Study of James
Lesson # 9
Accepting Others Without Partiality
Introduction
As we enter into the second chapter we need to realize that James is still continuing his discussion of pure & undefiled religion. Godly behavior will express itself in a sympathetic attitude toward those who are less fortunate & in the separation from sinful behavior, but will also express itself in an accepting, non-prejudicial attitude toward the poor & the social outcast.
1. The sin of showing partiality
a. Means to favor or show special attention to some & not others
b. Reasons we are prone to do this wealth; social standing; position; authority;
popularity; looks; influence etc.
c. Why showing partiality is wrong
1) We are all brothers & stand on equal footing before God
2) Jesus is Lord & we are all His servants He alone is to be exalted
3) Other passages Lev.19:15; Job 13:10; Prov.24:23; 1 Tim.5:21
2. James pictures showing partiality
a. Two unbelievers visit one dressed sharply & the other shabbily
1) Gold ring wore on every finger to show wealth
2) Fine clothes literally bright & sparkling
3) Shabby dirty & work stained (dirty smelly beggar off the streets)
b. You pay special attention to the rich & carelessly treat the poor
1) Awed by his appearance you have a special place for them
2) Treat poor as inferior (not even offer your seat)
3) Treated according to external criteria & not according to character or
real worth
3. Showing partiality sets one up as the judge of men
a. It is saying we are as God judging who can worship; who is acceptable
b. That position belongs only to God He chooses not us
c. Scriptures Mt.7:1; Rom.14:4,13; 1 Cor.4:5; James 4:12
4. Showing partiality reveals evil thinking
a. Our focus is on corruptible things not eternal things mundane changeable
things that waste away & rot
b. It says that material things are more important than the person
5. Showing partiality discriminates against those who are loved by God
a. God chose the poor to be rich in faith & inherit the kingdom
b. Why poor would be rich in faith? 1 Cor.1:26-31; Lk.18:24
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6. Showing partiality is a disgraceful attitude
a. It dishonors, humiliates, disgraces, shames & insults others
b. Think of the pain & humiliation the poor man is feeling imagine the
ammunition Satan has to hinder them from responding to Jesus.
c. Why would we make appearance more important than character?
1) Poverty makes us uncomfortable & dont want to face our
responsibility to those less fortunate than us.
2) We want to be wealthy too & hope the rich person is a means to that
end.
3) We want the rich to join our church & help us financially
4) We mistakenly assume that riches are a sign of Gods blessing &
approval
7. Showing partiality is acting foolishly
a. Rich usually oppress the poor grabbing what they can use the law to
protect & increase the wealth & power they already have.
b. Rich usually blaspheme the name of Jesus mock His teachings as
foolishness 1 Cor.1:26-31
c. Rich feel self sufficient & have no need of Jesus & His gospel
d. Ps.41:1; Prov.19:17
8. Three warnings
a. Showing partiality violates the royal law of love James 2:8,9; Lev.19:18
Royal Law given by God; embraces all the other laws - Rom.13:8-10
b. Showing partiality makes us guilty of violating the whole law all laws are to
be kept, cant pick & choose which ones we like all are necessary
c. Showing partiality is as serious as adultery & murder same root & cause
Rom.12:9; 13:10; 15:1,2; Gal.5:14
9. Final motivation against showing partiality
a. We will all face Gods judgment & give an accounting should act & speak
like people who will be judged
b. We will all face a reciprocal reward for our behavior treated as we treat
others give mercy = receive mercy; no mercy = receive none
10. God is not a respecter of persons
a. Rom.3:29,30; Gal.2:6; Acts 10:23-35; Rom.2:11-15
b. He makes no distinction between men all are His creation & loved; all are
sinners & saved only through Jesus
c. God is rich in mercy to all who call upon Him Eph.2:4-7
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11. How might James have pictured showing partiality in our day?
a. Race; nationality
b. Mannerisms raising hands; verbal in worship; opinions
12. Application
a. How can we improve in welcoming the poor into our assemblies?
b. What are some practical ways that we can show genuine love for people of all
races, cultures & economic standings?
c. Why is favoritism or prejudice often overlooked as a sin?
Why it is wrong to show favoritism to the wealthy:
1. It is inconsistent with Christs teachings.
2. It results from evil thoughts.
3. It insults people made in Gods image.
4. It is a by-product of selfish motives.
5. It goes against the Biblical definition of love.
6. It shows a lack of mercy to those less fortunate.
7. It is hypocritical.
8. It is sin.