James 2:1-7 - James Addresses The Sin Of Partiality
Recently, I was reading a magazine from ‘Voice of the Martyrs’. There was a story about a couple who lives in an area where Muslim militants raid villages and kill the Christians. One day the village where this couple lived was raided and all five of their kids were killed. This couple then fled to a refugee camp where they found safety and shelter.
My heart rejoiced as I read that this couple made it to a refugee camp. This, however, is not the end of this story. After arriving at the camp this couple was treated poorly by the other refugees who were there. They were treated poorly because this couple was from a pygmy tribe and they had a smaller stature than most other people. It was because of this they were looked down upon and mistreated. When I read this my heart ached for this couple. They needed comfort, sympathy, care, advocates, a counselors, friends, community. Instead of getting these things in this camp they were persecuted there as well. This couple, like Job who lost his kids and his possessions, found themselves surrounded by a miserable company of companions. (Job 16:2, “...miserable comforters are you all.”)
However, this story does have a good ending. Even in the midst of all of this suffering this couple found themselves among a group of Christians who loved them and cared for them. These believers made no distinctions, showed no favoritism, and displayed no partiality between the people who had fled to this camp. These Christians loved all the refugees, cared for them, and spoke the Word of God to them. Because of this these Christians this couple received the Gospel and they now have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
James begins this letter with these words,
“To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations.” (NIV)
“To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion.” (ESV)
“To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad.” (NASV)
We see that James is writing to Christians who had been scattered because of persecution. Many of them had to leave their homes, their communities, and their possessions because they had become an outcast as a result of their Christian faith. (Acts 8:1-3, Acts 11:18-20; Hebrews 12:3-4).
These Jewish believers had to flee from persecution to new communities where they could take refuge. However, when they came to other communities they found that even in the churches there was favoritism, partiality, and distinctions being made among them!
Can you imagine just how terrible this was?
We read in James 2:1-7, “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ while you say to the poor man, ‘You stand over there,’ or, ‘Sit down at my feet,’ have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?”
The sin of partiality can happen in any church. Let me give you two examples of this within two different churches. The first example of this regards a friend of mine who is a minister. He tells the story about a time when he was camping while on vacation. He did not have any nice clothes but he decided to go to a church anyways.
When he arrived he took his seat among the congregation of this small church. As the service began the pastor noticed that there were several visitors there. The minister welcomed the best dressed of these visitors and gave them an opportunity to tell where they were from. Then he invited them to come back to the evening service. While he did this he looked at this pastor and did not acknowledge him or show him the same hospitality. This pastor confessed that if he was not a mature Christian this experience probably would have turned him away from Christianity. The sin of partiality is a grievous sin!
The second example is about a mega-churches in America that collapsed before our eyes. After this happened some of the sins in this church were documented. Some of these sins were greed, sexual sins, theological problems, etc. However, another sin that they committed was the sin of partiality.
As this church grew in popularity many wealthy, influential, and powerful people began to attend their services. These important people were invited to sit in a ‘VIP Section’ that the church created where they were treated very well and shown extra attention. This section was popular among those who got invited to sit there but this sin caused many others to walk away from the faith.
In James 2:1-13 James will use two main exhortations to confront this sin. What are these two things?
This sin is against the Gospel and its practices- 2:1-7
This sin is condemned by the royal law according to scripture- 2:8-13
At The Heart of this Sin: A Lack of Theological Clarity and Gospel Practice (James 2:1-7)
Today we will look at the first thing that exposes this shocking sin- it is contrary to the Gospel. As we will see this is something that James has been building up to for quite some time.
The sin of partiality is a grievous sin because it is contrary to Christ, the salvation that we have in Him, and His Spirit of grace that is at work in and among His people. In the scriptures we see that the gospel is supposed to work in God’s people unity, love, and oneness of purpose. For example, we see this in passages like Philippians 1:27 where Paul says, “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel…”. (James 1:12, 2:1)
Paul builds upon these words in Philippians 2: 1-11 when he says, “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
What does it look like to live in such a worthy manner in regards to the gospel? (1:27)
To walk in a manner worthy of the gospel believers are faithfully standing firm as one spiritual body (the body of Christ), with one mind (the mind of Christ from the scriptures), while striving together side by side for the faith of the gospel (equipped by the Word of God and the Spirit to engage in the Great Commission as the church in this world which is the pillar of truth) (Ephesians 1:22-23; 1 Timothy 3:15).
Living worthy of the gospel is more than just trying to agree on a few minor points of doctrine. It is more than trying to be unified on the basics of the gospel and not much more. When the church is living worthily of the gospel it progresses together in discipleship and Christ-likeness.
It is Christians progressing through the milk doctrines of the Word to the meat doctrines which pertain to righteousness. (Hebrews 5:11-6:8)
It is Christians craving the milk of the Word of God so that by the Word they grow and mature. (1 Peter 1:22-2:3)
Living a life worthy of the gospel is characterized by growing together in our knowledge of scripture truths which transform us into Christ’s likeness inside and out. (Romans 12:1-2) Consider what Paul says to the Ephesian church which we spoke about last week. In Ephesians 4:1-6 says, “I therefore, a prisoner of the LORD, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit- just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call- one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
How is this type of life achieved? In Ephesians 4:11-16 Paul writes, “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” (CR Matthew 28:19-20)
These texts describe what type of life the Gospel should produce among God’s people. The sin that is being described in James 2:1-7 is not consistent with the call that every Christian has responded to in the Gospel.
