Posted on 06/17/2023 6:27:19 AM PDT by metmom
"My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism" (James 2:1). Because God is impartial, we as Christians must be impartial too.
People are prone to treat others differently based upon external criteria such as looks, possessions, or social status, but God is utterly impartial. He never shows favoritism and always judges righteously.
Favoritism can be defined as a preferential attitude and treatment of a person or group over another having equal claims and rights. It is unjustified partiality. James 2:1-13 confronts it as sin and admonishes us to avoid it at all costs.
God's impartiality is seen throughout Scripture. For example, Moses said to the people of Israel, "The Lord your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality, nor take a bribe. He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing. So show your love for the alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt" (Deut. 10:17-19). Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, warned his judges to rule without partiality because God Himself has "no part in unrighteousness, or partiality" (2 Chron. 19:7).
God's impartiality is also seen in His gracious offer of salvation to people of every race. In Acts 10:34-35 Peter says, "I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right, is welcome to Him."
God is also impartial in judgment. Romans 2:9-11 says that God will bring "tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil . . . but glory and honor and peace to every man who does good. For there is no partiality with God."
Our text is a timely admonition because prejudice, discrimination, and bigotry are ever-present evils in our society—both inside and outside the church. I pray that God will use these studies to guard you from favoritism's subtle influences and strengthen your commitment to godly living.
Suggestions for Prayer
Ask God to reveal any partiality you might be harboring. As He does, confess it and turn from it.
For Further Study
Read Ephesians 6:5-9 and 1 Timothy 5:17-21. How does God's impartiality apply to how you should respond to your co- workers and your church leaders?
From Drawing Near by John MacArthur Copyright © 1993. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.com.
Studying God’s Word ping
Thanks for the reminder. God doesn’t show favoritism or partiality, and He never changes!
And yet in Nehemiah 13:31 he asks God to remember him with favor . In the NIV it is favor. In others it is for good. While I don’t have a degree in Bible Studies I believe God does look on those who are His in Christ with favor. We who are washed in the blood, saved by Grace through faith. Many times I have seen his favor ( blessings) carry me through difficult times.
God is a just and true Judge who does not favor us in the sense of favorites as we think of it but remember David was the apple of Gods eye. I often pray Nehemiah’s prayer for myself when I am in need of drawing near to God.
Amen.
In our race-obsessed society we need to remember God created only one human race.
and then the rains came...
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