The Main Point: "Don't show favoritism"

1. Read James 2:1-4. Verse 1 presents the main point of James 2:1-13: "As believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism." Verses 2-4 present an example of "showing favoritism" in a church assembly. Have you experienced this attitude or behavior in a church assembly? What are other examples of "showing favoritism?" In what situations do you show favoritism?

2. What might lead a person or group to treat rich and influential people better than poor people? Are the motives good or bad? What is the character of the believer who shows favoritism (verse 4)?

3. In the context of this passage, favoritism relates to treating people differently because of their social and economic status. Is treating different people with different levels of respect ever appropriate? Explain. What cautions should we keep in mind?

Three Reasons for Not Showing Favoritism
* Favoritism contradicts the character of God (2:5-6a).
* Favoritism contradicts our own desire for proper treatment (2:6b-7).
* Favoritism violates the law of love, which is central to God's will for us (2:8-13).

Favoritism contradicts the character of God (2:5-6a).

† "For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing" (Deuteronomy 10:17-18, NIV).

4. Read James 2:5-7. Verse 5 indicates that God has chosen the "poor." This doesn't mean that God has chosen only the poor, or all the poor. However, the Bible does reveal God's special concern for the "poor." What is special about the "poor?" (See Luke 6:20; compare to Matthew 5:3)

5. In what way are the "poor" made "rich" (verse 5)?

Favoritism contradicts our own desire for proper treatment (2:6b-7).

* By favoring "the rich," they are siding against those who share in their mistreatment. Jesus said, "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you" (Matthew 7:12). If we do not want to be insulted or dishonored, why do we "insult" (dishonor) particular people by favoring others (verse 6)?

Favoritism violates the law of love, which is central to God's will for us (2:8-13).

* Read James 2:8-13. The "royal law" (2:8) is the law of God's kingdom. It is the Law as fulfilled, interpreted, and expanded by Jesus. Jesus was asked, "Which is the greatest commandment in the Law?' Jesus replied, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:36-40, italics mine; Leviticus 19:18). Certainly, the command to love is central to God's will.

6. How is showing favoritism a violation of the law of love?

7. Verse 10 indicates that the person who violates the law at just one point is guilty of breaking the whole law. Why do you think James makes this point? Do you pick and choose which parts of God's will you are willing to obey and disobey?

8. By showing favoritism, we are "convicted" as "lawbreakers" (verse 9). What are the consequences of "breaking the law" (verses 12-13)? How should this affect us?

9. Instead of showing favoritism, we are to show mercy (verses 12-13). Why is being merciful so important? (see Matthew 5:7).

† "This is what the Lord Almighty says, 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor." (Zechariah 7:9-10, NIV)

Application:

Think of the specific ways that you show favoritism (in either attitude or behavior). Make a commitment to stop showing favoritism. Instead, show mercy in accordance with the law of love. But remember that the ability to love as God demands is impossible apart from Christ. If you have not received Christ, this is the first step. For the Christian, remember that we obey the "law that gives freedom" by relying on God's grace through His Spirit, who enables us.