HOLDING THE FAITH WITH PARTIALITY

HOLDING THE FAITH WITH PARTIALITY
James 2:1-4

INTRODUCTION
A. James addresses his “brethren”. This is not a physical kinship but a spiritual one. “My brethren”, my brothers and sisters in Christ, fellow members of the Lord’s New Testament churches, those who are now scattered throughout the region.
B. James is going to speak concerning the “faith”
faith: the doctrine of Christ and His teachings, those delivered unto His church.
C. These verses address the manner in which God’s people “have”, hold or possess the faith.
D. These four verses will expose those who are prejudice against those whom the Lord desires to be saved, baptized, and taught the all things.

“have not the faith”
have not the faith: to hold as your personal possession

A. James warns his brethren that they shouldn't hold onto the faith as if it is their own personal property in which they can possess in any manner of their choosing. It is the faith:

“of our Lord Jesus Christ”

A. The “faith” that was delivered unto the saints is the Lord’s system of doctrines in which His church is to deliver unto the world.
1. The church is to preach, baptize, and teach the all things to all men in all places.
B. James refers to our “Lord Jesus Christ” as “the Lord of glory”.
1. The Lord Jesus Christ is the glory of God revealed unto men.
C. Therefore His teachings are God’s teachings and by His teachings, by the faith, all men may see the glory of God and glorify God.
D. Therefore church do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ:

“with respect of persons”
respect of persons: to fix the eye upon, to show partiality or favoritism

A. James addresses a problem that is still present in the Lord’s churches today.
1. We will preach, baptize, and teach those who are appealing to us—we will witness to those who we think will make a good church member.
2. Those who are less desirable to us can receive the faith from someone else.
B. The “faith” is not ours to distribute to who we think deserves it or to those who we desire over others.
1. The Great Commission teaches us that the church is to spread the faith throughout all the world—preaching it to every creature.

“For if there come unto your assembly” 2

A. Not any assembly but “your” assembly”. The church—James addresses the manner in which church members treat visitors, and even their own church members.
Read 2-4
B. James speaks of two men—the man in goodly apparel—and the man dressed in vile raiment. Rich man poor man
C. The rich man was shown favoritism while the poor man was given the lowest estate in the congregation-under the footstool.
D. How do you treat those who come to your assembly?
1. Are some looked upon with greater desire than others?
2. Do we treat everyone the same or do we cater to the rich, the beautiful, intellectual, etc?
3. Who will you give your seat to—the thief, drunkard, drug addict, murderer, beggar—or is it reserved for the rich man.
E. Again the rich man has more to offer than the poor; therefore many times these are treated with favoritism—in hopes to win them that they may give what they have to offer.
F. The poor man wore vile raiment.
vile: dirty, filthy-it reflects a man in a mendicant state, a beggar/ more than dress but this man is nasty and filthy—he can also be a very sinful man (this man represents that which is disgusting to society.
G. The poor man is in the same condition as the fatherless and widows in their affliction (1:26, 27). They don’t have much to offer so their place is under “my” footstool.
1. Many are guilty of showing this partiality to those who visit their assembly.
2. Partiality is even shown within the membership--many churches today are placing all their emphasis on the youth while neglecting the older of the church.
3. The faith is to be delivered unto all men of all ages—rich and poor.

“Are ye not then partial in yourselves”?

A. In your own mind you have made a distinction between the rich man and poor man.

“and are become judges of evil thoughts”

A. By your evil thoughts you have judged as to who you believe is worthy of receiving the faith.
1. In our mind the rich man and poor man are different—one more deserving than the other.

CONCLUSION
A. When we hold the faith with respect of persons we are partial in ourselves and are judges of evil thoughts.
B. We take the faith, which is meant for all men to hear and receive—and distribute it to who we think is worthy.
C. Churches need to take a long look at to whom Jesus delivered the faith.