Tag: Favortism

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Journey Through James: Chapter 2 (Commentary)

THE FOLLY OF FAVORTISM

2 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.

  • Behind James’ discussion is the thought that partiality is being shown to wealthy individuals who attend worship because those with less are hoping to benefit from their preferential treatment by some financial means.
  • “partiality” – God does not play favorites. Yet we do. Jesus tells us to love others as we love ourselves (Mark 12.31). However, partiality is one of the clearest examples of loving ourselves more than we love others.
  • When favoritism is displayed, the nature of faith is undermined and the display of faith is compromised.

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The Danger of Superficial Distinctions: James 2

I. The Dangers of Superficial Distinctions (2.1-7)

2 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?

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