Do Not Show Favoritism – James 2:1-13
Pastor Tan Thai · Mar 17, 2013
This sermon based on James 2:1-13 teaches that disciples of Christ must not show favoritism toward the rich or look down on the poor, since all people are equal before God. Material wealth does not reflect God's blessing or His love toward any individual.
The sermon opens by recapping previous lessons from James about patience in trials, resistance to temptation, and the danger of self-deception. The pastor introduces the main theme of the disciple's character: not showing favoritism, emphasizing that believers must not judge others by outward appearance or material wealth.
The central portion of the sermon affirms that material possessions are entirely unimportant before God. The common view in James's time—that the rich were blessed by God and the poor were being punished—is declared completely wrong. The pastor cites Matthew 22:16, where the Pharisees themselves acknowledged that Jesus shows no favoritism, and draws from Leviticus 19, Luke 21:1-4, 1 John 3:17, and James 2:5 to demonstrate that God has a special concern for the poor, orphans, and widows.
The sermon presents a powerful illustration: Jesus Christ Himself, though He was rich, voluntarily became poor for our sake according to 2 Corinthians 8:9. He is the King of kings yet lived as an ordinary carpenter, directly challenging any attitude of favoritism based on status or wealth. Whenever a believer is tempted toward partiality, they are called to remember the example of Christ.
The concluding section of the sermon addresses the question of serious and minor sins in James 2:8-13. The pastor teaches that while sins may differ in their earthly consequences, by God's absolute standard every sin leads to spiritual death and separation from Him until repentance and confession. The sin of favoring the rich must not be treated as lighter than other sins.
Three practical lessons are drawn: the idea that material wealth reflects God's blessing is completely false; the church is for all people regardless of wealth, education, or status; and God-given wealth is meant to serve His purposes, not to foster pride or boasting.