This Sunday morning our sermon will come from James 2:8-10. In this passage we are introduced to what James refers to as the “royal law” (v. 8). He then identifies this blessed law as Leviticus 19:18—“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This Old Testament precept is inserted into the section where James continues to deal with the sin of showing “partiality” (v. 9) within the body of Christ. In effect, James argues that to practice such favoritism (remember, they have treated the rich man more honorably than the poor man simply because of his status, 2:1-7) is a violation of this divine “law.”

Several pertinent questions surface here that we shall attempt to answer on Sunday. First, why is this precept called “royal,” and what is its connection to the “whole law” of God (v. 10)? Secondly, are believers in Christ still under the “law,” and if so, in what way? And third, what is it to “love” ourselves, and how do we define the kind of “love” called for here in distinction from other varieties of love? Perhaps we can consider these important questions as we prayerfully prepare our hearts for Lord’s Day worship.