- The Forbidding of Favoritism (vs. 1)
- Favoritism is to give preference to one person or group over others with equal claims.
- James is reminding us that the problem of favoritism is a family problem
- By showing favoritism inside the church, we are not living as people who have Jesus as our Master, Messiah, and Judge
- The Example of Favoritism (vv. 2-4)
- Favoritism undermines our gospel witness and the gospel
- The sin of favoritism is based on evil motives that come from unfounded opinions or beliefs that are contrary to God’s Word
- The Dishonor of Favoritism (vv. 5-7)
- The Foolishness of Favoritism (vv. 8-11)
- When we show favoritism, we are not living up to God’s royal law
- Showing favoritism is a sin
- If we break any part of God’s law, we are violators of the whole law
- The Defeat of Favoritism (vv. 12-13)
- Favoritism is overcome with mercy
- It should not be a strange thing to find Christians who treat everyone with equal value
Favoritism in the Church
James: Faith in Action