The Sin of Impartiality
By:
M. Allen
FILING INFORMATION:
98022
SUBJECT: Attitudes
Preached
Originally: 04/19/98 - Rapid City, SD
I. Introduction.
A.
We wish to talk about the impartiality of Almighty God in our lesson
today.
1.
Partiality is defined in Webster's as according to preference or favor to one side or person over another:
biased. OR especially fond of.
2.
Partiality is a recognizable fact that we see all around us.
a.
human beings act w/partiality in a multitude of areas.
b.
In some areas this is only natural…
1.
partial to particular needs/wants of family & friends.
2.
Partial or "act w/favor" upon those whom we do business with.
a.
I'm partial to Wal-Mart, Exxon Gasoline, Whole Milk, and Dodge Trucks.
b.
You might be partial to K-Mart, Texaco Gasoline, Skim Mile, and Ford
Trucks.
3. But
what about being partial or showing partiality among brethren, total
strangers/as opposed to friends, and in other matters
pertaining to Christianity?
4. As
we go through the Scriptures do we find it pleasing to Christ for us to show
partiality in these areas? Certainly not!
B.
Word "partiality" used twice in KJV; 10 times in NKJV.
1.
KJV - 1 Tim. 5:21; Jas. 3:17
2.
NKJV - Acts 10:34; Rom. 2:11; Eph. 6:9; Col. 3:25; 1 Tim. 5:21; Jas. 2:1, 4, 9, 3:17; 1 Pet. 1:17
3.
Focus upon 1 Tim. 5:21.
a.
Paul talking to Timothy about dealings w/fellow brethren & his work
as an evangelist.
b.
Partiality from Greek wd. Prosklisis (pros'-klis-is) and literally
means - "A leaning towards" or "an inclination for."
1.
Timothy was to do all things w/o this attitude.
2.
Paul wanted him to be a Christ like example.
3.
All brethren have "equal rights" before the Lord.
4. Focus
upon Jas. 3:17
a.
v. 13 - works must be done in
meekness of wisdom…
b.
"w/o partiality" from Greek wd. Adiakritos (Ad-ee-ak'-ree-tos). Means: "undistinguished" or "impartial." This is the only place in the NT where
word appears.
c.
Heavenly wisdom…that from above…should make us impartial in our
treatment of others!
d.
Should be willing to show kindness to all, according to their wants.
C.
Facts from these verses prove that the way we treat others is important
to God!
1.
when it comes to those around us, God expects those who
serve Him to act w/o partiality.
2.
God is able to examine our motives. He understands why/why not we do the things we do.
a.
Heb. 4:12-13….our thought processes open to
God!
b.
V. 13 - to whom we must give an account!
3.
do we understand the seriousness of this matter? Our eternal destination could depend
upon matters such as this!
D.
Examine your life today. How do you treat/look upon others? Is it in a way that God would be pleased? Today we will look at:
1.
How partiality was a problem during Bible times.
2.
Why we should not be partial in our dealing w/others.
3.
How is God impartial?
E.
Hope you enjoy the lesson. This is a very relevant study for everyone!
II. Partiality was a Problem During Bible
Times.
A.
Gen. 37:3-4 - that of Jacob's partiality to Joseph…
1.
remember Webster's def: certainly Joseph fit that
definition.
2.
Problem that it caused….strife b/t bro's. of
Joseph & himself.
a.
37:12-36 - results…bro's. sell Joseph into
slavery.
b.
partiality of Jacob caused resentment, bitterness, and
ultimately great sorrow!
3.
We can see similar effects to this today in the lives of people!
B.
Jewish religious leaders in gospels.
1.
See: Mt. 4:23-25; Lk.
5:27-32; 7:36-39; 15:1-2; 19:1-10
2.
If you were a tax collector, Samaritan, some one who was classified as
a "sinner" you were treated totally with disdain & suspicion.
a.
people of this type were marked and avoided!
b.
They were totally isolated from the "main-stream" of society.
c.
If you were in this social class you had absolutely no chance.
3.
In all above Scripture references, Christ acts w/o partiality!
a.
not only did He come to be the Savior of "good moral
people" who were living under the law, but for all men!
b.
All men were on equal ground w/him!
C.
First Century Christians in Jas. 2:1-13…
1.
FC dominated by extremes. See Col. 3:11. Rich: exceedingly rich. Poor: exceedingly poor.
a.
slave/free; Jew/Gentile
b.
Greek/Barbarian.
2.
Seems that FC Brethren were struggling in the area of partiality. READ 2:1-4….
a.
Elevating status of rich over poor.
b.
Made it seem as if rich "better people" than the poor.
c.
First 13 verses spent pointing out this kind of partiality is a sin b/f
the Lord & they were in need of repentance!
d.
Continue in such a way? Souls lost.
D.
Masters showed partiality to various servants.
1.
Paul explaining the importance or right relationships. Christians need proper relationships in
marriage/ children to parents/ servants to masters….
2.
MASTERS NOT TO SHOW PARTIALITY AMONG SERVANTS.
3.
Why? B/c there is no
partiality in Christ.
4.
Their master/our master does not act in such a way.
III. Why Should We Be Impartial?
A.
We come judges w/evil thoughts.
1.
Js. 2:1-4 - FC Christians judging people by looks, appearance. Poor people not even given a chance!
a.
Poor dismissed b/c of clothing/looks, etc.
b.
