Weekly Sermon
This message is a companion to three previous messages: If Ye Fulfill the Royal Law (Part 1) - James 2:8
If Ye Fulfill the Royal Law (Part 2) - James 2:8
If Ye Fulfill the Royal Law (Part 3) - James 2:8
James 2:8 reads, “If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well.”
In James 2:8 we find the commendation of the Lord our God Himself in His Holy Word unto all who fulfill His royal law. Herein the law of the Lord our God is described as His royal law because He is the divine Lord and King of our lives. Indeed, this reveals that we believers in this time of the New Testament do have the responsibility to serve under our Lord’s authority and to submit ourselves in obedience under the authority of law for our lives. Furthermore, we have the responsibility to fulfill our Lord’s royal law, that is – to obey it completely and consistently. Finally, we are brought to understand that we must fulfill our Lord’s royal law over our lives in accord with the Old Testament Scripture from Leviticus 19:18, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” If we do this, then the Lord our God through His Holy Word by the inspiration of God the Holy Spirit commends us with the declaration, “Ye do well.” If we do this, then in our Lord’s sight we are walking in the way of righteousness.
So then, what does it mean to love our neighbor as ourselves? In Leviticus 19:17-18 this instruction was first given, wherein God’s word declares, “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.” Then throughout the New Testament, this instruction of our God’s law was quoted by our Lord Jesus Christ on two occasion in Matthew 19:19 & 22:39(with Mark 12:31 being a parallel passage to Matthew 22:39), by the apostle Paul on two further occasions inRomans 13:9 & Galatians 5:14, and by James in James 2:8. Even so, through a study of these and of some supporting passages, we may develop a greater understanding concerning what it means to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Already in the first part of the study, we considered ten truths concerning this matter, as follows:
1. To love our neighbor as ourselves is the foundational principle of God’s law in relation to others.
2. To love our neighbor as ourselves is a debt that we constantly owe unto those around us.
3. To love our neighbor as ourselves means that we work no ill against those around us.
4. To love our neighbor as ourselves means that we not use our Christian liberty for an occasion to our selfish flesh.
5. To love our neighbor as ourselves means that we pursue a behavior of service unto those around us.
6. To love our neighbor as ourselves means that we not verbally “bite and devour” those around us.
7. To love our neighbor as ourselves requires that we walk under the directing influence of God the Holy Spirit.
8. To love our neighbor as ourselves means that we be moved with compassion to help those around us who are in need.
9. To love our neighbor as ourselves means that we not defraud or deal deceitfully with those around us.
10. To love our neighbor as ourselves means that we not be impatient or abusive against those with a physical disability.
Now, in this fourth part of the study, let us consider seven final truths.
This message is a companion to three previous messages: If Ye Fulfill the Royal Law (Part 1) - James 2:8
If Ye Fulfill the Royal Law (Part 2) - James 2:8
If Ye Fulfill the Royal Law (Part 3) - James 2:8
James 2:8 reads, “If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well.”
In James 2:8 we find the commendation of the Lord our God Himself in His Holy Word unto all who fulfill His royal law. Herein the law of the Lord our God is described as His royal law because He is the divine Lord and King of our lives. Indeed, this reveals that we believers in this time of the New Testament do have the responsibility to serve under our Lord’s authority and to submit ourselves in obedience under the authority of law for our lives. Furthermore, we have the responsibility to fulfill our Lord’s royal law, that is – to obey it completely and consistently. Finally, we are brought to understand that we must fulfill our Lord’s royal law over our lives in accord with the Old Testament Scripture from Leviticus 19:18, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” If we do this, then the Lord our God through His Holy Word by the inspiration of God the Holy Spirit commends us with the declaration, “Ye do well.” If we do this, then in our Lord’s sight we are walking in the way of righteousness.
So then, what does it mean to love our neighbor as ourselves? In Leviticus 19:17-18 this instruction was first given, wherein God’s word declares, “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.” Then throughout the New Testament, this instruction of our God’s law was quoted by our Lord Jesus Christ on two occasion in Matthew 19:19 & 22:39(with Mark 12:31 being a parallel passage to Matthew 22:39), by the apostle Paul on two further occasions inRomans 13:9 & Galatians 5:14, and by James in James 2:8. Even so, through a study of these and of some supporting passages, we may develop a greater understanding concerning what it means to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Already in the first part of the study, we considered ten truths concerning this matter, as follows:
1. To love our neighbor as ourselves is the foundational principle of God’s law in relation to others.
2. To love our neighbor as ourselves is a debt that we constantly owe unto those around us.
3. To love our neighbor as ourselves means that we work no ill against those around us.
4. To love our neighbor as ourselves means that we not use our Christian liberty for an occasion to our selfish flesh.
5. To love our neighbor as ourselves means that we pursue a behavior of service unto those around us.
6. To love our neighbor as ourselves means that we not verbally “bite and devour” those around us.
7. To love our neighbor as ourselves requires that we walk under the directing influence of God the Holy Spirit.
8. To love our neighbor as ourselves means that we be moved with compassion to help those around us who are in need.
9. To love our neighbor as ourselves means that we not defraud or deal deceitfully with those around us.
10. To love our neighbor as ourselves means that we not be impatient or abusive against those with a physical disability.
Now, in this fourth part of the study, let us consider seven final truths.
To love our neighbor as ourselves means that we not practice respect of persons in the judgment of those around us.
In Leviticus 19:14 the prohibitive instruction is given, “Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.” Herein we are instructed concerning matters of judgment neither to give special respect “to the person of the poor” simply because we feel for his poor condition, nor “to the person of the mighty” because we desire the benefit of his favor. Rather, we are instructed concerning matters of judgment to pursue after a just and righteous judgment, basing our judgment strictly upon the actual character and conduct of those involved. In matters of judgment, it is not the external condition of the individual’s involved, whether poor or mighty, that should matter. Rather, it is the actual character and conduct of those involved that matter for making just and righteous judgments. Now, to love our neighbor as ourselves requires that we pursue justice and righteousness in matters of judgment. Therefore, to love our neighbor as ourselves means that we must not allow any respect of an individual’s external condition or person to sway us in such matters of judgment. So then, what is included in theses matters of judgment? First, such would include official cases concerning criminal activity or civil disputes. Furthermore, such would include general cases wherein we may be involved as a mediator between disputing parties. Finally, such would include the judgment calls that we make concerning those around us whereby we govern our behavior toward them.
To love our neighbor as ourselves means that we not behave as a talebearer against those around us.
In the opening portion of Leviticus 19:16, the prohibitive instruction is given, “Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people.” Concerning the ways and words of the talebearer, Proverbs 26:20-22 declares, “Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.” Herein we find that the gossiping ways and words of the talebearer stirs up strife and wounds others’ hearts. Even so, we must recognize that gossiping and talebearing is a hurtful and malicious practice. As such, we must also recognize that the practice of gossiping and talebearing is certainly not a practice of godly love toward others.
To love our neighbor as ourselves means that we not do anything that might put those around us in jeopardy.
In the closing portion of Leviticus 19:16, the prohibitive instruction is given, “Neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.” To “stand against the blood” of an individual means to behave in a manner that puts them in physical jeopardy, unto possible injury, bloodshed, or even death. Such would indicate that we must not serve as a false witness against an individual in criminal case. Furthermore, such would indicate that we must engage in physically abusive or criminal activity against others. Indeed, Proverbs 1:10-16 warns against involving ourselves in such activities, saying, “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: we shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse: my son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: for their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.” Finally, such would indicate that we must not ignore the physical peril of another individual when we are able to prevent it. In this regard Proverbs 24:11-12 gives the warning, “If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; if thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? And he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? And shall not he render to every man according to his works?” Certainly such behavior would not be in accord with the principle of godly love toward others.
To love our neighbor as ourselves means that we not have a spirit of hatred toward those around us.
