James 2:1-13 | Faith That Moves | 11.9.25

Series: Faith That Moves

Read James 2:1-13

What stands out to you? What teachings do you hear from James in these verses?

Todd pointed out three main things:

The Problem – What is partiality and why is it such a danger among God’s people
The Pattern – How does God relate to others without favoritism
The Practice – How understanding God’s mercy toward us frees us to extend mercy instead of judgment toward others

The Problem

The Greek word “partiality” literally means “receiving the face” – judging by what you see on the surface instead of seeing someone’s true worth as an image bearer of God
Partiality misjudges people based on their outward appearance and misjudges who is truly bless in the sight of God. James even says this a sin (James 2: 8-9).
What forms of partiality do you feel guilty of or find the most challenging? – socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, gender, politics, physical appearance, age, spirituality

The Pattern

This is the pattern of Jesus: to use mercy instead of judgment. Mercy is God’s love expressed in action
Jesus reveals the impartial love of God
When in the Bible does Jesus show impartial love? (Zacchaeus, Samaritan woman, leper, paralytic, the disciples)
At the cross, God declared that no one is beyond the reach of His love. Mercy triumphed over judgment.

The Practice

God invites us to be His visible mercy in the world. Those who have received mercy are now called to show mercy.

Discussion