Sermon Notes
Methodism to Salvation Army
The church is a hospital for sinners, we should expect them.
Judging others by outward, human, superficial standards
Judging by the face of things
James is asking us to judge in another way (1 Samuel 16:7; Deut 10:17-18)
Are we to judge other men at all? (Matthew 7:1; John 7:24)
"The ground is level at the foot of the cross."
What are pew rents?
God does not judge by outward appearance.
(Rom 2:11; Acts 10:34; Prov 28:21; Lev 19:15)
God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith.
The poor are chosen by God.
(1 Cor 1:26-29; Psalm 9:18; 12:5; 113:7-8; Isa 41:17)
"God, the NT suggests, delights especially to shower his grace on those whom the world has discarded and on those who are most keenly aware of their own inadequacy." Douglas Moo
The rich have certain hindrances. (Mark 10:23-25)
The rich oppress the godly.
The rich blaspheme the name of Jesus.
Favoritism is sin v 8-10
James magnifies the sin for us.
Determining Godly character
"Many secretly prefer outward pomp before inward grace; the things that are seen before the things which are not seen." Matthew Henry
Warning (Matthew 7:2; 5:7)
We are to love our neighbor, v 8
Walking in love is keeping the law. (The royal law)
We are to see all men as made in the image of God and in need of the gracious redemption that is found in Christ.
The church is the only place in the world where these worldly, earthly standards to not hold. We are one, and equal, in Christ.
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28, NASB95)