Curated Reading for January 18 – 24
Sermon Series: Real Faith Week 3Sermon Title: Real Faith in a Status-Driven Society delivered on January 18, 2026
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Day 1 READ: James 2:1-4. What do you think might have been happening within the early church that caused James to write this portion? How does favoritism run counter to the teachings and modeling of Jesus?
Day 1 PRAY: Take a moment to thank God for His unmerited favor, amazing grace, and unconditional love for you. Ask Him to show you any relationships in your life where you are showing favoritism or avoiding people who don’t fit the mold of your typical friends/associates. Invite Him to show you a straightforward way to get real and to show greater care, compassion, and concern for others.
Day 2 READ: James 2:5-7. What are the traps and temptations of wealth? Why does James take such a strong stand against using power, wealth, and status to exploit those who are in need or living in poverty? What does that say to us today?
Day 2 PRAY: Thank God for His unbounded love and the resources He has provided for you. Invite Him to show you some practical ways you can serve others who are in need and how you could give something to help those living in poverty. Share what he reveals to you with another trusted Christian friend/family member.
Day 3 READ: James 2:8-11. As you read this passage, how does James compare favoritism with other sins? Are there areas in your life where you have found it easy to justify sin or sinful attitudes? How can these be just as damaging to our walk with Jesus and witness to the world as the more public sins, such as murder, adultery, lust, etc.?
Day 3 PRAY: Find a quiet space with minimal distractions, and invite God to reveal any hidden sin or places where you are susceptible to compromising your obedience to Jesus and His Word. Allow God to speak as you listen. As He reveals an area, write it down and confess it to God. Commit to taking the necessary steps to root out these areas in your life.
Day 4 READ: James 2:12-13 and Matthew 7:1-3. How do James' words here echo the words of Jesus to His disciples? Does this mean we shouldn’t correct or offer wisdom to people who are making poor decisions, acting inappropriately, or underperforming at work? What measure are we to use as we do?
Day 4 PRAY: Thank God for His eternal Word and the truth it conveys to us. Invite God to show you a person you may be judging too harshly or unbiblically? If God shows you someone in this category, take a bold step and share with them and seek their forgiveness.
Day 5 READ: James 4:13-16. In addition to favoritism, James confronts the issue of boasting. How does this theme tie into favoritism and hidden sins from Chapter 2? What is a healthy way to plan and prepare for the future without dishonoring God in the process?
Day 5 PRAY: Pause and thank Jesus for the gifts and skills He has provided for you. Ask Him how you can use them more intentionally in a God-honoring way. Invite the Holy Spirit to give you renewed insights into your plans for this year and how God can be glorified as you follow His lead and His plan for your life.
Memorize and Reflect
James 2:1
My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.
Real Faith Weekly Challenge
Get Real Weekly Challenge:
- Examine how you treat others and how others might perceive your attitude and actions towards them.
- Use your treasure to make a difference for Jesus.
- Take a step and offer to serve somewhere in our community this week.
Previous Readings
January 18 – 24
Real Faith in a Status-Driven Society from the sermon series Real Faith
January 11 – 17
Real Faith in Tempting Times from the sermon series Real Faith
January 4 – 10
Real Faith in Trials and Testing from the sermon series Get Real
Nov 30 – Dec 6
Hope is Here from the sermon series Advent
November 23 – 29
A Thankful Life in a Grumbling World from the sermon series Countercultural
November 16 – 22
A Peaceful Presence in a Conflicted Culture from the sermon series Countercultural
November 9 – 15
A Sacrificial Heart in a Self-Centered Society from the sermon series Countercultural
November 2 – 8
A Content Life in an Obsessive World from the sermon series Countercultural
October 26 – November 1
A Confident Walk in Tumultuous Times from the sermon series Countercultural
October 19 – 25
Embrace the Grace of God from the sermon series Sovereign