People Matter!
Introduction:
Way we treat others is important to God. God expects those who serve Him to act w/o partiality. This was a problem during 1st century – polarized conditions governed society But, there was good news w/Christianity – Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11 Learning to live impartially is a challenge. Bias, prejudice, and racism are just as prevalent today.Few people are open-minded & above prejudice. Scripture gives us principles that help us to become more open-minded and objective in dealing w/our prejudices.
I. 2:1 – the Person we worship is impartial.
A. Favoritism comes from a word “to receive by face.”
1. Involves judging a person solely on face value.
B. In NT – we can be assured that God is no respecter of persons. Lk. 20:21
C. There is a consistent theme throughout the NT.
1. Rom. 2:11; Acts 10:34; Eph. 6:9; Col. 3:25; 1 Peter 1:17; Gal. 2:6
D. Lk. 6:40 – what is our goal? If we lax in this area – we taint God’s glory!
II. 2:1b-4 – favoritism was a problem during James’ day.
A. What is/what is not condemned here..
1. NOT condemning discernment that comes through an understanding of someone else’s character.
2. IS condemning prejudicial attitudes & behaviors toward others based on superficial appearances.
III. 2:5-11 - dangers of favoritism.
A. 2:4 – we become judges of evil motives. God hates unjust judges. Mt. 7:1-5
B. 2:5-7 – it leads to irrational behavior.
1. Favoritism caused them to despise the ones honored by God.
a) Lk. 7:22; 1 Cor. 1:26-29 – majority of those who responded to gospel were poor.
b) Acts 10:34-35 – God has chosen to honor ALL men who submit to Him in obedience!
2. Favoritism can display itself today!
a) ethnic background, uneasy around strangers; have “red flags” about what someone did before they were a Christian.
b) Lk. 16:14-15 - condition of a person’s soul has nothing to do with money; color; education; class; culture; etc. God looks on the heart!
C. 2:8-11 – favoritism causes us to break the royal law.
1. 2:9-11 – by breaking one law – we guilty of all the law.
IV. Practical Applications. How to avoid favoritism/prejudice in the future.
A. 2:11-13 – live daily in the reality of final judgment.
B. Identify & change attitudes that promote “special attention” to particular “status groups.”
C. Been blessed with wealth? Don’t flaunt it.
D. Decide “everybody is somebody.”
Conclusion:
A. Rom. 15:5-7 - We have a glorious God – we serve to do things for His glory.
1. May we never allow the sin of partiality to taint that glory in anyway!