Walk into almost any gathering, and it doesn’t take long to notice how quickly we size people up. Who seems important, who feels comfortable, who gets noticed, and who fades into the background. These moments may feel small and even unintentional, but they shape the way communities function and who feels like they belong.

In James 2:1–13, James speaks directly to favoritism in the church, calling believers to examine how faith in Jesus shows up in everyday interactions. We're challenged to see people the way God does, to measure our actions by mercy rather than status, and to live out a faith that reflects God’s impartial love. Together, we’ll consider how obedience, compassion, and humility are woven into genuine faith.

Recorded Sunday, February 8th, 2026
Message by Pastor Tim Ward
Scripture: James 2:1-13

Sermon Notes

Scripture References

James 2:1-13; Galatians 3:26-29; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; Acts 10:34; Proverbs 19:6-7; Luke 6:27-35

Introduction

• Pastor Tim opened with a lighthearted look at buffet restaurants, noting how personal “favorites” can shape choices—from food to classroom dynamics to parenting.
• This everyday tendency to prefer certain things or people set the stage for examining a more serious issue: favoritism within the Church.
• Historical aside: Free Methodists originally rejected pew-renting so that rich and poor could worship side-by-side.
• Central text: James 2:1-13 calls believers to refuse discrimination in any gathering of Christ’s body.

Key Points / Exposition

1. All Are Equal in God’s Sight

• James, half-brother of Jesus and pastor in Jerusalem, addresses believers simply as “brothers and sisters,” refusing status-based titles.
• Galatians 3:26-29 affirms that ethnic, social, and gender distinctions dissolve “in Christ Jesus.”
• Illustration: death levels every human distinction; the only lasting measure is our stewardship of life before God.

2. We All Enter the Kingdom the Same Way

• Salvation is “by grace … through faith … not by works” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
• Humble confession of sin and trust in Christ’s atoning death is the single door for rich and poor alike (John 14:6).
• Dramatic skit recalled: a man loaded with trophies waited at “heaven’s gate” while the empty-handed were welcomed first—underscoring that achievements cannot buy entry.

3. Human Glory Robs Christ of His Glory

• Favoring talented performers or wealthy patrons shifts attention from the Savior to the stage.
• Early Church music was congregational; solos later emerged when paid “cantors” appeared.
• Worship team praised for leading participation rather than showcasing themselves.

4. God Himself Shows No Favoritism

• Acts 10:34—God is “no respecter of persons.” Jesus spent time with tax-collectors, prostitutes, and outcasts, not to meet quotas but because they listened.
• Personal vignette: a superintendent’s letter accused Pastor Tim of spending “too much time” with fringe attenders; he accepted it as a compliment, modeling Christ’s priorities.

5. Favoritism Is Explicitly Forbidden

• Definition: granting extra kindness or opportunity to one person over another for personal gain.
• Proverbs 19:6-7 exposes the self-interest behind currying favor with “gift-givers” while ignoring the poor.
• James 2 warns that seating a wealthy guest prominently while relegating the poor to the floor makes believers “judges with evil thoughts.”
• Luke 6:27-35 commands radical love: turning the other cheek, lending without expectation, loving enemies—actions impossible if favoritism reigns.

Major Lessons & Revelations

• The ground is level at the foot of the cross; social, economic, and talent-based hierarchies vanish in Christ.
• Any glory siphoned to humans diminishes worship owed exclusively to Jesus.
• True riches are measured by humility and generosity, not bank accounts or accolades.
• Kingdom love is unconditional, extended especially when no earthly return seems likely.

Practical Application

1. Greet every person—visitor or long-time member—warmly and equally.
2. Examine heart motives: do I pursue relationships for what others can give me? Repent where needed.
3. Serve in unseen roles; allow someone else to take the spotlight.
4. Give anonymously to those in need; refuse preferential treatment in seating or programming.
5. During worship planning, prioritize congregational participation over performance.
6. Invest time with “fringe” individuals—shut-ins, the poor, newcomers—reflecting Jesus’ ministry pattern.

Conclusion & Call to Response

The sermon climaxed with James’s piercing question: “Have you not discriminated … and become judges with evil thoughts?” Believers were urged to abandon all partiality, love without conditions, and let Christ’s impartial grace shape every relationship. Pastor Tim dismissed the congregation to “serve a world desperate for Jesus.