Build by Living Justly

Introduction

Hearing, Doing, Building

Build by Living Justly - James 2;1-7

Justice for All?

Judges with Evil Thoughts (verses 1-4

Sin of PartialityActs 10:34-43

Why? Kingdom Realities (verse 5)

Resetting Reality

Seeing as God sees

Why? Worldly Realities (verse 6,7)

Oppression

Blasphemy

The Unifying Work of Jesus

Unity in the Spirit

Ephesians 4

Gospel Birthed Unity

Galatians 3

Community Meditation

Know

• James uses the term “evil” to describe the thoughts that judge/discriminate based upon someone’s net-worth in the church. Why does he use such a strong term? What other areas do we make distinctions about?
• Here in chapter 2 James speaks against people judging their neighbors? Does this mean we never make moral judgments? Is James actually making a judgment here in chapter 2? What’s the difference between James’ judgment and what they were doing with rich/poor?
• Read Matthew 7:1-5. What sort of judgment is Jesus speaking out against?

Feel

• Why is it easy for wealthy people to feel like they should have privileges? Why would a church community give in to this way of thinking/acting?
• Have you ever felt excluded from things in a community? Have you ever seen people getting special treatment simply because they are rich, famous or powerful? Why is this an offense to the gospel?

Live

• Do you look down or up on yourself due to the amount of money you make? What does repentance look like to the financially proud? What truth do you need to believe if you look down on yourself? How do wealthy and not so wealthy need one another in the church?
• In what other areas can we “despise our diversity” in the body of Christ?