My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?
The
New King James Version. (1982). (Eze 33:30–33). Nashville: Thomas
Nelson.
Partiality and discrimination certainly has become one of the greatest social tensions of our time. Racial discrimination between blacks & whites, we certainly see that! We also have religious discrimination; Christian denominations, world religions, Catholicism. We have social discrimination between the rich and the poor; we've seen political discrimination between the republicans and democrats. There is educational discrimination between those that are educated and those that are uneducated. We also have gender discrimination between the male and the female sex. Discrimination can come in other forms. It can come in forms of judging outward appearances. We can discriminate those who are maybe not as "pretty" as we are; or they don't drive a nice car; or they have different kind of clothes then what we wear. Maybe you are only attracted to those that are like you; that have it all together, whatever that is-"He/She has it all together" - what DOES THAT mean? Sometimes we are judgmental of people's personal habits, their social etiquette, their English grammar, their hairstyle, the decor of their house or even the appearance of their yards. Things that seem offensive to us can trigger discriminatory responses in our actions and our words and, I think, most of all where no one else sees but God, the privacy of our thought life.
In the world we live in, this kind of unkind conduct is not surprising but it is inappropriate for a Christian. God expects a much higher standard from us.
In this section of James, I think we are going to be "slapped around" a bit. This is a very convicting section that we will be studying. I am not "preaching" at you but myself. Already I have had to go before the Lord and ask for forgiveness for my thoughts and actions in regard to the above "stuff" I mentioned. So you see, I have to do this before I can even write all that I have studied. I pray that you too will be convicted to take things before our Heavenly Father and also that you will be blessed by this study.
Ok, I have the verses written out at the top but also linked if you would prefer to click the link [you can the change the version to one you prefer] to read it.
James begins this section with 2 words -"My brethren" which is a reminder that we have an intimate, sacred bond a union with our Lord Jesus Christ-the Lord of glory.
Brethren: Strong's #80. ἀδελφός adĕlphŏs, ad-el-fos´; from 1 (as a connective particle) and δελφύς dĕlphus (the womb); a brother (lit. or fig.) near or remote [much like 1]:—brother.
Strong's #1. Α a, al´-fah; of Heb. or.; the first letter of the alphabet; fig. only (from its use as a numeral) the first:—Alpha. Often used (usually ἀν an, before a vowel) also in composition (as a contraction from 427) in the sense of privation; so in many words beginning with this letter; occasionally in the sense of union (as a contraction of 260).
Strong's #260. ἅμα hama, ham´-ah; a prim. particle; prop. at the “same” time, but freely used as a prep. or adv. denoting close association:—also, and, together, with (-al).
Strong,
J. (2009). A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament
and The Hebrew Bible (Vol. 1, p. 14). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible
Software.
"...do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality."
Don't try to combine your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with acts of partiality. You who profess to believe in Jesus Christ and you claim Him as your Lord and Savior, while practicing your faith, you play favorites in the church? Don't be a Christian and simultaneously a hypocrite! Don't hold the faith of Jesus Christ and at the same time show partiality - James says that is a contradiction -and he says, you do that with the Lord of glory? If you're going to confess Jesus Christ as your Lord then he says stop being partial.
When James calls him Lord of glory, the word glory here means divine and heavenly radiance.
John 1:14
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
The
New King James Version. (1982). (Eze 33:30–33). Nashville: Thomas
Nelson.
Glory: Strong's #1391. δόξα dŏxa, dox´-ah; from the base of 1380; glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (lit. or fig., obj. or subj.):—dignity, glory (-ious), honour, praise, worship.Strong's #1380. δοκέω dŏkĕō, dok-eh´-o; a prol. form of a prim. verb δόκω dŏkō, dok´-o (used only as an alt. in certain tenses: comp. the base of 1166) of the same mean.; to think; by impl. to seem (truthfully or uncertainly):—be accounted, (of own) please (-ure), be of reputation, seem (good), suppose, think, trow.
Strong's #1166. δεικνύω dĕiknuō, dike-noo´-o; a prol. form of an obs. prim. of the same mean.; to show (lit. or fig.):—shew.
Strong,
J. (2009). A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament
and The Hebrew Bible (Vol. 1, p. 14). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible
Software.
James says you show this faith with the Lord of glory? You do this with partiality? You have respect [favor or partiality] of people that come into your church?Strong's #4381. προσωπολήπτης prŏsōpŏlēptēs, pros-o-pol-ape´-tace; from 4383 and 2983; an accepter of a face (individual), i.e. (spec.) one exhibiting partiality:—respecter of persons.
Strong's #4382. προσωποληψία prŏsōpŏlēpsia, pros-o-pol-ape-see´-ah; from 4381; partiality, i.e. favoritism:—respect of persons.
