“Favoritism Is a No No” James 2:1-13 10/29/2006 Dr. Dane Boyles

“Favoritism Is a No No” 34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism (Acts 10:34) 1 My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. (James 2:1)

“Favoritism Is a No No” General Warning Against Showing Favoritism. We are all sinners saved by grace. Jesus Christ is Lord of all. Consider Jesus Jesus Christ is the Lord who left the glory of heaven and came to this corruptible world to save all men.

“Favoritism Is a No No” He humbled Himself, and laid aside all the glory, majesty, brilliance, and splendor of heaven itself and came in utter poverty and humiliation to this earth in order to save us. If the Lord of glory loved us that much, then all who believe and follow Him must humble themselves and love the poor and lowly of this earth just as much.

“Favoritism Is a No No” 15 “ ‘Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly. (Leviticus 19:15). 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism. (1 Tim. 5:21).

“Favoritism Is a No No” The Picture of Partiality. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” (James 2:2-3)

“Favoritism Is a No No” There must be no misunderstanding about what is meant by partiality. The Greek word for the kind of clothing he is wearing means “filthy and dirty”. The man is so poor that he is actually a dirty, smelly beggar or derelict from off the streets. What happens when these two men visit the church?

“Favoritism Is a No No” Look at the implication. 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. 3 Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. (Psalm 82:3).

“Favoritism Is a No No” What is Wrong with Showing Favoritism. It sets us up as the judge of men. 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves (James 2:4a) 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is ale to save and destroy. But you-who are you to judge your neighbor? (James 4:12).

“Favoritism Is a No No” It reveals our evil thoughts (2:4b). 4 and become judges with evil thoughts? (James 2:4b) 21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:22).

“Favoritism Is a No No” 22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. (Matthew 19:22).

“Favoritism Is a No No” Showing partiality discriminates against the poor and lowly, a people who are loved by God (2:5). 5 Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? (James 2:5)

“Favoritism Is a No No” 12 I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. (Psalm 140:12).

“Favoritism Is a No No” Showing partiality shows a disgraceful attitude. 6 But you have insulted the poor. (James 2:6a) 20 The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends. (Prov 14:20)

“Favoritism Is a No No” 7 A poor man is shunned by all his relatives--how much more do his friends avoid him! Though he pursues them with pleading, they are nowhere to be found. (Proverbs 19:7).

“Favoritism Is a No No” It also shows foolish behavior. 6 …Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong? (James 2:6b-7) 1 Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. (Psalm 41:1).

“Favoritism Is a No No” Specific Warnings Against Being a Respecter of Persons. It is sin. (2:8-9) 8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. (James 2:8-9)

“Favoritism Is a No No” It makes us guilty of the whole law of God (2:10). It is just as serious a sin as adultery and killing. 11 For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. (James 2:11)

“Favoritism Is a No No” God will judge sin. (2:12-13) 12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! (James 2:12-13)

“Favoritism Is a No No” Conclusion How we treat others reflects our relationship to God. James warns us that showings favoritism is a NO NO! We are challenged to be like Christ.

“Favoritism Is a No No” People need the Lord…all people, from all backgrounds and cultures! 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matt 5:16)

“Favoritism Is a No No” James 2:1-13 10/29/2006 Dr. Dane Boyles