Loving Our Neighbors

James 2:1–17, Matthew 22:37–40

Summary: In James 2, we are reminded that faith without works is dead, and in Matthew 22, Jesus instructs us to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Application: This sermon can encourage Christians to show their faith through tangible acts of love and kindness towards others, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ's love in their lives. It can inspire believers to actively seek ways to serve and care for those around them, regardless of social status or personal preferences.

Teaching: The passage in James teaches us that genuine faith is evidenced by our actions and that true religion involves caring for the vulnerable and marginalized. The teachings of Jesus in Matthew emphasize the importance of love in Christian life, both vertically towards God and horizontally towards others.

How this passage could point to Christ: Both passages point to Jesus as the ultimate example of love in action. His sacrificial love on the cross demonstrates the perfect union of faith and works, and His command to love our neighbors echoes His own ministry of compassion and service.

Big Idea: True faith is expressed through active love and service towards others, reflecting the love of Christ in both belief and action.

Recommended Study: In preparing this sermon, consider examining the cultural context of James 2 to understand the significance of favoritism and works within the early Christian community. Explore the Greek terms for 'love' in Matthew 22 to deepen your understanding of the relational dynamics Jesus teaches. Utilize Logos resources for in-depth word studies and historical background on these passages.

1. Love’s Ultimate Command

Matthew 22:37-40

Jesus’ summary of the law and prophets to love God and neighbor.

Loving our neighbors is not separate from loving God but is a vital expression of our love for Him.

2. Faith’s Fair Vision

James 2:5-7

Jesus had declared that God has chosen the poor to inherit the kingdom; true faith recognizes and honors this divine choice.

Christians are to view and treat others through the lens of God’s love, not worldly standards.

3. Favoritism Fails Faith

James 2:1-4

James addressed specific sinful behavior that many in the church overlooked.

They were giving a privileged and comfortable place to sit and to the wealthy, while telling the poor to sit on the ground next to the wealthy footstool.

James compared these actions to unjust judges.

When we engage in favoritism or partiality within the church we fail to understand and act accord to the will of God and his Royal Law.

This dishonors God, the poor, and treats the wealthy with honor for the things they own, not for what they do with them.

Favoritism contradicts the essence of Christ’s love, which is unconditional and inclusive.

James declares these actions as senseless (apathetic, without compassion) and such a faith that acts this way as worthless (without creative transformation).

4. Fulfilling the Royal Law

James 2:8-11

The royal law of loving one's neighbor as oneself.

How failure to obey this law is akin to breaking all of it, because all of God’s Law is wrapped up in the Royal Law.

God creates and God loves; not doing this sets us against God.

Love must be the foundation of all Christian belief and action.

Justice finds its foundation in the heart and mind.

Actions of love toward neighbor are evidence of our faith in God.

5. Faith Manifested in Mercy

James 2:12-13

Acting in love leads to receiving mercy.

When we are merciful as God has been merciful with us, we know we act in love.

Jesus gave himself essentially as mercy for us, giving himself entirely that we might have eternal life through faith in him, because of this, we live and act in mercy.

Jesus came to give us abundant life.

When we are merciful to our neighbors, they thrive, and my be drawn to Christ through our merciful action.

6. Faithful Actions of Love

James 2:14-17

Declaration of faith without works is dead.

We must consider our own actions as evidence of our faith.

Reflect on your daily acts of love and service that embody Christ’s command to love our neighbors.

Applications:

1. Wealthy people and poor people alike need to hear, understand, and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior according to the Bible, so the church needs to work with and teach all people without prejudice.

6. Try to show mercy toward all and speak and act as a person known for being merciful, even as Jesus Christ has been merciful toward you.