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This is the fourth sermon in our term 3 series on the book of James. This sermon is “Real Faith: Loves”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: James 2:1-13
This is the fourth sermon in our term 3 series on the book of James. This sermon is “Real Faith: Loves”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: James 2:1-13
DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).
My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favouritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old 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?
Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: 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 dishonoured 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 blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself,’ you are doing right. But if you show favouritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as law-breakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ also said, ‘You shall not murder.’ If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a law-breaker.
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.
CONNECT: As you seek to humbly accept the word planted in you, choose one of the following areas to focus on: slow to anger; authentic action, or controlled speech. Pray for opportunity and wisdom to grow in this area.
WARM-UP
Has there been a time where you have shown favouritism on your frontlines?
Can you recall a time when someone has demonstrated favouritism to someone else at your expense? How did it feel?
Read James 2:1-4
What is favouritism? What is the very first reason that James gives as to why we shouldnʼt show this?
If the situation in v2 were to happen on one of your frontlines, what do you think you would do?
What would be the most appropriate response to this situation?
Why can our judgements and thoughts about others be ʻevilʼ? How are our judgements different to that of Godʼs?
Read James 2:5-13
Who does God choose to inherit the kingdom? Can you think of other examples in the bible where God has chosen the least to be part of his Kingdom?
What does it mean to be ʻrich in the faithʼ? What is the hope of this?
Instead of honouring these people, who have the churches honoured? Why would they favour the rich people? What could have been their motive? Could we possibly ever do this?
Is there such a thing as a ʻsmall sinʼ? Why not? What reasons does James give?
What does this tell us about the seriousness of favouritism?
What is the ʻlaw that gives freedomʼ and how can we have hope since we all are law-breakers?
How should the way that Jesusʼ has treated us shape the way that we treat others?
APPLY: Is there a frontline where you may be more prone to showing favouritism? How can Jesusʼ mercy for you transform how you view this situation?
Lord God, thank you that you have not shown partiality but have saved us and brought us into your kingdom. Help us to not show favouritism but to show compassion and mercy as you have done for us. Amen.
On Your Frontline This Week: If someone looked at your texts or emails, could they identify patience and compassion for others? Before you hit send this week, pause to consider how your words express love to others.
Listen, Watch, and Read:
SERIES Resources:
Series Overview: Booklet (and Audiobook)
Commentary: James: The Wisdom of the Brother of Jesus (by John Dickson)
Course: Introduction to James
Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.
Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray
High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions
Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk
eBook: Watch the eBook
Listen to the latest sermons and talks from St Bart's Anglican Church located in Toowoomba, Australia. Visit www.stbarts.com.au for the latest news and information.