Judging Based on the Royal Law

James 2:1-13

I. Have You Not Discriminated? (v.4)
A. The only true answer is yes. They have become

with evil
intentions.
B. When a church focuses on gaining members with desired

__of wealth or ethnicity, that church has ceased
being a true New Testament church.

II. God Has Special Love for the Powerless (v. 5-7)
A. In the Mosaic law, God’s

_ for the powerless is evident.
B. Throughout the Prophets, one of the most common denunciations of Israel
and Judah is the treatment of

, orphans, and the poor.
C. Even in our own community, we have groups who face discrimination. We
must treat them as

_ loved by our God.

III. Royal Law of Love (v. 8-11)
A. That command was to love your

.
B. But Jesus, in the parable of the Good Samaritan gives a new

to who is a neighbor.
C. When we treat all others with the same respect and

_ we
desire for ourselves, we follow the commandments of God.

IV. Prepare for Judgement (v. 12-13)
A. We will face

.
B. We should live

_ that fact.

If prejudice and discrimination are wrong, should we work to be
“color blind,” or ignore cultural differences in our daily lives?