In the opening portion of Leviticus 19:17, the prohibitive instruction is given, “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart.” Certainly, we all recognize that a spirit of hatred is the opposite of godly love toward others. Indeed, God’s Word makes this clear in the contrast of Proverbs 15:17, saying, “Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.” Again God’s Word reveals the contrasting behavior of hatred and love in Proverbs 10:12, saying, “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” Furthermore, God’s Word teaches that the Lord our God classifies a spirit of hatred toward another as being equivalent to a spirit of murder toward that individual. In the opening portion of 1 John 3:15, God’s Word declares, “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer.” Yet this matter does not simply concern actions of hatred toward another, but also encompasses an attitude of hatred toward another. Again we consider the prohibitive instruction from Leviticus 19:17 – “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart.” This is very definitely a matter of the heart. In fact, it is possible to employ an external manner of sweetness toward another as a deceptive covering over a inner spirit of hatred toward that individual. God’s Word warns concerning this in Proverbs 26:24-26, saying, “He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; when he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.” Indeed, we are even prohibited from harboring a spirit of hatred toward our antagonists and our enemies; for in Matthew 5:43-45 our Lord Jesus Christ proclaimed, “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”
To love our neighbor as ourselves means that we do rebuke our neighbor for sinful conduct in his or her life.
In the closing portion of Leviticus 19:17, the positive instruction is given, “Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.” Some may argue that godly love would not express reproofs and correctives of another, because might hurt the feelings of that other. Yet God’s Holy Word declares otherwise. Indeed, God’s Holy Word directly instructs us to express a reproof unto our neighbor against his or her sinful conduct. Such reproof is within the realm of godly love because it does not simply and silently allow sin to take hold upon the life of our neighbor, and thereby bring him or her to destruction. This reproof is a loving warning against danger. Knowing the danger of sin, godly love expresses this reproof in order to warn our neighbor away from danger and destruction. Yea, this expression of godly love toward another must not be neglected, but must be expressed “in any wise,” in whatever opportunity the Lord our God will provide. Even so, Proverbs 27:5 presents the truth with great force, saying, “Open rebuke is better than secret love.” Indeed, “open rebuke” is a very characteristic of godly love toward another. Yet that “open rebuke” must be delivered from a Spirit-filled heart and in a spirit of meekness. In Galatians 6:1 God’s Word gives the instruction, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” In like manner, the opening portion of Proverbs 27:6 declares, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” The wounds of loving reproof are faithful wounds, motivated for the purpose of spiritual correction and edification. Such wounds are not the abusive wounds of a biting spirit that are intended to pierce with harshness. Rather, such wounds are the faithful wounds of a loving heart that are intended to cut away unhealthiness.
To love our neighbor as ourselves means that we do not hold a spirit of vengeance against those around us.
In the opening portion of Leviticus 19:18, the prohibitive instruction is given, “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people.” Indeed, our natural inclination is to return evil for evil and railing for railing. Yet this is not the way of godly love toward those around us. In fact, God’s Holy Word commands us, not simply to refrain from returning evil for evil or railing for railing, but actually to return kindness and blessing for evil and railing. In 1 Peter 3:8-9 God’s Word declares, “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.” Again in 1 Thessalonians 5:15 God’s Word proclaims, “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.” Yet again in Exodus 23:4-5 God’s Word instructed in the Old Testament Law, “If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.” Even so, in Romans 12:14 God’s Word proclaims, “Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.” Again in the opening portion of verse 17, God’s Word declares, “Recompense to no man evil for evil.” Finally, in verses 19-21 God’s Word instructs, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
To love our neighbor as ourselves means that we not carry a grudge in our hearts against those around us.
Again in the opening portion of Leviticus 19:18, the prohibitive instruction is given, “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people.” Now, to hold a grudge means “to store up a strong, continuing attitude of anger, bitterness, and ill-will against another over some perceived grievance (whether real or imagined).” Such a practice is not the way of godly love toward those around us. Even so, in James 5:9 God’s Word delivers the warning, “Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.”
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