The Sin Of Partiality

James 2:1-13

INTRODUCTION

1. In the first century, A.D., polarized conditions governed society; people were either rich or poor, slaves or free, Jew or Gentile, Greek or barbarian

2. However, part of the good news of the gospel was that in Christ Jesus social barriers lost much of their strength

   1. Galatians 3:28

   2. Colossians 3:11

3. But it took a while for this truth to sink into the hearts of those who were Christians; even the apostle Peter had to be told this truth through a vision and then a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit - cf. Acts 10:34-35

4. From the second chapter of the epistle of James, it is apparent that showing partiality was still being practiced and its sinfulness needed to be pointed out

5. Because "The Sin Of Partiality" is still prevalent in some forms today, let's examine James 2:1-13 and consider what James has to say on this subject

THE SIN OF PARTIALITY

1. AS MANIFESTED IN JAMES' DAY...

   1. We know from other scriptures that Jewish Christians often showed partiality in regards to the Gentiles

   2. But in this epistle, the problem was one of showing partiality between the rich and poor - James 2:2-4

2. TODAY, WE CAN ALSO BE GUILTY OF PARTIALITY...

   1. By showing partiality between rich and poor

      1. For example, giving preferential treatment to visitors at our assemblies based upon their apparel

      2. Or showing hospitality towards our rich friends, while ignoring those who are poor (sometimes, it is the poor who despise the rich)

   2. By showing partiality between people of different races (again, this can easily go both ways)

   3. Even by showing partiality between friends and visitors to our services

WHY CHRISTIANS CAN'T SHOW PARTIALITY

1. JESUS CHRIST IS A "GLORIOUS" LORD! (2:1)

   1. It is possible that this point was being implied by James in using his appellation of Jesus to introduce the subject

   2. What does OUR partiality have to do with the LORD OF GLORY?

      1. As Christians, we profess to be Christ's disciples, or followers, whose goal is to imitate Him - Luke 6:40

      2. As such, our actions are likely to be considered by others as a reflection of what Christ teaches

      3. If we show partiality as Christians, we leave the impression that Jesus Himself is partial (prejudiced, biased, racist)

   3. Therefore, if we are not careful, the glory of the Lord can be tainted by OUR partiality!

2. WE BECOME JUDGES WITH EVIL THOUGHTS (2:4)

   1. God has always hated unjust judges

   2. Jesus Himself warned about:

      1. The dangers of judging - Matthew 7:1

      2. The need to make righteous judgment - John 7:24

   3. If we judge against the poor due to our prejudice against them, we will find ourselves fighting against God! - Psalm 109:31

3. WE DESPISE THOSE GOD HAS HONORED (2:5)

   1. Both then and today God has chosen to honor the poor

      1. The gospel was proclaimed to the poor - Luke 7:22

      2. The majority of those who responded were from among the poor - 1Cointhians 1:26-29

   2. Both then and today God has chosen to honor ALL men - Acts 10:34-35

      1. Therefore, when we show partiality because of a person's race...

      2. Or because they are a stranger we do not know...then we despise those whom God has honored by His offering to them salvation through the gospel!

      3. Do we want to face God on the Day of Judgment guilty of such a crime?

4. WE HONOR THOSE MOST CAPABLE AND LIKELY OF OPPRESSING US (2:6-7)

   1. The rich were doing this to the Christians in James' day

   2. Who are the ones most likely to oppress Christians today if it ever came down to "push and shove"?

      1. Those who have the resources to do so

      2. And most likely that would be the "majority" and the "affluent"

5. WE BREAK "THE ROYAL LAW" (2:8-11)

   1. Which is "You shall love your neighbor as your self"

   2. This is one of the most fundamental laws that God has ever given!

      1. As proclaimed by Christ - Matthew 22:36-40

      2. As taught by Paul - Romans 13:8-10

      3. And, as emphasized by James, by breaking one law, we become guilty of ALL the Law!

         1. I.e., to show partiality is to make one as guilty as if they committed adultery or murder!

         2. This illustrates just how terrible any sin is!

6. WE WILL ONE DAY BE JUDGED BY "THE LAW OF LIBERTY" (2:12-13)

   1. This refers to the law of Christ, or the gospel

      1. A law that has set us free from the bondage of sin through the mercy shown in Christ - cf. John 8:31-36

      2. And a law that sets us free from man-made restrictions cf. Colossians 2:20-22

   2. But if we:

      1. Apply man-made restrictions upon others (like showing partiality)

      2. Do not show mercy toward others, then NO MERCY will be shown toward us! - cf. Matthew 6:14-15

CONCLUSION

1. In view of all these things, we can understand why James would say:

   1. James 2:1

2. We can also better understand Peter's reasoning why he had to accept the Gentiles:

   1. Acts 11:17

From: http://executableoutlines.com/ja/ja_09.htm