Primary Scripture References: James 2:1-13,17
Supporting Scriptures: Philippians 2:3-4, 1 John 3:18, Matthew 7:16, Proverbs 20:11, Proverbs 16:2, Colossians 4:6, and Micah 6:8
Authorship:
·
The author of this book was none other
than James, the half-brother of Jesus!
Audience:
(vv. 1,5)
·
James is addressing his fellow
believers.
1. This is very
clear. In verses 1 and 5, James deliberately uses the phrase: “My brothers and
sisters.”
2. James is
addressing more than a moment; he’s exposing a long-standing issue.
3. This book was
written as Insider correction, to correct wrong behavior, not necessarily to
establish doctrine. These doctrines were established originally in the OT, by
the law that God gave to the people way back in Exodus via some stone tablets,
remember a guy named Moses? Jesus then taught these principles as well, but He
made it even easier for us to understand. Remember the two Greatest
Commandments in Matthew 22:36-40?
Remember,
when something is repeated in the Scriptures like this, it is a pretty good
chance that it might be important to the theme being taught!
The
Message: (vv. 1-4)
·
James’ message is crystal clear: Favoritism is SIN! (vv.
1-4)
1.
James provides us with an illustration, from the Old
Testament times, through New Testament times, the tradition was that the rich
(and powerful) were honored or veneration. The poor, in contrast, were
humiliated.
2.
This involved judging others with evil thoughts.
3.
This brings us to a cultural note that I will touch on more
in a minute: paid, or preferred seating.
4.
Favoritism is sin, not social awkwardness.
God’s
Perspective: (vv. 5-7)
1.
God chooses the poor to be right in faith.
2.
Heirs of the kingdom.
3.
Wealth ≠ spiritual value.
4. The World’s values are not revered in God’s kingdom.
Unity
of the Law: (vv. 10-11)
1.
Objection
addressed: keeping most of the law.
2.
Breaking
one command = lawbreaker.
3.
Same
God behind every command.
4.
No
hierarchy of sins – all need grace!
Law
That Gives Freedom: (vv. 12-13)
1.
Speak
and act as those judged by the law of freedom
2.
Judgment
without mercy vs. mercy triumphing.
3.
Grace:
receiving what we don’t deserve.
4.
Mercy:
Not receiving what we deserve.
Application:
1.
How
do we treat those who can offer nothing in return? Answer: Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value
others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to
the interests of the others.”
·
This
verse is a reminder to prioritize the well-being of others and to act with
humility and consideration in our interactions with them.
·
Faith
revealed by behavior:
2.
James
2:17 “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is
dead.”
3.
1
John 3:18 “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech, but with
actions and in truth.”
4.
Matthew
7:16 “By their fruit you will recognize them. DO people pick grapes from
thornbushes, or figs from thistles?”
5.
Proverbs
20:11 “even small children are known by their actions. So is their conduct
really pure and upright?”
·
These
verses encourage us to live with integrity, compassion, and purpose, and to let
our deeds shine. They remind us that our actions are just as important as our
beliefs, and that they can impact others and honor God.
Conclusion:
1.
Reject
favoritism.
2.
Love
your neighbor.
3.
Live
transformed by grace.
4.
Let
mercy triumph over judgment.
Until next time, Blessings, You are Loved!
Rev. Michael E. Washburn
