The Pressure of Partiality

September 15

Think About It …

• Whom or what does our society value the most?

• Today we seek to learn two things:– God does not play favorites– Neither should I

• We will be challenged to look at all people through God’s eyes instead of our own

Listen for church members showed favoritism in this passage.

James 2:1-4 (NIV) My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show

favoritism. [2] Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes,

and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. [3] If you show special attention to the man

wearing fine clothes and say,

Listen for church members showed favoritism in this passage.

"Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," [4] have you

not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

Favoritism

• What examples of prejudice and partiality does James describe?

• What rationale might an usher or deacon give for such treatment to someone today?

• What other ways might such treatment happen in today’s churches?

• What qualifications might cause special treatment (either positive or negative)?

Favoritism

• Why do we often treat rich people as more important than poor people?

• How does James characterize those who engage in these attitudes or actions?

• How is showing favoritism or preference to one person or group an act of “prejudging?”

• What are some examples of wrong pre-judgments you have made with people you know?

Listen for the contrast of how God sees people and how we see people.

James 2:5-7 (NIV) Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those

who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the

kingdom he promised those who love him? [6] But you have insulted the

poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you?

Listen for the contrast of how God sees people and how we see people.

Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? [7] Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?

Rich in Faith

• So, let’s make the contrast … how does God, how do we see people?

• What does James say about what God has promised the poor of this world?

• What does James say about what God has promised the poor of this world?

How God Sees How We See

Rich in Faith

• At the same time what do rich people have a history of doing to people in the church?

• Why does favoritism within a group (family, church, etc.) lead to disasters in relationships?

• What steps can we take to overcome favoritism?

Listen for what is the “royal law.”

James 2:8-13 (NIV) If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as

yourself," you are doing right. [9] But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by

the law as lawbreakers. [10] For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one

point is guilty of breaking all of it. [11] For he who

Listen for what is the “royal law.”

said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but

do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. [12] Speak and act as those who

are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, [13] because judgment without mercy

will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!

The Royal Law

• What was the “royal law?”• Why is it “royal?” • What does the Royal Law have to do with

prejudice and favoritism?• Finish the sentence, “Showing favoritism isn’t

as bad as __________.”

The Royal Law

We don’t tend to include favoritism into the same category as these … •But … how does James classify someone who shows favoritism?

The Royal Law

• Consider the difference between mercy and grace.

• How does mercy triumph over judgment (or judgmentalism)?

MercyWe don’t receive

judgment that we really deserve

GraceGod gives us blessings

which we don’t deserve

Application

• Ask God to show you someone in your life to whom you have not shown mercy or impartial love– Right now, pray that God will help you to set that

situation right– Ask for God’s help to show that person mercy, to

demonstrate impartial love towards that person

Application

• As a class or as a church, what steps might we take to cultivate a greater expression of impartiality to those around us– People from other neighborhoods– People of other ethnic backgrounds– Even people from other religious backgrounds

Application

• Our attitudes as believers must be shaped by the Royal Law– Partiality that leads to rejection is sin in the sight

of God– Make sure that what you say is backed up by what

you do– You desire mercy from God. This week allow God

to love others through you and show mercy to them … no matter how different they are from you.

The Pressure of Partiality

September 15