripture passage teach us about who God is and what God does? What does it teach us about who we are and what we are to do? Distribute paper and pens or pencils. Ask class members to write a brief paragraph on what our lives would look like if we more fully reflected God s character. Invite volunteers to share what they wrote. Discuss: How would living the kind of life to which James calls us affect our attitudes, our relationships, our words, and our actions? What gets in the way of our living such a life? How can we overcome those obstacles? Why is it important that we do so? CLOSING PRAYER Gracious and generous God, we praise you because you bring everything into existence by your powerful word and because you save us through the living Word, Jesus Christ. Help us hear and do your word. Keep us always aware of the presence of the living Word in our lives. Amen. References Christopher Church, James, Hebrews James, Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary (Macon GA: Smyth & Helwys, 2004). Luke T. Johnson, James, Harper s Bible Commentary (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1988). Sophie Laws, The Epistle of James, Harper s New Testament Commentaries (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1980). Ralph P. Martin, James, Word Biblical Commentary, vol. 48 (Waco TX: Word, 1988). TEACHING OPTIONS Act It Out Divide the class into groups of three or four. Say: We can learn a lot by imagining and acting out a situation. Let s create skits about being hearers but not doers. For example, we
might imagine two people traveling in a car. The passenger is giving directions to the driver. The driver hears the directions and even repeats them, but then ignores them. The driver is confused and the passenger is frustrated when they fail to reach their destination. Give the groups time to create and perform their skits. Ask someone to read James 1:22-27. Ask: What do the skits teach us? How do they help us think about what James says in today s Scripture passage? Discuss: How do those who hear without doing deceive themselves (1:22, 26)? How are we blessed by being doers of the word (1:25)? How are other people blessed when we are doers of the word (1:27)? Caring for the Oppressed Say: The Old Testament often mentions God s concern for widows and orphans. Invite class members to read some or all of the following passages: Exodus 22:22; Deuteronomy 14:28-29; 27:19; Job 29:12; 31:16-18; Psalms 10:14, 18; 68:5; 82:3; 94:6; 146:9; Proverbs 23:10; Isaiah 1:17; Jeremiah 7:6; 49:11. Ask: How does God feel about widows and orphans? Why do you think God feels that way? How do you think God wants us to treat them? Invite someone to read Matthew 25:31-46. Distribute the handout Widows, Orphans, and Others. Ask class members to complete it according to the instructions. Invite them to share their results. Discuss: How does James s teaching about being doers of the word and caring for orphans and widows compare to the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 25:31-46? How do those passages and the Old Testament passages we read help us understand what it means to hear and do the word?
God s Word and Our Words Say: In today s Scripture passage, James says that our words should reflect the salvation we have through God s word of truth. On a whiteboard or flipchart, write the headings God s word and Our words. Invite class members to call out words or phrases that describe God s word and our words. Using the text printed in the Study Guide, lead the class in reading James 1:17-27 in unison. Discuss: How do we receive God s word of truth? How should our reception of God s word of truth affect the ways we talk? How should it affect the motivations behind our words?
September 9, 2018 Acts of Mercy Lesson Text: James 2:1-10, 14-17 Background Text: James 2 A Verse to Remember James 2:8 Other Lectionary Texts: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23; Psalm 125; Mark 7:24-37 Teaching Principle: Faith in Christ leads us to respond to people, especially those in need, with loving actions. Before the Lesson (1) Provide copies of the Bible and Connections Study Guide for distribution as needed. (2) Display the Unit 1 poster, James: Living with Integrity (Connections Resource Kit). (3) Display the following lesson theme outline: Acts of Mercy James 2:1-10, 14-17 Favoritism Isn t One of God s Favorite Things (2:1-4) Love Your Neighbor as Yourself (2:5-10) Let Your Faith Live (2:14-17) (4) Make sure your classroom has a whiteboard or flipchart. (5) Provide paper and pens or pencils. (6) Provide four Scripture lists (see James 2:1-4 in Teaching the Lesson for the passages). (7) If using the first teaching option, make copies of Jesus and James (Kit, p. 2). (8) If using the second teaching option, prepare copies of the article, Pastor goes undercover for 5 days as homeless man. (See References for download information.) (9) If using the third teaching option, obtain a copy of the first chapter of Charles Sheldon s In His Steps: What Would Jesus Do? (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2013). (This title is available as a free download on Amazon.) INTRODUCTION Has anything ever happened in church that bothered you? What was it? Why did it trouble you? Did it not suit your personal preference? Or did it violate Christian principles? Some people s actions in the churches James addressed bothered him, and for good reason. They were showing favoritism or partiality toward the wealthy and against the poor. James says such actions call into question the faith of the people showing such partiality. Christians shouldn t have the attitudes that lead to those kinds of actions. All people are created in the
image of God, and Christians should treat everyone with dignity and respect. All people are our neighbors, so we should love them as we love ourselves. SCRIPTURE CONTEXT If James 1 serves as a table of contents for the book of James (see the September 2 lesson), then James 2 is the first major section of the book. James brought up the subject of rich and poor people in chapter 1: Let the believer who is lowly boast in being raised up, and the rich in being brought low, because the rich will disappear like a flower in the field. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the field; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. It is the same way with the rich; in the midst of a busy life, they will wither away (vv. 9-11). James affirms that God lifts up the poor and brings down the rich. Ironically, the situation James addresses in chapter 2 is one in which Christians lift up the rich and bring down the poor. In doing so, they work against the impartiality required by Christian love. BEGINNING THE LESSON Say: Today we are going to study James s teachings about how we should regard and treat other people. Ask: What positive experiences might someone who visits our church have? Can you think of any negative experiences they might have? Ask: Which of these negative experiences violate the principles of Scripture? Discuss: Do you think it matters to God how people feel when they enter and leave our church? If so, why? If not, why not? Say: The situations James addresses help us think about these important matters. BIBLE BACKGROUND FAVORITISM ISN T ONE OF GOD S FAVORITE THINGS
James 2:1-4 (1) My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? (2) For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, (3) and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, Have a seat here, please, while to the one who is poor you say, Stand there, or, Sit at my feet, (4) have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? 2:1 James is stunned and appalled that a Christian would show favoritism. He indicates that one who shows the kind of favoritism he is about to describe should undertake some serious self-reflection: do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? James says their attitudes and actions reflect the nature of their faith or perhaps their lack of faith. Showing favoritism does not indicate that one believes in and follows Jesus. Regarding and treating all people the same are works that reveal that one s faith is alive rather than dead (see 2:17). James addresses the way church members favor the rich over the poor when the Christian community gathers. The use of the word judges in 2:4 leads some commentators to think James is referring to some form of judicial hearing in the church (Martin, 57-58, 73; see Mt 18:15-20; 1 Cor 5:3-7; 6:5-6). The Old Testament condemns favoritism in judicial hearings (Deut 1:17; 16:20; Lev 19:15; Ps 82:2). But most commentators see a reference to any gathering of the Christian community. In either case, James denounces favoring the rich over the poor or, more generally, showing favoritism to anyone. Scripture teaches that God is impartial (Deut 10:17; Isa 56:1-8; Jn 3:16; Acts 10:34-35; Gal 3:28; Rom 1:16; 2:11; Col 3:25; Eph 6:9; 1 Tim 5:21; Jas 3:17), that Jesus is impartial (Lk 7:1-50; 8:1-3; 15:1-32), and that God s people are expected to be impartial (Lev 19:15; Deut 1:16-17; Prov 28:21; Mt 28:19-20; 1 Tim 5:21; Jude 16). Showing favoritism, James says, is incompatible with faith in Jesus. 2:2-4 James gives an example of two individuals who attend a Christian gathering. One enters wearing gold rings and fine clothes. This rich man may
