Jerusalem was generally know as a place of many poor people

Royal Law - James 2:1-13

Jerusalem was generally know as a place of many poor people. That’s why in the New Testament we read that many sold possessions and collections were made for the saints. Today we will look at recurring theme in James, how we are to act toward the poor. This is a topic for those who are mature in the faith.

James gives his readers a lot of “meat.” He covers topics that are for those who are mature in the faith. Only a mature Christian could face persecution with joy, assume responsibility for temptation, and accept the “word of truth” without resentment, embarrassment and anger.

A. If God discriminates, why can’t we?

1. What is commanded in verse 1? (Don’t show favor to one group over another)

a. What is the setting for the example of judgment James presents? (church assembly)

b. What is the basis of the discrimination? (rich and poor)

2. What does James point out about God in verse 5?

a. Did God really choose the poor over the rich? (yes)

1) What was God’s point in choosing lowly people to be the faithful?

Eph. 1:9; 3:10-11 (says it well enough) 1 Cor. 1:27-29 (mystery revealed)

2) Why not choose the rich, strong and wise? (That’s who the world chooses)

b. In what sense did God choose the poor to be rich in faith?

1) What is God’s message to the poor and the rich? Lk. 6:20-21; 24-25

Matt. 19:23-24; Luke 1:53

2) What does being poor but rich in faith look like? 2 Cor. 8:2-3

3) Are we the materially rich or the poor? (rich)

(a) Do we persecute the poor? Isn’t this a natural tendency in our culture?

(b) Do we discriminate against them? (What about the lazy poor?)

(d) How should we treat the “least of these”? 1 Tim. 6:18-19

Conclusion - God did choose the poor to be rich in faith because… As the rich we should…

B. How should we treat rich and poor people in our assemblies?

1. What is the problem in the example James gives? V. 3

2. How have these ushers become judges with evil thoughts?

a. Would any of us ever give preference to those of status and means?

b. What were the brothers in James’ example overlooking? V. 5-7

c. Why is this not a “right” judgment? John 7:24 (Don’t be bought off or off balance)

d. Is this contrary to the way God judges? Gal. 2:6

e. Do we make it easy for the rich to enter the Kingdom (no repentance required) and hard for the poor (you be included more when you look better)?

3. If the rich were taking advantage of the members, why would they show them preference?

What could they have been thinking? (We need a rich man on our side, he can really

help us out) (Oh no! Another poor man, he’ll be another burden on us)

4. Is it scriptural to hold the name of Jesus in high esteem? Why? Acts 19:17; 26:9, 11

Conclusion - We should treat rich and poor people… Live by faith and not by…

C. Why is it so important to keep the “Royal Law”?

1. How does the “Golden Rule” or the “Royal Law” give us direction?

a. Why does James refer to this command as the “Royal Law”?

1) Where is this law found? Lev. 19:18 (It seems so insignificant)

2) What did Jesus say about this command? Matt. 22:37-40

b. What makes this law “royal”? (Given by the King as the most important kingdom law)

c. How does this law “rule over” our relationship with the poor?

(1) Who is my neighbor? (A needy one that the providence of God brings close to you)

(a) They may be desperately poor

(b) They may be of another religion or no religion

(2) Does loving someone mean that you do not harm them? Is ignoring someone loving them?

(3) How should we love them? “as yourself” How much do we love ourselves?

How much money would we spend on them in a weekend?

Do we talk to our pets more than our neighbors?

Is it really possible to elevate my neighbors concerns to the level of my own?

2. If we break one point in the law… Which law? Old or New?

a. Would some of James’ readers be trying to keep the Old Law? How would they view his admonition?

b. What about those that only recognized the “Law of the Spirit”?

c. Which law does James point to in verse 12?

d. What if we keep 90%? Is that good enough?

3. What is the law that gives freedom?

a. What freedoms does the world offer? Freedom from responsibilities, from keeping

our wedding vows, from sobriety, from to work 7 days a week, and from self control.

b. What freedoms does God offer? Freedom from a life enslaved to idols, freedom

from living for your work seven days a week, freedom from broken homes, freedom

from estranged parents and rebellious children, freedom from hurting others, freedom

from guilty affairs, freedom from greed, freedom from lying. Freedom to be content in

whatever state you are in. Freedom to enjoy the peace of God that passes all

understanding.

4. How will we be judged by the “law that gives freedom.”

5. How is it that mercy triumphs over judgment? Matt. 9:13; 12:7

Conclusion - It is important to keep the Royal Law because…

Conclusion