James 2:7 KJV [7] “Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?”      In the early days of the church, the powerful Sadducees were the ones who were persecuting them. They dragged Christians into court and said false and ungodly things about them and the Lord Jesus. They were blaspheming the name of the Lord Jesus. These religious leaders were using their powerful influence and rich standing to push their own agenda.       Religion has always hated Christianity and elevated man. Christianity reveals man for who he is and allows him to see God as the …

James 2:6 KJV [6] “But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?”     A bully is someone we expect to face out in the schoolyard or hallway but never in the church. It’s hard to believe that there are bullies in church, but sadly they do exist. James is not going to let the matter rest. There are people in the church who will attempt to buy their way to the top. But, if that doesn’t work, they will use bullying as a way to get where they want to …

James 2:5 KJV [5] “Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?”      Our verse today can be easily misinterpreted. First, allow me to address what it is not saying. It is not teaching us that God has chosen the poor to be saved and the rich to be lost. Zacchaeus was saved, and Luke 19:2 says he was rich. Salvation has nothing to do with the riches of this world. It is based only on the work of our …

James 2:4 KJV [4] “Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?”      Truthfully, nobody wants to be mistreated. Nobody wants to be judged by men, nor do we want them to show partiality toward us. We would not think much of a person who would treat us, or our loved ones, that way. However, the question we must ask is, “Have I been guilty of showing partially and prejudging others?”       It is so easy to read these verses and see the sins of others but not ourselves. Pointing out the faults of …

James 2:3 KJV [3] “and ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:”      It is not the prosperous man wearing the gay clothing, nor is it the poor man wearing the vile raiment that gets my attention in this verse. It is the partial man who is ushering these two men to their seats. This usher seems to be short-sighted and snooty. He is a man that cannot see beyond the superficial. He …