As James describes this sin of partiality he is showing us the outward expression of an inward problem of the heart and mind. (2:4- “...have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”)
We see how the sin of partiality is contrary to the Gospel in other places in the New Testament. We see this in the book of Galatians for example when Paul confronts Peter. Peter was walking worthily of the Gospel among the Gentiles until the circumcision group arrived from Jerusalem. When these men came into the congregation Peter began to separate himself from the Gentile Christians. Because of this Paul writes, “I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.” (CF James 2:8-13)
Then Paul says in Galatians 2:14, “...their conduct was not in step with the gospel.”
Then Paul teaches these Galatian believers a lot of gospel truths regarding: sin, the law, faith, adoption, the indwelling of the Spirit, justification, and sanctification. (Galatians 2:15-3:5) It is because of these gospel truths that Paul can boldly declare, “We know that God does not show partiality”. If this is true, how can we? (2:6)
James sees the sin of partiality among these Christians and he is compelled to address it. He started to address this sin in chapter one. To see this I would like you to consider James 2:1-13 as the second of two bookends.
The first bookend was back in James 1:9-11 where James began to address the rich and the poor in this congregation. You’ll recall that James wrote, “Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.”
The second bookend is in James 2:1-13 where James begins to addresses these two groups of people again.
Each of these two bookends address a persons wealth and status. Some people in this church were wealthy and others were poor. Some of these congregants enjoyed great status in society while others were lowly. Some were living very comfortable lifestyles while others were barely getting by.
One would hope that because the church is made up off all sorts of people that Christians would continue practicing what the believers had done right after Jesus’ ascension. We read of this in Acts 2:42 and 44-47, “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers...And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
Note: Notice the importance of the apostles teaching and practicing the ordinances. (42) The work of the Spirit and the Word produced a common belief and an uncommon bond between very different believers.
As we read James 1:9-11 and 2:1-13 we find that these believers had begun to fall away from these gracious virtues that are described in the Book f Acts. Let me make two observations from this.
First, we must conclude that it doesn’t take long for churches to drift from walking worthy of the Gospel of Christ in this way. Because of this, we need to diligently and purposefully pursue these things together.
Secondly, it is often lamented that the church today is struggling to look like those early believers in these ways. If this is true, we ought to devote ourselves to the Word of God and fellowship with God and His people.
Notice that when James begins to addresses this sin he does not put these two texts together even though he could have done this. For example, James does not say, “Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away (1:9)...Therefore, my brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. (2:1)”
Why does he choose not to do this?
He does not do this because James knows that there is important biblical instruction that needs to be given to address this sin. Because James does this we can also conclude that what he says in between these two bookends is very important!
The things James has spoken about in James 1 will also pertain to the other sins he will mention in this letter. Sin is a theological issue that requires the Gospel and God’s grace. Consider how Paul always teaches the Gospel and then applies it practically.
We probably need to remind ourselves what James has said in James 1:12-27 since we took some time off. James writes, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. (faith, hope, love, promise, crown of life, temptation, sin, death)
Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. (deception, God’s good and perfect gifts from above, God’s nature and character, effectual call through the Word, new creation)
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (Our response to the Word of God, anger prevents sanctification, Word is able to sanctify our souls all the way through glorification.)
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. (Faithful responses to Word, The proper use of the Law, Blessing if obedience is given to the perfect law of liberty through new life)
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” (warning about worthless religion, traits of undefiled religion before God)
How would we summarize all of these doctrinal and theological truths that James speaks of here? (See notes in parenthesis)
James summarizes these verses in James 2:1, “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.” It is because of these doctrinal realities and the application of them that a poor man can boast in his exaltation, and why a rich man should boast in his humiliation. (9-11) This is one of the ways we express that we “hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.” Notice the emphasis of faith. James, for all he will say about the Law in James 2, believed and taught justification by faith in Christ alone! Like Paul, James addresses the importance of the Gospel of Grace and Faith in Christ first in this letter so we can understand everything else.
Every Christian without exception has received from God a gift by the grace and mercy of God. The the rich and the poor are to remember that the blessings they now enjoy is by faith alone in Christ and think and act accordingly. (2:1) They are now heirs of the kingdom of God with an unimaginable inheritance. (Galatians 4:1-7; Ephesians 1:18)
A Christian who understands his sin and his need for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus alone will not draw distinctions between himself and his brother and sister in Christ. Nor will a Christian who understands these doctrinal truths and the practical applications of them mistreat poor Christians so that they can draw close to the rich in this world. No, a christian who understands these things will have their faith and attention upon the Lord Jesus and what He has so mercifully and graciously given to them.
James knows that everything that he has discussed in chapter 1 is a gift from the LORD and a believer is to continue in the grace and mercy of God. This is the reason why the sin of partiality is such a travesty and an outrageous thing.
Our memory verse this week showed us this in Ephesians 2:8-10, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
1 Corinthians 4:6-7, “...brothers…none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?”
This morning it is our privilege to celebrate the Lord’s Table together. We celebrate this moment as we ask the Holy Spirit to show us if any part of our lives is not in step with the Gospel. We come to this moment ready to confess any sin and reconcile with any person so that our lives will display that we are holding to the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.
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