Sins of the Heart- Prejudice Luke 9:51-56

Introduction-1

•We have been studying a series of lessons considering “sins of the heart”• These are sinful attitudes toward self, toward God, other

people and toward material things• These may go undetected by neighbors and associates• But God knows all that is in our heart- Lk. 16:15• And He judges our hearts as well as our actions- Rom. 2:16

Introduction-2

• Jesus and His disciples were traveling from Galilee to Jerusalem• They were following the most direct route that passed through

Samaria• The Samaritans were a people of mixed ancestry• Resulting from intermarriage between the Jews and the Gentiles• The Scribes and Pharisees in Jerusalem had no social

interactions with the Samaritans- Jn. 4:9

Introduction-3

• Jesus sent disciples into one of their villages to prepare for Him• But they refused to receive Jesus because He was going to

Jerusalem- v.53• It appears they were prejudiced toward the Jews in Jerusalem • And they thought Jesus was like them• Jesus had no prejudice toward the Samaritans and refused to

allow His disciples to take revenge on them• Let us consider this sin of the heart further

Prejudice Identified-1• The Greek word for prejudice (prokrima) means to prejudge• It is making up one’s mind about a person or situation without

sufficient evidence• It often involves things such as race, family, home town,

financial condition over which individuals have little or no control • There are two sides to prejudice1. Partiality toward one person or group2. Rejection or disregarding another person or group

Prejudice Identified-2

• Some of those to whom James wrote were showing partiality to the rich who visited their congregation- Jas. 2:3 • At the same time they were slighting and dishonoring their

poor visitors• In their prejudice, they acted as if more possessions made one

more honorable and worthy of better treatment• James said that both actions involved evil thoughts and sinful

behavior- Jas. 2:4 & 9

The Sources of Prejudice-1

1. One source of prejudice is stereotyping people• Judging all members of the a particular group by the behavior or

reputation of some of them • This seems to be the reason that the Samaritans rejected Jesus

and his disciples• Reason many believe that all lawyers are dishonest• God judges us individually based on our works- II Cor. 5:102. A lack of facts which is often willful

The Sources of Prejudice-2• That occurs when people are willing to rely on hearsay rather

than determine the truth about a person or situation • Or are not interested enough in the truth to seek it out• The scribes and Pharisees called Jesus, “a friend of tax collectors

and sinners”- Mt. 11:19• Even though He said that His association with them was as a

physician- Mt. 9:123. Using one’s self as a standard

The Sources of Prejudice-3•Which will favor those who differing from us who are

perceived to be better in some way• But will reject or disregard those who are different that are

thought to be inferior• God’s word is the only reliable standard for evaluating other

people and their behavior • And a person’s works are the proper basis- Mt. 7:20

The Results of Prejudice-1

1. It will keep us from being like God and His Son• The scriptures teach repeatedly that there is no partiality with

God- Acts 10:34-5• It was the Devil who accused Job based on the weaknesses of

other people- Job 1:112. It will keep some from knowing the truth that can save their

souls- Jas. 1:21

The Results of Prejudice-2• Because of their prejudice against those who are trying to teach

it to them3. It will cause us to mistreat some people while honoring some who should not be honored 4. It is violation of the royal law- Jas. 2:8• None of us want to be the victim of prejudice5. It is a sin will cause those who continue to harbor it to be lost in eternity

In Conclusion

• Prejudice is a common sin in our society• Jesus tells us to judge righteous judgment- Jn. 7:24• God loves every one of us • There is no prejudice nor partiality with Him• He deals with us based not on our outward circumstances but

according to our character and our works• And we ought to do the same toward others