Overcoming Partiality James 2:1-13

In the following passage, the rich and poor are contrasted. James’ point is that Christians may have the right theology regarding Christ but it is useless unless right actions accompany that theology, in how they treat other people. James is concerned about the motives that drive one’s judgments. To show partiality means to make distinctions or to judge something based upon personal prejudices or preferences. Though the act of judging may be neutral, the motivations behind one’s judgment determine a good or evil outcome.

I. The Sin of Partiality (v.1-4)
A. Do not asses or judge people based solely upon their external appearance (v.1)
a. To show partiality or favoritism (prosōpolēmpsia) means to make distinctions or to judge a person, matter, or thing based upon one’s own personal prejudices or preferences. Though the act of judging is a neutral term, how one judges or makes an assessment, determines whether it is good or evil. Can you tell the difference? (1 Cor.5:1-5; Luke 6:36-37; Rom 14:1-4)

B. A Practical example or Illustration (v. 2-4)
a. Why is partiality a sin?
1. Because it is an assessment of another person’s value based upon a self-imposed standard rather than God’s standard.
2. God is not a respecter of people based upon external appearances (Eph. 6:9; Col. 3:25)

II. The Senselessness of Partiality (2:5-11)
A. It is not consistent with godly character:
a. God often chooses the poor of this world to accomplish His purposes. (v.5)
1. Example from OT: God chose Israel (Deut. 7:7-8)
2. Example from NT: God chose the Church (1 Cor. 1:26-29)
b. The rich and affluent of this world dishonor God, but you are seeking their favor. (v. 6-7)
1. The rich are often preoccupied with “stuff” (Luke 12:13-21)
2. The rich often stand in opposition to God (Matt. 19:16-24)

B. It is not consistent with godly conduct (v.8-11)
a. Be fair, use the right standard of judgment:
1. The Royal Law – “Love your neighbor as yourself.”(Luke 10:25-37; Eph. 5:29)
2. Partiality is sin because it violates this Royal Law.
3. The whole Law is interconnected as a unit. To violate one law is to violate all of the Law.

III. The Solution to Partiality (2:12-13)
A. Live in light of your final evaluation (v.12)
a. Christians will be judged at the bema according to the Royal Law. (1 Cor. 3:12-15; 2 Cor. 5:10)
b. If you want God’s mercy in this judgment then be a man or woman of mercy now. (v.13) (Matt. 5:7; 18:23-35; cf., Ps. 38, 32:10)

Points to Ponder:
1. Learn to see people according to their potential not their pocketbooks.
2. Treat people the way that you would want to be treated by them.
3. If you want God to demonstrate mercy on you, then be merciful to other people. These are the actions of true religion.

John F. MacArthur Jr., James, MacArthur New Testament Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1998), 103.
Ibid., 109-10
John F. MacArthur Jr., 2 Corinthians, MNTC (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2003), 176.
Zane C. Hodges, Arthur L. Farstad, and Robert N. Wilkin, The Epistle of James: Proven Character through Testing (Irving, TX: Grace Evangelical Society, 1994), 58.
Joseph C. Dillow, The Reign of the Servant Kings: A Study of Eternal Security and the Final Significance of Man (Monument, CO: Paniym Group, 2011), 384.