July 31, 2012

Read:  Exodus 20:8-11, Genesis 2:1-2

Explain what is meant by keeping the Sabbath “holy”. What were the practical implications?

Why did God want the Israelites to observe the Sabbath? (i.e. goal of the command)

In what way could this command be misunderstood? How can asking “why” help?

July 30, 2012

Read: Exodus 20:3-4, 32:1-10

How does this history of the Israelites play into the context and interpretation of Exodus 20:3-4?

What does Exodus 32 tell you about their temptation? What would be an example of idol worship today?

How do you see this command protecting your walk with the Lord?

July 28, 2012

Read:  James 2:12-13, Luke 18:9-14

Describe how the truth of James 2:8-13 is illustrated in the story of the Pharisee and tax collector?

What specifically were the areas of discrimination? What does Luke 18:14 teach about God’s perspective?

How do you see this happening today? Why should Christians be different? What is God teaching you?

July 27, 2012

Read:  James 2:12-13, Mat 5:7, 6:9-13, Mat 18:21-35

What is the reciprocating principle of mercy and forgiveness presented in today’s reading?

Why is this important for every Christian to understand? What are the ramifications if this is negated?

How does it make you feel knowing you will experience this truth? Ask God to show you ways to grow?

July 26, 2012

Read:  James 2:12-13, Romans 14:10, 1 Cor. 3:11-15, 4:5, 2 Cor. 5:10

Explain how God’s judgment will impact Christians. (i.e. what will it entail?)

In what ways does this challenge your view of salvation, grace, and Christianity?

How should this impact the way Christians treat one another? (i.e. how should this impact discrimination?)

July 25, 2012

Read:  James 2:10-12, Ps 19:7-11, 119:41-48

As a Christian, how have you viewed God’s laws? What did James mean by discussing the law as freedom?

Why is this important to understand when it comes to obedience and following Jesus?

How does James relate favoritism to God’s law? What does this say about freedom and protection?

July 24, 2012

Read:  James 2:8-11, Luke 10:25-37

How does James elevate the significance of the sin of discrimination/favoritism?

How can discrimination and favoritism be avoided? (i.e. what is the biblical standard?)

Identify 3 areas where you are tempted to discriminate. How will you make this a priority of protection?

July 23, 2012

Read:  James 2:8-9, Lev 19:18, Mat 22:34-40, 1 John 4:19-21

How would James’ audience (Jewish Christians) have interpreted the “royal law”?

In what ways does loving others fulfill the royal law? How does this relate to discrimination?

Explain how you have experienced this truth in your own life. What is God calling you to do?

July 21, 2012

Read:  James 2:5-7, Galatians 2:11-14

Briefly summarize what you know about the Jew/Gentile relationships in the ancient world.

How would this have caused discrimination within the first century Church? Why did Peter struggle?

What do you learn from Galatians 2:11-14 about your possible Peter moments? How can you be on guard?

July 20, 2012

Read:  James 2:5-7, Acts 16:16-20

Why were Paul and Silas put in jail? Why didn’t they have any leverage with the crowd or magistrates?

What does this tell you about wealth and social class in the ancient world? How is it the same today?

How do you see the church today needing the same warning from James 2:6-7? How can this sin be prevented?

July 19, 2012

Read:  James 2:5-7, Luke 19:1-10

Why did Zacchaeus climb a tree? What message did this send to Jesus? How did Jesus respond?

What did Zacchaeus’ response to Jesus tell you about how the rich related to the poor?

How does this relate to James 2:6-7? Explain how discrimination/favoritism causes a blinding? Why?

July 18, 2012

Read:  James 2:5-7, Galatians 2:1-10

What do you learn from Galatians 2:1-10 and how the poor are viewed within Christianity?

How do you see this taking place today? Why? In what way do you think discrimination has subtly crept in?

How important are the poor/needy in your walk with the Lord? What is the Lord teaching you?

July 17, 2012

Read:  James 2:5-7, Matthew 5:3, Luke 6:20, Matthew 6:19-21, Luke 18:18-27

Explain why God views the poor in a different light than the rich? Why isn’t God playing favorites?

What does it mean to be poor in “spirit”? How is this the same or different than being financially poor?

What is implied about value and compassion? How does discrimination shut this down?

