THE FALLACY OF FAVORITISM
James 2:1-9

Introduction:     Immature people talk about their beliefs, but the mature person lives their faith! Hearing God’s Word and talking about God’s Word can never substitute for doing God’s Word. The way we behave toward other people indicates what we really believe about God. These verses reveal that from God’s perspective, the real issue is not wealth or poverty, but the condition of one’s soul.

Chapter one closes with three outstanding qualities given:

1.      A Controlled Tongue

2.      A Compassionate Heart

3.      A Clean Life

(Illus: this seems to revert back to 1:18 - Just as Jesus concerned Himself with the helpless, we are to concern ourselves with the helpless and needy).

I.          THE CONDITIONS (VV. 1-3)
Favoritism was being shown towards the rich. The poor were being shunned.

          A.        The Exhortation Of The Scriptures (v.1a)

“Respect”= partiality, i.e. favoritism - (Rom 2:11 ) "For there is no respect of persons with God." (Eph 6:9)  "And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him."

            B.         The Example Of The Savior (v.1b)

(Mat 22:16 ) "…Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men."

“Respect of persons” = to lay hold of what one appears to be; judging the appearance. (Illus: Memorandum to Jesus from Jordan Management Consultants). We are to love others as Jesus does; grounded in the truth that goes beyond surface judgment.

            C.        The Explanation Of The Segregation (vv.2-3)

·        Indulgence toward the Prosperous.

·        Indifference toward the Poor.

II.         THE CHARGE (VV. 4-7)
These people had become judges based on wealth. The poor are more likely to be rich in faith than the rich. The poor were being despised.

            A.        The Partiality Of The Proud (v.4)

We are to be discerners of the truth, not judges of appearance (John 7:24 ) "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." There are 5 things wrong with showing partiality and favoritism:

1.      Sets one up as a judge of men.

2.      Reveals evil thoughts.

3.      Discriminates against the poor and lowly (a people who are loved by God).

4.      Shows a disgraceful attitude.

5.      Shows foolish behavior.

            B.         The Position Of The Poor (v.5)

Chosen by God - (1 Cor 1:26-29) "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: {27} But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; {28} And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: {29} That no flesh should glory in his presence."

            C.        The Persecution By The Prosperous (vv.6-7)

The Gospel hits:

·        Their Position – The rich and high are likely to oppress the poor and grab what they can even using the law to do it.

·        Their Pocketbook – Using the law unjustly to protect their wealth and power.

·        Their Pride – The rich and high usually blaspheme the name of Christ by denying, mocking, ridiculing, persecuting, neglecting, and rejecting Him as Savior of the mankind.

III.       THE CORRECTION (VV. 8-9)
All of God's rules are to be kept. This includes the rule to love one's neighbor as himself.

Precepts for proper practice.

            A.        The Royal Law (v.8)

Showing partiality is sin. It violates the royal law of love. The great law of God is the law of love (Mat 22:37 -40) "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. {38} This is the first and great commandment. {39} And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. {40} On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Special because:

1.      Given by the King.

2.      It rules all other laws.

3.      Obeying it sets us free; hatred makes a person a slave.

(Rom 13:10 ) "Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."

            B.         The Revealing Law (v.9)

·        Esteem (9a) (Attitude)

·        Effect (9b) (Action)

·        Exposure (9c)

Conclusion:       How do you treat others? The answer will indicate the condition of your faith. Christian love does not mean that I must like a person and agree with them on everything. I may not like their speech or habits, and I might not want them as an intimate friend. Christian love means treating others the way God has treated me. If I show partially of favoritism because or surface relationship, I sin!