James 2:1-13 Series

Open your bibles to James Chapter 1.

As we continue our new series from the Book of James entitled Faith That Works.

R. Kent Hughes says “one thing is clear about the book of James—the dominant theme is;

“Faith that is real works practically in one's life. Faith that is true, is a faith that works.” R. Kent Hughes

This is where we came up with the title “FAITH THAT WORKS”

Each week we will examine the relationship between our faith and our works,

we see how the two intersect in our lives and in the lives of those around us.

James covers many practical issues that will show us how to have a living, visible, and productive faith in the midst of a broken and fallen world.

Will you stand with me if you are able as we open up God’s word.

Know My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 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, 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,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 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? But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?

If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. (James 2:1-13)

PRAY

Last week we learned that God’s word is to have a profound influence on the way we live. James called us to be doers of the Word and not hears only. The Word, received with genuine faith, spurs us to obedience and true religion. James teaches us that the true religion that is pure and undefiled before God is two things. The first is to visit orphans and widows in their affliction: This was the social injustices that the first century Christians were facing at the time due to extreme persecution. Likewise, we are to address the social injustices in our culture.

Today James gives us an example of what it looks like to neglect such a responsibility and the seriousness of doing so.

My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 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, 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,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? (James 2:1-4 ESV)

If we're honest everyone is guilty of favoritism from one degree to another as it is so ingrained in our culture.

We are naturally attracted to those who can benefit us. There are relationships that would never exist if it were not for what we can get out of them. Sadly the church is no exception. In my time journaling through this passage, I wrote this:

"Jesus, Thank you for the grace that forgives me when I pursue relationships for selfish gain. Help me care more about a person's needs and less about what I can get from them. Jesus, you became poor so I could be rich in Your Kingdom. Be my example and empower me by Your Spirit to be more like You; faithful, selfless, generous, and impartial. It’s in the faithful, selfless, generous, impartial, and powerful name of Jesus I pray. Amen"

The church should be the one place in the world where everyone should get equal treatment. And James says we have to take hold of our faith in the Lord Jesus, Lord of glory to combat. As we focus on the Glory of our Lord Jesus we are reminded very quickly that spiritually we bring nothing to the table. We have done nothing to earn our place in God’s church. The very faith we have to believe has been given to us from God as a gift.