Respect of persons comes from 2 Greek words:
1. To receive the face - To “receive the face” means to make judgments about people based on external appearance.
2. To understand - to comprehend, to seize with the mind, to show partiality based upon a person's race, their wealth, their social status, their political status.
What James is saying here, when he says "you do this with respect of persons"; For example you are in church and someone comes in and you are looking at that person, scanning his appearance and you are coming together in your mind about what you think about that person; you immediately form an opinion. A person who has faith in this Lord of glory, James insists, should not show favoritism. Our Lord did not show partiality. Look at Luke 20:19-26
"And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them. And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor. And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly: Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no? But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me? Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar’s. And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s. And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace."
The
Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the
1900 Authorized Version., Jas 1:27). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research
Systems, Inc.
Notice that even the Church's enemies and their spies recognized that Jesus did not show partiality--"Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly"--You don't "receive the face", You don't scan a person that comes in the door and make a judgement.Ok, so now read Romans 2:1-11- It's very telling here that Paul addresses the hypocrisy of showing partiality.
"Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them othat are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God."
The
Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the
1900 Authorized Version., Jas 1:27). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research
Systems, Inc.
It doesn't matter if you are His loved people, the Jews; it doesn't matter if you are a Gentile. If you do bad, you are going to receive punishment. If you do good: peace, glory, honor, eternal life. Jesus did not show partiality. You know what James in effect is saying? My brothers, my sisters, as believers in our Lord Jesus Christ who lowered himself in poverty and humility, don't show favoritism to the rich! You know, and you will agree with this, I am sure...we judge people very easily don't we? by the clothes they wear, how they speak, by their appearance. We do that don't we, make an immediate judgment. But hopefully, as you get to know people on a more intimate basis & find out there may be a reason they act, or dress or do what they do, you will be ashamed of your preconceived notions. Now James goes on to illustrate how they were demonstrating partiality in verses 2 and 3. Here we see this scenario of partiality. Notice what he says:
"For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;" Here we have the scenario of 2 individuals who come into the assembly. The repetition of the Greek word
Come [Strong's #1525. εἰσέρχομαι ĕisĕrchŏmai, ice-er´-khom-ahee; from 1519 and 2064; to enter (lit. or fig.):—× arise, come (in, into), enter in (-to), go in (through).]
So now the first man comes in and he is wearing gold rings and fine clothes. In Biblical times if you had rings it was indicative that you were rich. In NT times, if you had money, you would wear a ring on every finger except the middle finger and that would show that you had a lot of money. In fact, a lot of shops in Rome would even rent rings!
Fine Strong's #2986. λαμπρός lamprŏs, lam-pros´; from the same as 2985; radiant; by anal. limpid; fig. magnificent or sumptuous (in appearance):—bright, clear, gay, goodly, gorgeous, white.
Strong's #2985. λαμπάς lampas, lam-pas´; from 2989; a “lamp” or flambeau:—lamp, light, torch.
Apparel Strong's #2066. ἐσθής ĕsthēs, es-thace´; from ἕννυμι hĕnnumi (to clothe); dress:—apparel, clothing, raiment, robe.
Fine apparel would indicate rich or splendid dress. They smell good, they smell so fresh. So, in walks a person that is well dressed, they smell good and you immediately determine that this person is worthy of your attention!
Then! in comes a poor person. Notice what James says: "and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes,"
Filthy: Strong's # 4508. ῥυπαρός rhuparŏs, rhoo-par-os´; from 4509; dirty, i.e. (rel.) cheap or shabby; mor. wicked:—vile.
Strong,
J. (2009). A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament
and The Hebrew Bible (Vol. 1, p. 14). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible
Software.
Poor here means that he is filthy or foul. He has on vile clothes, shabby clothes. It comes from the same Greek word as in I Peter 3:21 where Peter says we are to put away all the filth of our flesh. It's the same Greek word in Zechariah [3:3] where it talks about Joshua's high priestly clothes that were filthy. Today we might say, in comes a homeless person or a bag lady. It is interesting when James is talking about this, the reference here is not necessarily to people who come to our churches all the time. These are visitors coming into our churches and here is the moment when they are going to see what a Christian looks like and it reveals the heart of the regular attendees; the church members. Now let's clarify a few things because people will use these passages and take them out of context. James is not criticizing the wearing of jewelry or fine clothes. He is not condemning that. In fact, remember Paul & Peter both, give us guidelines to women on their jewelry. Here are those passages. I Timothy 2:9, 10 If you look at this passage carefully, Paul is defining modesty not by condemning. He is referring to modest apparel by the jewelry and the clothing. In the NT times, ladies would come to church with gold bracelets all up and down their arms, they would have rings on all their fingers, they would have ostentatious hairdos with all these braids and clips in. Paul is saying don't dress like that to come to church. Instead of having an ostentatious display, have a more humble dress. In fact, Peter says the same thing. I Peter 3:3-4 He says, don't focus on your outward dress when you come to church, instead, focusing on our meek and quiet spirit. Neither Peter, Paul or James is forbidding the wearing of jewelry, but they are saying that we should pay more attention to the inner heart rather than external beauty. Here are some things to ask ourselves. When we dress for church, is it to draw attention to ourselves? Do we judge others on their appearance? Maybe saying something [to yourself or to a friend] like, "that dress went out of style years ago", or "where did she get THAT outfit". On the other hand, these verses don't give us license to never bathe [lol] or to dress like a slob.
