James: faith and good living

Bible passages:
James 1:19 - 2:26
James 1:27- 2:17, 5:1-6

On Sunday we thought about some of the main themes in the letter of James.
So, in keeping with this broad brush approach there are options for this study.
(1) Have a deeper look into the themes of law, grace and the gospel, or
(2) think more about James' ideas about rich and poor.
If you're feeling really keen, feel free to look at both.

(1) James 1:19 - 2:26

Grace is central to Christianity. Christians believe that through Jesus Christ God has freely gifted us new life in exchange for our damaged rebellious lives. We did nothing to deserve this gift; all we can do is have faith in Jesus and accept his present to us.

But James says that our faith is worthless if it doesn't lead to good living. And he seems to suggest that we should look to the law of the Old Testament to help us live this good life.

· What does faith have to do with 'good living'?
· What does Christianity have to do with Old Testament law?
· How do you understand the relationship between 'being saved' and good living?

For inspiration: you might want to look at
Matthew 5:17-20
Ephesians 2:1-10
Romans 3:21- 4:3

p.s. don't expect to come up with a complete answer in one evening. Christians have been discussing these issues for a long time.

(2) James 1:27- 2:17, 5:1-6

A major theme in James' letter is wealth. He is concerned with issues of favouritism, money, power and vulnerability. He seems to echo Jesus teaching in Matthew 5:1-12 and Luke 6:17-26.

· Is it wrong for Christians to be wealthy and/or powerful?
· Are there responsibilities if we are powerful and wealthy?
· If we understand wealth in wider terms than simply money (e.g. looks, power, intelligence etc.) are our attitudes to such wealth any different from wider society? Should they be?
· What does James 2:5 mean?