July 25, 2021
THE BOOK OF JAMES
Part 3: Don’t Play Favorites
(James 2:8-9 NIV) If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.
(Romans 2:11 NIV) For God does not show favoritism.
What’s the Big Deal with Favoritism?
- Favoritism affects ______________________.
(James 2:1-4 NIV) My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say…have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
- ________________.
- ______________.
- ________.
- _________________.
- _______________.
(1 Samuel 16:7 NIV) But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
(Acts 10:34 NIV) Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism…”
- Favoritism rearranges ______________.
(James 2:3-4 NIV) If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
(John 7:24 NIV) Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.
(John 7:24 NLT) Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.
(Isaiah 66:2 NIV) These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.
(2 Kings 13:4 NIV) Then Jehoahaz sought the Lord’s favor, and the Lord listened to him.
- Favoritism is a _________________.
(James 2:10-13 NIV) For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
How to Treat People
- ______________ everybody.
(Romans 15:7) Accept one another just as Christ accepted you.
2. ______________ everybody.
(Galatians 3:28 NLT) There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.
3. ______________ everybody.
(Galatians 6:10 NLT) Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone.
4. ______________ everybody.
(Matthew 6:14-15) For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.