James 2:1-13

Introduction:

1. For some reason, people tend to categorize and valuate other people based on various man-made criteria.

2. Such arbitrary distinctions often cause division, resentment, and strife.

3. In Christ, there is no place for valuing or devaluing people in such ways.

Discussion:

I. The Sad Reality of Partiality

A. In the 1st century, people were polarized distinctions of Jew or Gentile, rich or poor, slave or free, Greek or Barbarian, etc.

B. Not much has changed in the 21st century as we are polarized by distinctions of black or white, rich or poor, Republican or Democrat, elite or common, educated or uneducated, male or female, pretty or not pretty, cool or not cool, etc.

II. The Prohibition of Partiality

A. Partiality= “the fault of one who when called on to give judgment has respect of the outward circumstances of man and not to his intrinsic merits, and so prefers, as the more worthy, the one who is rich, high born, or powerful, to the one who does not have these qualities” (Thayer)

B. James plainly condemns preferential treatment based on worldly distinctions (James 2:1-4, 9).

C. Impartiality is a consistent biblical teaching (Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 1:17; 16:19; Proverbs 24:23; 28:21; 1 Timothy 5:21; Jude 16).

III. The Sinfulness of Partiality

A. James, the inspired writer, addressed them as “brethren” which demonstrated his impartiality to his readers (James 2:1).

B. The problem with partiality begins with the nature of our Lord.

1. “Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory” literally reads, “Jesus Christ, the glory” in the original text.

2. The Lord is the one to whom we must be partial.

3. He is impartial (Acts 10:34-35; Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:25); we are to be like Him (1 Corinthians 11:1; Ephesians 5:1); a servant is not above his master (Luke 6:40; John 13:16; 15:20).

C. The Father values all people equally (John 3:16; Romans 1:16; 10:12-13; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11; 1 Peter 1:17), and we are to love those He loves (1 John 5:1).

D. We become judges with evil thoughts (vs. 4; Matthew 7:1; John 7:24).

E. God honors the rich in faith no matter their status in material matters, and so must we (vv. 5-8).

F. The royal law must be kept uniformly, or it will condemn us (vv. 8-11; Matthew 22:36-40; Romans 13:8-10).

IV. The Price of Partiality

A. The wages of sin is death, and partiality is sin (vv. 1-4, 9).

B. When Christians sin willfully, there is no longer a sacrifice for sins but only fear and judgment (Hebrews 10:26-31).

C. Our treatment of our neighbors influences how we will be treated in the judgment (vv. 12-13; Matthew 5:7; 25:31-46).

Conclusion:

1. Every person is susceptible to the sin of partiality.

2. Every person has personal preferences which is not inherently sinful.

3. However, we must guard against allowing any arbitrary, temporal, earthly factors sway our treatment of our brethren.

4. To do so is to sin against and dishonor our Lord.

5. The equality everyone craves in this life is granted in Christ!