Ok, so now we have the rich and the poor men coming into the church. When we think about it, there is discrimination going on with the rich and the poor. The rich are being elevated, should not be, and the poor are being discriminated as he is being humiliated. ok let's read verse 3 of chapter 2 in James:
and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” [as a side note, it's appalling that even the speaker here which would be the greeter or maybe a deacon didn't even offer the poor man a seat] and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,”
"Pay attention" in this verse means respect and the word Respect comes from Strong's #1914. ἐπιβλέπω ĕpiblĕpō, ep-ee-blep´-o; from 1909 and 991; to gaze at (with favor, pity or partiality):—look upon, regard, have respect to.
Strong,
J. (2009). A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament
and The Hebrew Bible (Vol. 1, p. 14). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible
Software.
Looking upon him with favor; being impressed by his garment. James doesn't specifically say, but it's possible the rich man was looked upon with favor because of his money. Money that he might give the church. In fact, the Greek tense of this verse indicates that the rich man immediately attracted attention, all heads turned to look at him. I imagine that would be similar to a celebrity coming to our churches. We would all immediately look at them, comment on their clothes, their status, etc. The word respect also has a secondary meaning which is, "to eye with envy", meaning when this man came in he had all these rings on, he's dressed to a "T", he smells great, all the heads turn to look at him. Rather than being occupied with the Lord and worshipping him, who are they occupied with? The man walking in the door. Friends, the reason we come to church is to worship the Lord so I would encourage you that if your clothing is distracting in anyway, you might want to think twice about what you're wearing to church so you're not a hindrance to others' worship. So these two individuals come in and the speaker says, "stand here" or "sit by me" and then he looks at the poor and notice what he says, " You stand over there" or "you sit there at my footstool"Footstool - Strong's #5286. ὑποπόδιον hupŏpŏdiŏn, hoop-op-od´-ee-on; neut. of a comp. of 5259 and 4228; something under the feet, i.e. a foot-rest (fig.):—footstool.
Strong's #5259. ὑπό hupŏ, hoop-ŏ´; a prim. prep.; under, i.e. (with the gen.) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the acc.) of place (whither [underneath] or where [below]) or time (when [at]):—among, by, from, in, of, under, with. In comp. it retains the same gen. applications, espec. of inferior position or condition, and spec. covertly or moderately.
Strong's #4228. πούς pŏus, pooce; a prim word; a “foot” (fig. or lit.):—foot (-stool).
Strong,
J. (2009). A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament
and The Hebrew Bible (Vol. 1, p. 14). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible
Software.
In NT times, the footstool was a stone bench which would run along the wall and that was where he was telling him to sit. In fact, it's also interesting that in the OT they would have a practice of placing their enemies at their footstool. It implied the place where common people stood or squatted and so to have someone sit at your footstool would be degrading to him and puffing you up. So, you know we don't have footstools in our churches so we say, "I don't do this!"I think we do, do this. We determine the worthiness of a person who comes into our churches by the color of their skin, their background, their upbringing, their clothes, their political standing or social standing but all people should be considered equal before God because we are! Rich or poor He is the maker of all of us! I heard a story about a pastor who would check the financial records of new people in the church before he would spend time with them. The more the person gave, the more he would spend time with them and if they didn't give, he didn't spend time with them. That is an appalling example of favoritism but a contemporary example of what James' is saying here. I think we need to remember that the Lord of Glory was poor. He was not a rich man even though some false teachers will try to tell us that today. He was born in a borrowed manger, and the Bible says he didn't have a place to lay His head! His 1st sermon was preached in a borrowed boat, He rode into Jerusalem on a borrowed donkey and he ate his last supper in a borrowed room. If he came to our church today, how would we treat someone of this stature? If we think about it, our economy is not going to get better and so people that are like this or homeless even, may come into our services. How will we treat them? Jesus never catered to the rich and neither should we. Some people use this passage to say we shouldn't have any close friends within the church but who were Jesus closest friends? Peter, James & John and he spend the majority of his time with them. So the favoritism James is speaking is not having close friends but of "receiving the face, scanning someone when they come into the church and immediately forming an opinion and judging them and showing partiality.
That, I think, is a lot to chew on. I will finish up with verses 4 and 5 in next blog which will be part II.
As always, I hope you are blessed and I would be glad to hear your comments or questions etc.
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