But if You Show Partiality…

Kenny Foster

September 8, 2024

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Sermon by Kenny Foster, Associate Pastor, Deuteronomy 10:12-19 & James 2:1-9. In this second sermon in the series on the multiethnic vision of the gospel, we are continuing to answer the question, “What does it mean to be a gospel community?” Last Sunday, we heard that it means we go beyond the barriers of race. This week we will hear how the vision of the gospel also goes beyond the barriers of class. The message of the gospel and the salvation that Christ has brought to all who believe is one that is without favoritism or, to say it in the language of our New Testament reading, “partiality.” This literally means to not have regard for one’s outward circumstances or their intrinsic merits so as to prefer them as more worthy than another. But what if you do show partiality? What is the harm? From the text we will see the harm is damaging to the faith, and dishonoring to our fellow humans, by not discharging a debt owed. In answering this question of harm, we will be challenged to consider the cost of our salvation, the beauty of the gospel, and our duty to respond to the great salvation that Christ provided with impartial love toward others beyond the socio-economic barriers that the culture has set.