Greek wd. here defined as "filthy" OR "foul."
c.
Notice: no consideration given whatsoever. They prejudged and predetermined that those who shabbily dressed were
not worthy of their time/attention.
d.
V. 4 - James says they are
judging.
2.
Clearly seen in Lk. 15:1-2
a.
Pharisees prejudged/determined that these people no good! These had no chance whatsoever!
b.
Why?
1.
b/c they were poor? Certainly not! Publicans wealthy.
2.
B/c of their
background. They were suspicious
of them!
3.
Many of these had less than
honorable records when it came to life.
4.
This is why they were called
"sinners." They weren't even given a chance.
c.
In both cases (James/Luke) we see judging w/evil thoughts.
1.
God always hated unjust
judgment!
a.
Mt. 7:1 - danger associated w/judging…
b.
Context: judging by
Pharisees. They prejudged (prejudice)
left people w/o a chance!
c.
Judge in this manner: v. 1-2…
2.
How are we to "judge?" See Jhn. 7:24.
a.
weren't FC Christians/Pharisees judging by appearance? By what appeared to be true?
b.
Don't many try to do the
same today?
c.
Must judge w/righteous
judgment!
3. Outward
appearance of situation/person often does not provide all the facts in a case!
4. Righteous
judgment is investigating (FOR OURSELVES) and finding
out the WHOLE TRUTH BEFORE A DECISION IS
MADE! In other words we must
give people the benefit of the doubt!
5. Relying
upon the judgement of the preacher/others is NOT righteous judgment!
6. Bottom
line: If we judge poor/people of questionable reputation/anyone due to a personal
prejudice we will find ourselves
fighting against God!
a.
Psa. 109:31
b.
Who do you think will prevail? God/man?
B.
We despise those who have been honored by God! Js. 2:5
1.
Again context dealing w/poor!
2.
However, principle of matter
can be further applied.
a.
God has chosen to HONOR ALL MEN WHO SUBMIT TO HIM IN OBEDIENCE!
1.
Acts 10:34-35 - God
shows partiality to no one!
2.
When we choose to show
partiality we b/c we:
a.
Are suspicious of someone's financial portfolio
b.
don't like someone's ethnic
background
c.
are uneasy around strangers
d.
have "red flags" about
what they did b/f they were a Christian…
b.
then we despise those who God has honored by His
offering salvation through the gospel!
3. do you, do I want to face God on the day of judgment guilty
of such a crime?
C.
We break the royal law. Js. 2:8-11
1.
Defined in Js. 2:8…
a.
one of the fundamental laws laid down by law.
b.
Christ proclaimed this: Mt.
22:36-40; Lk. 10:25-37
c.
Taught by Paul: Rom. 13:8-10…
2.
Notice Js. 2:9-11
a.
how serious is the sin of partiality?
b.
by breaking ONE law….we b/c guilty of all the law!
c.
Demonstrated by the following diagram.
d.
Can we see the seriousness of this? If I am partial I my dealings with brethren/others I am in danger of hell fire!
IV. How Does God Demonstrate Impartiality?
A.
Let's look at the ultimate example! God treats all men alike in matters pertaining to salvation.
1.
ALL men have sinned!
a.
all men on equal playing field before God!
b.
Rom. 1:2; 3:3, 9, 10, 22,23
2.
The Gospel.
a.
one gospel - for ALL men!
b.
Rom. 1:16; Eph. 2:17; Mt. 16:15; Mt. 28:19
c.
No special treatment given. ALL men regardless of who they are have to do this!
3.
ONE plan of pardon - for ALL men!
a.
All must believe - Mk. 16:16; Heb. 11:6
b.
All must repent - Lk. 13:3; Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30-31
c.
All must be born again! - Acts 2:38; 10:47; Jhn. 3:3-7
B.
God treats everyone alike in the church!
1.
As Christians we have been added to ONE body! Christ's body - the church.
a.
Acts 2:47 - as many as were saved were added to the church.
b.
Eph. 2:17-22 - Jews often showed partiality to Gentiles. W/coming of Christ, that was done away
with! They were to be together as
one!
2.
We are to be united as ONE to serve God! Eph. 4:4-6
a.
Working together - we may all together grow in Him! 4:15-16…
C.
God treats everyone alike in judgment!
1.
1 Pet. 1:17 - God will show absolutely NO partiality toward anyone on
judgment!
2.
Each one of us will receive our reward/punishment according to what we
did on earth.
a.
2 Cor. 5:9-10
b.
Col. 3:23-25 - NO PARTIALITY!
c.
Rev. 20:12-15
D.
Brethren - we must do as God
does! We must not show any
partiality toward anyone! ALL men
are equal before God! We are no better than anyone else when you look at the bottom line.
V. Conclusion.
A.
While we are all partial to our favorite things in life….Wal-Mart, Exxon, Milk, Dodge Trucks, let none of us be
partial or show partiality to our brethren or all men!
B.
If we do so, we will be unpleasing to God. Let each one of us examine our lives before God and see
where we stand.
1.
We must not compromise in this area.
2.
Are you guilty of showing partiality?
3.
Repent today of your sin and make the commitment to do that which is
right.
C.
Don't delay in getting your life right. If you are not a Christian, you need to be. Obey today!
1.
How wonderful it is that God is willing to forgive me - no matter what
I have done before I was a Christian and let me have the opportunity to START
OVER!
2.
Obey today
D. I N
V I T A T I O N