THE ROYAL LAW, Conclusion
Introduction
EQUALITY REFLECTS A CONSISTENCE WITH THE ROYAL LAW
To further support God's stance against partiality, James reaches back into the Old Testament to draw the brethren's attention to the fact that God has never appreciated prejudice.
"Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour. Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD. Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD" (Lev. 19:15-18, emphasis mine).
As you can see, everything hinged on people exhibiting a proper attitude of love toward one another. James describes this as the Royal Law. This Law declares that each person is to love (be concerned with the welfare of) their neighbor as themselves. To demonstrate discrimination is manifesting more than a mere character flaw, it is showing a transgression of God's Royal Law. A person may well in most respects appear to be a wonderful person, yet he can spoil the entirety of his influence by simply being partial toward any fellow human being.
In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus, in a very creative way, offers mankind a vital lesson in this area. He points out that one man out of three fulfilled the Royal Law. Why? Because the Samaritan did what was best for the man who had been robbed. In essence, Jesus informs the crowd that anyone who stands in need of help is our neighbor (Luke 10:25-37). Thus, loving one another and fulfilling the Royal Law is not determined by kinship, partiality, or respect of persons, but rather by seeking what is best for all of mankind.
James indicates that any other response was not only discriminating, but that person was guilty of being a law breaker (Jas. 2:9-11). If a person is going to claim the law for one's own justification in one matter – salvation – he must be sure that he is consistent in every other matter as well. The Royal Law is a law of love and it includes loving both the rich and the poor. Only by submitting to such entirely can one do well (Jas. 2:8).
EQUALITY EXPRESSES ONE'S CONSIDERATION OF THE JUDGEMENT TO COME
After offering so many compelling arguments against discrimination, our author closes this final section of Scripture with an appeal for these brethren to consider one more consequence of continuing down the road of being partial toward their brothers and sisters in Christ. James centers his argument on the fact that each of them should consider their actions based on the final judgment which is yet to come, "So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty" (Jas. 2:12). Too many times, man tends to speak or act before he really considers the final outcome of such measures. That seems to be the case with these brethren. They had been showing respect of persons without ever considering how such treatment would affect the mercy that they would be shown by God. When a person discriminates against another, they are in essence showing no mercy and James clearly states the outcome of such when he said, "For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy…" (Jas. 2:13).
It is imperative that all Christians remember that we will stand before the judgment seat of Christ (Rom. 14:10) and give an account for all that we have done, "…whether it be good or bad" (2 Cor. 5:10). In this case, both their speech (Jas. 2:3) and deeds were witnesses to their sinfulness of favoritism.
CONCLUSION
The book of James is a very profound epistle because it confronts a number of vitally important topics that are so central to the Christian life. And unlike so many that are willing to overlook blatant sinful acts so as to appease men, James does not turn a blind eye to such corruptness but rather convincingly extends the truth of God so men are able to make righteous choices in their lives. Jesus' behavior toward others was never marred by a prejudicial mindset; rather, He taught His followers to emulate His attitude of impartiality.
Allen Weakland
Current Concerns
A cousin of Javier, Ruben, and Robert Chacon is in need of our prayers.
Juan & Estella Morolez have gone to Houston for her appointments. They will be given the date for her surgery at this appointment and have asked for prayers for added strength for this one.
Prayer List
Fran Arbuckle; Bill Butler ; Mildred Bell; Mildred Heslip; Cecil Hext; I.B. Huff; LaVerne King; Clemente Martinez; Estella Morolez; Lily Munos; Jesse Ramos; Betty Reeves; Mabel Riggs; Marilyn Upshaw; Delora Wood.
Shut-ins
Mary Dunn; Fay Gann; Cecil and Mildred Hext; Virgie Price; Charles Tucker.
Events
Watch In Search of the Lord's Way with Mack Lyon every Sunday morning at 7:30 am on CBS, channel 7. This week's topic will be entitled, "Preaching Repentance."
