June 17, 2018
James
James 2:1-13
James 2:1-13
My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old 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,”4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: 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? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. 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 blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?
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. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
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.
Don't show favoritism
There is no distinction in the words of Jesus for how or when to love certain people. He just says “love”. And if the church was putting conditions on their love, they were not rightly representing Jesus. THAT’S the bottom line here.
If you mess up in one area, you're a lawbreaker
Living a good life is not enough. To follow Jesus is an all-in kind of thing. There are no shortcuts to obedience.
Mercy triumphs over judgement
Even though we deserve judgement, Jesus brings mercy as the final word.
Communication Card
-I will take time this week to ask God if I show favoritism to anyone or any group.
-I will seek to know the words, fullness and heart of God—not just be a cultural Christian.
-I want to help this week with the mission team coming in.
