James 2:3-7
Notes
Transcript
2:3-7
2:3-7
Read 2:1-7
Read 2:1-7
3
3
Comment:
Verse 3 we see the result of the sin of partiality that James is warning against. Using a person’s wealth or lack of wealth, or any other physical difference, in deciding who gets honor and who does not is a sin. The Jews that James is writing to were very familiar with the layout of the synagogues, there were a few benches at the front, these were the seats that the scribes and pharisees coveted, Matthew 23:6 “and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues”, the rest of the seating was usually just the floor where the rest would sit cross legged or stood. The mention of sitting the poor man “at my feet” or “under my footstool” would be a double disrespect, not only were they not to sit at the bench but would not even be allowed to sit on the stool where those that sat at the benched put their feet.
Question: What would be some more modern day examples of this type of partiality that may be seen in the church?
4
4
Comment:
In verse 4 James clearly states that unjust or unbiblical partiality is evil, or sinful. In his letter James uses three different words that is translated as evil, wickedness, or vile in his letter, ‘kakia’ in James 1:21 “Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”, ‘phaulos’ in James 3:16 “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”, the one used here and in again in James 4:16 “As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.” is the strongest usage. This usage carries the meaning of vicious intentions that have a destructive and injurious effect. Not only are you sinning in making this kind of partiality based solely on outward appearance or status, the recipient of the negative preferential treatment would say “this person claims to be a Christian but he is clearly biased and values status over faith” how bad a light would that shine on Christianity? Even the recipient of the beneficial preferential treatment could come away thinking that Christianity is all about status and not the impartial grace from God that we have recieved.
Question: If we are to be defenders of the faith and evangelists in our daily lives do we have a biblical responsibility to speak out against and correct others when they demonstrate non-biblical partiality based on external criteria?
5
5
Comment:
Once again James address his audience tenderly and asks them to listen, perhaps calling back to him telling them and us to be quick to hear and slow to speak. James reminds us that Jesus constantly said that he was sent to redeem sinners, and the meek or the lowly will inherit the kingdom of heaven. To actively prefer those that are rich and powerful, because they are rich and powerful, completely goes against the foundational truth that God chose any of us for salvation as we were all completely and utterly dead and vile in comparison to the holiness of God. Also any riches that could be amassed here on Earth pale in comparison to the eternal riches we will have with our Lord and savior Jesus Christ in heaven, and this has been promised to those whom God has chosen and as a result of their election love God, those that are his and held in God’s hand never to be removed.
Question: Do we value the eternal gifts that are promised to us enough? Do we fully understand what it is to be an heirs of the kingdom?
6
6
Comment:
In James’ hypothetical example we can probably say that the rich man is an unbeliever, and in showing a preference over the poor, and just to be clear James is not referring to the poor in spirit from Matthew 5:3 ““Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” but the economically poor, and really showing any preferential treatment based on any worldly measure of an unbeliever over a believer we have turned away from those that God has chosen. The lost that are in power, do they not try to hold onto their power and wealth by oppressing everyone?
Question:
7
7
Comment:
We need look no further than our overloaded court system and how the famous openly and proudly deny God and belittle His sheep to see these verses in action. God has always provided for the poor through, in the Mosaic law God providing special provisions for the poor who could not afford a bull, goat, or sheep for their sacrifice but could offer a dove or pigeon, commanding not to charge interest on loans to the poor, commanding that fields not be harvested bare to allow gleaning by the poor, by instituting the redeemer who could purchase property back for them, forgiveness of debts every seven years and every fifty calling for a jubilee in which slaves would be set free if they wished to be. God has so un-partiality loved us through his every grace, so should we also love our neighbour as God has loved us.
