JAMES PREACHES HARD AGAINST THE LEADING SOCIAL INJUSTICE OF ALL TIME, GOSPEL HAS SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS!

1. Discrimination violates God's 2nd Law: Hear Carl F.H. Henry 21/11&12 at GCC! Social Conscience
2. This is a sin against "The Royal Law of Liberty"- If God freely forgives us, we should others
3. James is able to put abstract ideas into concrete form through hypothetical illustrations

We need to make the proper applications today, and search our souls, or pay terrible price

I. THE VIOLATION OF O FE GOD'S LAW v. 1-4

Courtesy and custom, proper respect for political rank, age, sex,- has its place; but partiality - no

A.- THE ABSTRACT LAW IS PLAINLY STATED, v.4, PEOPLE DON'T LIKE TO BE TOLD, BUT JAMES TELLS US ALL!

1. James addresses "My Brethren"- John says Beloved; This rule is ignored by sinners, but Saints?
2. Note that this is a crime against ""our Lord" and "Lord of Glory". Shekinah of Glory-bright!
3. When we stand before His presence- our personal sins should drive us all to our knees- equal

B.- THE ABSTRACT LAW IS ILLUSTRATED PLAINLY BY A HYPOTHETICAL, PRACTICAL HUMAN STORY v.2,3

1. The Synagogue was supposed to have an open door policy- but the Ushers were very smart- $$ eyes
2. The wealthy were ushered to a place of honor right up front, comfortable, to be seen of men
3. The poor were seated on the floor, or standing in the back out of sight. Can't you see the Jew?

C.- THE ACCUSATION AGAINST THE EARLY CHRISTIANS WAS FAIRLY MADE v. 4 SELF EVIDENT FROM THEIR ACTIONS

1. Partiality is against the LAW- Lev 19:14,15, I Timothy 5:21 -These people knew the law!
2. They became Judges with evil thoughts- Clear bribes, or seduction is understandable; but this?
3. If true of clothes & rings- also of age, race, physical build, intellect, or cleanliness!

If such was sinful then, then it is even more so now that we have all of God's Word

II. THE RATIONALE OF THE LAW v. 5-10

Let's reason together, - "Sweet Reasonableness"- The mark of a real MAN is ability to reason!

A.- GOD HAS CHOSEN THE POOR TO BE RICH IN FAITH v.5. MANY VERSES SAY "BLESSED ARE THE POOR"

1. In the early day, as now,- The poor come to Jesus more often than the rich But-some poor didn't, some rich do
2. Not universally true- but much great art, literature- comes from those who had empty stomach,- poor
3. The idea of Heaven & Hell to balance this world's ease & hardship is not right-even if sometimes true.

B.- BUT YE HAVE CHOSEN TO HONOR THOSE WHO OPPRESS YOU, 16-17 -IF KINDNESS? GOOD, BUT HONOR? NO

1. The early Christians were under oppression and judgement by the middle class & rich
2. They were denied their wages, and called into Judgement-seat (civil suits) takes & for Lawyer
3. The "masters"- high middle class-blasphemed Jesus- Gossiped about Secret "love feasts"-

C.- BUT THE ROYAL LAW IS PLAIN v. 8,9 JESUS GAVE 2nd LAW "LOVE THY NEIGHBOR " HUMANE RELATIONSHIPS

1. The Royal law was given by Jesus, echoed by Paul-Rom 13:10, and as a plumb line it stood!
2. If the Christians were guilty of Social injustice, then where is the power of the Gospel?
3. The person that fulfills the royal law does well!-Acts 15:29 "Ye shall do well" -James OK

We do not preach a Social Gospel- but the Gospel should make a social change in a man! Expected

III.- THE VIOLATION OF THE LAW v. 10-13

We have no more right to discriminate as to which law to obey, then which person to show honor to.

A.- IF YOU KEEP THE WHOLE LAW, AND VIOLATE IN ONE PART, THE WHOLE IS BROKEN V.10 -Chain, Cord, Seam

1. The Illustration is regarding the more serious laws- Adultery, Murder, but means much more v. 11
2. The application is obvious- James does not make, it, but we sure better pay attention to it.
3. Hell for murder- sure; but what about theft, false witness, covetousness? Discrimination does this

B.- THE MODERN WORSHIP OF THE GOLDEN CALF IS JUST AS WICKED IN CHURCH AS IT WAS TO JAMES at 60 AD.

1. Have you seen anyone mistreat a cripple, mock at the simple, or offend the uneducated- I have !
2. Have you seen special cliques discriminate & offend our guests, violate courtesy & respect- yeah
3. Perhaps the worst age discrimination-between 12 and 13 year old's! Talk of Age Gap- watch HS/Col/Jr Hi

C.- EVERY PERSON HAS HIS CALLING OF GOD, BUT WE ALL MUST BE JUDGED BY THE LAW OF LIBERTY - v.12,13

1. The principle from Jesus, and the Apostles- We will be judged by our own judgement- see mirror
2. The Lord has freely forgiven us, received us as Sons so we need to do same to all men-
3. If we don't- James is plain-, cf. Matt 5:7,6:14,5, Thank God- His Mercy is victorious

How many breaks in a chain? discords? Runs in a hose? how little to ruin a fine Christian?

Conclusion- GOD WANTS US TO PUT INTO PRACTICE THE SAME OPEN HEARTED LOVE THAT HE SHOWS TO US, WILL YOU DO IT?

1. If you cannot- it may be because you are unsaved- Why not get your heart changed right now!
2. If you have been guilty of social sins,-discrimination- why not get right with God tonight?
3. Each day of this new year will perish quickly- but the good, & the evil you do will last till Jesus comes- & maybe eternally!