Sermon Audio
Guide Read Through
Title: James 2, Part 1 – Favoritism, the Law of Liberty, and Mercy
Opening Summary
We began studying the first half of James 2, focusing on the serious issue of favoritism within the body of Christ. We were reminded that our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is glorious because He is glorious—and in that glory, we are called to reflect His love without partiality. Pastor Daren emphasized that showing favoritism is a form of judgment rooted in worldly thinking and is incompatible with the “law of liberty” that governs our lives in Christ. Instead, we are invited to walk in mercy, loving others with the heart and eyes of Christ.
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for gathering us again around Your Word. Jesus, we thank You for the mercy You showed us, calling us to walk as people of Your kingdom. Holy Spirit, help us to understand the “law of liberty,” to see others through Your eyes, and to cast off favoritism and judgment. Make our hearts humble, hungry, and teachable as we listen and learn. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Ice Breaker
Have you ever experienced being treated differently because of how you looked, dressed, or what you had (or didn’t have)? How did that affect you?
Key Verses
(NASB 1995 — full text and Life Group leader note)
- James 2:1
“My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism.”
Life Group leader note: This verse sets the tone for the entire message—favoritism is not compatible with faith in Jesus. His glory demands integrity in how we see and treat others. - James 2:8
“If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well.”
Life Group leader note: This is the positive counterpoint to favoritism—the royal law of love. - James 2:12–13
“So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.”
Life Group leader note: The call here is to act with mercy, recognizing the standard by which we’ll be judged is rooted in liberty, not legalism.
Supporting Verses
- Isaiah 6:1–5 – A vision of God’s glory, used to highlight the weight of “glorious” in James 2:1.
- Romans 2:11 – “For there is no partiality with God.” Supports the central thesis of the sermon.
- Matthew 7:1–5 – Used to distinguish between righteous judgment and unrighteous favoritism.
- Mark 12:41–44 – The widow’s offering, showing spiritual discernment over appearances.
- Proverbs 30:7–9 – A prayer for contentment, highlighting a heart not swayed by wealth or poverty.
Topics
1. The Glory of Christ and the Problem of Favoritism
Pastor reminded us that we serve a glorious King—not merely a wise teacher or moral leader. This majestic Jesus calls us to reflect His glory by walking in humility and integrity, especially in how we treat others. To show favoritism is to distort the image of God we bear and contradict our identity in Christ.
Quote: “Our faith in Jesus isn’t just in a teacher or a prophet, but in God himself… It is a glorious thing.”
Scripture: James 2:1, Isaiah 6:1–5
Discussion Questions:
- What does it mean to hold our faith in a “glorious Lord”?
- How does Jesus’ glory affect how we view and treat others?
- Why do you think favoritism is such a serious issue in the church?
- How does the glory of Jesus reframe our view of status, wealth, and influence?
- Are there subtle ways we show favoritism today, even unknowingly?
2. Judging with Evil Motives vs. Spiritual Eyes
The sermon emphasized the dangers of judging by appearances, such as wealth, clothing, or status. God looks at the heart, and so must we. Judging by worldly measures can lead to “evil motives,” according to James.
Quote: “Are we judging the person with a heart of gold, or the person wearing gold?”
Scripture: James 2:2–4, Mark 12:41–44
Discussion Questions:
- What criteria do we use—consciously or unconsciously—to evaluate others?
- Why is it important to judge with “spiritual eyes”?
- How can we discern between appearance and genuine spiritual maturity?
- What does it look like to “make distinctions among yourselves”?
- In what ways do societal norms clash with kingdom values?
3. The Royal Law of Love
The royal law—loving your neighbor as yourself—is fulfilled in Christ. We are called to live this out daily, not just as a command, but as a reflection of God’s heart.
Quote: “Are we judging ourselves rightly? Do we show mercy because we’ve received mercy?”
Scripture: James 2:8
Discussion Questions:
- What makes the law of love “royal”?
- How does loving your neighbor guard against favoritism?
- When has someone shown you mercy, and how did that impact you?
- In what ways do we struggle to apply the royal law in real life?
- How does this kind of love reflect the character of Christ?
4. Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment
This section of the sermon was a pastoral plea for mercy. God’s judgment is just—but His mercy triumphs over judgment, and we are called to embody that same heart.
Quote: “Mercy is a boomerang—it comes back.”
