James 2: The Sin of Partiality

Sermon Notes: The Sin of Partiality (James 2:1-13)

Main Idea: There is no place for partiality or favoritism within the Church, as it contradicts the core of the Christian faith and the nature of God.

I. Introduction: True vs. False Religion (James 1:26-27)

False Religion (v. 26): Characterized by an unbridled tongue and a deceived heart; it is ultimately worthless.

True Religion (v. 27): Defined by two key actions:

Caring for the vulnerable (orphans and widows).

Maintaining personal holiness ("unstained from the world").

These principles are not theoretical but are tested every time the church gathers for worship.

II. The Command Against Partiality (James 2:1)

Direct Command: "My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory." This is a "cease and desist" order against favoritism.

Defining Partiality:

Translation: "Favoritism" (NASB, NIV), "respect of persons" (KJV).

Greek Meaning: To "receive the face," meaning to judge someone based on external factors like appearance, race, wealth, or status.

The Contradiction: Holding to "the faith" (the body of Christian truth) is incompatible with showing favoritism.

Primary Reason: God Himself shows no partiality (Romans 2:11). Our salvation is not based on wealth, race, or social status; it is based on God's choice.

The Title of Christ: James refers to Jesus as the "Lord of Glory."

This emphasizes Christ's divine nature and supreme worth.

Compared to the glory of Christ, all human distinctions and worldly glory are insignificant.

When a church is truly glorifying Christ, there is no room for partiality.

III. Overcoming the Sin of Partiality

A. Accept God's Prohibition Against Partiality (vv. 2-4)

James uses a powerful illustration to expose the sin of favoritism in action.

The Illustration: Two Visitors

The "Gold-Fingered" Man: A wealthy visitor arrives wearing expensive jewelry ("gold-fingered") and "sparkling" or "glittering" clothes.

The Shabbily Dressed Man: A poor man arrives in old, dirty work clothes, not out of disrespect, but because that is all he owns.

The Partial Treatment:

The wealthy man is given a place of honor ("a good seat" up front).

The poor man is told to stand in the back or sit on the floor.

The Core Problem: The issue is not honoring the rich man, but dishonoring the poor man based on external appearances. This is a failure to recognize true worth.

"It ain't what you look like when you're doing what you're doing, it's what you're doing when you're doing what you look like you're doing." - Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Band

The Judgment: When we make these distinctions, we become "judges with evil thoughts" (v. 4). This is judging by worldly standards, which is foolish because it cares more about how a person looks than how a person lives.

"So what?" - This phrase is used to dismiss worldly distinctions (doctorates, wealth, race, church background) because salvation is by grace alone.

B. Adapt God's Perspective on Partiality (vv. 5-7)

To overcome favoritism, we must see people as God sees them.

How God Treats the Poor (v. 5):

Sovereign Election: God chooses us; we do not find Him. He wasn't lost; we were.

God's Preference: God often chooses the "poor in the world" to be "rich in faith" and heirs of His kingdom.

Why? Material wealth can be a spiritual danger, leading to self-reliance. Neediness, however, honors God because it forces reliance on Him. Salvation is a handout of "Amazing Grace" to desperate beggars.

How the Rich Often Treat the Poor (vv. 6-7):

By showing favoritism, the church dishonors the very people God has chosen to honor.

This is an attempt to please the powerful, who often:

Oppress you: They are the ones who may exploit you or drag you to court.

Blaspheme Christ: They may mock the "honorable name" by which believers are saved.

The Church's Mistaken Priority: The church falls into sin when it becomes more concerned with who can help the church rather than who the church can help.