March 28, 2008
As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: wise, gentleness, jealousy, and selfish ambition.
Passage for the day: James 3:13-15 (NASB)
13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.
14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.
15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.
Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.
What is the difference between “understanding” and “wisdom?” See Proverbs 9:10 for help on this one.
What does James mean by “gentleness of wisdom?” Give a practical example.
What is bitter jealousy and selfish ambition? What are you jealous about and why? Is that true wisdom with gentleness? If not, what steps do you need to take to change?
Why do you think that James describes earthly wisdom as demonic in verse 15?
CHEW ON THIS:
In these verses, James introduces us to true wisdom. Those who are truly wise and have knowledge according to God’s standards will prove it by attitudes and good actions. So what is understanding and wisdom? Understanding comes from getting to know God and seeing His wisdom in action. Understanding knows where to how to get wisdom and why wisdom is worth getting. Wisdom takes that knowledge of God and applies it in everyday life. Wisdom knows what is good and knows how to do the good, as a result of knowing God. Wisdom then concerns the conduct of one’s life. Wisdom from God gives birth to deeds and a way of life that grows in understanding.
However, there is another kind of wisdom – the kind that is found here on earth. The character of this kind of wisdom is bitter envy and selfish ambition. It is also seen as earthly, natural, and demonic! Wow. James is really going for shock value in these verses! He does not want us to miss the comparison. Any wisdom that does not come from God is not worth getting. It is Satanic and will result in a life of jealousy and selfishness. This is in complete contrast to the wisdom God gives, which results in a life that is characterized by gentleness and humility. We see this lived out even in the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve sinned. They listened to Satan’s so-called “words of wisdom” and it resulted in selfish ambition – not a life of humble submission and obedience to God’s words of wisdom. The words from Proverbs 14:12 characterizes this “wisdom” as well as any in the Bible: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”
So where are getting your wisdom to live your life? Don’t buy into the lie that the world’s wisdom has all of the answers! Only the wisdom of God will give you what you need – and it can only be acquired by getting to know Him. Let's be committed to knowing God and then humbly obeying Him with our actions and attitudes.
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
Friday, March 28, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
James 3:7-12
March 26, 2008
As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: tongue, tame, bless, and curse.
Passage for the day: James 3:7-12 (NASB)
7 For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race.
8 But no man can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.
9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God;
10 From the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.
11 Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?
12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.
Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.
James says that no man can tame the tongue. How does this relate to Psalm 141:3 and Proverbs 21:23?
According to James, is the root of the problem of evil speech in the mouth or tongue? What does Matthew 15:11, Mark 7:20-23, and Luke 6:45 say about the tongue?
Why ought not both blessing (praising) and cursing to come from the same mouth? Explain.
Do you bless God with your words and then use your words to curse and destroy others? How you will guard yourself from sinning with your tongue this week? What is your plan?
CHEW ON THIS:
If you have not gotten the picture already – WAKE UP! Your tongue – the words you speak have incredible power! Here James emphasizes what we learned in the previous verses. Even though man has been able to tame wild beasts, no man can tame the tongue. The tongue is not like the domesticated animal, technology, or even wild beasts. There is nothing that a man can do in his own strength to control this great power within him – the power of speech. The tongue, the power of speech, is a restless evil and deadly poison. WOW! Now that is some harsh language. However, it is the real picture of what our tongues are capable of doing. We are capable of using our words to destroy and poison others. But where does this poison and evil come from? According to Christ’s words in Matthew 15:11, Mark 7:20-23, and Luke 6:45, it all stems from the heart. So where is the hope of ever being able to control our speech and change our heart?
As you read earlier in Psalm 141:3 and Proverbs 21:23, the answer is that we must look to God for control. We also read in Galatians 5:16 about walking in the Spirit so that we won’t fulfill the desires of our flesh. God has given us the power to change and the hope we need to keep going! Without Him, we are hopeless. With Him, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil. 4:13)!
James also confronts us on how the tongue can praise God one moment and curse others the next. This blessing is the act of speaking in adoration of your God in both private prayer and in the public assembly of the believers. To use the gift of speech to praise the Lord is the proper use of the tongue. But at nearly the same moment the same tongue turns against others who have been “made in God’s likeness” and curses them, while professing faith in God. You’ve seen this happen. You’re in church on Sunday praising God with your fellow Christians, and then on Monday you are using the same tongue that praised God to curse and destroy others. Just as fresh water and bitter water cannot flow from the same source, blessing and cursing should not flow out of our mouths.
