Scripture Reading: Job 32:15-22

How to Avoid Partiality

Intro.

1. Elihu waited his turn to speak. Now, he would measure his words with impartiality, as one who spoke before God, Job 32:6-9, 10, 17.

2. We are wise to follow Elihu’s good example, James 2:1.

3. God’s counsel: Be impartial in judgment, Prov. 24:23-25; 28:21.

4. Be fair and just; Our judgments will return to us, Luke 6:38.

I. Do Not Let Physical (outward) Considerations Rule Your Decisions (judgments), Deut. 1:16; 16:18-19.

-God doesn’t, 1 Sam. 16:7.

A. Family (parents and children): Isaac and Rebekah (Esau and Jacob), Gen. 25:27-28; 27:2ff (hatred, 27:41).

B. Leadership of Nations and in the Church.

1. Eli (1 Sam. 3:13); Saul, 1 Sam. 8:19-20; 9:2; 10:23-24; David, 1 Sam. 13:14; 16:7 (8-10); Pilate (Matt. 27:24); Felix (Acts 24:27).

2. God qualifies leaders of His people to prevent this (Acts 20:28).

3. Elders and preachers are not immune to temptations of partiality, 1 Tim. 5:17-21.

II. Do Not Let Emotions Cloud YOUR Objectivity, Exod. 23:3; Lev. 19:15 (sympathy); James 1:19-20 (wrath).

-Otherwise, justice and judgment are perverted, Deut. 1:17 (fear).

III. Do Not Let Personal Gain Rule Your Decisions, Deut. 10:17; 16:19 (bribe). Reject personal advantages as motive and outcome.

A. Fear of God Protects Us Against Partiality, 2 Chron. 19:7

-Not flattery, covetousness, etc., 1 Thess. 2:3-6

IV. Maintain the Clear Distinction God’s Word Makes between Evil and Good, Prov. 18:5 (Heb. 5:14; 1 Thess. 5:21-22).

Conclusion

1. God is impartial in offering salvation to sinners (Acts 10:34-35) and in judging us all (1 Pet. 1:17), Rom. 2:11.

2. We will be judged with the judgment we apply to others, Matt. 7:2.

3. Gospel invitation, Acts 10:34-35.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted January 19, 2022