Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.
James 1:27

Do you think the Scriptures have no meaning? They say that God is passionate that the spirit he has placed within us should be faithful to him. And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor."
James 4:5-10 

This week Pastor John-Mark outlined four parts of James’ cure for divided loyalties: a holistic gospel, generous grace, humility, and repentance.

Holistic Gospel 

  • In your experience of faith, how was the good news of Jesus presented to you? As a “ticket to heaven”? As “fire insurance” (not going to Hell)? As a personal spiritual experience?
  • How does James 1:27 broaden our perspective on “true religion”? 

Generous Grace

James states that divided loyalty is cured by God’s generous grace (James 4:6).   

  • Have you even thought of God as the kind of Olympic Judge that Pastor J-M mentioned in his sermon (i.e. someone who is recording your every mistake)?
  • How does knowing God is generous with his grace change how we view our human tendency toward divided loyalty?   

Humility

Pastor J-M grouped verses 7 and 8 together and connected the commands in them to being humble before God. 

  • How does humility relate to resisting the Devil (James 4:7)?
  • Some Old Testament precedents for “Come close to God…” in verse 8 can be found in 2 Chronicles 15:2 and Matthew 3:7. What were the Israelites doing in these situations? What needs to happen in us so that we can be closer to God?   
  • “Washing our hands” and “purifying our hearts” (James 4:8) – what does this look life in everyday life? Have you or someone close to you chosen to leave behind a particular ideology/attachment/behaviour/sin? How does this work? 

Repentance

James uses all the language of mourning to describe how we should feel about divided loyalties (James 4:9).   

  • Is it essential to have this emotional reaction when repenting of sin? Why or why not? (see also 2 Corinthians 7:10)
  • John Perkins described a time of despair when his personal faith in Jesus seemed disconnected from the problems in America and is own community. What did that despair prompt him to do?
  • What about repentance as a group? What does RCC need to grieve in our own history? What does the wider church in Canada or North America need to mourn and turn from? 
Further Discussion Questions

  1. Had you heard of John M Perkins before? Read any of his books? What in his story stood out to you?   

    1. You can learn more about John Perkins' ministry (including an opportunity to sign up for a virtual bible study) on his website, jvmpf.org.

  2. Do you know of any other figures from Christian history who have led lives of singular devotion to Jesus? How did they affect the people/culture around them?

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