Impartially Loving One Another
James 2:1-13
Pastor Jerry Koller

What a novel idea, isn’t it – to do what God would do?
• The phrase “an attitude of personal favoritism” is a translation of a single word that literally means “to lift up one’s face, or to give special favor or respect based on someone’s appearance.”
• It has to do with “judging someone by superficial means.”

In verses 2-4, James gives a hypothetical example.
• The word “assembly” comes from a word from which we also get the translation “synagogue.”
• The text says a man had a gold ring. A more literal translation would refer to him as “gold-fingered.”

Synagogue Seating:
• Tiered, flat benches were placed around the walls facing inward so that the speaker could easily be seen.
• Some synagogues had a raised platform.
• Between the benches that lined the wall and the platform, there may have been other benches or chairs that would have been reserved for special people. (see Matt. 23:6)
• When such superficial distinctions are made, James says we become judges with evil motives.

• Did God only choose the rich of this world to pour out His mercy and blessings upon? No. He included the poor.
• God doesn’t make a distinction based on superficial standards as to whom He will bless.

In his example, James points out that in their favoritism, they honor the wealthy man. But you have dishonored the poor man. (James 2:6a)

James 2:6b-7:
• To oppress means to tyrannize, to rule in a cruel fashion.
• It is the rich who personally drag them into court.

• It is the rich who blaspheme the fair name by which they have been called.
• In general, wealthy people have a hard time following Jesus.

What will result in God’s blessing?

Jesus told His disciples that they were to love one another as He loves them. This is God’s royal law. This is the Great Commandment.

This is God’s supreme edict, His royal decree.

If Jesus said the greatest commandment was to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and love others as He loves us, and we do not obey this command by showing partiality, we transgress God’s moral law.

There are those who feel we no longer have to keep any portion of the law whatsoever. The theological term for such a belief is called antinomianism.

The Mosaic Law can be divided into three parts.
• The Civil Law
• The Ceremonial Law
• The Moral Law

• Just because our sins have been forgiven does not give us the right to continually engage in a particular sin like we did in our fallen state.
• As James points out, showing favoritism is sin.

• The law of liberty is another reference to the royal law. It should judge our thoughts, our speech, and our actions.
• True believers will fulfill the Great Commandment, the Royal Law, the Law of Liberty.

• The word “judgement” is to be understood as the evaluation of all things based on God’s standards.
• The word “merciless,” and the word “mercy” (used twice) deal with the aspect of compassion and the relief of human misery.

• Partiality is inconsistent with the Christian faith.
• Partiality is inconsistent with the nature of God for God is impartial.
• Partiality is inconsistent with loving our neighbors as Jesus loves us.
• Partiality is inconsistent with how Christ treats us.
• Partiality is inconsistent with mercy.

• Vince Bryant (Miriam Bryant’s son) is recovering from foot surgery.
• Jim (Renee Goff’s Uncle) is receiving hospice care for cancer.
• Sara (Renee Goff’s sister-in-law) is admitted to a mental hospital to get her medications regulated.
• Stephen & Brandi Koller and their new baby, Milo Jack, who arrived on 7/9.
• Doris Sutherland and her family upon the loss of her husband, Jack, on 7/7.
• Roberta Newton is at home recovering from a kidney related issue.
• Pastor Jerry Koller is recovering from hip replacement surgery.
• Susan Seitz is at home recovering from a successful SI Joint fusion (Sacroiliac) surgery.
• Louann Pranger (Tracy Marshall's mom) continues to recover from a c-diff infection. Pray that her insurance will reconsider and provide coverage for the treatment needed to get her fully healed. Her spirit is very discouraged, and she is worried about permanent damage to her colon.
• Beth Bocock continues to recover from ulcerative colitis.
• Lennon McKamey (son of Kyle & Sarah) needs surgery on his shoulder. Please pray that preparing for surgery goes smoothly.
• Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.

First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com