Scripture: James 2:12–13, Matthew 5:7
Discussion Questions:
- Why does mercy triumph over judgment?
- How do we balance correction with mercy?
- What does it mean to “speak and act as those judged by the law of liberty”?
- When do we find it hardest to be merciful?
- How can our church be a place where mercy is practiced consistently?
Group Prayer Points
- Pray for hearts that are free of favoritism and full of Christ-like mercy.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to help each of us see others as God sees them.
- Pray for humility to recognize areas of partiality or judgment in ourselves.
- Invite the Lord to cultivate contentment and compassion in us, regardless of wealth or status.
- Seek the Father’s help to live out the law of liberty with courage and love in every relationship.
Challenge for the Week
Let’s choose to walk this week as people of the royal law. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas where favoritism or judgment might be hiding in your heart. Then, respond with action—reach out to someone you wouldn’t normally connect with and love them as Christ has loved you.
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for the teaching of judging righteously and being careful to not practice favoritism. Jesus, thank You that You showed no favoritism but welcomed the lowly and lifted the humble, may we learn by your example. Holy Spirit, convict us of where favoritism or partiality remains in us and renew our hearts to see with Your eyes. Make us people of mercy, people of grace, and people who walk by the law of liberty and the royal law to love our neighbor as ourselves. Father, may we remain hungry for Your Word, humble in spirit, and teachable so that we may grow in intimacy with you and knowledge of Your ways. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Daily Devotionals
Day 1: The Glory of Jesus and My Faith
Reflect on James 2:1
Today, consider what it means that your faith is in the “glorious” Lord Jesus. Let the vision of His glory shape your heart.
Challenge: Read Isaiah 6 and worship Jesus for His majesty.
Day 2: Looking with Spiritual Eyes
Reflect on James 2:2–4
Ask God to help you see people not by appearance, but with spiritual eyes.
Challenge: Journal one way you’ve judged by appearance and what you’re learning from it.
Day 3: Loving Your Neighbor as Yourself
Reflect on James 2:8
Love isn’t just a feeling—it’s an action. How can you live out the royal law today?
Challenge: Choose someone in your life to serve this week with intentional love.
Day 4: Mercy Over Judgment
Reflect on James 2:13
Mercy isn’t weakness—it’s Christ-likeness.
Challenge: Extend mercy to someone who doesn’t deserve it and journal how it changed your perspective.
Day 5: Contentment in Christ
Reflect on Proverbs 30:7–9
Gratitude is a cure for materialism which can lead to favoritism or partiality due to love of money.
Challenge: List 10 things you’re thankful for and offer them as a prayer of praise.
Additional Study for New Believers
Part 1: Read and Meditate On
James 2:1–13, Mark 12:41–44, and Proverbs 30:7–9
Write Short Reflections: What does favoritism reveal about your view of God? How has Jesus shown mercy to you?
Part 2: Study of Christian Thought
Read: “God Shows No Partiality” – Ligonier Article on James 2
Writing Assignment: What stood out to you about God’s impartiality? How can this affect your daily relationships?
Part 3: Theological Reflection on Mercy
Read: “What is Mercy?” by GotQuestions – https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-mercy.html
Writing Assignment: Describe a time you received mercy. What did it teach you about God?
Part 4: Prayer and Declaration Practice
Pray: “Father, make me a person of mercy.”
Write: A short prayer declaring your desire to live by the law of liberty.
Read: Psalm 103 – meditate on the mercy of God.
Additional Study for Mature Believers
Part 1: Read and Meditate On
James 2, Romans 2:11, Matthew 7:1–5, and Isaiah 6
Write Short Reflections: How does your understanding of God’s glory transform your view of favoritism?
Part 2: Study of Christian Thought
Read: “The Law of Liberty” – Reformation21 article
https://www.reformation21.org/articles/the-law-of-liberty.php
Writing Assignment: Explore how the law of liberty leads to spiritual maturity in the church.
Part 3: Theological Reflection on Justice and Mercy
Read: “Justice and Mercy” from Ligonier Ministries
https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/justice-and-mercy
Writing Assignment: Reflect on how mercy shapes our understanding of biblical justice.
Part 4: Prayer and Declaration Practice
Pray: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of subtle partiality or judgment in your life.
Write: A declaration of intent to walk in mercy and humility.
Read: Psalm 15 – consider what kind of person “dwells in God’s holy hill.”