July 16, 2012

Read:  James 2:5-7, Psalm 12:5, 68:7-10, 113:7-8, Proverbs 14:31, 22:22-23

How does God express His concern for the poor? (i.e. what does He promise to do?)

What has been your perspective regarding the poor? What does this say about your compassion?

As you reflect on your compassion, how do you think discrimination/favoritism has played a part? Why?

July 14, 2012

Read:  James 2:2-4, Proverbs 28:21, Matthew 2:13-17

Why were the Pharisees concerned about Jesus’ dinner plans with Levi? How did this affect them?

In what way is discrimination or favoritism actually self-serving? How have you experienced this truth?

As you ponder this week’s message and daily devotions, ask God to show you what he wants to teach you.

July 13, 2012

Read:  James 2:2-3, Luke 18:9-14

How did the Pharisee discriminate against the tax collector? What was the root of his sin?

What does this teach you about discrimination in general? Why is this important to remember?

Give an example of “Christian” discrimination in the church today. What can you do to help prevent this sin?

July 12, 2012

Read:  James 2:2-4, Exodus 20:12, Leviticus 19:32, 1 Timothy 5:17, Romans 13:1, Ephesians 5:33, 6:5


List the different types of people that God has called you to respect and honor.

What is the difference between respect and discrimination? Why is this distinction important?

In what way will someone who discriminates also struggle with respecting others? What is the connection?

July 11, 2012

Read:  James 2:1, Exodus 40:34-38, 1 Kings 8:6-11, John 1:1-5, 14, 1 Cor. 6:19-20, Ephesians 2:19-22

How is God’s presence described in the Old and New Testaments?

Describe how God’s presence has changed location and why. Where does He reside today?

Why does James 2:1 insert the glory of Christ when discussing favoritism? How does it explain the sin?

July 10, 2012

Read:  James 2:1, Acts 10:9-34

Describe why Peter struggled with visiting Cornelius. What did God teach Peter about his perspective?

What are ways you can have a Peter moment? (i.e. money, appearance, etc.) Give a personal example.

How do you see the subtle sin of discrimination impacting Christianity today? How can this be avoided?

July 9, 2012

Read:  James 2:1-4, Deuteronomy 10:14-17, 16:18-19, Job 34:14-19

Explain how God is impartial and just at the same time. What is the difference?

How does James 2:1 relate? Why is discrimination and favoritism a violation of justice and impartiality?

What are ways you can play favorites? (i.e. appearance, wealth, etc.) How does God want you to change?

July 7, 2012

Read:  James 1:27b, Ephesians 6:10-18

How does Ephesians 6:10-18 relate to James 1:27? What does this tell you about monitoring your sin?

Why is it important for Christians not to minimize sin? How does this relate to “fake” Christianity?

Review your walk with the Lord and ask God to reveal ways you are fooling yourself in a sinful way.

July 6, 2012

Read:  James 1:27b, Ephesians 1:13-14, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

How are Christians described when compared to the world? What are the spiritual implications?

In what way does this explain why Christians should “struggle” with living in today’s world?

How is this an indicator of authentic Christianity? What is God teaching you and the world?

July 5, 2012

Read:  James 1:27a, 1 Timothy 5:3-16

What is implied by 1 Timothy 5 when it comes to helping those in need? How does this relate to James 1?

What is the order of responsibility for helping those in need? (i.e. a Christian, the church, etc.)

As you reflect on today’s truth, journal how this has played into your life? Pray about new ways to help.

July 4, 2012

Read:  James 1:27a, 2:14-18, 1 John 3:17-18, Psalm 68:4-5

Summarize how today’s reading describes the birthmark of a Christian. How does this reflect the Lord?

In what way do you see Christianity being redefined today when compared with today’s passage?

How is your compassion factor? How does this confirm or convict? What is God prompting you to do?

July 3, 2012

Read:  James 1:26, Matthew 12:33-37, Proverbs 13:3

Why are your words such an important issue to God? (i.e. what do they reveal?) Give an example.

How does your speech relate to your Christianity? How can it make your walk with God worthless?

What is God teaching you about keeping a tight reign on your words?

July 2, 2012

Read:  James 1:19, 26, Ephesians 4:25, 29, Colossians 4:6, Proverbs 16:21-24

What is the biblical response to “talk is cheap”? Why?

How can words impact others? (i.e. positive and negative) What has been your experience?

Considering you write a book every week with the words you speak, what will the title be this week?