Studies in the Letter of James Series III
Favouritism, Faith and Deeds(James 2:1-26)
By Senior Pastor Dr. Daniel Ho
Life is all about relationships. In life, we will have to relate with all types of people - nasty/nice, rich/poor. Christians are to live out our faith here on earth and be relevant to society around us. We are not to be monks but as the Great Commission calls us to “Go…”, we are to go forth to mingle with people and influence their lives.
In Relationship to People
How do we relate to people?
• Glorify CHRIST and not man.
My brothers and sisters, believers in our gloriousLord Jesus Christ must not show favouritism. (James 2: 1)
• Don’t show favouritism because if we do we are UNJUST judges.
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 judgeswith evil thoughts? (James 2: 2-4)
Favouritism is showing special treatment to someone although the person does not deserve it. We are not to “angkat/ampu” (artificially exalt) the person just because that person is famous or special. Otherwise, we show partially.
“‘Do not pervert justice;do not show partialityto the poor or favouritism to the great,but judge your neighbour fairly. (cf. Lev 19:15)
Judges are supposed to be fair and impartial, but this is not so in this world we live in. All over the world we see judges who are unjust.We must be careful to treat the poor and the rich in the same way. The Bible tells us not to take advantage of people.
What is God's perspective of people?
• The poor are often rich in faith and in inheritance.
Listen, my dear brothers and sisters:Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the worldto be rich in faithand to inherit the kingdomhe promised those who love him? (James 2: 5)
On the average, the poor are “rich” in faith. They are rightfully the heirs of the kingdom of God.However, this is not to say that rich people are “poor” in faith. There are rich people who are “rich” in faith and faithful to God. Nevertheless, oftentimes, it is the rich who allow their wealth to deceive and blind them. They then believe that they can count on their wealth and do not ‘need’ God.
•Treat the poor with DIGNITY and value.
"But you have insulted the poor." (James 2:6a)
We must treat the poor and marginalised with respect. God's heart is always with the poor and marginalised. We have heard testimonies on how employers and at times, the authorities, taking advantage of the aliens in our midst. This includes the way we treat our maids. That is why we may not be enjoying God’s favour when we treat them this way.
• The rich often exploit and ABUSE the poor and slander the Lord.
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? (James 2:6b -7)
Many refugees and foreign workers in Malaysia have been taken advantage of. They have been overworked, abused, cheated, salaries not paid on time, etc. Christians need to arise and reflect the heart of God in the way we treat all people.
What should we do?
• Keep the "royal law": “Love your neighbour as yourself”
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,”you are doing right. (James 2:8)
Hebrew children are taught the Hebrew Creed (the Shema)at a young age. They keep this close to their heart and follow it. James calls this the “royal law” because every law that relates to human relationships is based on this law.
In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus adds on to this with, "Love your neighbour as yourself" (Luke 10:27b)
It is all a matter of relationships. First, get a right relationship with God (vertical relationship), then it is relationship with those around us (horizontal relationship).
In this passage of Luke, Jesus was asked, “And who is my neighbour?” (Luke 10:29). It is…
- Nota question of who is my neighbour but who are you a neighbour to?
A summary of Jesus’ reply is that your neighbour refers to everyone who is around you. Those whom you come into contact with who are in need are your neighbours.
- Be less JUDGEMENTAL and more loving and merciful.
Speak and act as those who are going to be judgedby the law that gives freedom,because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. (James 2: 12, 13)
This is where some of us who are theologically trained need to be careful. We can easily find ourselves focusing on what is wrong and judging over things and people, rather than to love them. We forget that people do not care how much we know until they know how much we care. We forgot that God is merciful to us and likewise, we need to be merciful to others. (read also Luke 6:36)
In Relationship to Faith and Deeds
• The paradox of belief without corresponding BEHAVIOUR.
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?Can such faith save them?Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food.If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”Show me your faith without deeds,and I will show you my faithby my deeds.
