Faith Without Partiality 

Scripture Reading: James 2:1-14.

Memory Verse: "I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality" (1 Timothy 5:21).

Introduction: The folly of snap judgments of others is well illustrated by a story the late Rev. Potter of New York used to tell on himself:
  He was sailing for Europe on an ocean liner. When he went on board, he found another passenger was to share the cabin with him. After going to see his accomodations, he came up to the purser's desk and asked if he could have his gold watch and other valuables put in the ship's safe. He explained that ordinarily he never availed himself of that privilege, but he had been to his cabin and had met the man who was to occupy the othe berth and, judging from his appearance, he was afraid that he might not be a trustworthy person.
  The purser accepted the responsibility of caring for the valuables, and remarked: "It's alright, Reverend, I'll be very glad to take care of them for you. The other man has been up here and left his for the same reason."
  How tragic that the value of a man should be judged by what is seen on the exterior. How wrong it is to judge strangers at all, and even more evil to judge by our own human, unjust rule of judgment!

Lesson Questions:

1. What direct command does James give concerning partiality? James 2:1; Job 13:10; Deuteronomy 1:17; 1 Timothy 5:21; Malachi 2:9;
Proverbs 24:23.

2. What common example does James use to demonstrate partiality? James 2:2,3; Leviticus 19:15; Jude 16.

3. Discuss the biblical admonition given to care for the poor. Psalm 41:1; 82:3; Proverbs 21:13; 29:14; 19:17; Exodus 23:11; Matthew 19:21; Galatians 2:10.

4. How does the Lord regard us when we judge others (whether by appearance, social standing, or any other means)? James 2:4; Matthew 7:1-5; Romans 2:1; 1 Corinthians 4:5.

5. Are those of humble station in life more likely to embrace the gospel? James 2:5; 5:3; Proverbs 11:28; 13:7; Hebrews 11:26; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; Mark 10:23-25.

6. How does James describe the attitudes and activities of the rich toward the Lord? James 2:6,7.

7. Describe the importance of living by the law of love. James 2:8-11; Deuteronomy 10:19; Matthew 22:37-40; John 13:35; 15:12; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 Samuel 15:22,23.

8. What final appeal is made by James to live in kindness and benevolence toward others? James 2:12,13; Jeremiah 17:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10;
1 Peter 1:17; Psalm 62:12.