Prejudice

Prejudice

Introduction (Acts 10:34–35):
God shows no partiality. In every nation, those who fear Him and do what is right are acceptable to Him. Preaching against prejudice is a gospel duty because Christ breaks sinful barriers and gathers people into one body by His cross.

What Prejudice Is and Why It Matters
Prejudice is discrimination or persecution against a class of people. Nations have spoken lofty ideals about equality, yet history records many violations of those ideals. Foundational American texts—“all men are created equal” in the Declaration, the Constitution’s aims for justice and tranquility, and Lincoln’s reminder that a nation is dedicated to equality—affirm dignity under God. Scripture grounds that dignity far deeper: every person bears God’s image and stands accountable to His word.

Witnesses from Recent History
Slavery in America inflicted deep wounds and long consequences. Darwin’s famous title spoke of “favoured races,” language that fed pride and error. Hitler’s murders targeted those he labeled inferior—Jews, Slavs, Poles—revealing how unchecked prejudice breeds violence. These moments warn the church to examine hearts, guard teaching, and practice the love that fulfills the law.

Prejudice Among the Jews
In Bible times many Jews viewed Gentiles with contempt. Some practiced ritual washings after market contact, fearing defilement through ordinary association. These customs came from human tradition, not from the Law. When Jesus spoke with the Samaritan woman, she recognized the barrier: “Jews have no dealings with Samaritans” (John 4:7–9). The Lord’s example exposed empty traditions and pointed to living water for all.

Prejudice in the Early Church
The first disciples were Jewish and carried long-held assumptions. For years after Pentecost the gospel spread largely among Jews. God then shattered the wall by a vision to Peter: “What God has cleansed, do not call common” (Acts 10:9–15). Peter concluded, “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34–35). The church in Jerusalem glorified God when Gentiles believed (Acts 11:1, 18, 20). The mission widened, and the promise to Abraham—blessing to all families of the earth—advanced in power.

Your Sheet: A Heart Examination
Peter saw animals he once avoided and learned to welcome people he once avoided. If a sheet descended before you, what would appear? People with different political views? Educational levels? Occupations? Accents, skin tones, or incomes unlike yours? The gospel calls every disciple to lay aside contempt, make room for mercy, and seek the soul before the label.

New Testament Teaching About Prejudice
In Christ, ethnic status, social rank, and cultural heritage do not confer spiritual advantage or disadvantage. “There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). “Christ is all, and in all” (Colossians 3:11). James teaches that faith in the Lord Jesus cannot coexist with favoritism. Seating the wealthy up front and shaming the poor exposes a divided heart; partiality transgresses God’s royal law (James 2:1–10).

The Cross of Christ Breaks Barriers
Jesus “is our peace,” making both one and tearing down the dividing wall, reconciling all to God in one body through the cross (Ephesians 2:14–18). The gospel forms one people, united by grace, baptized into one body, and called to the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. The church displays this unity through impartial love, just judgments, and open doors for every penitent sinner.

Call to Action
Examine your heart before God. Ask Him to reveal hidden bias. Seek out someone unlike you and serve them in Christ’s name. Welcome every soul who seeks the Lord. Speak the gospel across lines that once seemed uncrossable. Walk in step with the truth of the gospel so that Christ’s peace is visible in this congregation.

Prejudice Sermon Outline:

Introduction (Acts 10:34–35)

• God shows no partiality.

• Preaching against prejudice flows from the gospel.

I. Defining Prejudice and Its Moral Weight

• Discrimination/persecution against a class of people.

• Human documents affirm equality; Scripture grounds it in God’s image.

II. Warnings from Recent History

• Slavery in America: a national sin and lasting wound.

• Darwin’s title and “favoured races”: fuel for pride and error.

• Hitler’s genocide: prejudice matured into violence.

• Application: the church must teach, guard, and love.

III. Prejudice Among the Jews

• Traditions fostered separation from Gentiles (John 4:7–9).

• Human rules, not Mosaic Law, created social barriers.

• Christ’s example opened a door for all.

IV. Prejudice Confronted in the Early Church

• Initial Jewish focus after Pentecost.

• Peter’s vision (Acts 10:9–15) and confession (Acts 10:34–35).

• Jerusalem’s response and Gentile evangelism (Acts 11:1, 18, 20).

• The promise expands to all nations.

V. “What Is in Your Sheet?”—Self-Examination

• Identify groups you avoid or dismiss.

• Replace contempt with compassion and mission.

VI. New Testament Teaching on Impartiality

• One in Christ: Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11.

• James 2:1–10: favoritism violates the royal law.

• Church life: seating, speech, service, and judgment without partiality.

VII. The Cross Creates One People

• Ephesians 2:14–18: Christ is our peace; the wall is torn down.

• Practice unity: welcome, justice, mercy, evangelism to all.

Call to Action

• Repent of partiality; seek reconciliation.

• Intentionally befriend across lines of difference.

• Proclaim the gospel to every creature; model the unity of the cross.

Key Takeaways

• God rejects partiality; He receives those who fear Him and do right (Acts 10:34–35).

• Prejudice flourishes where Scripture is ignored and pride rules the heart (James 2:1–10).

• In Christ, distinctions lose power to divide; the church is one new humanity (Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11; Ephesians 2:14–18).

• The gospel advances when barriers fall and neighbors receive impartial love (Acts 11:18, 20).

• Every disciple must examine attitudes and practice mercy that reflects the Savior (Micah 6:8; James 2:13).

Scripture Reference List

• Acts 10:34–35 – God shows no partiality; acceptance through reverent obedience.

• John 4:7–9 – Social hostility acknowledged; Jesus engages the Samaritan woman.

• Acts 10:9–15 – Peter’s vision corrects inherited prejudice.

• Acts 11:1, 18, 20 – The church glorifies God as Gentiles believe; mission widens.

• Galatians 3:28 – All one in Christ Jesus.

• Colossians 3:11 – Christ is all, and in all.

• James 2:1–10 – Favoritism condemned; violation of the royal law.

• Ephesians 2:14–18 – Christ is our peace; the dividing wall removed.

• Micah 6:8 – Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with God.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO