We exist to love all people to Christ and equip them on their journey with God and one another. We believe Jesus Christ is the hope of the world and the church is His plan for sharing that hope with the world. Every week, from the First Baptist Owasso, we explore the Word of God to strengthen our faith, draw near to Him, and deepen our love for one another.
https://first-baptist-owasso.castos.com
episode 2: The Distortion of God’s Image
Chris Wall • Chris Wall • James 2:1-13
Though there are many relevant examples to use when articulating the impact of the fall, the sin of partiality is a pertinent focus for today. Of course, it is normal to question whether man can be like God after the fall, but Scripture confirms that even though man is sinful, there is still enough likeness to God that we are naturally moved to honor every life. In fact, the New Testament confirms this in James 3:9 where it says that men generally, not just believers are made in the likeness of God. However, since man sinned, moral purity has been lost and sinful character remains a struggle. Man struggles to reflect God’s holiness and begins to allow corruption to run rampant. Sin corrupts intellect, speech, worldview and relationships. Sin causes selfishness to replace love, pride to reject humility, and partiality to diminish generosity. Sin causes the Imago Dei in humanity to become distorted. When God created man, His creation was very good (Genesis 1:31). However, the fall distorted the true nature of man causing a battle with partiality. Thankfully, the fall was transformed by Christ but still James 2 reveals continuous battles with our old nature and our tendency to look down on one
another ignoring the “royal law” of God.