How To Use This Guide:
listen
Listen to the weekly sermon and read through the main passages(s)
reflect
Prayerfully answer the questions below
discuss
Meet with your group to discuss
respond
Apply the truth of God’s word to your life
How To Use This Guide:
listen
Listen to the weekly sermon and read through the main passages(s)
reflect
Prayerfully answer the questions below
discuss
Meet with your group to discuss
respond
Apply the truth of God’s word to your life
latest message
background
Judgmental and discriminatory attitudes have long been a concern both inside and outside the Church. The world constantly evaluates people, diminishing their worth and creating hierarchies. And if we’re honest, we’re just as quick to see ourselves as “better” than others. Yet, God, who sees and loves everyone equally, wants the church to reflect his generous, impartial love through action.
The gospel challenges favoritism that treats people differently based on wealth, social status, or physical appearance. James 2:1-13 gives the example of a rich man who is given the best seat, while the poor man is shamed. He calls this out as sin because true faith rules out any question of pulling social rank. When we presume a universal dependence on God, there’s no space for pride or prejudice. Instead, we fulfill the royal law, “to love your neighbor as yourself,” and live according to the law of liberty, with speech and actions guided by the gospel.
The gospel challenges favoritism that treats people differently based on wealth, social status, or physical appearance. James 2:1-13 gives the example of a rich man who is given the best seat, while the poor man is shamed. He calls this out as sin because true faith rules out any question of pulling social rank. When we presume a universal dependence on God, there’s no space for pride or prejudice. Instead, we fulfill the royal law, “to love your neighbor as yourself,” and live according to the law of liberty, with speech and actions guided by the gospel.
open
1. Would you say you're good at making first impressions? Have you ever made a snap judgment against someone based on a first impression?
reflect
2. Read James 2:1-13. What examples does James give about showing favoritism? What is the real impact of showing favoritism?
3. Why is favoritism incompatible with faith in Christ? According to verse 4, what are we actually doing when we discriminate against others?
4. How does prejudice hinder our ability to see others as image-bearers? How would our relationships be transformed if we looked at people from God’s perspective?
3. Why is favoritism incompatible with faith in Christ? According to verse 4, what are we actually doing when we discriminate against others?
4. How does prejudice hinder our ability to see others as image-bearers? How would our relationships be transformed if we looked at people from God’s perspective?
apply
5. What are some ways you’ve seen members of the Christian community show kindness and fairness toward the marginalized? How do their actions reflect their faith in Christ?
6. How can showing prejudice and favoritism impact our ability to effectively share the gospel with a non-believing culture? What are some ways you’ve seen this occur?
7. Are there any areas in your life where you are tempted to show favoritism? How can you ensure that you show the love of Jesus to those who are harder to love?
6. How can showing prejudice and favoritism impact our ability to effectively share the gospel with a non-believing culture? What are some ways you’ve seen this occur?
7. Are there any areas in your life where you are tempted to show favoritism? How can you ensure that you show the love of Jesus to those who are harder to love?
video
resources
We ask every Home Group participant to commit to the Four Essentials of a Healthy Group outlined in our Home Group Commitment. These essentials help ensure that every group stays healthy, welcoming, and spiritually meaningful for everyone involved. You can review those here.
If you have any questions or would like more information about Home Groups, please contact Doug Barnwell at dbarnwell@fellowshipjackson.com.
If you have any questions or would like more information about Home Groups, please contact Doug Barnwell at dbarnwell@fellowshipjackson.com.