INTRODUCTION
Outline.
3. To show any respect of persons
Remarks.
1. This is lesson three, in the lesson-series entitled: "Things too impossible for God." Our scripture lesson declares: "With men this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible," Matthew 19:26. And Paul wrote: "That by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, that we might have a strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us,” Hebrews 6:18. It would appear right out that we have a conflict in this lesson. Beloved, we are not arguing, what God can or cannot do: but we are discussing, the Supreme, Divine, and Sovereign will of God. What He has willed or chosen to do: to save, forgive, or impart His favor unto the believer.
2. In this lesson, we will investigate how God can't show any respect of persons. The Lord sees and will judge all men alike, Romans 2:11; Galatians 2:6. Luke wrote: “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said: Of a truth, I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation, he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him,” Acts 10:34-35. God can't show respect of persons, to any man. God’s children must never show respect of person, to anyone. To do so is to commit sin and "transgress the Royal Law: to love thy neighbor as thyself,” James 2:8-10. With this brief introduction, let’s consider our last lesson: “God can't show any respect of persons."
BODY OF LESSON
III TO SHOW ANY RESPECT OF PERSONS
A. God shows no respect of persons. The God of heaven can't show respect of persons, unto any man. James, the Lord’s brother, gives us a critical look into this subject. He presents the evils of acting with “respect of persons.” He wrote: “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons, etc.” James 2:1-10. Observe—
1. James wrote: “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons,” James 2:1. This is the basis of his message. We cannot have the faith of our Lord with the “respect of persons.”
a. James, charges the brethren, not to have faith that permits them to show: “respect of persons,” unto a brother or sister, in Christ.
b. The words “respect of persons” in Gr., is prosopolempsia or pro-so-po-lam-pse'-ä, which means to show partiality, i.e., favoritism:—respect of persons.
c. Jesus' teaching and example. Luke wrote: “And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.” Consider--
1) First, “And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign (pretend) themselves (to be) just men (righteous), that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.”
2) Further, “And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly: Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?
3) Next, “But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them: Why tempt ye me? (And Jesus said :) shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's.”
4) Finally, “And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's. And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marveled at his answer, and held their peace,” Luke 20:20-26.
d. Conclusion: Christians must be like Jesus. They must be men and women, which say and teach rightly; and, neither accepteth any man’s persons. We must do justly unto all, love mercy, and walk humbly before God and men, Micah 6:8.
2. James’ example. James gives us two examples of showing respect of persons. He used the assembly in these examples. I will not use the language describing these two examples, as outlined in the text. I will use similar cases that are reflective of our days and times. Observe—
a. Illustration one. If there comes into your assembly a prominent white man and his family, dressed in fashionable clothing; and, you say: follow me, and I will sit you and your family in an excellent place, to be seen by all the members of the church, and we will recognize you, at the appropriate time.
b. Illustration two. If there comes into your assembly, a black man and his family, dressed in suitable clothing; and, you say: follow me, and I will sit you and your family in the back of the auditorium, so you may view all that are in the assembly. Time permitting we will recognize you and your family.
c. Personal experience. Early in my youth, in Los Angeles, CA, I attended a Billy Graham Crusade. When I entered the sanctuary, with a half dozen other young people of color, we were escorted to a roped-off area in the arena. Even now, when I reflect on this experience, I am still moved to sorrow and contempt. To this day, I am ashamed that this worldwide evangelist, in the Evangelical Movement, once “separated” people of color at his Crusades, from other (white) attendees. That was nearly 60 years ago, and things have not changed in the Evangelical Movement’s assemblies.
d. James asks: “Are you not practicing partiality and favoritism? Does not this type of treatment of men, demonstrate segregation and racial discrimination?” James 2:2-3. These are two stunning examples that magnify the evils of showing: “respect of persons.” Many of our assemblies are guilty of this type of behavior. O, I know it is much more subtle than my illustrations. However, some are more blatantly opened, in their practice of this evil and ungodliness. They openly--
1) First, “Gives judgment in a cause that looks on men's outward appearance and not to their intrinsic merits, and so prefers, as the more worthy, one who is rich, white, or powerful, to another who does not have these same qualities of life.”
2) Further, “Behaves differently to one that is dressed more professionally, than one which has not the financial resources to dress as gorgeously as the rich.”