Why is this such a BIG deal? We are taking the tongue that God gave us to praise Him and using it for our own ends. We are all made in the image of God and when we use our words to tear down each other, we are really dishonoring God Himself! Let’s seek to build and encourage each other and use our words to bring honor to God today.
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: tongue, tame, bless, and curse.
Passage for the day: James 3:7-12 (NASB)
7 For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race.
8 But no man can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.
9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God;
10 From the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.
11 Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?
12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.
Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.
James says that no man can tame the tongue. How does this relate to Psalm 141:3 and Proverbs 21:23?
According to James, is the root of the problem of evil speech in the mouth or tongue? What does Matthew 15:11, Mark 7:20-23, and Luke 6:45 say about the tongue?
Why ought not both blessing (praising) and cursing to come from the same mouth? Explain.
Do you bless God with your words and then use your words to curse and destroy others? How you will guard yourself from sinning with your tongue this week? What is your plan?
CHEW ON THIS:
If you have not gotten the picture already – WAKE UP! Your tongue – the words you speak have incredible power! Here James emphasizes what we learned in the previous verses. Even though man has been able to tame wild beasts, no man can tame the tongue. The tongue is not like the domesticated animal, technology, or even wild beasts. There is nothing that a man can do in his own strength to control this great power within him – the power of speech. The tongue, the power of speech, is a restless evil and deadly poison. WOW! Now that is some harsh language. However, it is the real picture of what our tongues are capable of doing. We are capable of using our words to destroy and poison others. But where does this poison and evil come from? According to Christ’s words in Matthew 15:11, Mark 7:20-23, and Luke 6:45, it all stems from the heart. So where is the hope of ever being able to control our speech and change our heart?
As you read earlier in Psalm 141:3 and Proverbs 21:23, the answer is that we must look to God for control. We also read in Galatians 5:16 about walking in the Spirit so that we won’t fulfill the desires of our flesh. God has given us the power to change and the hope we need to keep going! Without Him, we are hopeless. With Him, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil. 4:13)!
James also confronts us on how the tongue can praise God one moment and curse others the next. This blessing is the act of speaking in adoration of your God in both private prayer and in the public assembly of the believers. To use the gift of speech to praise the Lord is the proper use of the tongue. But at nearly the same moment the same tongue turns against others who have been “made in God’s likeness” and curses them, while professing faith in God. You’ve seen this happen. You’re in church on Sunday praising God with your fellow Christians, and then on Monday you are using the same tongue that praised God to curse and destroy others. Just as fresh water and bitter water cannot flow from the same source, blessing and cursing should not flow out of our mouths.
Why is this such a BIG deal? We are taking the tongue that God gave us to praise Him and using it for our own ends. We are all made in the image of God and when we use our words to tear down each other, we are really dishonoring God Himself! Let’s seek to build and encourage each other and use our words to bring honor to God today.
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
Monday, March 24, 2008
James 3:1-6
March 24, 2008
As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: teachers, horses, ships, tongue, and fire.
Passage for the day: James 3:1-6 (NASB)
1 Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.
2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.
3 Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well.
4 Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires.
5 So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!
6 And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.
Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.
Why are teachers held to a stricter judgment?
Look at the examples of horses and ships in verses 3-4. You can bridle and lead horse, and you can steer, but how do you bridle or control your tongue?
James uses the example of a little fire that starts out small, but quickly turns into a blaze that destroys and wreaks havoc on anything in its path. How can someone use their tongue to do this kind of damage to others? In other words, what are your words capable of doing?
Read verse 6 again. What is the tongue compared to? What is it capable of doing to you?
CHEW ON THIS:
James begins the third chapter by talking about those who desire to teach. He is not telling us that desiring to teach is wrong or sinful – only that those who teach are going to be held accountable by God. We know that all of us will be held accountable by God for our lives, but James’ message here is those who teach will be judged with even greater severity. But what kind of judgment, you may ask? We are left without an answer, since James does not say. However, it serves as a warning shot to all of us who are teaching the Word of God – God is not absent, but is watching us and will keep us accountable.
The next statement is all-inclusive: everyone stumbles and sins in many ways, falling short of what is taught and required by the Lord. This statement balances the warning of the previous verse. Even teachers stumble at times – as well as those who do not teach. James wants us to keep all of this in perspective so that we will learn control our tongues.
