“Honor God by accepting each other, as Christ has accepted you.” - Romans 15:7 (CEV)
In discussing “pure religion,” James shares the same idea as Paul. Pure religion recognizes the “ground is level at the foot of the cross.”
1. An exhortation - v. 1
By addressing his readers as “my brothers,” and referring to their faith in “our Lord Jesus Christ,” James clearly acknowledges his audience as born again believers. And the exhortation, “Don’t show favoritism,” could be understood to refer to an existing transgression that should be stopped (see v. 6). But it could also refer to a practice that James wants to encourage to be true of all believers everywhere.
Of special interest is the title given to Jesus by James, his half-brother. Literally, it reads, “our Lord Jesus Christ, the glory.” This title is an obvious reference to the deity of Christ. But of what significance is this with reference to not showing favoritism in the church?
“Religious experts judged Jesus by human standards, and rejected Him. He came from the wrong city, Nazareth of Galilee. He wasn’t a graduate of an accepted school. He didn’t have the approval of the people in power. He had no wealth. His followers included
publicans and sinners. Yet, He was the very glory of God! No wonder Jesus warned them, ‘Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment’ (John 7:24, NIV).
Sadly, we often make the same mistake. When visitors come into our churches, we judge them on what we see outwardly rather than what they are inwardly. Dress, color of skin, fashion, and other
superficial things carry more weight than the fruit of the Spirit manifest in their lives. We cater to the rich because we hope to get something out of them, and avoid the poor because they embarrass us. Jesus did not do this, and He cannot approve of it.
We need to look at everyone through the eyes of Christ. If he is a Christian, we accept him because Christ lives in him. If he is not a Christian, we accept him because Christ died for Him. It is Christ who is the link between us and others, and He is a link of love.” - Warren Wiersbe
We honor the person and work of Christ by not showing favoritism.
2. An illustration - vs. 2-4
Two men enter a meeting. One is wealthy and the other poor. The wealthy man is given a good place to sit. The poor man is directed to stand or sit by the speaker’s feet (speakers in those days sat as they taught - Matthew 5:1). Obviously, the wealthy man was escorted to the back pew, while the poor man was escorted to the front! The point is that clear discrimination was being practiced.
By doing this, a church shows themselves to be “judges with evil thought.” We would think it wrong if a judge in a court of law lets his decision be swayed by superficial matters, such as someone’s wealth or standing in the community, instead of the essential facts of the case. It’s no less wrong for Christians to base treatment of others on superficial matters of economic, social, or racial difference and ignore the essential fact that we’re all sinners in need of the mercy of a holy God.
God likes diversity. For example, no two snowflakes are alike. Each is a hexagon with six tips forming a symmetrical design, yet, no
duplicates! Likewise, we have diversity as human beings with our ethnic and cultural differences. Yet, we share similarities. All have the same anatomical structure, the same emotions, the same needs, and the same sinful nature. So, we are all in need of the same
salvation. We are all sinners who need the mercy of a holy God.
Because God recognizes our common sin and our common need for salvation, He loves us all the same; and for these same reasons, we should show no favoritism in our relationships with one another.
3. An explanation - vs. 5-11
A. The way of salvation - v. 5
“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things - and the things that are not - to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God - that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts
boast in the Lord.’” - 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (NIV)
In James’ day, it was common to think that the wealthier a person was, the closer they were to God. That’s why people were amazed at the words of Jesus about the salvation of the rich.
“When Jesus saw this, he said, ‘How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God! In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!’ Those who heard this said, ‘Then who in the world can be saved?’
He replied, ‘What is impossible for people is possible with God.’” - Luke 18:24-27 (NLT)
James isn’t saying God doesn’t love and save rich people. He saves them, but not because they’re better than anyone else. He saves them like He saves everyone, through faith in Christ, by His grace and His power. God saves them and fully accept them.
No one’s so good that he can save himself; but no one’s so bad that God cannot save him.
Believers are to relate to one another based on the fact we’re all trophies of God’s grace and saved by the triumph of His power.
B. The way of the world - vs. 6-7
To trust in human wealth and human power and the prestige that goes with it is the way of the world.
But James reminds us of the end result of making human wealth and power the priority in life. He says that the desire for human wealth and power results in the abuse of others and the denial of God.
“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and wealth.” - Matthew 6:24 (NASB)
C. The way of love - vs. 8-11
The way to live as God’s people is the way of love. If we don’t love as God does, we are in violation of what James calls the “royal law.”
4. An application - vs. 12-13
James says that we will be judged by this “royal law.” Why?
A. Because it demonstrates our appreciation for Christ’s sacrifice.
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.” - Romans 13:8 (NIV)
B. Because it is the key to living in such a way as to please God.
“Jesus answered: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.’ This is the first and most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, ‘Love others as much as you love yourself.’ All the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets are based on these two commandments.” - Matthew 22:37-40 (CEV)
C. Because it is the way the world will be won to Christ.
“I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other just as I loved you. All people will know that you are my
followers if you love each other.” - John 13:34-35 (Easy to Read)
Conclusion: What does the way you relate to others say about your appreciation for the cross of Christ? Do you honor His sacrifice by the way you relate to others or do you dishonor His sacrifice?
What does the way you relate to others say about how your life is being lived to please God?
What does the way you relate to others say about how much the difference Christ has made in your life and the difference that Christ can make in their life be seen by others?
