James 2:1-13 Rich Man, Poor Man

Are there any prejudices that shackle me?
“The way we behave toward people indicates what we really believe about God.” –W. Wiersbe

I. The Deity of Christ 2:1-4
1. Jesus did not respect persons.
2. Jesus was despised and rejected.
3. Jesus was the very glory of God, “the expressed image of the Father.”
Application: Look at everyone through the eyes of Christ.
1. If they are a Christian accept them because Christ live in them.
2. If they are not a Christian accept them because Christ died for them.

II. The Grace of God 2:5-7
God’s grace surpasses:
1. National differences
2. Social differences
3. Gender differences
4. Racial differences
Application: Jesus broke the walls down that separated mankind; we dare not build them up again.

III. The Word of God 2:8-11
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Leviticus 19:18
1. This controls all other laws.
2. Obeying it makes you feel good about yourself.
3. Obeying it makes you look like Jesus.
Application: Christian love involves treating others the way that God has treated me.

IV. The Judgement of God 2:12-13
1. Our words will be judged
2. Our deeds will be judged
3. Our attitudes will be judged

V. About Liberty
Obeying the law of love prepares us for liberty.
1. Liberty does not mean license.
2. Liberty means the freedom to be all that I can be in Christ Jesus.
Application: License is confinement; liberty is fulfillment.
Our beliefs should control our behavior. If we really believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and that God is gracious, His word is true, and one day He will judge us, then our conduct will reveal our convictions.
Before we attack others who do not follow right doctrines we must be sure that we are pracicing the doctrines we are defending.
Jonah had wonderful theology, but he hated people and he was angry with God.
One of the tests of reality of our faith is how we treat people.
Can you passthe test?