This leads us into the next section, which contains some very powerful and graphic illustrations of the tongue. The tongue is compared to a ship and a horse. A controlled tongue is like the bit under the horse’s tongue by which the rider controls the entire horse. Just as the rider can control the horse, the body’s willfulness and appetites can be controlled. Though a horse is much larger than a human being, the rider is able to make the horse obey by employing a small, simple device. As we have learned already in James, it is wisdom from God that provides the capacity for bringing usefulness out of these things, whether they are the physical body, institutions, or movements of people. Only if the Word of God is actively applied to the situation will there be the guidance required for virtuous action and beneficial results.
The bringing under control of a very large object by a small but effective instrument hardly could have been better expressed than by the analogy of the ship and the rudder. Against the wind an immense, rudderless boat is uncontrollable. Out on the sea, without a mechanism for steering, the pilot would have no way of keeping the ship on any course. The ship would be tossed and driven with the wind and the waves. But with the rudder, the will of the pilot is sufficient to direct the ship.
James pointed to the small size of the rudder. Like the small bit in the horse’s mouth, the rudder, James said, is among the smallest of instruments on the ship. The rudder’s size is insignificant by comparison to the rest of the parts of the ship. The effectiveness of the instrument is what counts. Even in the harshest winds the boat will turn in the direction the pilot desires. The tongue, representing the believer’s speech, is not easily mastered. But the tongue must be mastered by acquiring the great skills of wisdom through careful and diligent study of God’s Word. Only by such study can the skill to face the great issues of life be obtained.
However, as James tells us, if our tongue is uncontrolled and left to do as it pleases, evil speech will result. As such, evil speech proves its true nature as an extension of hell itself! In a most powerful image, the fire that is the little tongue, a little spark that causing great fires and destruction, has its source from the wickedness of hell. This should cause us to re-evaluate our speech and how we are using our tongues. Just as the tongue has the power to destroy, it also has great power to build up and encourage!
How are you using your tongue today? Let's seek to build each other up with our tongues today instead of using it to destroy!
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: teachers, horses, ships, tongue, and fire.
Passage for the day: James 3:1-6 (NASB)
1 Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.
2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.
3 Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well.
4 Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires.
5 So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!
6 And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.
Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.
Why are teachers held to a stricter judgment?
Look at the examples of horses and ships in verses 3-4. You can bridle and lead horse, and you can steer, but how do you bridle or control your tongue?
James uses the example of a little fire that starts out small, but quickly turns into a blaze that destroys and wreaks havoc on anything in its path. How can someone use their tongue to do this kind of damage to others? In other words, what are your words capable of doing?
Read verse 6 again. What is the tongue compared to? What is it capable of doing to you?
CHEW ON THIS:
James begins the third chapter by talking about those who desire to teach. He is not telling us that desiring to teach is wrong or sinful – only that those who teach are going to be held accountable by God. We know that all of us will be held accountable by God for our lives, but James’ message here is those who teach will be judged with even greater severity. But what kind of judgment, you may ask? We are left without an answer, since James does not say. However, it serves as a warning shot to all of us who are teaching the Word of God – God is not absent, but is watching us and will keep us accountable.
The next statement is all-inclusive: everyone stumbles and sins in many ways, falling short of what is taught and required by the Lord. This statement balances the warning of the previous verse. Even teachers stumble at times – as well as those who do not teach. James wants us to keep all of this in perspective so that we will learn control our tongues.
This leads us into the next section, which contains some very powerful and graphic illustrations of the tongue. The tongue is compared to a ship and a horse. A controlled tongue is like the bit under the horse’s tongue by which the rider controls the entire horse. Just as the rider can control the horse, the body’s willfulness and appetites can be controlled. Though a horse is much larger than a human being, the rider is able to make the horse obey by employing a small, simple device. As we have learned already in James, it is wisdom from God that provides the capacity for bringing usefulness out of these things, whether they are the physical body, institutions, or movements of people. Only if the Word of God is actively applied to the situation will there be the guidance required for virtuous action and beneficial results.
The bringing under control of a very large object by a small but effective instrument hardly could have been better expressed than by the analogy of the ship and the rudder. Against the wind an immense, rudderless boat is uncontrollable. Out on the sea, without a mechanism for steering, the pilot would have no way of keeping the ship on any course. The ship would be tossed and driven with the wind and the waves. But with the rudder, the will of the pilot is sufficient to direct the ship.
James pointed to the small size of the rudder. Like the small bit in the horse’s mouth, the rudder, James said, is among the smallest of instruments on the ship. The rudder’s size is insignificant by comparison to the rest of the parts of the ship. The effectiveness of the instrument is what counts. Even in the harshest winds the boat will turn in the direction the pilot desires. The tongue, representing the believer’s speech, is not easily mastered. But the tongue must be mastered by acquiring the great skills of wisdom through careful and diligent study of God’s Word. Only by such study can the skill to face the great issues of life be obtained.
However, as James tells us, if our tongue is uncontrolled and left to do as it pleases, evil speech will result. As such, evil speech proves its true nature as an extension of hell itself! In a most powerful image, the fire that is the little tongue, a little spark that causing great fires and destruction, has its source from the wickedness of hell. This should cause us to re-evaluate our speech and how we are using our tongues. Just as the tongue has the power to destroy, it also has great power to build up and encourage!
How are you using your tongue today? Let's seek to build each other up with our tongues today instead of using it to destroy!
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
Friday, February 22, 2008
James 2:21-26
February 22-29, 2008
Today’s “Chew On It” is a lot to digest all at once, so I recommend that we meditate on this passage for the next week. So, take a deep breath and enjoy the ride. Feel free to take your time on these verses and in answering the questions. There are two Bible characters that are mentioned that require us to go back to the Old Testament and read their stories of faith in God. Also, there are some things in this passage that need to be resolved with the whole context of Scripture. It’s comforting to know that God did not just intend for us to understand the easy passages of Scripture, but even the hard ones! With the Holy Spirit’s illumination and power, we are able to grasp these truths and live them out! If you are able to do so, discuss this passage with your family and study it together.
Since I will be gone on the TCS Senior Mission Trip from March 2-8, we will begin James 3 when I return. In the meantime, chew on James 2:21-26, and then go back and read over the James 1-2. You will be surprised at how much you will grow by reading God’s Word over and over so that it works itself into your mind, heart, and actions. Until then, keep on chewing on the Word!
Today’s “Chew On It” is a lot to digest all at once, so I recommend that we meditate on this passage for the next week. So, take a deep breath and enjoy the ride. Feel free to take your time on these verses and in answering the questions. There are two Bible characters that are mentioned that require us to go back to the Old Testament and read their stories of faith in God. Also, there are some things in this passage that need to be resolved with the whole context of Scripture. It’s comforting to know that God did not just intend for us to understand the easy passages of Scripture, but even the hard ones! With the Holy Spirit’s illumination and power, we are able to grasp these truths and live them out! If you are able to do so, discuss this passage with your family and study it together.
Since I will be gone on the TCS Senior Mission Trip from March 2-8, we will begin James 3 when I return. In the meantime, chew on James 2:21-26, and then go back and read over the James 1-2. You will be surprised at how much you will grow by reading God’s Word over and over so that it works itself into your mind, heart, and actions. Until then, keep on chewing on the Word!
As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: faith, works, Abraham, justified, and Rahab.
Passage for the day: James 2:21-26 (NASB)
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar?
22 You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected;
23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” and he was called the friend of God.
24 You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.
25 In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?
26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.
Take some time and read Genesis 22:1-18 and compare it to James 2:21. How is this a good example of faith producing works?
In light of this story, how would you have responded in Abraham’s situation? Would you have trusted God completely even though it did not make sense?
Read Romans 4:1-5 (below) and then answer this question: Why was Paul using the example of Abraham and why was James using it, for what purpose?
“Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God? If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. For the Scriptures tell us, ‘Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.’ When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.” - Romans 4:1-5 NLT
How do you reconcile verse 24 in light of Ephesians 2:8-9? Is James promoting a works-based salvation?
How was Abraham “reckoned to God”? How can a sinner be called “the friend of God”?
Read Joshua 2:1-21 and Hebrews 11:30-31. How did Rahab live out her faith in midst of a culture that hated God and the Israelites? What made her different?
Chew on this:
In light of this story, how would you have responded in Abraham’s situation? Would you have trusted God completely even though it did not make sense?
Read Romans 4:1-5 (below) and then answer this question: Why was Paul using the example of Abraham and why was James using it, for what purpose?
“Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God? If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. For the Scriptures tell us, ‘Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.’ When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.” - Romans 4:1-5 NLT
How do you reconcile verse 24 in light of Ephesians 2:8-9? Is James promoting a works-based salvation?
How was Abraham “reckoned to God”? How can a sinner be called “the friend of God”?
Read Joshua 2:1-21 and Hebrews 11:30-31. How did Rahab live out her faith in midst of a culture that hated God and the Israelites? What made her different?
Chew on this:
James takes us now to an example of true faith showing itself in works. God regarded Abraham as righteous for offering up his son Isaac. By this time, Abraham was already a believer in God, since he had faith in God’s promise in Genesis 15:1-6. But at this point, Abraham’s belief in God was put to the ultimate test. Abraham obeyed the command of God that tested him by an extraordinary trial. By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son. What would go through your mind if you were Abraham, knowing that you were about to kill the promised son you had waited for? How would you respond as God asks you to go all the way with your faith in Him? You see, Abraham proved that he was justified and that he was a righteous man, based on the works that were produced.
We must look at this from the whole context of Scripture, so we can see clearly what the Apostle Paul and James wrote, and how they are not in conflict with each other. The difference of perspective rests in this: James looked to the Abraham story to show how genuine faith operates, while Paul looked to the Abraham story to show how God is willing to forgive sinners. In salvation, God must work in us (since we are dead in our sins) in order for us to believe and trust in Him as Savior. And, because of that working in our hearts, we are then able to respond in faith to God. Our justification by faith is seen in our actions, but those actions would not be present if it was not for God working in us.
After salvation, we see this process continue. In Philippians 2:12-13, we are told to work out our own salvation and then we discover that it is God who works in us to give us the desire and the ability to carry out His good pleasure for our lives. Here in James, we are told repeatedly that faith without works is useless and dead. But remember – you are dead in the water without God giving you the strength and grace to have faith in Him and see that faith lived out in your life.
Abraham’s faith was made complete by his actions, or literally, “his faith works.” James wanted it known that without action, faith cannot be complete. There is an important connection between deeds that complete faith and perseverance itself. Abraham’s actions were his perseverance in faith. It showed that his faith was genuine. True faith will always show itself in works.
James also gives us an unlikely example of “Rahab the prostitute” to emphasize that our faith must be real. Ironically, Rahab is mentioned in the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11, so evidently her faith was something God wanted us to learn from. As her title shows, she was not someone who had a great past. But, God saw her faith in Him by the way she mercifully hid the Israelite spies from her own countrymen and cared for their needs before the destruction of Jericho. She showed true faith in that she recognized the truth of God in his works of delivering Israel, and she demonstrated that faith, even though her life was in danger. This is a great reminder to us of the mercy of God – when we put our faith and trust in God, He will not reject us because of what we have done in the past.
James wraps up this passage by presenting an image of a body without a spirit. Without the spirit, the body has no life. Without works, faith is dead. Keep in mind that works do not justify you in God’s sight, but prove that your faith is real – toward others inside and outside the church. I pray that we would all have a growing and working faith!
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
James 2:18-20
February 20, 2008
As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: faith, works, believe, and useless.
Passage for the day: James 2:18-20 (NASB)
18 But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without
the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”
19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.
20 But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?
Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.
Do you think that it is important to show your faith by your daily actions?
What are 2 ways that you can show your faith by your works?
What is the significance of James saying “You believe that God is one”? (Read Deut. 6:4, Mark 12:29, and 1 Cor. 8:4-6)
What does James’ mean by the phrase, “demons also believe and shudder”? Does that make them Christians? Why or why not? Why doesn’t that faith save them? (Hint: see verse 20)
Chew on this:
Once again, James lets us know that faith cannot be disconnected from what you do. Instead of just saying that you have faith (which many in this world will tell you that!), James points out that we must have an active faith that is working and growing. The works alone do not save a person, but if your faith is genuine, then it will show up in what you do on a daily basis. We need to move beyond just being merely “hearers of the Word” to those who are “doers of the Word!”
In verse 19, James tells that faith without works is merely believing that God exists. But this kind of “faith” has nothing to show for itself – no personal trust in God and no pursuit or love for God. In fact, this kind of “faith” is nothing more than a religious mask of hypocrisy. Sure, they believed that God is the only God and that He exists, but such a faith benefits no one (v. 14) and is useless. Why? Even the demons possess this kind of faith and believe that God exists. They know of the reality of God, but they are still wicked. Many will tell you that they believe that there is a God, or that a “higher power” exists. But that is as far as it goes. There is no genuine trust and desire for God – only the mask of religion.
