James Chapter 2

Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies

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Introduction: In the end of chapter 1, we discussed how that personal wrath rarely honors God, but a life lived by obedience and humility brings honor to the Lord Jesus Christ. We also discussed the importance of being more than hearers of the word, but being doers. Unless we apply the Word of God to our lives, our religion is vain and we simply deceive ourselves. This week we begin by studying how to treat both poor and rich men.

I. Our Attitude toward the Rich and Poor

James 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

We found the definition of faith in our study of Hebrews, and today we are taught that we are to have true faith by treating all men equally. If we show partiality to one group and despise another, we are not pleasing to the Lord. I’m certainly not saying that we should not have discretion against those who sin against God, but we are to still show respect and love to those who have not yet found Christ as Lord and Savior. Except for the grace of God, the roles might be reversed, and they might be saved and needing to reach us for Christ.

Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Phil 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Phil 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Phil 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

Phil 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Phil 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

The inspired writer confronts a problem in some churches. He deals with giving preference to one based upon his class status rather than his character. The word translated as respect of persons (proswpolhqia pro-sopolepsia) refers to ‘crass partiality.’ James scolds his brethren for having such a discriminatory attitude. They held to the faith of Christ yet were discriminatory in the church. We should treat all people equally, no matter their status in life or their race.

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