Prejudice is Wrong

John 4:1-9, 27 Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John {2} (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), {3} He left Judea

and departed again to Galilee. {4} But He needed to go through Samaria. {5} So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. {6} Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. {7} A woman of Samaria came to draw water.

Jesus said to her, "Give Me a drink." {8} For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. {9}

Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a

Samaritan woman?" For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans….. {27} And at this point His disciples

came, and they marveled that He talked with a woman; yet no one said, "What do You seek?" or, "Why are You

talking with her?"

PREJUDICEA. Controversy over Confederate flag

B. Prej·u·dice n. 1.a. An adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge or examination of the facts. (Pre-judging)

C. Without preferring one before another (1 Tim 5:21) I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality.

D. Respect of persons = sin (James 2:8-9) If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; {9} but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

I. TYPES OF PREJUDICE (A STUDY OF JOHN 4)

A. A. Racial - Jew vs. Samaritan 1. Black/White2. Mexican vs Black3. American vs French

B. Sexual - male vs. femaleC. Moral - married 5 times, living with a

man1. Prostitutes, drug dealers, liars2. Homosexuals, child molesters,

gossipers3. Rapists, murderers, robbers

I. TYPES OF PREJUDICED. Religious - Jerusalem vs. Mt. Gerazim

1. Muslims vs. "Christians"2. Church of Christ vs. Baptists3. Protestants vs. Catholics - N. Ireland4. Liberal vs. Conservative5. (Acts 10:34-35) Then Peter opened his

mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. {35} “But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.

E. Social - Jews don't deal with Samaritans6. Wrong side of the tracks7. Not a member of the Country Club

I. TYPES OF PREJUDICE F. Historical - Judged by past history of a

nation1. Can't trust the Germans2. "Save Confederate money, South rise

again." 

G. Educational - Degrees vs. Common sense1. Must have Masters degree to be elder

here.2. What university did you attend?

I. TYPES OF PREJUDICE

H. Economic - Rich vs. poor (James 2:8-9) If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; {9} but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.1. Type of house, neighborhood, section

of town2. Size of bank account, clothes, jewelry3. Kind of car they drive

I. TYPES OF PREJUDICEI. Professional - Prejudge their value to society

1. Lawyers are crooks2. Preachers are lazy3. Politicians are liars4. Doctors vs. Chiropractors

J. Marital status1. Married - must for a preacher2. Divorced - bad news for anyone3. Single - something is wrong with them4. "Old Maid" - "Bachelor"

K. Political1. Republican vs. Democrat2. Liberal vs. Conservative

II. WHY DO WE HAVE PREJUDICE?

A. Sin! (James 2:8-9) If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; {9} but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.1. Hate2. Jealousy, Envy

B. Learned from parents and othersC. External is all that we see - at first.

1. First impressions = lasting ones.2. Do you want to know more about this

person?

III. WHY IS PREJUDICE WRONG?A. It violates the command to love. Matthew 5:43-45

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' (44) But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, (45) that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

B. It violates the golden rule. Luke 6:31 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

III. WHY IS PREJUDICE WRONG?

C. It violates the command to do good to all men. Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

D. All men are made in the image of God.

E. All men have a soul that is eternal.

F. All men have value and worth:1. To God2. To society

IV. HOW DOES YOUR PREJUDICE SHOW?

A. Terms used – Offensive to any group.

B. Expressed in actions

V. HOW DO YOU OVERCOME PREJUDICE?

A. Realize that prejudice is wrong.

B. Put yourself in their place.

C. Force yourself to learn about them and love them.

D. Hate is learned. It can be unlearned.

E. Change the terms of prejudice you use.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

A. The more differences in a congregation (lack of prejudice), the more likely there will be growth.

B. Are you guilty of the sin of prejudice?

C. Are you separated from God for some reason?

D. Can we help you in getting right with God?

Tonight’s Sermon