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We are taking a break for the summer until futher notice.

Week 4 - Day 1

Review James 1:27, and read James 2:1-13.

1. Copy James’ instruction in 2:1 that gives the context for this entire paragraph. This is your memory verse this week! Writing often helps me remember better!

James’ first argument against prejudice is that it is inconsistent with faith. Then, he gets more specific about the object of faith. It has become very unpopular to be very specific about faith. Our culture teaches that faith is the same, no matter what or whom it is in. It suggests that we can believe in almost anything and still call ourselves Christians; however, the Bible makes it clear that it is belief in the Lord Jesus Christ that binds us together in our faith.

So, before we go any further in our study, let’s look at the identity of Jesus, the focus of faith for the believer.

Hiebert calls James 2:1 James’ “confession of faith” because of the descriptive words that he uses in reference to Jesus.

2. Look up these cross-references to glory, writing down your thoughts about the significance of the word glory being used for Jesus:
a. Ex. 40:34
b. 1 Ki. 8:11
c. Isa. 40:3-5
d. Titus 2:13
e. Heb. 1:3
f. 2 Pet. 1:17

Moo explains his understanding of James’ description: “’Glory’ is that state of ‘being-like-God’ to which Christians are destined (e.g. Rom. 5:2; 8:18; 2 Cor. 4:17) and in which Jesus even now exists (Phil. 3:21; Col. 3:4; 2 Thess. 2:14; 1 Tim. 3:16; Tit. 2:13; Heb. 2:7, 9). Describing Jesus as the Lord of glory suggest particularly the heavenly sphere to which he has been exalted and from which he will come at the end of history to save and to judge (cf. Jas. 5:9).”

Stronger Jeans (optional): Go through all of the verses in Moo’s quote above and consider how they help you understand the concept of glory.

3. Read these stories. How did these people respond when they were faced with truths about Jesus?
Luke 5:1-8
John 20:26-29
Acts 26:1, 12-20

4. Responding to God question: Have you responded to Jesus as those in the previous question did? If not, continue to spend time in God’s word daily and ask Him to show you who Jesus really is. If you have confessed the same faith that James did, praise Jesus for His glory, for His identity as God Himself. Write down a prayer or poem extolling Him. Use the verses in question #2 as the foundation for your prayer.

5. Sharing Question: Share with the group how today’s lesson has made you feel. What were your feelings as you praised Jesus for being the very glory of Israel?

4 comments:

Christina Ketchum said...

Today's lesson has made me feel extremely SPECIAL!!! For God Himself to die on a cross for me and to want a relationship with me is AMAZING!!! I really want to kick myself in the rear for not developing a relationship with Him sooner. Whats more important than having a strong relationship with the ALL-Powerful Creator of LIFE?!?!

Anonymous said...

Jesus, by his mighty word of power, upholds, maintains, guides, propels the universe.(Heb 1:3 Ampl).

I was feeling concerned today and God just provided this truth which brought me comfort. God is in control. Praise Him for He is worthy to be praise.

Sohl Gal said...

I agree twisting his arm. I want to kick myself for being like Thomas, doubting Him and what others said about Him until He proved Himself to me. I'm grateful for His full and overwhelming love for me, regardless of the silly, immature, ignorant things I do. Thank you God, thank you Jesus for loving me. I would be like Simon Peter, too, if Jesus was suddenly next to me. Though I know He loves me inspite of my past, it would be difficult to resist that urge to shield myself from His greatness. His mercy is so blinding. Thank God for it.

DA Wagners said...

I want to constantly remind myself who Jesus is. I want to be like the woman who poured perfume all over His feet and wiped it with her hair. The disciples loved Jesus; but being so close to His human form, may have caused them to forget that He is God! Although I become more intimate w/ Jesus, I never want to never forget that He is God!