Sermon Tone Analysis

Discrimination in the Church is wrong

Those who trust in Christ do not show favorites.

According to Pilar NT Commentary :

Describing Jesus as the Lord of glory suggests particularly the heavenly sphere to which he has been exalted and from which he will come at the end of history to save and to judge (cf.

Jas.

5:9).

This reminder is particularly appropriate in a situation where Christians are giving too much “glory” to human beings.

“glory” is the state of being Christlike.

The take away here is that any personal exaltation of one person over another is evil.

Situational Awareness

The “if” clause calls for the reader to imagine, or suppose the situation.

James 2:2-4

Logical Conclusion

The illustration is followed by a penetrating inquiry: Have you not discriminated among yourselves?

The question in Greek assumes an affirmative answer.

James’ brethren must plead guilty not only to discriminatory divisions but also to assuming the role of judges with evil thoughts of partiality.

Rich and Poor

I Cor.

1:

The kingdom, or reign, of God is central to the preaching of Jesus.

He presented himself as the one through whom God’s reign was even then being realized (Matt.

12:28; Mark 1:15; Luke 17:21).

James’s general point in this verse, then, is clear enough: God’s choice of poor people to inherit his kingdom is evidence of his regard for them and shows how wrong Christians are to discriminate against these very poor people.

But this argument raises a serious question.

Discrimination is not the Kingdom Way

In vv.

5–7, James has argued that favoritism toward the rich at the expense of the poor is wrong because (1) it contradicts God’s regard for the poor; and (2) it makes no sense.

The former reason is theological, while the second is more (but not completely) pragmatic.

But the attention James devotes to the matter suggests that his third argument against such favoritism is the most important: it violates the law of love (vv.

8–13).

There is a choice to be made:

“Who is my neighbor?”

Sin is Sin no matter what sin it is.

Because sin is sin and all need forgiveness, treat everyone the same.

2:12–13.

Total obedience is the key.

One must both habitually speak and act (Gr.

pres.

tense imper.)

as those to be judged by the Law.

God’s Law, because of its wise constraints, brings true freedom (cf.

1:25).

Disobedience to God’s Law brings bondage; and to those who have not been merciful, God’s judgment is without mercy.

Just as love triumphs over prejudice, mercy triumphs over judgment.

The verb “triumphs” or “exults over” (katakauchatai) appears only here, in 3:14, and in Romans 11:18.

God has ordained unalterable laws.

Complete and consistent obedience is required if spiritual maturity is to be attained.

The believer is commanded to accept his brother with courtesy, compassion, and consistency.

Serving is the outworking of our salvation.

James 2:14-

Expression of Faith

Evidence of Faith

Examples of Faith