April 19

Discussion Questions

1. The Incompatibility of Faith and Favoritism

James 2:1 – “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.”
How does James connect faith in Christ with the command to avoid favoritism, and why are the two incompatible?

2. God’s Standard vs. Ours

1 Samuel 16:7 – “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
In what ways do we tend to evaluate people differently than God does?

3. The Danger of External Impressions

James 2:2–3 – “For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly…”
Why are we so easily drawn to wealth, success, or appearance?

4. Favoritism as a Heart Issue

Matthew 6:21 – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
What does favoritism reveal about what we treasure most?

5. Jesus as the Model of Impartiality

Acts 10:34–35 – “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality…”
How did Jesus demonstrate impartial love in His ministry?

6. Going Through Samaria

John 4:4 – “And he had to pass through Samaria.”
Who are the “Samaritans” in your life that you’re tempted to avoid?

7. The Gospel Levels Us All

Isaiah 64:6 – “All our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.”
How does remembering our own spiritual condition before Christ change how we treat others?

8. Christ Became Poor for Us

2 Corinthians 8:9 – “Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor…”
How does the humility of Christ motivate us to reject favoritism?

9. Unity in the Kingdom of God

Revelation 7:9 – “A great multitude…from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages…”
What would it look like for our church to reflect this kind of unity now?

10. Repentance and Real Change

Romans 2:11 – “For God shows no partiality.”
What is one specific way you need to repent of favoritism this week, and what step will you take?