3) Finally, “Judge and act differently between the rich and poor is an act of favoritism and partiality." This kind of behavior does not reflect the “mind of Christ,” Philippians 2:5-11.
4) This kind of conduct comes from the "evil one,” James 3:14-16; Jude 1:16-19. Such evil and wickedness are of Satan!
5) The wisdom from above is without partiality, and without hypocrisy,” James 3:17-18. The Lord looketh on the hearts of men, 1 Samuel 16:7; Psalms 7:9; Proverbs 16:2. He is not prone to viewing a man’s physical statue, possessions, or profession: to show any respect of persons. Amen!
e. Conclusion: When the church (leadership, ministership, or membership) behaves similarly in their assemblies, practicing respect of persons, this demeanor is sinful and transgresseth the “royal law of love.” We will speak more on this later in the lesson. Moving forward, James asks--
3. Men of partiality. He continues: “Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?” James 2:4. Is not this conduct given to partiality and favoritism, and causes you to be judges of evil thoughts. Observe--
a. Paul wrote: “Let love be without dissimulation (hypocrisy, unfeigned)...Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another... Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate,” Romans 12:9-16; 1 Corinthians 13:8-13.
b. Peter wrote: “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently,” 1 Peter 1:22; 1 Peter 3:8; 1 Peter 4:8.
c. Jesus said: “A new commandment I give unto you: That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have charity one to another,” John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:16.
4. Hearken my beloved brethren. James penned: “Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by which ye are called?" James 2:5-7. We have written a lot regarding this idea in several lessons.
NOTE: See our lesson on SermonCentral.com, entitled: What Doth God Require? He requires that we do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before Him.
5. Opposes the royal law. James further inscribes: “If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well," James 2:8. This is a failure to keep the “royal law” of love. This is the same law Christ described to the hypocritical lawyer. The royal law consists of loving God, with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love one's neighbor as themselves, Matthew 22:37-40. Observe—
a. Can we become so embroiled against one another; that even our most fundamental beliefs and values in God, can be set aside, and permit us to show partiality and hatred to our neighbor?
b. Do we still claim to love God, with all our hearts, soul, mind, and strength?
c. Do we even pledge to love our neighbor as we love our self?
1) This is the royal law of love, Jesus, discussed with the Lawyer: “And you should love thy neighbor as thyself,” Luke 10:27.
2) Jesus explains, on these two commandments: “Hang all the law and the prophets,” Matthew 22:40. If we do this, we do well!
6. We sin against our brothers. James concludes: “But if ye have respect to persons, you commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all,” James 2:9-10. You might be the finest brother in your attendance, contribution, and faith. But, if you “dislike, show partiality, despise or hate” people of color, you stand condemned, as a transgressor of the “royal law of Christ.” Let’s be clear here, some people of color, behave the same way unto their white brothers and sisters, in the Lord. This has not escaped, the “black churches.” To all it is sin!
a. The wages of sin is death, Romans 6:23; Isaiah 3:11. Sin is the transgression of the Law of Christ, 1 John 3:4. And you are not “walking uprightly according to the truth of the gospel,” Galatians 2:14.
b. One cannot claim to love God and his neighbor as himself; while practicing partiality, or the respect of persons. James calls this behavior, SIN!
c. Conclusion: It would be helpful to cite the New Interlinear in James’ conclusion: “But if you show partiality you commit sin, being exposed by the law as transgressors,” James 2:9. Reference: The New Greek-English Interlinear, Page 798. If a brother or sister in the Lord, shows or practice: “partiality and favoritism,” they commit sin, and are guilty under the Royal Law, as transgressors.
B. A lawyer sought to justify himself before the Lord. He said to Jesus: “These things I have done from my youth.” Observe--
1. Lawyer’s claimed: “These things I have done from my youth,” Matthew 19:16-22. He boasted of his success in keeping one portion of the law. But he was failing in loving his neighbor as himself.
a. First, he stated to the Lord, all these commandments he had kept from his youth (all of his life).
b. Further, yet, the second commandment of the law, he was failing in following (every day of his life).
c. Finally, like many of the Jews during this time, he claimed to love God, yet outwardly hate and dislike their neighbors. You recall, “The Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans,” John 4:9; John 4:27; John 8:48. The Jews did not associate with, or have any dealings with Samaritans. Sound familiar?
d. Conclusion: Many Christians claim today that they love God, yet show respect of persons. They have “no dealings” with “those people.” That’s a nice way of saying: “we don’t have associations with, or deal with “people of color.” They practice “partiality and favoritism” within their memberships. Can our Lord be pleased? I think not!
