James: Grace That Works
RLC Home Group Handout | March 1st,, 2026
“Grace that Works- Intro” | James 1:1
Recap
As we begin our series in James, we are reminded that the grace we receive in Jesus is not passive—it is grace that transforms and produces obedience in our lives. James introduces himself not by appealing to his status as Jesus’ brother but as a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, showing us that true identity and honor come from belonging to Christ. Writing to believers scattered in the world like exiles longing for their true home, James reminds us that the Christian life is lived in the tension between grace and obedience. The gospel does not free us from obedience but transforms us so that obedience becomes the evidence of God’s grace at work within us. The grace we freely receive in Jesus is grace that works.
References
James 2 – Faith without works is dead.
1 Corinthians 15:6–7 — The risen Jesus appears to many witnesses, including a personal appearance to James.
Galatians 6:16, Romans 4, 1 Peter 1:1 - The church as the dispersed 12 tribes.
Discussion Questions
Head
Is there anything that stood out or spoke to you in this week’s sermon?
What does the word “doulos” (servant/slave) communicate about the relationship between a Christian and Christ?
What does it mean biblically to live as “exiles” or “dispersion”?
Heart
Do you tend to lean more toward legalism (“I must perform to be accepted”) or license (“obedience doesn’t matter because of grace”)? Why?
What are the first few things you tell people about yourself and what does that reveal about where you find your identity?
Do you ever feel like a stranger or exile in the culture around you? If so, in what ways?
When we imagine the “better country” and New Jerusalem that C. S. Lewis describes as a far‑off homeland, what emotions surface in us—hope, sadness, restlessness, joy, and why?
Hands
What is one concrete way we can invite God’s grace to reshape an area of either legalism or license in our week ahead (for example, a specific habit, relationship, or schedule decision)?
What is one tangible way we can embody “grace that works” toward someone in our lives—showing undeserved kindness or patience that flows from the gospel?