Introduction:
1. It is hard to believe that prejudice exist. It does. It exist in the church, with Christians, and in the world.
2. The very reason that we pigeon hole people are really non-issues with God.
3. Why is partiality wrong? James 2:1-13.
I. Such is against the faith of the Lord Jesus. (verse 1) A. "The faith" is the whole doctrine of God. To favor one over the other is foreign to the spirit of Christ.
B. It is condemned (Rom. 2:11). The Lord rebuked (Lk. 20:21). Truly (Gal. 3:26-29).
C. Jesus set the example (Mt. 4:18, 19; 9:10; Jn. 4:9).
II. It is a violation of the will of God (verses 5, 6). A. The Bible reveals God as the God of love (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 5:6-10; 1 Jn. 3:1; 4:7, 8). He is not capable of prejudice (Gal. 2:6).
B. God ignores 1. national differences (Acts 10:34), 2. social differences (Eph. 6:9).
C. When we look at people what do we see? When God looks at the same people what does He see? Are we not to strive to be like God (1 Pet. 1:15)?
III. It is a direct violation of God's law (verses8, 9).
A. The Bible does not say "don't descriminate". It does say (Lev. 19:18; Mt. 22:37-39; Rom. 13:8-10; Jn. 13:34, 35; Heb. 13:1) When we love God we love others (1 Jn. 4:20, 21).
B. We are to extend kindness and love to others.
C. When one violates God's command he is a sinner. He must keep every part of the law.
IV. Judgment is sure (verses 12, 13).
A. Judgment is a reality (Heb. 9:27; 2 Cor. 5:10).
B. We are judged by what we say (Mt. 12:36-37) and what we do (Col. 3:23, 24).
C. Be careful of the judgment that you render to others because such will be rendered against you (Mt. 7:1)>(Mt. 5:7).
Conclusion: 1. Beliefs control behavior.
2. We are not different/more valuable/more important that anyone else.
Entered on 9/20/2009
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