October 9, 2011
MP3 Audio
Youtube video
Freedom From the Sin of Discrimination James 4 (2:1-13)
A. Living by the "right" standards and values
1) Judging by earthly standards (1-4)
My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? (1-4)
2) Judging by God's standards (5-7, Matthew 25:31-40)
Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong? (5-7)
B. Can we live by God's standards?
1) God requires us to meet the whole law (8-11, Luke 6:36-38)
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. (8-11)
2) What God will ask when we stand before him (12,13, Matthew 25:31-46)
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! (12,13)
Summary
The world in which we live is full of discrimination and judgment of various kinds, and people discriminate against each other for many different reasons. As long as we put ourselves first and live according to the world's standards, there will always be discrimination in this world. It is important to take steps toward change. Laws can help to prevent systemic injustice, but human beings are quick to think of new ways to discriminate against one another. This is because deep down inside, we human beings are self-centered. Jesus came to help us overcome the sin of self-centeredness. Following Jesus is the only solution to this type of sin. Without Jesus Christ and what he has done for us, we would not be able to stand before God. Because we have received God's mercy, we are in a position to extend mercy to others, living according to the standards and values of God's kingdom.
For Discussion
1) What kinds of discrimination and judgment exist in our world? In your heart?
2) What is the law that brings freedom?
A. Living by the "right" standards and values
1) Judging by earthly standards (1-4)
My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? (1-4)
2) Judging by God's standards (5-7, Matthew 25:31-40)
Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong? (5-7)
B. Can we live by God's standards?
1) God requires us to meet the whole law (8-11, Luke 6:36-38)
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. (8-11)
2) What God will ask when we stand before him (12,13, Matthew 25:31-46)
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! (12,13)
Summary
The world in which we live is full of discrimination and judgment of various kinds, and people discriminate against each other for many different reasons. As long as we put ourselves first and live according to the world's standards, there will always be discrimination in this world. It is important to take steps toward change. Laws can help to prevent systemic injustice, but human beings are quick to think of new ways to discriminate against one another. This is because deep down inside, we human beings are self-centered. Jesus came to help us overcome the sin of self-centeredness. Following Jesus is the only solution to this type of sin. Without Jesus Christ and what he has done for us, we would not be able to stand before God. Because we have received God's mercy, we are in a position to extend mercy to others, living according to the standards and values of God's kingdom.
For Discussion
1) What kinds of discrimination and judgment exist in our world? In your heart?
2) What is the law that brings freedom?