Pride and Prejudice

Faith Transcends Social Distinctions

Galatians 3:28 NASB95

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

1. Partiality is inconsistent with faith in Christ

The origin of the term partiality is somewhat obscure, but in the New Testament it is always used in the sense of showing favor to persons on account of external advantages, such as position, wealth, or power. Three of the four New Testament occurrences of the word are in passages which assert that there is no respect of persons with God (Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:25); the fourth (here) prohibits respect of persons in God’s people.

2. Partiality is contrary to the purpose of God

Jesus asserted that it was a part of His messianic mission “to preach the gospel to the poor” (Luke 4:18; cf. Luke 7:22).

Verse 5 sets forth a threefold dignity which God has bestowed upon the poor: They are (1) chosen of God, (2) rich in faith, and (3) heirs of the kingdom.

3. Partiality is not in the best interests of the Christian

The Greek word for “oppress,” meaning “to exploit,” “oppress,” or “dominate” someone, is used often in the Septuagint of outrages against widows, orphans, and the poor. In the only other place where it occurs in the New Testament (Acts 10:38) it is used of the tyrannical rule of the devil.The Greek word for “oppress,” meaning “to exploit,” “oppress,” or “dominate” someone, is used often in the Septuagint of outrages against widows, orphans, and the poor. In the only other place where it occurs in the New Testament (Acts 10:38) it is used of the tyrannical rule of the devil.

4. Partiality is a violation of the royal law

Love is the law of his kingdom

Matthew 5:17 NASB95

“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.