James 2:1-13, Respector of who
James 2,1-13
March 4, 2007
Intro: The key to understanding Chapter 2 is in Chapter 1.
A- SO, a quick review of Chapter 1:
1- God’s goal in the lives of those who are the saved is to raise us up as MATURE, COMPLETE CHRISTIANS, in which there is NOTHING spiritually LACKING.
Read Verse 4
a- In order to achieve this we have God’s word for our lives.
Read Verse 25
b- PROBLEM; we are not always obedient to the word.
Read Verses 23-24
c- When that happens God allows physical trials to enter our lives for the purpose of EVALUATION and alteration.
Read Verses 2-4
d- SO in order to get the most out of a trial, if you ask, God will give supernatural wisdom.
Read Verse 5-8
e- BUT just as God gives trial for development, the devil enters in and brings temptation for destruction.
Read Verses 13-18
1 Corinthians 10:13, No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Ø So each of us, in this room right now, is at some stage of a trial, testing, and/or temptation.
B- So that being the case:
James 1:19, So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;
James 1:27, Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
Galatians 6:1, Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
1- So it’s with this mindset, that everyone here is going through something, that we enter into Chapter 2:
Read Verses 1-13
Ø SO in God’s church we are to consider one another as equals regardless of RACE, COLOR of SKIN, BANK BOOK BALANCE, SOCIAL STATUS, or CHURCH position.
A- Case in point = The Lord Jesus Christ:
Read Verse 1
1- Could also read: “Stop holding the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with respect to persons”.
Ø Jesus ministered to all mankind without partiality.
2- In Peter he saw a rock, In the woman at the well He saw a tool to reach a whole city, In a Saul He saw a Paul, In Nicodemus He saw the need for salvation, In the Rich Young Ruler He saw arrogance, and in the Religiously perfect He saw Spiritual fault:
Read Matthew 23:13-29
John 2:24-25, But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.
a- SO this tells us that the process of Chapter 1 is in progress in all lives.
- God’s work in man’s life transcends all lines.
· SO we do not judge; on outside appearances because God works in the hidden places.
· REMEMBER He even gave Judas a chance even to the end.
Read Verses 2-3
A- Here we have A SETTING and 2 new people.
1- THE SETTING: “Assembly” = synagogue, a gathering of people for religious purposes OR A CHURCH SERVICE.
a- The usher is at the entrance when these 2 new people arrive at the same time.
- New people BECAUSE (context) the only evaluation is outside appearance.
1st – THE PROSPEROUS MAN:
1- He has on “fine apparel” = a gorgeous robe.
2- He also has on “gold rings” = A gold ringed person.
2nd – There is the PITIFULLY POOR MAN:
3- He has on “Filthy clothes” = Vile clothing.
a- One man who, maybe, could do a lot for the church.
b- Another who, maybe, expects the church to do a lot for him.
- KEEP CONTEXT IN MIND: both who live a life of trials, testing, and temptation in the process of maturing.
· Are both going to have the same opportunities???
SO Ushers: James 2:3, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,”
#1- So 1st we have the INDICTMENT RECORDED: (Rev 2-3)
Read Verse 4
A- Notice what we have here is an evil usher.
1- He is making an internal evaluation based upon external looks.
a- BUT how do you know that the vile looking man is not someone enduring trials?
- A mature person looking to God and counting it all a joy.
b- How do you know that the fine looking man has not given into temptation and is immature and good for no Spiritual purpose?
Job 34:19, Yet He is not partial to princes, Nor does He regard the rich more than the poor; For they are all the work of His hands.
#2- The indictment is reviewed.
Read Verse 5
A- As far as the Poor:
1- Jesus came as a poor man.
Isaiah 53:2, For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him.
a- Most of the Apostles were common people, as were Prophets, James was probably a poor man.
2- But then we are not to go overboard the other way either.
c- Nicodemus & Joseph of Arimathea were well off, Matthew and his brother Thomas, Zacchaeus, and Abraham.
Matthew 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
#3- The indictment is repeated.
James 2:6a, But you have dishonored the poor man…
A- Look at the way the word “dishonored” is used, else
where, who is doing the dishonoring and who is being
dishonored.
Acts 5:41, So they (apostles) departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame (dishonor) for His name.
Luke 20:11, Again he sent another servant; and they beat him also, treated him shamefully (dishonoably), and sent him away empty-handed.
John 8:49, Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me.
Read Verse 6b-7
A- Mony can be a prerequset to power and very corosive to
character.
1- Once a person realizes that can buy anything they believe they can buy everything.
Read 1 Timothy 6:6-10
Ø Now James who is writing scripture referres to scripture:
Read Verses 8-12
THE LORD ILLUSTRATED: Luke 10;25-37
Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19
James 2,1-13
March 4, 2007
1 Corinthians 10:13
James 1:19
James 1:27
Galatians 6:1
Matthew 23:13-29
John 2:24-25
Job 34:19
Isaiah 53:2
Matthew 5:3
Acts 5:41
Luke 20:11
John 8:49
1 Timothy 6:6-10
Luke 10;25-37
1 Timothy 6:17-19