The Dangers of Favoritism and Partiality

James 2:1-8 – 1 My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? 2 For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. 3 If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor” – well, 4 doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? 5 Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? 6 But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? 7 Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear? 8 Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (New Living Translation)

Historical Context

1. James recognizes a pattern of ________________ in the church

2. James gives the church gives an illustration on favoritism

3. With love, James _______________________ the church with their motives concerning favoritism

4. James shows the church their actions of favoritism is senseless

5. James ____________________ the church, using God’s Word, how to live

Life Principles

1. Discrimination is not a part of ___________________ in Jesus

Leviticus 19:15 – “Always judge your neighbors fairly, neither favoring the poor nor showing deference to the rich.” (New Living Translation, 1st ed.)

Acts 10:34 – Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God doesn’t show favoritism. (New Living Translation)

Luke 20:21 – So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. (English Standard Version)

2. Discrimination is guided by wrong ______________________

Proverbs 28:21 – Showing partiality is never good, yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread. (New Living Translation)

3. Discrimination is ____________________________

Proverbs 22:2 – The rich and the poor have this in common: The Lord made them both. (New Living Translation)

4. Discrimination is ________________________________

1 John 3:4 – Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. (New International Version)

Practical Application

1. _____________________ exclusivity by understanding God chooses all kinds of people – 1 Peter 2.9, Revelation 17:14

2. _________________________ the pressures of the ‘faith-life’ you must live

▸ The Gospel hits at your _______________________

3. ______________ to make your life attractive to all