Messes and Masterpieces: Overcoming Favoritism

Messes and Masterpieces: Overcoming Favoritism

James 2:1-13

 5-12-19     

Ephesians 4:22-24 - “…put off your old self…your former manner of life …and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds…put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

We overcome favoritism in relationships through Christ-centered:

1. Faith(James 2:1-4)

2 Corinthians 5:7 - “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

Matthew 22:16- “And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances.”

Luke 15:2 - “And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

John 7:24 - “Stop judging by mere appearance and make a right judgment.” 

II. Love(James 2:5-8)

“Flattery” - What we say to someone’s face that we do not say behind their back.

“Gossip”-What we say behind someone’s back we are not saying to their face.

The Royal Law of Love:

1. This law of love comes from the King.

2. Only the King’s peoplecan live it out.

3. This is the king of all other laws.

           “I decide what love is.”

III.  Mercy(James 2:9-13)

Luke 6:36 - “Be merciful, just as your Heavenly Father is merciful.”

Proverbs 31:8-9 - “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves…defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

 Discussions for the Week

1. What do you most appreciate about God right now in your life?

2. How did you show favoritism as a child? Do you still struggle with playing favorites? Was there a time you were considered the “least favorite” in a situation? How has it impacted you?

3. In what ways can we reflect the upside-down nature of God’s kingdom in the world today with our daily lives? (1 Samuel 2:7-8, Matthew 5:43-48, 1 Corinthians 1:26-27, Luke 14:7-11, and 1 Timothy 6:17-18)

4. Why can it be so difficult at times to treat others with mercy?Discuss these verses concerning judging people’s behavior and also showing mercy. (Psalm 82:2, John 7:24, Romans 2:11, 1 Timothy 2:4,5 and Matthew 7:1)