James 2:10,11 1 Samuel 15:1-3, 7-9, 13-23

Cafeteria-Style Religion

The Point of James 2:10 Does NOT mean – one inadvertent transgression makes one as unrighteous in God’s sight as the worst sinner Clear distinction between those who honestly try to serve God and those who don’t – Romans 6:16-18; Revelation 3:4 DOES teach that God gave all His Will – we do not have prerogative of disregarding any of it arbitrarily James 2:12; 4:11 - No One Above the Law

Some Think Obedience in Most Things Compensates for Disregard in a Few No Amount of “Good Works” Compensates for a Lawless Attitude Matthew 7:21-23 “does the will of the Father in heaven”

Some Pass God’s Instructions Through a “Filter” Preference, Convenience, our own understanding, etc.. Noah- Genesis 6:14-22 Ark to be built Gopher Wood – 3 Decks, compartments Pitch inside and out – 300 X 50 X 30 Window and a door Genesis 6:22 “did according to all”

To Disregard Any Part of God’s Will is to be a ‘transgressor of the law,’ a law breaker, one who flouts the law – an Outlaw (James 2:11)

Principle of Unqualified Obedience to God Matthew 22:37 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind” (Deuteronomy 6:5) Amaziah – 2 Chronicles 25:2 Joshua & Caleb – Numbers 32:11,12 Josiah – 2 Kings 23:25 “Pure in Heart” – Matthew 5:8; James 4:8

Practical Applications of the Principle Refuse to participate in some things God has commanded to be done in our public worship? Colossians 3:16 Excuse ourselves from some aspects of the work of the congregation? Ephesians 4:16 “every part does its share” Think we can disregard Evangelism? Edification? Benevolence? “Support” activities? Clean building, etc.

Practical Applications of the Principle Submit to Civil Authority (Romans 13:1-7) and Family Authority (Ephesians 5:22-24; 6:1-3) but disregard Authority God Instituted in the Local Congregation? (Hebrews 13:17) When Elders make Scriptural Requests, do we believe we have the option to comply or not? Do we do what the Elders ask Only when it “suits” us?

Practical Applications of the Principle Selective about Which Sins we will Avoid? Romans 1:29-31; Galatians 5:19- 21 Make Exceptions for Ourselves, believe the “sins” we commit are more “respectable” than others? James 2:1- 10 Do we do what the Elders ask Only when it “suits” us?

Obedience to God is not a partial endeavor – the gospel aims to bring “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:5

God is God of All His Will – We Cannot Disregard Any of it Without Disregarding God Himself?

We Must Live as “those who will be judged by the law of liberty” James 2:12

We Must Truly “love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and mind” Matthew 22:37