Theory question 108
Faith, Works and ImpartialitySection C (Themes from Selected Epistles)
(a) …Have a seat here, please, while you say to the poor man, stand there or, sit at my feet. Recount how the above situation was addressed by James in the church. (b) In what three ways does the situation above affect the progress of the society?
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(a) Believers in Christ must show no partiality (James 2:1).
Treating the rich man with honour and the poor man with contempt makes distinctions and makes them judges with evil thoughts (James 2:2-4).
God chose the poor to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom (James 2:5).
They dishonour the poor, though the rich oppress them and blaspheme Christ (James 2:6-7).
Fulfil the royal law: love your neighbour as yourself (James 2:8).
Partiality is sin; breaking one point makes one guilty of all (James 2:9-11).
Speak and act as those judged by the law of liberty; judgement is without mercy to the merciless (James 2:12-13).
(b) Any three: injustice and resentment; division and conflict; corruption and favouritism; wasting talents of the poor; poverty and crime; loss of trust.
Explain James 2:1-13, then three effects.