Throughout the lengthy paragraph of James 2:1-13, James is dealing under the inspiration of God the Holy Spirit with the matter of practicing partiality against some in favor of others due to external considerations. Specifically, in this context James is dealing with the matter of practicing partiality against the poor in favor of the rich. Even so, James has revealed the Biblical truth that practicing such partiality is a sin. Indeed, in James 2:9 God’s Word directly declares, “But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” Yet James anticipates that there will be some who will defend their practice of partiality by thinking that although it is a wrong practice, it is a somewhat minor matter of sin. Indeed, James anticipates that such individuals will think that James is making too much out of a fairly insignificant matter.
To combat this unspiritual mindset, James presents a number of general Biblical principles concerning transgression against the law of God. Indeed, as general principles these principles are not just applicable to the matter of practicing partiality, but are equally applicable to any matter wherein an individual may be considering some wrong doing as a somewhat minor fault of spiritual insignificance. First, in verse 10 we find the principle of breaking the law. Second, in the opening portion of verse 11, we find the principle of offending the Lord. Third, in the closing portions of verse 9, verse 10, and verse 11, we find the principle of being under liability.
1. The Principle of Breaking the Law 2. The Principle of Offending the Lord 3. The Principle of Being under Liability |