Excuse Me, This Seat Is Reserved
(James 2:1-13)
(James 2:1-13)
Today we finally started Chapter 2 of the book of James. Yet, James is not a book, but a letter. A letter to a Jewish Christian audience, written by the Pastor James. In verse 1, we read, "My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism." James is forbidding us to play favourites. He then gives three insights.
1. The rich person and the poor person.
We can't show partiality between people because of their wealth status. James asks you what you would do if a rich person and a poor person showed up at your church. He then answers the question by saying that you'd probably show favouritism to the rich person and show him to a very good seat. You'd probably then make the poor person sit on the floor. We also learn that . . .
2. Christianity and partiality are not compatible.
God's economy is not the same as the worlds'. God welcomes the poor and the humble. The world judges books by their cover. God looks deep into the hearts of men, to see what their true motives are.
3. Jesus does not show favouritism.
Jesus does not judge by social status, racial status, gender, age, or any other outward appearance. Neither should we.
1. The rich person and the poor person.
We can't show partiality between people because of their wealth status. James asks you what you would do if a rich person and a poor person showed up at your church. He then answers the question by saying that you'd probably show favouritism to the rich person and show him to a very good seat. You'd probably then make the poor person sit on the floor. We also learn that . . .
2. Christianity and partiality are not compatible.
God's economy is not the same as the worlds'. God welcomes the poor and the humble. The world judges books by their cover. God looks deep into the hearts of men, to see what their true motives are.
3. Jesus does not show favouritism.
Jesus does not judge by social status, racial status, gender, age, or any other outward appearance. Neither should we.