The Trap of Partiality
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The Trap of Partiality
1. Partiality Described
Partiality or favoritism is a significant problem that shows up in all areas of life. Studies reveal that more attractive people are often hired faster and treated better. Parents have been shown to favor certain children, and we often judge others based on superficial things. While we might laugh about these examples, partiality is a serious issue that affects our workplaces, communities, and churches.
James makes it clear in James 2:1 that we are to “show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.” Partiality was normal in the first-century context, with strict social hierarchies. But Jesus broke those barriers, valuing the poor, widows, orphans, and outcasts. Even the scribes and priests confessed that Jesus taught rightly and showed no partiality. James challenges the church to follow this standard and avoid lifting one person above another.
James illustrates this with a story: a rich man in fine clothes and a poor man in shabby clothes enter the assembly. The rich man is offered a good seat, while the poor man is told to stand or sit at someone’s feet. This shows that judging based on external appearances leads to becoming “judges with evil thoughts.” We still face this today, often without realizing it. We may judge someone by their car, clothing, school choices, or political signs. James calls such behavior evil and says it has no place in the church.
2. Judge Correctly
James urges us to judge correctly. God has not overlooked the poor; He has chosen them to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom. Paul affirms this in 1 Corinthians 1:26–29, reminding believers that God chose the weak and lowly to shame the strong and wise. Our standing before God has nothing to do with our status, wealth, or abilities. It is solely based on His grace and the value He places on us.
Partiality often serves our pride, making us feel superior. In the first century, many believed that wealth indicated God’s special favor. James clarifies that God’s love is not dependent on wealth or position. While wealth itself is not sinful, it can tempt us to find value in possessions rather than in God. We can easily find someone “below” us and judge them to elevate ourselves. James warns that dishonoring the poor is akin to blaspheming the name of Jesus. If we want to escape the trap of partiality, we must judge correctly and see others as God sees them.
3. Live Purely
James calls us to live purely, showing no favoritism. He connects this to the royal law: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Loving your neighbor defeats partiality because you are treating others as you would treat yourself. The church James addressed was not living this out fully, and he challenges them to correct this failure.
Jesus summarized the law into two commandments: love God and love your neighbor. James emphasizes that to show partiality is to break this essential law. Even if we keep every other command, failing in this one area makes us guilty of breaking the whole law. Partiality, prejudice, and snobbery are abominations before God.
4. Show Mercy
James concludes by urging us to show mercy. We are to speak and act as those judged under the law of liberty. Believers in Jesus are set free from the law of sin and death through His sacrifice. This freedom should lead us to extend mercy and grace to others.
James warns that “judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” God’s mercy originates with Him, not as a response to our actions but as a gift. Our call to show mercy flows from the mercy we have already received. It is an expression of gratitude, not a means to earn His favor.
We are challenged to look at our daily interactions and identify where partiality might exist in our hearts. Whether it’s at work, in the neighborhood, or in church, we must be vigilant and prayerful to see and overcome these biases. Every moment is an opportunity to display the love and mercy of Jesus, especially to those the world deems unworthy.
James’s message is clear: partiality has no place in the life of a believer. By judging correctly, living purely, and showing mercy, we reflect the heart of Christ and build a church that truly embodies His love.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: James: Real Faith for Real Life
Sermon Title: The Trap of Partiality
Date: Oct 13, 2024
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
James 2:1–13
1 Corinthians 1:26–29
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