NOTE: I addressed this evil in a sermon entitled: He Walked Not Uprightly, on SermonCentral.com. Download it to study with this lesson.
2. The golden rule. In the Lord’s Sermon on the Mount, he outlined His “golden rule.” He said: “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets,” Matthew 7:14; Luke 6:31.
a. We mention this now; because it is the basis for all of our retributions or rewards. I call this rule: “The Law of Reciprocity.”
b. In other words: “We reap what we sow (plant),” Galatians 6:7-10.
c. This rule also includes our duties unto our enemies. Hear the Lord--
3. Love thy enemy. Jesus said: “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate your enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. That ye may be your Father's children, which are in heaven: for he maketh the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust. For it ye love them...do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect," Matthew 5:43-48.
C. God is no respect of persons. The scriptures teach that God is no respecter of persons. The Christians must become like our heavenly Father in loving one another without respect of persons. Observe—
1. First, “Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God or respect of persons, nor taking of gifts (bribes)...Moreover, in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set (up)...And...Charge them, saying: Thus shall ye do in the LORD's fear, faithfully, and with a perfect heart. And what cause (case) soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD,” 2 Chronicles 19:7-10; Deuteronomy 16:19.
a. What was the warning? It is that religious leaders should judge without respect of persons; and to neither takes bribes, nor gifts, to influence their rulings or judgment. Amazing!
b. Maybe our Courts and leaders should read and understand this warning?
c. That they might remember Jehovah's advice to the priests, Levites, and the chief fathers of Israel. The law of God, in this regard, has not changed.
2. Further, Solomon wrote:
a. First, “It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment,” Proverbs 18:5.
b. Second, “It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment,” Proverbs 24:23.
c. Third, “To have respect of persons is not good: for (even) a piece of bread that man will transgress,” Proverbs 28:21; Exodus 23:8.
3. Next, Paul wrote:
a. To the Romans, “For there is no respect of persons with God,” Romans 2:11.
b. To the Galatians, “But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person :) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me,” Galatians 2:6.
1) This phrase: “God accepteth no man’s person,” takes on a different meaning when read from another Interlinear.
2) This phrase is translated: “The face of a person God does not accept,” The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament, Page 656. Exciting rendition isn't it!
a) “The face of a person, God does not accept.” The words "do not accept" in Gr., is lambano or läm-bä'-no, which means one does not:—accept, obtain, or receive, or take (up). God, cannot practice “respect of persons,” Galatians 2:6.
b) His holiness and righteousness; cannot permit this, for such, is sin.
4. Additionally, Luke wrote of Peter’s words. Let’s look at his words from The New Greek-English Interlinear: “Peter having opened his mouth, He said: I understand truly that God is not one to show partiality. But in every nation, the one fearing Him and working righteousness is acceptable (dektos) to Him,” Acts 10:34-35. Reference: The New Greek English Interlinear, Page 452.
a. God does accept those that: “fear him and worketh righteousness,” Acts 10:34-35. It matters not to Him what “their faces looks like.” The word “accepteth” here in Gr., is dektos or dek-to's, which means to approve; to be propitious (favorable):—accepted(-table). The Lord approves of those that “fear Him and worketh righteousness.”
b. God justifies and saves all people: “through the faith in Christ Jesus,” Galatians 2:16; Galatians 3:26-27; Colossians 2:11-13; Philippians 3:9.
c. Conclusion: There is no respect of persons with God. Our heavenly Father, “Maketh the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust sendeth,” Matthew 5:45; Acts 14:17.
NOTE: Illustrate Jehovah’s Promise to Joshua: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee...Only be strong and very courageous...that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest,” Joshua 1:5-9.
5. Finally, Peter wrote: “And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work,” 1 Peter 1:17; Proverbs 24:29. He learned this at Cornelius’ house.
