Scripture Passage: James 1:26-2:13

The word used to speak of partiality is...prosópolémpsia: respect of persons: partiality, the fault of one who when called on to requite or to give judgment has respect to the outward circumstances of men and not to their intrinsic merits, and so prefers, as the more worthy, one who is rich, high-born, or powerful, to another who is destitute of such gifts: The references below give an understanding of God's view on relationships between the have's and the have nots. Further how the character of partiality of favoritism is not seen in God.

OT: Lev 19:10.., Deut 10:12…, Is 58:6-10
NT: Mt 20:20…, Rom 2:11, Eph 6:9, Col 3:25

THE ISSUE IN THE EARLY CHURCH
•These were individuals who were thoroughbred with the OT law (1:1)
•Religiosity is not necessarily true religion (1:25,26)
•In their new covenant faith there were practices and the lack of practices that deflected the Glory of Christ.

WHAT WAS THE ISSUE AT HAND?
•Wealth was conferring a spiritual status
•James says its evil, but why?
•The entry into the KoG is not gained by wealth (Mt 19:23-24; Lk 6:20)
•The rich in the congregation were not exemplifying Christlike character
 
ADDRESSING THE SIN
•James brings to mind the words of Jesus and the OT (Mt 22:37-40)
•Why is it called a ‘Royal Law’? It seems that its demonstration is an indication of the giver of the commandment who is a King. King Jesus.
•A lawbreaker in God’s sight is one who has failed even in ‘one’
•Partiality not curtailed grows to discriminate and lacks compassion. Warning!..Judgement

Take Away: 
Task yourself with interpreting the ‘Royal Law’ and its practice constantly