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gathering question:
discuss the difference between a “soup kitchen vs. potluck” approach to the marginalized.
TRUTH
In Scripture
James, the brother of Jesus (Gal. 1:19) became a prominent leader of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 15:13). He wrote his letter to a church facing pressure to compromise their faith because of social rejection and economic disadvantages. The Letter of James provides a window into the early Christian economic thought as it addresses the relationship between the rich and the poor, the dangers of accumulating wealth, and unjust means used to acquire wealth through economic exploitation and oppression.
Take 20 minutes to read through the entire Letter of James aloud. Pay special attention to the ways the rich and poor, the sin of partiality, and wealth are spoken about. Mark any significant passages worth coming back to for discussion.
1. What stuck out to you in relation to economic wisdom in your reading of the Letter of James?
In Summary
The church is meant to be the place where the righteousness of God – God’s way of putting things right – is displayed to the world. Here the virtues necessary for a just social order are cultivated, protected, and portrayed. Therefore when the church is caught up in the unjust economic practices of the world it is disastrous. Wealth can endanger the souls of the rich by tempting them to believe they sustain their own lives rather than God. Trust in the grace of Jesus compels us to seek justice for those in need with joyful generosity. The church is to be famous for our economic stewardship and care for the poor.
EQUIPPING
These equipping questions are meant to help you work the truth out of the text and into your lives. Take 25 minutes to discuss these questions.
1. Read James 2:1-7. The sin of partiality shows favoritism based on outward appearances or potential for personal gain. The poor are in need of welcome, especially in church assemblies. How are our values not shaped by the Gospel if we treat people differently based on their external appearance: status, job, or income level?
2. Read James 5:1-6. Injustice thrives where there is selfish ambition, greed, and a disregard for human dignity. Far from our faith being private, exploitative business practices are condemned by the Bible. When James says, “The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts” (James 5:4), what does that tell you about God’s character?
3. Political theologian David Koyzis said, “A policy that views the poor as entirely to blame for their own plight and ignores impersonal socioeconomic and political factors risks doing injustice. However, an approach that portrays the poor as simply victims of external circumstances, depriving them of their status as responsible agents, risks dehumanizing them and seeing them solely as objects of pity. This too is unjust.” How ought this inform our view of economic policies?
ACCOUNTABILITY
These questions can be helpful for you to examine your life and ministry in light of the truths you explored this week. Take 15 minutes to discuss these questions:
1. Read James 4:13-17. The reality that you could die today should change the way you spend or give your money/time. How do the ways you spend your money and use your time reveal your lack of trust in God for tomorrow?
2. Proverbs 31:8–9 says, “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” How has the Spirit moved you toward concern for the poor?
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich (2 Cor. 8:9). Jesus is rich in mercy for those who come to Him. Don’t let your faults and failings keep you away. Instead come to Him, poor in spirit, to receive forgiveness and power to seek justice.
MISSION
The goal of the Mission section is so that Truth, Equipping, Accountability, and Supplication are transformed into a missional life, that is, following Jesus moment-by-moment in all of life. Take 5 minutes to plan for this:
1. Pursuing generosity today shows you how to trust God with tomorrow (4:13-15). Consumerism is one of the core idols of American culture. How can we minimize excess, reduce spending, and give to just causes?
Give to the PCA’s Unity Fund to raise up minority leaders within our denomination.
With Christmas around the corner, consider The Advent Conspiracy, an international movement encouraging people to worship fully, spend less, give more, and love all.
SUPPLICATION
Remember the Spirit helps us in our weakness (Romans 8:26). Close by spending 10 minutes praying God’s words back to Him from the Psalms.
1. Read through Psalm 112:4-9.
2. Ask the Spirit to show you the inestimable generosity of Jesus toward you.
3. Ask the Spirit to give you tangible ways to steward your time, talent, and treasure in more just ways.
Psalm 112:4–9
Light dawns in the darkness for the upright;
he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.
It is well with the man who deals generously and lends;
who conducts his affairs with justice.
For the righteous will never be moved;
he will be remembered forever.
He is not afraid of bad news;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is steady; he will not be afraid,
until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.
He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever;
his horn is exalted in honor.