No Place for Favoritism

“No Place for Favoritism” (James 2:1-13)
Rev. Neil Kim

 I. It’s God’s command (vv. 1-4)
Faith and favoritism cannot coexist.
All should be inclusive regardless of who they are.

 II. Who belongs in God’s Kingdom? (vv. 5-7)
Those who are rich in faith.
Those who love God.
Those who have much compassion for the poor. (Psalm 72:12-13, 102:17)

 III. All sin is the same (vv. 8-11)
If you break the law at any point, you are a lawbreaker.
We must recognize that favoritism in any form is sin.
One sin is not worse than another.

 IV. We must walk the talk (v. 12)
We’re not just merely listening to the word, but also must do what it says. (James 1:22)
He/she will be blessed in what he/she does. (James 1:25)

 V. We must live out God’s grace and mercy (vv. 13)
God showed us His grace and mercy and asked us do the same to others.
Mercy triumphs over judgment.

 VI. Application
We would like to be friends with those who are better than we are.  Why is that?  What can we do to be friends be with those who are lesser than us?
There are many types of favoritism.  Share the one that you struggle the most with others, and pray for one another to overcome them.
Have you ever favored someone over others?  Share your experience and ask for forgiveness.  Have you ever been discriminated or disfavored by others?  Share your experience and forgive them.