belong to the Roman equestrian order, which was the second rank of Roman aristocracy after the patricians. They wore gold rings to indicate their status. James coins a word to describe this man as the gold-ringed gentleman (chrisodaktulios), which draws special attention to the person s wealth. The clothing, possibly adorned with a purple or gold border, would have been a second sign of status (Laws, 98). This person s wealth is obvious. James describes the other person as poor and wearing dirty clothes. The word used to name the poor man (ptochos) means he is absolutely destitute. The rich person has gold rings and fine clothes; this poor person has nothing. The contrast between the ways the community treats these two individuals is as stark as the difference in their appearance. The church politely offers the wealthy man a seat: Have a seat here, please (v. 3). But they show the poor person a place to stand or a place to sit on the floor. They treat the rich person with honor and respect but the poor one with contempt and shame. These two individuals have done nothing to deserve the treatment they receive. James tells us nothing about either of them beyond their socioeconomic status. We don t know if they are believers or guests or whether they are good or evil. All we know is that one is rich and the other is poor. James doesn t condemn the rich one for his wealth or praise the poor one for his poverty. James says that by favoring the rich over the poor, which God doesn t do and which Jesus never did, the church members are no longer acting like a Christian community. Such favoritism is never appropriate when the church gathers in the Lord s name. To show partiality was to make themselves judges with evil thoughts (v. 4). TEACHING THE LESSON James 2:1-4 Distribute paper and pens or pencils. Invite someone to read James 2:1. Ask class members to write a paraphrase of James s question.
Ask: What point is James trying to make when he asks this question? Invite someone to read James 2:2-4. Divide the class into four groups. Assign each group one of the following Scripture lists. Have each group read their assigned Scriptures looking for what they teach about showing partiality. Ask them to report on their findings. (1) Deuteronomy 10:17; Isaiah 56:1-8; John 3:16; Acts 10:34-35; Galatians 3:28 (2) Romans 1:16; 2:11; Colossians 3:25; Ephesians 6:9; 1 Timothy 5:21; James 3:17 (3) Luke 7:1-50; 8:1-3; 15:1-32 (4) Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 1:16-17; Proverbs 28:21; Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Timothy 5:21; Jude 16 Discuss: How do these passages help us think about partiality and impartiality? How should God s attitude and practice influence ours? Say: James gives an example of two individuals who come into a Christian gathering. Ask: What does James tell us about the rich person? What does he tell us about the poor person? What details does he offer to help us form an opinion about the kinds of people they are? Say: James s concern is with the partiality shown in the Christian assembly. Ask: How does the example James offers address the question posed in verse 1? Invite someone to read Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 (the lectionary s first reading for today).
Ask: Do these words about the rich and the poor shed light on what James says? If so, how do they help us better understand James s teaching? BIBLE BACKGROUND LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF James 2:5-10 (5) Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? (6) But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you? Is it not they who drag you into court? (7) Is it not they who blaspheme the excellent name that was invoked over you? (8) You do well if you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (9) But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. (10) For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. 2:5-7 James gives his readers two reasons they shouldn t favor the rich over the poor. First, God has chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him (v. 5). The people James addresses are guilty of a double transgression: they show favoritism and they dishonor the poor (v. 6a). But God shows no partiality and honors the poor who love God. James s readers have forgotten such words as, How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked (Ps 82:2-4). James s words reflect Jesus sayings; he said his purpose was to announce good news to the poor (Lk 4:16-19; see 7:18-23), and he pronounced blessings on the poor and the hungry (Lk 6:20-21).
