Cultural Observations:

• 57% of hiring managers believe an unattractive, but qualified, job candidate will have a harder time getting hired.

• 68% believe looks affect how job performance is rated.

• 59% say time and money spent on looks is as important as resume quality.

• 64% say it’s okay for companies to hire based on looks.

• Students from top 1% income families are 34% more likely to be admitted to Ivy League schools.

---

James 2:1

“My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.”

• “Partiality,” Gk. προσωπολημψία (prosōpolēmpsia) — to show favoritism; literally: “to receive the face”

• Literal translation: “Do not have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ while receiving the face.”

---

1. Jesus is the Lord of Glory

• “Glory,” Gk. δόξα (doxa); equivalent Hebrew kāḇoḏ — describes the presence of God in the tabernacle.

Exodus 40:34–35
“Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle…”

• Nicene Creed: “God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God… consubstantial with the Father.”

John 1:1–3
John 1:14 – “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us… we have seen his glory…”

---

2. Jesus is the Object of Our Faith

John 8:58
Acts 16:31
Philippians 3:9
Galatians 2:16
John 3:36

---

Why Should We Avoid Favoritism?

1. Favoritism Violates the Heart of God

Definition: Favoritism is prioritizing someone to selfishly gain from them while neglecting others who have nothing to offer.

James 2:2–4
“If a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly… have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”

James 2:5
“Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom…?”

Truth: Favoritism is more concerned with what you can do for me;
Favor is more concerned with what I can do for you.

Truth: God is incapable of showing favoritism.

Acts 17:24–25
“The God who made the world… gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.”

James 2:6–7
“You have dishonored the poor man… the rich oppress you… blaspheme the honorable name…”

Three Groups of People in James:

• The poor believer

• The rich believer

• The rich unbeliever

---

2. Favoritism Violates the Law of God

James 2:8–11
“If you really fulfill the royal law… ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well…”

• “Royal,” Gk. βασιλικός (basilikos) — royal, supreme

1 John 3:15
“Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer…”

James 2:12–13
“So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty…”

Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”

---

TAKEAWAYS

1. Favoritism is a form of idolatry.

2. Favoritism is often generationally motivated.

   • Older people sometimes write off younger people as lazy or immature. (1 Timothy 4:12)

   • Younger people sometimes ignore older people as “out of touch.” (Leviticus 19:32)

3. Favoritism is often socially motivated.