People Matter!

People Matter!

Introduction:

Way we treat others is important to God. God expects those who serve Him to act w/o partiality. This was a problem during 1^st century – polarized conditions governed society But, there was good news w/Christianity – Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11 Learning to live impartially is a challenge. Bias, prejudice, and racism are just as prevalent today.Few people are open-minded & above prejudice. Scripture gives us principles that help us to become more open-minded and objective in dealing w/our prejudices.

I. 2:1 – the Person we worship is impartial.

A. Favoritism comes from a word “to receive by face.”

1. Involves judging a person solely on face value.

B. In NT – we can be assured that God is no respecter of persons. Lk. 20:21

C. There is a consistent theme throughout the NT.

1. Rom. 2:11; Acts 10:34; Eph. 6:9; Col. 3:25; 1 Peter 1:17; Gal. 2:6

D. Lk. 6:40 – what is our goal? If we lax in this area – we taint God’s glory!

II. 2:1b-4 – favoritism was a problem during James’ day.

A. What is/what is not condemned here..

1. NOT condemning discernment that comes through an understanding of someone else’s character.

2. IS condemning prejudicial attitudes & behaviors toward others based on superficial appearances.

III. 2:5-11 - dangers of favoritism.

A. 2:4 – we become judges of evil motives. God hates unjust judges. Mt. 7:1-5

B. 2:5-7 – it leads to irrational behavior.

1. Favoritism caused them to despise the ones honored by God.

a) Lk. 7:22; 1 Cor. 1:26-29 – majority of those who responded to gospel were poor.

b) Acts 10:34-35 – God has chosen to honor ALL men who submit to Him in obedience!

2. Favoritism can display itself today!

a) ethnic background, uneasy around strangers; have “red flags” about what someone did before they were a Christian.

b) Lk. 16:14-15 - condition of a person’s soul has nothing to do with money; color; education; class; culture; etc. God looks on the heart!

C. 2:8-11 – favoritism causes us to break the royal law.

1. 2:9-11 – by breaking one law – we guilty of all the law.

IV. Practical Applications. How to avoid favoritism/prejudice in the future.

A. 2:11-13 – live daily in the reality of final judgment.

B. Identify & change attitudes that promote “special attention” to particular “status groups.”

C. Been blessed with wealth? Don’t flaunt it.

D. Decide “everybody is somebody.”

Conclusion:

A. Rom. 15:5-7 - We have a glorious God – we serve to do things for His glory.

1. May we never allow the sin of partiality to taint that glory in anyway!



People Matter! Introduction: Way we treat others is important to God. God expects those who serve Him to act w/o partiality. This was a problem during 1^st century – polarized conditions governed society But, there was good news w/Christianity – Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11 Learning to live impartially is a challenge. Bias, prejudice, and racism are just as prevalent today.Few people are open-minded & above prejudice. Scripture gives us principles that help us to become more open-minded and objective in dealing w/our prejudices. I. 2:1 – the Person we worship is impartial. A. Favoritism comes from a word “to receive by face.” 1. Involves judging a person solely on face value. B. In NT – we can be assured that God is no respecter of persons. Lk. 20:21 C. There is a consistent theme throughout the NT. 1. Rom. 2:11; Acts 10:34; Eph. 6:9; Col. 3:25; 1 Peter 1:17; Gal. 2:6 D. Lk. 6:40 – what is our goal? If we lax in this area – we taint God’s glory! II. 2:1b-4 – favoritism was a problem during James’ day. A. What is/what is not condemned here.. 1. NOT condemning discernment that comes through an understanding of someone else’s character. 2. IS condemning prejudicial attitudes & behaviors toward others based on superficial appearances. III. 2:5-11 - dangers of favoritism. A. 2:4 – we become judges of evil motives. God hates unjust judges. Mt. 7:1-5 B. 2:5-7 – it leads to irrational behavior. 1. Favoritism caused them to despise the ones honored by God. a) Lk. 7:22; 1 Cor. 1:26-29 – majority of those who responded to gospel were poor. b) Acts 10:34-35 – God has chosen to honor ALL men who submit to Him in obedience! 2. Favoritism can display itself today! a) ethnic background, uneasy around strangers; have “red flags” about what someone did before they were a Christian. b) Lk. 16:14-15 - condition of a person’s soul has nothing to do with money; color; education; class; culture; etc. God looks on the heart! C. 2:8-11 – favoritism causes us to break the royal law. 1. 2:9-11 – by breaking one law – we guilty of all the law. IV. Practical Applications. How to avoid favoritism/prejudice in the future. A. 2:11-13 – live daily in the reality of final judgment. B. Identify & change attitudes that promote “special attention” to particular “status groups.” C. Been blessed with wealth? Don’t flaunt it. D. Decide “everybody is somebody.” Conclusion: A. Rom. 15:5-7 - We have a glorious God – we serve to do things for His glory. 1. May we never allow the sin of partiality to taint that glory in anyway!