You are invited to a Free Financial Seminar, "NO DEBT/NO SWEAT" on the evenings of September 28th and 29th here at the Eisenhower Church of Christ. Steven Diggs of Antioch, TN will be speaking. This seminar will be open to the public. Make plans to attend and invite your
family and friends.
Times will be as follows:
Sunday, September 28 ~ 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Monday September 29 ~ 6:30 to 9:00
Childcare will be provided.
The Lubbock Lectureship is set for October 12th –16th. The theme is The Law of Christ. It will be held at the Southside Church of Christ in Lubbock, TX. Make plans to attend if you are able.
The 6th and Jackson Church of Christ will be hosting Dr. Brad Harrub on September 28th, 29th, 30th and October 1st. You have been invited to "Discover the Truth." There is a flyer on the News and Notes bulletin board with full details.
FYI
Steve Horton has resumed the Wednesday morning class in the annex at 10:30 a.m. He will continue his study on the book of Revelation. The potluck luncheons will still be held the last Wednesday of every month.
We have 12 men who have signed up to record our sermons. Training will be announced soon. Thank you to all who signed up to help with this effort.
We are in need of someone to head up organizing the visitation program. If you are interested and able to do this, please contact one of the elders.
Odessa Christian School is in need of a computer teacher. If you are interested, contact Shona Wood.
Thank You
Dear friends at Eisenhower,
I take this opportunity to thank you for all the prayers, cards, and words of encouragement extended for Mabel and I during her long stay in the hospital. Mabel is now home and slowly getting better. Again we thank you all and appreciate you.
C.M and Mabel Riggs
Dear Christian Family,
I want to tell you "thank you" but it doesn't seem enough. I will not forget your kindness. The food, cards, and especially your prayers made me feel very special. We are blessed to be a part of such a generous, caring and considerate Christian family here at Eisenhower. Knowing that you all were praying for me helped us get through this difficult time. Everything turned out just fine. Thank you to Sonia, Johna, Kellie, and Holly for the wonderful and delicious food. Also, thanks to Allen, Barbara, Holly, and Jeff for your visits at the hospital and at home. I really appreciate you with a grateful heart, THANK YOU.
In Christian love, Rocio, Javier, J.J., Adrian, Eduardo, & Krystian Chacon
Our dearest Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
Thank you for the calls, cards, and prayers during this difficult time. The loss of our grandson Derek was such a shock to us, it is really hard to understand.
In Christ, Richard & Barbara Smith
Bible Quiz Question
We will be using questions from Nehemiah until November in order to help our study for the upcoming Bible search in Cleburne, TX. There will be more than one question to answer. Parents please try to help your children answer these questions at home.
This week's answers must be submitted by September 24th. (Read Nehemiah 3:1-5).
Question: 1) Who rebuilt the sheep gate? Who built next to them? (2) Who rebuilt the Fish Gate? Who worked next to them? (3) What is observed about the nobles of the Tekoites?
Office News
Our food coordinators for the month of September are Kellie Lane, Johna Straw, and Sonia Wood.
This week's pantry items are instant mashed potatoes, canned beans, and canned meats.
| September 21, 2008 | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
Announcements | Jeff Wesson | Jeff Wesson |
Song Leader | Steve Horton | John Wood |
Sermon | Allen Weakland | Allen Weakland |
Opening Prayer | Jeff Wesson | Jeff Wesson |
Scripture | Bill Bayless | John Carroll |
Second Prayer | John Bethune | Billy Carson |
Closing Prayer | Elder McCarty | Lon Howard |
|
||
West |
Alex Martinez |
Cody Wesson |
East |
Jr. Munoz |
Jeff Wood |
Other Responsibilities: Elder: Jeff Wesson ~ Deacon: Ronnie Lane ~ Pulpit: Bill Brown ~ Table: Bill Butler ~ Song Leaders: Ronnie Lane
Sunday AM
"Heart of Restoration"
(Zephaniah 3:1-7)
Sunday PM
"Doing Your Own Thing"
(Judges 21:25)
Our Records
Bible Class... 89
Morning Worship... 165
Evening Worship... no count recorded
Wednesday... 110
Contribution $4,915.25