D. James concludes: “But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all,” James 2:9-10. James gives us his conclusion regarding the respect of persons. Observe—
1. James wrote, to have the respect of persons, is to sin. This sin will sentence more to hell; then, the sin of adultery and fornication.
2. You are convinced of the law as transgressors. The word “convinced” in Gr., is elegcho or e-le'n-kho, which means, to refute, admonish:—convict, convince, tell a fault, rebuke, reprove. To be convicted or feel the shame of a person guilty of a crime, some misconduct, or sin.
3. B. W. Johnson wrote: “Such partiality as that described in verse 3 would break this law, and hence would be a sin, and the sinner would be convicted as a transgressor...If the law is broken by the "respect of persons," the whole law is broken. He who willfully violates one command is a lawbreaker and is guilty before the law,” Page 577.
4. Matthew Henry wrote: “This law is in Lev. xix. 15, Thou shalt do no unrighteousness in judgment; thou shalt not respect the person of the poor nor the person of the mighty, but in righteousness shalt, though judge thy (neighbor). Yea, the very royal law itself, rightly explained, would serve to convict them, because it teaches them to put themselves as much in the places of the poor as in those of the rich, and so to act equitably towards one as well as the other,” Page 1722-1723.
E. Application. What is the real application for us in this lesson? How must we see ourselves in being a respecter of persons? Consider this--
1. First, religious leaders. Ministers, teachers, and church leaderships; have been called to help their neighbors. We can only serve others when we are genuinely committed to Christ and His work. I see more commitment to one's political party than to the Lord. We cannot serve God and mammon, Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13.
2. Further, political parties. When we as ministers and leaders of the faith; compromise the truth of God, to obtain favors from political officials; we have disclaimed our rights to speak on behalf of God, and for the benefit of humanity. Jesus said:
a. First, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost it savor, how shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the foot of men,” Matthew 5:13.
b. Second, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick: and, it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven,” Matthew 5:14-16. Our lives must “glorify our Father in heaven.”
c. Third, "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ye ought to have done, and not to leave the other undone," Matthew 23:23.
1) Paying a tithe of what we have is done for our benefits.
2) Showing unto others, judgment, mercy, and faith, is a benefit to them.
3) Jesus said: “You have omitted the weightier matters of the law; tithe you should have done, but not to have left out those things that benefit others.”
3. Finally, the evangelical movement, founded by the late Billy Graham, has neglected the cry for help by the oppressed and downtrodden people of America (the immigrants who have sought refuge in America to obtain better lives for their families). Consider these religious leaders--
a. They have ungodly covenants with the Republican Party to accomplish their perverted goals and deeds discriminate against immigrants; people of color, different ethnic groups, specific religious values, and even people having different political standings. We can hate and despise the sin, yet, like Jesus we must love the sinner enough to die for them, Romans 5:7-11. Can we oppose His will?
b. The late Billy Graham lost his way and message; when he formed an alliance with Richard Nixon; and found out later how corrupt and dishonest the President's actions and methods were, to win his reelection.
c. Mr. Graham confessed in later years of this severe mistake. The damage was done; he had lost his voice as: “One crying in the wilderness to make straight the pathway for the Lord," Isaiah 40:3-5; and Matthew 3:1-3.
d. Franklin Graham has not heeded the instructions of his late father. He has hitched his wagon with President Donald J. Trump. He is guilty of practicing and teaching "respect of persons" in his actions before the entire Evangelical Movement. Let me show you what I mean--
1) He never took to heart the warning of his father, Billy Graham.
2) He has never counseled the President for his reckless behavior, and false imprisonment of families, fleeing to America for sanction.
3) He has never apologized to President Barack Obama, for his alleged false accusations, over his: “American citizenship” and “beliefs in God.”
4) He has not appeared before the Nation, to offer prayers for the safety and healing of the people, from the COVID-19, pandemic.
5) Like the President, he has been "derelict in his duties," before God and men, 1 Timothy 2:1-3. Mr. Franklin Graham commands a national voice in the Evangelical Movement. Still, he has said nothing of the President's mishandling of this pandemic, which is causing the death of hundreds of thousands of Americans. Why is he silent? Is he an enabler of Trump’s policies and prejudices?
