Discrimination, Racism and the Gospel

Thesis: Racism and discrimination have been a problem since the garden.

1. Discriminating Focuses our Heart on the wrong Kingdom verse 1-4

   If discrimination rules your thoughts the enemy is ruling your heart.
   Discrimination is the opposite of showing God glory.
   The Bible would focus our hearts on the Glory of God and away from temporal glory.
   All people are equally created by God
   Your view of people is governed by what rules your heart
   Our acts towards others reveal what is important in our hearts
   We cannot use our sin nature to excuse our prejudices
   Through grace we all stand equal at the foot of the cross

2. James gives the illustration in verses 2-4

   What kind of person makes you uncomfortable?
   What kind of person makes you feel unprotected on the street?
   Is your heart embracing the radical counter-culturalism of the Gospel?
   As Christ's Ambassadors we have to think and view people as Christ does.

3. Discrimination Forgets the Work of the Gospel. verse 5-13

   How did you come to Christ? Poor - with nothing to offer
   A believer knows they are unworthy before the Lord.
   You are the person who is unclean and deserves to be shunned.
   Prejudices and racism fly in the face of the Gospel
   James reminds us that the Kingdom of God is a Kingdom of love.
   Does the Gospel effect how you view others?
   Personal prejudices reveals my lack of submission to the law of my Lord.

Conclusion:

Verse 13 reminds us of the Mercy we have received from the Lord. The Gospel welcomes you to hope because Jesus has come and we will dwell with Him.