James 2:1-3

Introduction

In NT times people were either rich or poor, slaves or free, Jew or Gentile, Greek or barbarian.

Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

Introduction

It takes time for these truths to sink in Peter struggled with this truth The Sin of Partiality – is still prevalent in many

forms today. Today we look at:

The sin of partiality Why it is wrong

What is the sin of Partiality?

Jewish Christians often showed partiality toward the gentile Christians, also rich vs. poor

James 2:2-4 2 For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, 3 and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, "You sit here in a good place," and say to the poor man, "You stand there," or, "Sit here at my footstool," 4 have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?

What is the sin of Partiality?

Jewish Christians often showed partiality toward the gentile Christians

Today partiality is still a problem Rich vs. poor – preferential treatment Racial partiality Gender partiality Friends vs. visitors at our worship service

Prejudice is more than black / white

Why is Partiality a Sin?1 - Jesus is our glorious Lord

James 2:1 My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.

We must be like Jesus – Luke 6:40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.

If we show partiality, we show that Jesus is partial (biased, racist, prejudiced).

Why is Partiality a Sin?2 - We become judges

James 2:4 have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?

God always hated unjust judges Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that you be not judged. If we judge against others we are fighting against

God. Psalm 109:32 For He shall stand at the right

hand of the poor, To save him from those who condemn him.

Why is Partiality a Sin?3 - We despise whom God as honored

James 2:5 Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

The gospel was preached to the poor – Luke 7:22 the poor have the gospel preached to them.

Most who believed and obeyed were poor – 1 Corinthians 1:26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.

Why is Partiality a Sin?4 - We honor those who oppress us James 2:6-7 6 But you have dishonored the

poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? 7 Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?

Who is most likely to oppress you? Acts 10:34-35 34 Then Peter opened his

mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.

Why is Partiality a Sin?5 - We Break the “Royal Law”

James 2:8-9 8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well; 9 but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

Love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus – Matthew 22:36-40 Paul – Romans 13:8-10

You sin, you are a transgressor of God's law

Why is Partiality a Sin?6 - We will be judged by law of liberty

James 2:12-13 12 So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

The law of Christ sets us FREE – John 8:32 Partiality restricts, binds, enslaves us

If we show no mercy to others, thenNO MERCY will be shown toward us.

Conclusion I hope you understand why James

wrote: James 2:1 My brethren, do not hold the faith of

our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.

We can understand why we mustaccept the Gentiles

Acts 11:17 If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?"