4. Conclusion. When religious leaders abandon the "word of God" to align themselves with politicians (with their votes and money); to influence their enactment of legislation against certain people or groups: they have lost: “Their savor, and are henceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men,” Matthew 5:13.
a. Many religious leaders today (like us), have observed the evils of the White House, and the “buying of indulgences” in the Congress, from individual Lobbyists; and the partisan politics of several members of congress; to stack the Supreme Court with judges, to decide along partisan lines; yet, many have said, or did nothing, to expose these despicable deeds. Consider that--
1) Many have remained as “silent as the tombs.”
2) Jesus described such behavior as:
a) First, "Whited sepulchers which indeed appear beautiful outward but are within full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness," Matthew 23:27.
b) Second, “To outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within they are full of hypocrisy and iniquity,” Matthew 23:28.
c) Third, “But woe unto you...For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer you them that are entering to go in,” Matthew 23:13.
d) Fourth, “You serpents, you generation of vipers, how can you escape the damnation of hell?” Matthew 23:33.
b. The religious movements, and other groups which seek such favors, have "hitch their wagon to one of the most insensitive, corrupt and dysfunctional Administration" ever elected in America’s history.
1) For what purpose, you might ask?
2) They want special favors from the President, the Congress, and the Courts.
3) They desire laws and court rulings, that discriminate against the minority voters, by passing legislation that suppresses their vote; they denying certain immigrants the right to enter America legally; and outright use threatening tactics against some workers (by ordering them to work in dangerous and hostile environments), and breaking up families; by taking children from their parents.
4) Is this an America, whose: “City is the light set on a hill?” I think not.
c. What have they given for such favors? They have abandoned the message of hope and salvation in Christ, their ministry to the world, and their souls for political gains and legislative support. May God have mercy upon all of them!
d. Can any good come out of Washington, D.C.? Before I conclude, I must appeal to all religious leaders, and especially unto my beloved brethren in Christ.
5. An appeal to leaders. These are trying times for the nation and the world. I appeal to all the righteous people in America. I beseech as well to all claiming to be “followers of Jesus Christ.” I make no judgment here of any man; judgment belongeth unto the Lord, John 5:22; John 5:26-27; Acts 17:30-31. Based upon the lack of courage and resolve of many ministers, evangelists, leaders, and fellow members of the church, this is our appeal: we must purge ourselves from any acts of “partiality or favoritism,” personally, and within the church of the Lord. Here’s why my beloved brothers—
a. The nation's youth are marching in defiance to injustices and racism in America, while their spiritual leaders and parents are silent to these injustices. We must join their ranks! We cannot condemn them for their courage and desire for America to live up to its creed: that all men are created equal.
1) The President has NOT made "America Great Again." He has destroyed this Nation; permitting hundreds of thousands of deaths, shamed her beyond recognition, as the symbol of “democracy” to the world. Our children are on their way to making: “America whole again.” And I pray for, and support them!
b. Many of these young people are from our families. They are doing something we have left undone for many generations. That is: to speak out against “systemic racism” and “white silence” in America. I beseech you with “brotherly love,” Hebrews 13:1. That all confess of these evils, and: “Repent therefore of this wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of your hearts may be forgiven thee. I perceive that you are in the gall of bitterness, and the bond of iniquity," Acts 8:22-23; 2 Timothy 2:24-26. Consider--
1) Systemic Racism continues today because the white clergy and ministers in America do not speak out or stand up against it. I adjure you in the name of the Lord: to speak out and oppose this wickedness and ungodliness.
2) White silence has permitted the oppressors to continue their wrongdoing, unchastised by their peers: “the white people of America.” White silence has allowed these acts of terrorism, brutality, retaliation, and reprisals to continue in America, even from the President, virtually unrestrained and unpunished. Hear me good!
a) I am speaking directly to the white clergy and ministers of this Nation, even among Christ's church. I know that some of you have taken a stand, please forgive me if I appear to have neglected, to recognize your faith.
b) However, many pulpits have remained utterly silent to these injustices and racial bigotry. Sadly, I speak, because many of you are proponents of these “damnable beliefs” in your own lives, your homes, and your religious groups.
c) You are turning your heads to them instead of taking corrective action. You must educate yourself and your membership; that this conduct is sinful and self-condemning. And that without a change in heart and behavior, many will be lost!
NOTE: Read David’s prayer unto Jehovah, in Psalms 51:9-13.
