Today’s sermon audio can be found on Castbox at 148 “Hold the Faith without Partiality”, James 2:1-7.

Our primary text for January 11 is James 2:1-7. We also read Romans 3:19-31 as our first reading. We looked at the general use of the word faith in the New Testament: personal belief as in Romans 3:19-31 and the substance of our beliefs as in Jude 1:1-4. James is primarily concerned with personal, saving faith throughout Chapter 2 but of course that personal faith must be grounded in the Word of God (“the faith once for all delivered to the saints”).

This personal saving faith consists of Knowledge, Agreement (Assent), and Trust (KAT). Many unfortunately add and/or subtract from this old Protestant delineation of personal saving faith.

We looked at the one imperative mood verb in James 2:1 (hold). Here in 2:1 James is telling us to practice (hold) our faith without sinful partiality. James gives us an example of sinful partiality in vv2-3. Then he evaluates this partiality in v4. In vv5-7 he argues against such partiality. In vv8ff he will bring his strongest argument against sinful partiality. We concluded with a review of Paul’s “walk in a manner worthy of” passages. We need to start the Christian life with an understanding of the Law and the Gospel. We also need to continue the Christian life the same way. We can only please God by faith with the indwelling Holy Spirit leading us.

  1. Introduction: Faith
  2. Hold the Faith (2:1)
  3. Without Partiality (2:2-7)
  4. Conclusion: Walk Worthy

Scripture References: Romans 3:21-31; James 2:1-7; Jude 1:1-4; Ephesians 4:1-3; Colossians 1:9-14; 1 Thessalonians 2:9-12;

  • Ephesians 4:1 “… walk in a manner worthy of the calling”
  • Colossians 1:10 “… walk in a manner worthy of the Lord”
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:12 “… walk in a manner worthy of God”
  • Philippians 1:27 “let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel”