THERE IS NO RESPECT OF PERSONS WITH GOD

THERE IS NO RESPECT OF PERSONS WITH GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 6:9; Romans 2:6-11; Acts 10:34-35

Key Verse: “And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.” — Ephesians 6:9 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Deuteronomy 10:17; 2 Chronicles 19:7; Job 34:19; Proverbs 24:23; Acts 10:34-35; Romans 2:11; James 2:1-9; Galatians 3:28.

Description: This message teaches that God judges people impartially and calls every believer to reject favouritism, prejudice, and unjust treatment while showing fairness, dignity, and love to all.

INTRODUCTION

One of the challenges facing humanity is the tendency to treat people according to their wealth, social position, education, family background, appearance, ethnicity, influence, or connections. In many places, the rich receive special attention while the poor are ignored; people with influential relatives are favoured while those without connections are neglected. Sometimes, even within the Church, people are treated differently because of their financial contributions, positions, gifts, or popularity. Such behaviour contradicts the character of God, who is perfectly righteous and impartial in His dealings with humanity.

In Ephesians 6:5-9, the Apostle Paul addresses servants and masters, teaching both groups that their conduct must be governed by their accountability to Christ. After instructing servants to work sincerely as unto the Lord, Paul turns to those in authority and commands them to treat their servants rightly, reminding them that they too have a Master in heaven. He concludes with the declaration that there is no respect of persons with God. In this context, respect of persons means showing improper favour or making unjust distinctions based on outward status rather than what is right.

The truth that God is impartial has profound implications for our relationship with Him and with other people. God does not accept a person merely because of wealth, position, nationality, or human influence. He does not excuse wrongdoing because the offender is powerful, nor does He disregard a person simply because that person is poor or unknown. His judgement is righteous, His standards are consistent, and His love extends to people from every background. As His children, we must reflect His character by treating people fairly, rejecting prejudice, and showing genuine love to all.

1. GOD'S CHARACTER IS PERFECTLY IMPARTIAL

The foundation of our message is the character of God Himself. Scripture repeatedly reveals that God is righteous, just, and impartial. Unlike human beings, who may be influenced by appearances, emotions, personal relationships, or material interests, God judges with perfect knowledge and wisdom.

God's impartiality does not mean that He treats every person in exactly the same way regardless of their choices or circumstances. It means that He does not pervert justice or show unfair favour because of a person's identity or social standing. His dealings are governed by truth and righteousness.

a) God Does Not Judge by Outward Appearance (1 Samuel 16:7)

When Samuel was sent to anoint one of Jesse's sons as king, he initially considered Eliab because of his appearance and stature. But God corrected his perspective, explaining that human beings look on the outward appearance while the Lord looks on the heart.

Human beings are often impressed by clothing, beauty, titles, wealth, and public reputation. We may assume that a person who dresses well is more responsible or that someone who occupies a prominent position is more valuable. Such assumptions can lead to unfair treatment.

God teaches us to look beyond outward appearance and recognise the importance of character. A person may have little material wealth but possess honesty, wisdom, kindness, and faithfulness. Another may have great influence but lack integrity. We must therefore resist the temptation to determine a person's worth by external circumstances.

Practical Application: Treat people with dignity regardless of their appearance, clothing, financial condition, or social status. Learn to value character above outward display.

b) God Is Not Influenced by Wealth or Power (Deuteronomy 10:17)

Moses declares that the Lord is the God of gods and Lord of lords, a great and mighty God who does not regard persons or take rewards. This reveals that God cannot be manipulated by human power or bribed by material gifts.

People may attempt to influence decisions through money, gifts, connections, or threats. In some environments, justice appears to favour those who can afford to pay or those who know influential people. But God's righteous standard cannot be bought or altered by human wealth.

This truth should encourage those who feel disadvantaged. Your lack of money or influential connections does not make you invisible to God. At the same time, it warns the wealthy and powerful not to assume that their position places them above accountability.

Practical Application: Refuse to allow wealth, influence, or personal benefit to determine how you treat people or make decisions. Let righteousness guide your conduct.

c) God Is a Righteous Judge (Psalm 89:14)

The Bible declares that righteousness and judgement are the habitation of God's throne. His authority is founded on perfect justice, and He never needs to distort the truth to protect His reputation or satisfy personal interests.

Human judgement is often limited by incomplete information. We may misunderstand situations, believe false reports, or be influenced by our relationships. God, however, knows the truth completely. His judgement is never based on ignorance, bribery, prejudice, or partial information.

This should give believers confidence that injustice will not have the final word. It should also make us careful when judging others, because we do not possess God's perfect knowledge.

Practical Application: Before making a judgement about another person, listen carefully, examine the facts, and avoid conclusions based merely on rumours or personal feelings.

d) God Requires His People to Reflect His Justice (Micah 6:8)

God requires His people to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him. These requirements show that impartiality is not merely a doctrine to believe; it is a character quality to practise.

A person cannot claim to love a righteous God while deliberately cheating others, showing favouritism, or abusing authority. Our relationship with God should influence the way we handle family matters, business transactions, church responsibilities, and community relationships.

Justice must be joined with mercy and humility. We should stand for what is right without becoming proud, harsh, or vindictive. God calls us to uphold truth while treating people with compassion.

Practical Application: Examine your daily decisions and ask whether you are acting justly, showing mercy, and remaining humble before God.

Biblical Example: God's Choice of David (1 Samuel 16:1-13)

When Samuel visited Jesse's household, David was initially left out of the gathering because he was tending the sheep. Yet God had chosen him for kingship. The story reminds us that human beings may overlook people whom God sees and calls. We should never assume that someone's present position reveals the full extent of God's purpose for that person's life.

2. GOD DOES NOT SHOW FAVOURITISM IN SALVATION

The gospel reveals God's impartiality in His invitation to humanity. Salvation is available through Jesus Christ to people from every nation and background. No person is saved because of wealth, family connections, social class, ethnicity, or public influence. We are saved by God's grace through faith in Christ.

God's impartiality does not mean that every person is automatically saved regardless of their response to the gospel. Rather, no group has a privileged route to salvation apart from Christ, and no person is excluded from the invitation because of earthly status or background.

a) God Shows No Partiality in His Invitation (Acts 10:34-35)

Peter declared, “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34, KJV). He came to understand that God was welcoming people from the nations who feared Him and practised righteousness.

Peter's experience with Cornelius challenged the assumption that God's saving work was restricted to one ethnic group. The gospel was to be proclaimed across national and cultural boundaries. God's invitation reaches people whom society may overlook or exclude.

The Church must therefore resist every attitude that suggests that some ethnic groups, nationalities, or social classes are inherently more deserving of God's mercy than others. Every person needs Christ, and every person should be able to hear the gospel without being treated as inferior.

Practical Application: Share the gospel without prejudice. Do not allow ethnic, cultural, financial, or social differences to determine whom you welcome or serve.

b) Salvation Is by Grace, Not Social Status (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Paul teaches that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our own works. Salvation is God's gift, and no one can boast as though it were earned through personal achievement.

A wealthy person cannot purchase salvation. An educated person cannot reason his way into God's kingdom through intellectual ability alone. A respected family background cannot replace repentance and faith in Christ. Equally, a poor or socially disadvantaged person is not disqualified from receiving God's grace.

This truth humbles everyone. We all depend on the mercy of God, and none of us has grounds for boasting over another person. Our confidence must rest in Christ rather than in our accomplishments or status.

Practical Application: Place your confidence in Jesus Christ, not in your achievements, connections, family background, or religious reputation. Extend the same message of grace to others.

c) Christ Breaks Down Dividing Walls (Ephesians 2:13-16)

Paul explains that Christ has brought those who were once far away near through His blood and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility. Through the cross, Christ creates a reconciled people who can approach God together.

Human societies often create divisions based on ethnicity, nationality, class, history, and culture. Some differences are legitimate and need not disappear, but they should never become excuses for hatred, exclusion, or the denial of another person's dignity.

The Church should be a community where people from different backgrounds worship Christ together, serve one another, and demonstrate the reconciling power of the gospel. Our unity is rooted in Christ, not in the claim that everyone must share the same culture or personal preferences.

Practical Application: Build relationships across social and cultural boundaries. Refuse to participate in prejudice, ethnic hostility, or the deliberate exclusion of believers because of their background.

d) God's Love Extends to the Whole World (John 3:16)

Jesus declared that God loved the world and gave His only begotten Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. The invitation is expressed in universal terms: whoever believes in Christ may receive eternal life.

God's love is not restricted to one race, tribe, language, or economic class. The gospel must be carried to every people, and the Church must avoid presenting Christianity as the possession of one ethnic group or social class.

This does not mean that God approves every action or belief. His love calls people to repentance, faith, and transformation. Nevertheless, no one should be rejected as beyond the reach of His grace simply because of where they come from.

Practical Application: Pray for people from different nations and backgrounds, support evangelism without prejudice, and welcome sincere seekers with respect and compassion.

Biblical Example: Cornelius and Peter (Acts 10:1-48)

Cornelius was a Gentile centurion who sought God and responded to the message He received. God directed Peter to visit him, and the Holy Spirit came upon those who heard the gospel. This event showed Peter that God's saving work was not limited by the ethnic boundaries he had previously observed. The account challenges believers to proclaim Christ without prejudice.

3. GOD EXPECTS HIS PEOPLE TO REJECT FAVOURITISM

God's impartiality establishes a clear responsibility for His people. If He does not show unjust favour, we must not allow favouritism to control our decisions. This applies to the Church, family, workplace, business, education, and every area where we exercise influence over others.

Favouritism occurs when we give someone an unfair advantage because of personal relationships, wealth, appearance, ethnicity, or another irrelevant consideration. It can deny deserving people opportunities, damage trust, and create division.

a) Do Not Favour the Rich Over the Poor (James 2:1-4)

James warns believers against showing partiality by giving a wealthy visitor a prominent seat while treating a poor visitor with contempt. He exposes the contradiction between professing faith in Christ and judging people by their outward status.

A church can fall into this error when wealthy visitors receive special attention while struggling members are ignored. A congregation can celebrate large donors but neglect people who cannot contribute financially. Such behaviour sends the message that a person's value depends on what they possess.

The Church should honour generosity without allowing financial contribution to determine a person's dignity or access to pastoral care. Every person deserves respectful treatment, whether rich or poor.

Practical Application: Welcome people warmly regardless of their financial condition. Ensure that pastoral care, attention, and dignity are not reserved for those who can offer material benefits.

b) Do Not Favour Family and Friends Unjustly (Leviticus 19:15)

God instructed Israel not to pervert justice by favouring either the poor or the great, but to judge a neighbour fairly. This shows that justice must not be distorted by personal relationships or social considerations.

In families, businesses, and churches, people sometimes give relatives or close friends opportunities they have not earned, excuse their wrongdoing, or deny others a fair hearing. While it is right to love our family and friends, love should not become an excuse for dishonesty or injustice.

Fairness requires consistent standards. If someone we love does wrong, we should address the matter honestly and compassionately rather than covering it up. If someone we dislike does what is right, we should acknowledge it.

Practical Application: Apply fair standards when making decisions involving relatives, friends, employees, and church members. Do not let personal affection override truth.

c) Do Not Practise Ethnic or Social Discrimination (Galatians 3:28)

Paul teaches that in Christ, the divisions that once determined access to covenant standing do not establish superiority among those who belong to Him. All believers are one in Christ Jesus.

This does not erase every distinction in culture, gender, nationality, or social role. It declares that such distinctions do not make one believer spiritually superior or more worthy of God's grace than another. Every Christian belongs to the same Lord and is called to live in love and unity.

Ethnic prejudice and social discrimination weaken Christian fellowship. They encourage suspicion, exclusion, and hostility where there should be mutual respect and cooperation.

Practical Application: Examine your attitudes towards people from other ethnic groups and social backgrounds. Reject insulting stereotypes and seek relationships based on truth, respect, and Christian love.

d) Judge People by Truth and Evidence, Not Rumours (Proverbs 18:13, 17)

Proverbs warns against answering a matter before hearing it and observes that the first account may appear convincing until another person is heard. These principles remind us to avoid premature judgement.

Favouritism can influence the way we handle allegations. We may believe a close friend immediately while refusing to hear the person accusing them. Alternatively, we may assume a disliked person is guilty before examining the facts.

Fair judgement requires listening, gathering reliable information, and allowing people an appropriate opportunity to respond. In serious matters, established procedures and competent authorities should be involved.

Practical Application: Do not spread unverified allegations or make decisions based on one-sided reports. Listen carefully and follow fair procedures before reaching a conclusion.

Biblical Example: The Appointment of the Seven (Acts 6:1-6)

A complaint arose because some widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. The apostles addressed the concern by organising the ministry more effectively and appointing qualified people to oversee the responsibility. Their response demonstrates the importance of recognising unequal treatment and taking practical steps to correct it.

4. LEADERS MUST BE IMPARTIAL IN THE EXERCISE OF AUTHORITY

Ephesians 6:9 specifically addresses masters and those in authority. Paul reminds them that they too are accountable to God. Leadership is a trust, not a licence to oppress people or give unfair advantages to favourites.

The same principle applies to employers, managers, pastors, teachers, parents, government officials, and ministry leaders. Those who exercise authority must remember that God evaluates not only the results they achieve but also the methods they use and the people affected by their decisions.

a) Do Not Use Authority to Oppress Others (Ephesians 6:9)

Paul instructs masters to stop threatening those under their authority. His warning challenges leaders who use fear, intimidation, or humiliation to control people.

A leader may have the right to correct poor performance or enforce reasonable rules, but correction should not become cruelty. Authority should be exercised with dignity, justice, and accountability. People should not be threatened into silence when they raise legitimate concerns.

In the Church, spiritual authority must never be used to exploit members financially, manipulate their decisions, or prevent them from seeking appropriate help when harmed. Leadership should protect and serve people rather than make them instruments of personal ambition.

Practical Application: If you lead others, correct wrongdoing firmly but respectfully. Reject intimidation and create appropriate ways for concerns to be heard.

b) Apply Rules Consistently (Proverbs 24:23)

Scripture teaches that showing partiality in judgement is not good. Rules lose their credibility when they are enforced against some people but ignored for others because of friendship, wealth, or influence.

A supervisor who disciplines one worker for lateness but repeatedly excuses another without a legitimate reason creates resentment. A church leader who applies discipline selectively undermines confidence in leadership. Consistent standards help people understand that decisions are based on principles rather than personal preference.

Consistency does not mean ignoring relevant differences between cases. Fairness may require considering the facts, circumstances, and appropriate responses. The important thing is that decisions must be justifiable and not based on favouritism.

Practical Application: Establish clear standards and apply them fairly. When different decisions are necessary, ensure that the reasons are legitimate and consistent with the facts.

c) Defend the Vulnerable and Overlooked (Proverbs 31:8-9)

The Bible calls those with influence to speak for people who may struggle to speak for themselves and to judge righteously while defending the rights of the poor and needy.

Impartiality does not mean ignoring the needs of vulnerable people. Sometimes fairness requires taking deliberate steps to ensure that those who have been overlooked receive a proper hearing and access to legitimate opportunities. Leaders must not assume that the loudest or most influential person is necessarily the most deserving.

Defending the vulnerable does not mean automatically accepting every claim they make. It means ensuring that they are heard, protected from exploitation, and treated according to the same principles of truth and justice that apply to everyone.

Practical Application: Use your influence to ensure that people who are easily ignored are heard and treated fairly. Address exploitation and unjust treatment through responsible channels.

d) Remember That Every Leader Will Give Account to God (Romans 14:12)

Paul teaches that each person will give an account of himself to God. This is a sobering reminder for anyone entrusted with leadership.

A leader may escape human criticism, conceal wrongdoing, or enjoy the support of influential people, but no one can hide from God's perfect knowledge. Leadership positions are temporary, and every decision must ultimately be evaluated in the light of God's truth.

This awareness should produce humility rather than fear-driven leadership. Leaders who remember their accountability to God are more likely to welcome correction, handle resources carefully, and treat people with dignity.

Practical Application: Regularly examine your decisions and ask whether you could honestly account for them before God. Welcome correction and make restitution where necessary.

Biblical Example: Jehoshaphat's Instructions to the Judges (2 Chronicles 19:5-7)

King Jehoshaphat appointed judges and instructed them to consider carefully what they were doing because they were judging on behalf of the Lord. He warned them against injustice, partiality, and taking bribes. His instructions show that leaders must exercise authority with reverence for God and a commitment to fair judgement.

5. IMPARTIALITY MUST SHAPE OUR RELATIONSHIPS AND DAILY CONDUCT

The doctrine of God's impartiality must become visible in our everyday lives. It is not enough to preach that God does not respect persons if we continue to mistreat people because of their background, income, appearance, or influence.

Christian character is demonstrated through practical choices: whom we welcome, whom we listen to, how we distribute opportunities, how we resolve disputes, and how we treat those who cannot benefit us personally.

a) Love Your Neighbour Without Prejudice (James 2:8-9)

James connects the command to love our neighbour with the rejection of partiality. He teaches that showing favouritism is incompatible with the law of love.

Love does not mean that we must have identical relationships with everyone. We may have closer friendships with some people than others, and we may have different responsibilities towards different individuals. However, we must not use personal preferences as an excuse to deny others basic respect, justice, or compassion.

The Christian should learn to see people as individuals created by God, not merely as members of a group or sources of personal benefit.

Practical Application: Treat every person with basic dignity, including those who are different from you or cannot offer you anything in return.

b) Show Kindness Without Expecting Personal Gain (Luke 6:32-35)

Jesus challenged His followers to love beyond ordinary patterns of reciprocity. He taught that love should not be limited to those who love us or can repay us.

It is easy to be kind to people who can advance our careers, increase our income, or strengthen our reputation. The deeper test comes when we encounter someone who cannot repay our kindness. Christian love calls us to show compassion because it is right, not merely because it is profitable.

This does not mean that we must allow people to exploit us or ignore reasonable boundaries. It means that our willingness to treat others with dignity should not depend entirely on what we expect to receive from them.

Practical Application: Perform acts of kindness for people who cannot repay you. Let your generosity reflect the love and mercy God has shown you.

c) Honour Every Person's God-Given Dignity (Genesis 1:27)

The Bible teaches that humanity was created in the image of God. This truth provides a strong foundation for treating people with dignity.

A person's dignity is not determined by income, education, social class, disability, occupation, or popularity. Every human being should be treated with respect, even when their behaviour must be corrected or their claims must be challenged.

Recognising human dignity does not mean approving every action. It means separating the worth of a person from the evaluation of that person's conduct. We can oppose wrongdoing without dehumanising the wrongdoer.

Practical Application: Speak respectfully to people in every social position. Avoid insults and degrading language, especially towards those who have little power to defend themselves.

d) Be Consistent in Private and Public (Luke 16:10)

Jesus teaches that faithfulness in little things reveals the character needed for greater responsibility. Impartiality begins with the small choices that often go unnoticed.

We may publicly condemn favouritism but privately use our connections to obtain unfair advantages. We may preach justice but expect special treatment when rules affect us or our loved ones. Such inconsistency weakens our witness.

A life of integrity requires us to accept the same principles we expect others to follow. We should be willing to acknowledge our mistakes, accept fair correction, and make things right when we have benefited from unjust treatment.

Practical Application: Examine whether you expect others to follow standards you are unwilling to apply to yourself. Practise the fairness you desire to see in others.

Biblical Example: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)

In Jesus' parable, a wounded man was ignored by people who might have been expected to help him. A Samaritan, someone from a group often viewed with hostility by Jews of that period, stopped to care for him. Jesus used the story to challenge narrow definitions of neighbourly love. The Samaritan's actions demonstrate that compassion must cross social boundaries and become practical help.

CONCLUSION

There is no respect of persons with God. He does not allow wealth, influence, family connections, ethnicity, or social position to corrupt His righteous judgement. Ephesians 6:9 reminds those in authority that they too have a Master in heaven, while the wider teaching of Scripture calls all believers to reject favouritism and practise justice. We are saved by grace through faith in Christ, and no human achievement can make us superior to another person before God. Every one of us must depend on His mercy and remain accountable to His Word.

As children of God, we must reflect His character in our homes, churches, workplaces, businesses, and communities. Welcome people without prejudice, judge matters fairly, treat workers with dignity, defend the vulnerable, and refuse to use influence for unjust advantage. Where you have shown favouritism, repent and make things right where possible. Where you have been overlooked, remember that your worth is not determined by human recognition. May the Lord help us to walk in righteousness, love, humility, and impartiality, so that our lives will reflect the character of our heavenly Father.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, remove every trace of favouritism and prejudice from my heart, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me to treat every person with dignity and fairness, in Jesus name.

3. Father, deliver me from judging people by appearance or social status, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, give our church leaders wisdom to lead with justice and humility, in Jesus name.

5. Father, help me reject corruption, bribery, and unjust advantage, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, give me courage to stand for truth when others practise partiality, in Jesus name.

7. Father, help me show love to people from different backgrounds, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, defend those who are overlooked, oppressed, or unfairly treated, in Jesus name.

9. Father, teach me to exercise every position of authority with integrity, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, make me a faithful reflection of Your righteousness and impartiality, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You will grow in righteousness, humility, and impartial love.

2. You will not be controlled by prejudice or favouritism.

3. You will treat people with dignity regardless of their social position.

4. You will receive wisdom to make fair and righteous decisions.

5. You will have courage to stand for truth when injustice arises.

6. You will use your influence to protect and encourage the vulnerable.

7. You will not compromise your integrity for wealth, connections, or power.

8. You will become an instrument of peace, justice, and reconciliation.

9. You will reflect the character of your heavenly Father in your daily relationships.

10. You will walk in truth and love, bringing honour to Christ in the mighty name of Jesus.