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Study Guide:
One of the things Pastor Bryce started out with, is reminding us that Believers ought to be actively living out the relationship with Jesus. James 2 challenges us in this aspect when it comes to our relationship with other people. As a stark example, Bryce used the story of the women caught in adultery and Jesus’ eyes acceptance of the women that is based on the value of a person, not het action. Let’s zoom into this a little:
- #1 What behavior do we we tend to judge all too quickly (like the jews did in that story)? What person or group of people do we tend to look down upon, maybe even judge for being sinful? Who is not really fit to be a christian, unless they drastically change?
Now think about that group of people from the above questions. What pre-fabricated, judgmental phrases come to mind? What stigma is associated with that group of people?
- #2 Write down two or three of this stigma phrases. What MEME comes to mind when it comes to that group of people? Write them down, and share it in the group.
We can all fall into this trap of casting judgement on other people. We categorize them. We have our minds made up on them. But to be honest, in God’s eyes we are also sinners. We might not have broken that one sin, but we are guilty of another. And in God’s eyes, the sin that we have committed deserves the death penalty.
Now think about God’s undeserved mercy being extended to you. What change of mind takes place when you think about God loving ALL humankind?
- #3 Look back on the group of people you listed in task #1. In light of God’s mercy, what does that person, that group of people look like now. Do phrases like “loved by God”, “forgiven”, “in special need of HIS loving mercy” … come to mind? They should.
As you wrap up your study, think about just one person. One person you have a stigma on, a pre-judgement, a “I don’t thinks that person is worthy of being part of God’s kingdom”. Now throw God’s undivided MERCY towards you and that person into the equation.
- #4 Next time you come across that person, what will your attitude be? Write it down, because in the heat of the moment you might forget your godly response.
Pastor Daniel
BibleApp
Through the Bible in one Year
Join us in reading through the entire Bible in one year. Each day of this plan guides you through passages from both the Old and New Testaments, allowing you to see connections between the history of our faith, and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Readings average four chapters in length, so it is posible to do. When you use the YouVersion Bible App, you can even have the app read the Bible text to you – very useful when you are in the car or otherwise occupied with your hand.
All you need to do is click the link to the Bible Plan, which should lead you straight to the Bible app. Your two options are now (1) to read the plan on your own, one day at the time. Or (2) you can make it more fun and rewarding, by sharing the plan with one or more friends, and then even “Talk about it”.
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