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study of james

james 2:1-13

  • Introduction: this passage begins a new section in James,
  • a discussion of various temptations and trials that are common to all believers.
  • There are certain temptations and trials that are constantly confronting us.
  • One of the strongest is that of showing partiality or favoritism, of discriminating against people.
  • What does it mean to show partiality/ favoritism?

o  It means to favor some people over others or to pay special attention to a person because of his

§  wealth, social standing, position, authority, popularity, looks, or influence.

o  Note that this charge is given to believers...—

Leviticus 19:15 (King James Version)
15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.

o 

  • GODLESS FAVORITISM (james 2:1-13)

I. The command against-favoritism

  • James 2:1-8 (King James Version)
    1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
    2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
    3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
    4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
    5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
    6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
    7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
    8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

1.  The examples (2:1-4):

a.  His readers are guilty of the following sins:

Þ  Treating rich visitors with great respect (2:1-2a, 3a)

Þ  Treating poor visitors with no respect (2:2b, 3b-4)

Þ  Note that the two men represent the extreme ends of wealth and poverty. If partiality is not to be shown in this case, then it is never to be shown.

2.  The enigma (2:5-7):

a.  James cannot understand this,

b.  for often it was the rich who persecuted them and ridiculed their Savior.

3.  The exhortation (2:8):

a.  James says, "Obey our Lord's royal command found in the Scriptures."

II.  The consequences of favoritism

  • James 2:9-13 (King James Version)
    9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
    10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
    11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
    12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
    13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

1.  To break this law is to break all laws (2:9-12).

a.  Showing partiality is sin

b.  Showing partiality makes a person guilty of the whole law of God

c.  Showing partiality is just as serious a sin as adultery and killing

2.  To show no mercy is to receive no mercy (2:12-13).

a.  We shall face the judgment of God (James 2:12).

Þ  we should speak and act like people who will stand before God and give account for what we have done

b.  We shall receive a equal reward for our behavior.

Þ  God is going to treat us exactly as we have treated others.

Þ  If we have shown mercy, then He will show mercy to us;

Þ  if we have not shown mercy, then He will not show mercy to us.

  • (Matthew 5:7)."Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy"
  • (Matthew 6:14-15)."For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses"
  • (Matthew 18:35).So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses"