James 2: 1-13, favoritism.

Favoritism: to treat favorites with favor and the others with neglect, To hold the ones you like accountable to a lower standard. Discrimination: treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against, a person or thing based on the group, class,or category to which that person or thing belongs rather than on individual merit Favoritism is not so bad as long as we are favored. God favoritism vs. selection. Eph 6:9, Moses could not enter the promised land, David had a lot of family trouble. 2:1: Brothers- We are brothers and sisters, we are a family. It is not right to neglect family members. How can you claim to have faith in Christ Jesus if you favor some people over others? Jesus didnt neglect the poor, the children, the sick, the tax collectors, the Pharisees. How about foreigners? Pagan woman bread crumbs dogs( Matthew 15:21-28) Centurion( Matthew 8:5-13). The great commission( Matthew 28:18-20) This verse shows that if you show favoritism you are not following in Jesus footsteps. 2: 2-4: this discrimination shows that your judgments are guided by evil motives- evil judges. Evil judges dont look at the evidence. They favor the powerful and the rich instead. In these churches people thought about what the rich could do for them not about what Jesus can do for the rich. 2:5-7 Specific passage- point about favoritism: Hasnt God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? If God likes the poor why are you trying to impress the rich? They dont try to impress you. The rich oppressed them( the religious leaders persecuted the apostles). The powerful people not only dont care about you but they are dead set against you. Favoritism is misdirected. 2: 5-7 The poor, the rich and the ugly Hasnt God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? 1 Corinthians 1: 26-29 Does this mean that God shows favoritism toward the poor? 1 Peter 5:5 God opposes the proud but favors the humble Matthew 5: 5 God blesses those who are humble, 5: 3 Blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him. Revelation 3:17 You say I am rich, I dont need a thing( dont need God) 2: 8-9: Royal law- Leviticus 19:18( highest of all laws, law of the Kingdom, law approved by the kingMatthew 22:39) What is the argument here? If you neglect some people it means you dont love them as you should. You can show love to the rich that is all right. Favoritism is not loving. 2: 10-11: One person keeps all the law, except one- Have you seen a person like that? Break one, you have broken them all. A window with many panes, you brake one, you have broken the window. Favoritism is breaking the law.

2: 12:13 Do not show favoritism because: a) judgment is coming- no mercy for those who do not show mercy. Law of freedom- whats that , b) God is merciful- show mercy

How to avoid favoritism, fear judgment and show mercy.