Second, the rich oppress James s readers by taking them to court (v. 6b). In doing this, the wealthy blaspheme the excellent name that was invoked over the Christians (v. 7), which is the name of the crucified and resurrected Jesus. James seems to mean that in taking the Christians to court, the rich fail to treat them with the dignity they are due in Christ and thus blaspheme his name (Church, 357-58). The assumption seems to be that the people James addresses are poor (or at least not rich) themselves. 2:8-10 James reminds his readers of the governing principle in their relationships with people: You shall love your neighbor as yourself (v. 8; Lev 19:18b; see Mt 22:34-40; Mk 12:28-34; Lk 10:25-37). He calls this the royal law (v. 8) because it is the law of the kingdom of God inaugurated by Christ; to obey our King means to love our neighbors (Church, 358). Jesus said that this commandment and the commandment to love God summarize all the law and prophets (Mt 22:40). Practicing favoritism violates the command to love one s neighbor (Jas 2:9), and a violation of this command is the same as a violation of all the commands (v. 10). But the law of liberty (v. 12), which is the law of love, should guide all the interactions Christians have with all people. James 2:5-10 Invite someone to read James 2:5-7. Ask: What two reasons does James use to support his contention that Christians should not show partiality to the rich over the poor? Say: James says, Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? (v. 5). What do you think he means by this? Invite class members to read Luke 4:16-19; 6:20-21 and 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. Ask: How do these Scripture passages help us think about what James says?
Say: James not only says that his readers have dishonored the poor (v. 6a). He also points out that rich people take the poor to court (v. 6b). Discuss: Why would the church members James addresses honor the rich who oppress them? Do people still do such things today? What are some examples? Why do they do this? Invite someone to read James 2:8-10. Ask: Why do you think James says that You shall love your neighbor as yourself is the royal law (v. 8)? Ask: How do we violate this commandment when we show partiality? How do we keep it when we treat people equally? Discuss: What are some ways we might show partiality in our church? What steps can we take to move away from favoritism and toward impartiality? Why is it important that we do so? BIBLICAL BACKGROUND LET YOUR FAITH LIVE James 2:14-17 (14) What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? (15) If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, (16) and one of you says to them, Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill, and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? (17) So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. 2:14 James previously said, Be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves (1:22; see the September 2 lesson). In the first verse of the lesson text, he said, My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? (2:1). His discussion of the
need for Christians to practice our faith by loving our neighbors continues to make the point that real faith in Jesus changes the way we live. The faith that James talks about in these verses seems to be intellectual assent rather than saving trust. He later says, You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe and shudder (v. 19). Believing even the right things about God does not equal having saving faith. Having faith that saves is giving our lives over completely to God in Christ. When we do that, we will do works that reflect our relationship with and loyalty to the Lord. 2:15-16 James previously said that faith in Christ leads Christians to treat people equally (vv. 1-9). Now he says it leads us to treat people with active compassion. The scenario he describes shows that when we encounter human need, words even good and right words aren t enough; we need to take appropriate action. First John offers a similar scenario. John asks, How does God s love abide in anyone who has the world s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? (3:17). He goes on to say, Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action (v. 18). 2:17 So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. Later James says, For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead (v. 26). Our loving actions toward others animate our faith; they show that our faith is alive. Some have seen James as contradicting Paul, who says we are saved by God s grace through faith and not by works (Eph 2:8-9). The sixteenth-century church reformer Martin Luther referred to the book of James as an epistle of straw. But James doesn t teach salvation by works rather than by grace through faith. Instead, he contrasts a living faith that acts with a dead faith that only believes the right things and says the right words. Our works are a response to the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. Paul agrees with this; consider his next words after saying we are saved by grace through faith and not by works: For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works (Eph 2:10a). James 2:14-17
Invite someone to read James 2:14. On a whiteboard or flipchart, write the words of James 2:1 and 2:14 side by side. Ask: How do these two verses comment on each other? What nuances in meaning exist between the two verses? Ask: What does James mean by faith? What does he mean by works? Say and Ask: James asks two questions in verse 14. How do you think he would answer them? How should we answer them? Invite someone to read James 2:15-17. Ask: How does the example James offers in verses 15-16 illustrate what he says in verses 14 and 17? Invite someone to read 1 John 3:17-18. Ask: How do these words help us think about James s statement that faith without works is dead? Invite someone to read Ephesians 2:8-10. Discuss: Do James and Paul agree or disagree? Why do you say that? Say: James says we love others by treating them equally and by doing what we can to meet their needs. We want to grow in faith that leads us to serve in loving ways and to offer acts of mercy. CONCLUSION James tells his readers that they shouldn t show partiality to rich people and that they should help people in need. Even though he uses the term works to name such actions, he doesn t promote a legalistic approach to the Christian life.