3) This generation of “white silence” reminds me of the same kind of people; who ignored the struggles of black people during the: “Civil Rights Movement.”
4) It took a letter to them from Martin Luther King, while he sat in a Birmingham Jail, to arouse their conscience to the Nation's evils. Who do we serve? To remain silent is to acknowledge consent to these terrible injustices.
c. Many have sat in silence, to the recent killing of George Floyd, a black man, by four white police officers. Where are the cries of righteous men against such brutality and cruelty seen before the world? America’s conscience must again be awakened! Consider--
1) Thank God for our youth. The youth of America in and out of the church; hearts have been stirred up against the wickedness and corruption in all levels of government and businesses, because of its inequality and injustice. They are asking for true police reform; and, justice for all Americans, throughout the entire law enforcement and judicial systems.
2) They come from all walks of life, races, religions, and standing, to say in their protest that: “justice must be for all Americans.” They are saying in their marching, what we are not saying, in our messages!
3) How shameful and cowardly we stand before our congregations and preach about faith, hope, and charity, 1 Corinthians 13:13. But, remain unable to speak out against the sins of racism and bigotry!
d. Many of our congregations (white and black) have lost their children because; of their lack of faith, and courage. The church’s continual silence and do nothing stances; allow these evils and sins: to beguile and corrupt, the next generations. Why? These ministers and leaders: “Fear them which are of the circumcision,” just like Peter, and, “walketh not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel,” Galatians 2:12-14.
1) Our children have witnessed our "so call righteousness in the assembly." But, have also heard the hateful words and racist remarks at the dinner tables; or, in private conversations on the phone, describing your dislike of "those people." Let’s not forget brethren, the Lord has seen and heard them too!
2) If we want to reclaim them, we will have to join their cause; they have forever forsaken our hypocrisy (false-faces), that they have seen in us for years.
e. But worst of all, we have abandoned the faith of our precious Lord. We cannot claim to love Him, and live shamefully and ungodly in His sight, and, before the world. God can't show “respect of persons” to any man.
1) We, on the other hand, are guilty of such and stand self-condemned, in the sight of the Lord and the church.
2) We have sinned and continually transgresseth the "royal law of love," James 2:8-10; Matthew 22:37-40.
3) Without true repentance and a change in our lives, neither of us will see the face of the Lord in peace, Revelations 21:7-8; 1 John 3:14-15; Galatians 5:19-21.
6. Conclusion: What permits such behavior among government officials and even believers in Christ? One esteemed writer suggested: The hearts of many men induce them, to feel secure and confide in two things when they are powerful: one, the secrecy of their sins, and two, their believed impunity from the consequences of sin. Jeremiah reminds us: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9; Hebrews 3:12. Observe--
a. The two recent Supreme Court rulings against this Administration; will ultimately expose and reveal all the evils and corruption, lurking within this White House.
b. I admonish all spiritual leaders, as did Moses: “But if ye will not do so (abide in the Royal Law), behold, you have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out,” Numbers 32:23; Luke 12:2-3; 1 Corinthians 8:12.
c. The behavior and policies of this Administration have caused many religious people to error. “And they that have been led by him, shall surely be destroyed,” Isaiah 9:16. I pray for you and your family, and for the church. I admonish you to heed Peter’s exhortation: “Save yourselves from this ungodly and disobedient generation,” Acts 2:40. Turn your life back to God, and shun the evils of sin, in every form in and out of the church.
d. And with God's help, let's change the church's thinking and behavior regarding the sin of racism and discrimination. That she might walk uprightly before God and men. May God bless you, and America! As I begin to conclude this lesson, recall I discussed, it is impossible for God--
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
3. To show any respect of persons
B. Summarize main points.
1. In this lesson, we investigated how God couldn't show any respect of persons. The Lord sees and will judge all men alike, Romans 2:11; Galatians 2:6. Luke wrote: “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said: Of a truth, I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation, he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him," Acts 10:34-35.
2. God can't show respect of persons, to any man. God’s children must never show respect of person, to anyone. To do so is to sin and "transgress the Royal Law: to love thy neighbor as thyself,” James 2:8-10.
C. Invitation. Present the pattern of conversion, H.B.R.C.B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
References:
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
5. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