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. (James 6: 14-18, 26)
If our belief does not match our behaviour, we are incongruous, inconsistent and our faith will be considered a hocus-pocus one. Our lives must be a powerful witness, especially to those who are closest to us. Otherwise, nobody will believe in the testimony of our lips about Jesus Christ as Lord. Faith and deeds must come hand-in-hand.
• Even the demons believe too!
You believe that there is one God.Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. (James 2:19)
If we only believe in God, we are no different from the demons who believe likewise. It is not enough to believe but it must be reflected in our behaviour. Our creed must match our conduct. Our doctrine must be followed by our duty. Christianity is practical in every sense.
• Faith and actions cannot be DIVORCED.
You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?You see that his faith and his actions were working together,and his faith was made complete by what he did. (James 2:20-22)
Faith must translate into action. Actions validate and confirm our faith. The church will not be strong if we are unwilling to serve and give our best to God. Our Myanmar ministry have volunteers who are willing to ferry them to church in the middle of the night. The intellectually challenged ministry have wonderful volunteers who have served over many years. Even people of non-Christian faith have thanked us before for the privilege of joining us in serving the needy.
Therefore, as followers of Jesus Christ, we have to be involved in ministry. When we Christians put our faith into action and serve, we make this world a better place.
Rise up to give your best to God!
Sermon summary contributed by Prudence Tay
Journal and Prayer Points contributed by Anthea Tan
Powerful Prayer
Scripture:
Observation:
James exalts us to pray, whether in sad or happy times. When we are sick, we should ask the spiritual leaders whom God has placed over our lives to pray for us and anoint us. We are to confess our sins and pray for one another so that we may be healed. As children of God made righteous by the blood of Jesus’sacrifice, we should not underestimate our prayers and the power that comes from it.
Application:
This has encouraged me to pray more and to pray at all times and for every situation, whether in good or bad times. It prompts me to seek the Lord in prayer to meet all my needs, especially in areas where healing is needed. It encourages me to find opportunities to pray with others so that I may be healed. I am not to underestimate the power and effectiveness of prayer!
Response:
Jesus, thank You for the gift of prayer. Let me to be diligent and faithful in prayer, to seek You in every situation, even in good times as well as bad. Help me to find opportunities to pray together with other believers. Heal me O Lord, and forgive me of my sins. Help me to have faith when I pray, and to believe in the power and effectiveness of prayer. In Jesus’name I pray. Amen.
Result:
Having faith in the power and effectiveness of prayer builds me up and encourages me to pray more. I am more excited about prayer and about what God can do through it. I have also learned to seek the Lord at all times, and to persevere in praying for my healing. See you at this Tuesday’s Church Prayer and Healing Night!
MINISTRIES & EVENTS: Nick Vujicic’s Adventure of FaithAgainst All Odds (September 1, 2013)
Pray:
- Thank God for the overwhelming response to the event and for every person who is coming for the event and tuning in “live” via the Internet.
- God’s grace and protection to be with the organisers as they prepare for this event.
- God’s anointing and the power of the Holy Spirit to be upon Nick, and that he will be sensitive to the leading and direction of the Spirit in ministering to His people.
- The hearts of the attendees and the people watching through the “live” streaming will be opened to listen and be prepared to receive whatever God wants to speak to them.
- Many will experience God’s love and presence, and many will respond to the call of salvation.
So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. (1 John 4:16)
ATRANSFORMED WORLD: The Hidden North Korea
CNN’s Paula Hancocks experienced a rare trip through the interior of North Korea. There is significant damage from flooding, and the countryside seemed to be well-farmed, despite reports of severe malnourishment.Buildings are in disrepair; some barely look inhabitable.Cars are rare; most people either walk or cycle.
Pray:
- Revival and breakthrough to come to the North Koreans, that the people will come to know the Lord and find their joy and freedom in Him.
- The spirit of oppression and poverty will be lifted from the North Koreans, and God will provide for all their needs.
- God’s protection over the people, especially during this season of flooding, and there will be no significant damages or accidents happening.
- The North Korean authorities will have wisdom and understanding to lead and govern the people with love, truth and justice.
- Good health and wellbeing for the people, and there will be no malnourishment or diseases among the people.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17)
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