Thesis: Racism and discrimination have been a problem since the garden.
1. Discriminating Focuses our Heart on the wrong Kingdom verse 1-4
>If discrimination rules your thoughts the enemy is ruling your heart. >Discrimination is the opposite of showing God glory. >The Bible would focus our hearts on the Glory of God and away from temporal glory. >All people are equally created by God >Your view of people is governed by what rules your heart >Our acts towards others reveal what is important in our hearts >We cannot use our sin nature to excuse our prejudices >Through grace we all stand equal at the foot of the cross
2. James gives the illustration in verses 2-4
>What kind of person makes you uncomfortable? >What kind of person makes you feel unprotected on the street? >Is your heart embracing the radical counter-culturalism of the Gospel? >As Christ's Ambassadors we have to think and view people as Christ does.
3. Discrimination Forgets the Work of the Gospel. verse 5-13
>How did you come to Christ? Poor - with nothing to offer >A believer knows they are unworthy before the Lord. >You are the person who is unclean and deserves to be shunned. >Prejudices and racism fly in the face of the Gospel >James reminds us that the Kingdom of God is a Kingdom of love. >Does the Gospel effect how you view others? >Personal prejudices reveals my lack of submission to the law of my Lord.
Conclusion:
Verse 13 reminds us of the Mercy we have received from the Lord. The Gospel welcomes you to hope because Jesus has come and we will dwell with Him.
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