James 2:1-7 My brothers, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.… 1. God often chooses the poor of this world. The lion and the eagle are passed by, and the lamb and the dove chosen for sacrifice (Matthew 11:25). This God does — (1) Partly to show the glory of His power in preserving them, and truth amongst them, that were not upheld by worldly props. (2) Partly to show the riches of His goodness. (3) Partly to discover His wisdom by making up their outward defects by this inward glory. (4) Partly that the members may be conformed to the Head, the saints to Christ, in meanness and suffering. (5) Partly because poverty is a means to keep them upright: riches are a great snare. 2. There are poor in this world, and poor in the world to come. Though here you swim and wallow in a sea of pleasures, yet there you may want a drop to cool your tongue. 3. The poor of this world may be spiritually rich (2 Corinthians 6:10). 4. Faith makes us truly rich; it is the open hand of the soul, to receive all the bounteous supplies of God. If we be empty and poor, it is not because God's hand is straitened, but ours is not opened. 5. The Lord loves only the godly poor (Matthew 5:3). 6. All God's people are heirs (Romans 8:17). 7. The faithful are heirs to a kingdom (Revelation 1:6). 8. Heaven is a kingdom engaged by promise. It is not only good to tempt your desires, but sure to support your hopes. 9. The promise of the kingdom is made to those that love God. Love is the effect of faith, and the ground of all duty, and so the best discovery of a spiritual estate. (T. Manton.) Parallel Verses KJV: My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.WEB: My brothers, don't hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory with partiality. |
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