James 2:8-13 Law, Judgement and Mercy

In this passage, James calls us to live righteous lives, lives that look righteous and lives that are filled with the righteousness of mercy. He writes

James 2

^10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. ^11 For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” ^b also said, “Do not murder.” ^c If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.

^12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, ^13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!

^b Exodus 20:14; Deut. 5:18

^c Exodus 20:13; Deut. 5:17

What do you think righteouness lived today looks like?

James 2:1-9 A Slanderous Favouritism

As we have found in the past, there is some focused attention that is appropriate, like the attention that parents focus on their children or that God focuses on his children. But there is another kind of attention that is lethal. James describes it...

James 2

2 My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. ^2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. ^3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” ^4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

^5 Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? ^6 But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? ^7 Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?

^8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” ^a you are doing right. ^9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.

^a Lev. 19:18

Do you feel that there is that kind of discrimination in our culture, our homes, our church community?

James 1: 27 True Religion

James pictures Mother Theresa in these words...

^27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

How does true religion come to expression in our lives given these standards?

James 1:19-21, 26 The Problem of Untied Tongues

When it comes to community, we sometimes fail to use some of the best tools God has given us for building community! James talks about listening, speaking and anger. With James we will explore this truths as we look at the following passages...

James 1
^19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, ^20 for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. ^21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

^26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.

Another part of James' letter that refers to this issue though it will not be the focus of the message:
James 3

3 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. ^2 We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.

^3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. ^4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. ^5 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. ^6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

^7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, ^8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

^9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. ^10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. ^11 Can both fresh water and salt ^a water flow from the same spring? ^12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

^a Greek bitter (see also verse 14)

The truth is, our tongues need to be reined in, or we need to be somewhat "tongue tied." What are some guidelines you have learned to controlling your tongue?