Instead, he describes a life that grows out of a saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Because we trust in the Lord and because we belong to God s kingdom, we follow the law of love. That means we love other people like we love ourselves. James says we love others by treating them equally and by doing what we can to meet their needs. Belief as mental assent is not enough; comforting words without helpful actions aren t enough. We want to grow in faith that leads us to serve in loving ways and to offer acts of mercy. APPLYING THE LESSON Distribute paper and pens or pencils. Write the following sentence on a whiteboard or flipchart: I would feel uncomfortable if came to our church because. Say: Please complete the sentence on your paper. I will not take this paper up. I want you to take it home, think about, and pray over it. Invite class members to read Leviticus 19:18b; Mark 12:28-34; Galatians 5:14; and James 2:8. Ask: What does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself when your neighbor is someone who makes you feel uncomfortable? CLOSING PRAYER Gracious God, help us trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, and help us grow in our relationship with him so that we grow in love for you and for other people. Let the love that results from our salvation compel us to treat all people with respect and to do whatever we can to help those in need. Amen. References Christopher Church, James, Hebrews James, Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary (Macon GA: Smyth & Helwys, 2004). Luke T. Johnson, James, Harper s Bible Commentary (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1988). Sophie Laws, The Epistle of James, Harper s New Testament Commentaries (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1980).
Ralph P. Martin, James, Word Biblical Commentary, vol. 48 (Waco TX: Word, 1988). Tim Parrish, Pastor goes undercover for 5 days as homeless man, USA Today, 24 July 2013, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/07/24/pastor-homelessexperience/2583241/. TEACHING OPTIONS Jesus and James Say: Mark 7:24-30 is part of the lectionary s Gospel reading for today. Let s see if it helps us think about the lesson text. Divide the class into two groups. Distribute the handout Jesus and James to the members of both groups. Ask one group to do one of the two assignments and the other group to do the other. Have each group report their conclusions. Say: At first, Jesus seems to display some partiality; he seems to value people from Israel over the woman who is from another place. He also seems at first not to want to heal the woman s daughter. On the other hand, Jesus seems to move quickly to heal the man who was deaf and had a speech impediment. Ask: How does the story of Jesus and the woman turn out? Why does it turn out that way? How does the story of Jesus and the deaf and mute man turn out? Why does it turn out that way? How are the two stories similar? How are they different? Invite class members to read Mark 7:27-29, 37; James 2:5, 15-16. Discuss: What role does faith play in the story of Jesus and the woman? How does this connect with what James says about the faith of the poor? What difference does compassion make in the story of Jesus and the man who was deaf and had a speech impediment? How does this connect with what James says about helping those in need? One Pastor s Experience Distribute copies of Pastor goes undercover for 5 days as homeless man (alternatively, have class members find the article on their mobile devices).
Invite class members to take turns reading the story aloud. Ask: What was the pastor s reason for going undercover? What did the pastor learn from his experience? What message from this experience did he share with the congregation? Discuss: What light does this experience shed on James 2:1-10, 14-17? In His Steps Say: Charles Sheldon was a pastor in the late 1800s who decided that his Sunday evening services needed something extra. One Sunday afternoon, he got the idea to tell a serial story (one that would continue week after week). His story was eventually published as the book In His Steps. The first chapter tells about a fictional pastor s encounter with a jobless man. Summarize the story for the class, reading important sections as appropriate. Ask: How did the fictional pastor s (Rev. Henry Maxwell) busyness get in the way of doing the right thing? Ask: Would Maxwell have benefited from a study of James 2:1-10, 14-17? Why or why not? Discuss: How can we as a church and as individual believers expand our experience so that our faith will lead us to carry out loving actions?