Topical

Read {bib=James 2:1-13}

read v 1 again

Partiality has no place in service to Jesus because of who He is.

• Who is He? (creator of everyone, God, judge of all, etc).
• What is partiality? (treating someone differently because of what they do for you (ie through wealth or power) rather than on the basis of Christian love.

read vs 2-7

Example 1 The Rich

How might someone show favoritism to a peer who is rich?

Why is that wrong?

What do they hope to get out of the relationship?

Will it be productive (ie: will it work?)?

What will happen to that relationship ultimately? (probably will work only for a time and then the rich person may become resentful of the person who is only their friend because of their wealth or stuff).

How might someone who is after making friendship with rich people for selfish gain, treat a poor person?

Example 2 Fame / Popularity (peer / actor)

How might someone show favoritism to someone who is popular or famous? What determines whether someone is popular or not?

What might it do for your rep if you are chosen to "hang out" with someone who is already popular?

There is a tendancy to treat someone different when you've seen them acting in a movie or TV show, isn't there? Why? Will it work?

What will probably become of a relationship like that?

How might someone who is out to make friends only with the popular treat someone who is not so popular?

What if they are of a race or disability that people make fun of? Can you see how it is the same thing to avoid making friends with someone who is made fun of because of a physical or mental disability or because of their ethnicity as it is to make friends with someone who is popular or famous? 

Example 3 Power / Influence (teachers)

How might someone try to get into a teacher's good graces? How might that help the person who pays special attention to the teacher and is always trying to be the favorite? How will that affect other friendships and relationships with other students in the classroom?

What are some other examples of partiality that you can think of?

So, why not?

v. 8 - It violates the 2nd greatest commandment - "Love your neighbor as yourself".

v. 9 - It is a sin and sin is sin.

vs. 10-11 It is not a "lesser" sin - it's just as sinful as commiting adultry or murder.

Instead

vs. 12-13 Behave like you expect a judgement day.

read John 13:34 Jesus gave a "new commandment" - "Love One Another"

Take Away 

• It is fine to have special friendships - even "best friends."
• It is OK if sometimes some people - that is, individuals - you just don't care to spend extra time with. Not everyone has to be your best friend.
• It is NOT OK to show special treatment to anyone because of what you think you can selfishly get out of the friendship.
• It is NOT OK to treat people poorly because they have nothing to give your or because they are poor, unpopular, or a certain race or if they are physically or mentally disabled.

Remember our mirror of the Word of God; ask yourself right now, "What needs to change."