The problem is that there is no such thing as inactive faith. For James mere faith was an empty boast that masked great evil. Faith is trust in God alone, but it must be whole-hearted and produce works based on the mercy of God. How is your faith? Is it living and active? Is it growing and working for God and others? Let’s seek to live out our faith and be doers of the Word today!
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: faith, works, believe, and useless.
Passage for the day: James 2:18-20 (NASB)
18 But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without
the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”
19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.
20 But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?
Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.
Do you think that it is important to show your faith by your daily actions?
What are 2 ways that you can show your faith by your works?
What is the significance of James saying “You believe that God is one”? (Read Deut. 6:4, Mark 12:29, and 1 Cor. 8:4-6)
What does James’ mean by the phrase, “demons also believe and shudder”? Does that make them Christians? Why or why not? Why doesn’t that faith save them? (Hint: see verse 20)
Chew on this:
Once again, James lets us know that faith cannot be disconnected from what you do. Instead of just saying that you have faith (which many in this world will tell you that!), James points out that we must have an active faith that is working and growing. The works alone do not save a person, but if your faith is genuine, then it will show up in what you do on a daily basis. We need to move beyond just being merely “hearers of the Word” to those who are “doers of the Word!”
In verse 19, James tells that faith without works is merely believing that God exists. But this kind of “faith” has nothing to show for itself – no personal trust in God and no pursuit or love for God. In fact, this kind of “faith” is nothing more than a religious mask of hypocrisy. Sure, they believed that God is the only God and that He exists, but such a faith benefits no one (v. 14) and is useless. Why? Even the demons possess this kind of faith and believe that God exists. They know of the reality of God, but they are still wicked. Many will tell you that they believe that there is a God, or that a “higher power” exists. But that is as far as it goes. There is no genuine trust and desire for God – only the mask of religion.
The problem is that there is no such thing as inactive faith. For James mere faith was an empty boast that masked great evil. Faith is trust in God alone, but it must be whole-hearted and produce works based on the mercy of God. How is your faith? Is it living and active? Is it growing and working for God and others? Let’s seek to live out our faith and be doers of the Word today!
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
Sunday, February 17, 2008
James 2:14-17
February 15, 2008
As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: faith, works, go in peace, and dead.
Passage for the day: James 2:14-17 (NASB)
14 What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food,
16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?
Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.
What is “faith” and what are “works”? What do they mean practically and in the context (see verses 15-16 for help).
Can faith be shown without works? Explain
What is the situation of the individual that is coming to the brother in Christ in verse 15?
What does James mean by saying that our faith is “dead” in verse 17?
Chew on this:
Let me first clarify that James is not telling us in this passage that we are saved by works. The entire gospel is about Christ’s work on the cross, not us saving ourselves by our own merits. James is speaking of the man who “claims to have faith,” but does not show it in the way he lives. In other words, his faith is not authentic or genuine, because true faith is seen in someone’s actions toward others. In this passage, James plays out another familiar scene in the church. Much like the poor man who visits the local church and is shunned because of his dirty appearance, the brother or sister in need is also neglected. This time, the members of the church actually speak to the one in need and tell them to “go in peace, be warmed, and filled.” In our culture, that would be like one of us telling someone who is starving and homeless the same thing. What do these words accomplish for someone in need? When we tell them, “God bless you,” or “Have a nice day,” how have we really helped them? The problem is, we don’t want to help them! It’s inconvenient, it’s bothersome, and I am just too busy to help. James even asks the question, “What good is it—this faith that does nothing, that helps no one in physical need?” Inactive faith is empty! Our claim of faith means nothing when we can look someone in our church in the eye that needs help and just walk away from them without an ounce of compassion in our heart. Our faith instead must be Christ-centered, not self-centered. We must follow Christ’s pattern of compassion and love!
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
Chew on it (again)
February 13, 2008
Instead of moving ahead, I believe that it would be very profitable to go back over chapters 1-2 for today. I don't want us to lose sight of the entire message that God is communicating through this wonderful letter He has written to His children. So, for today's chew on what God has taught us so far and how it has changed us from the inside out. As you read through these chapters, here are some suggestions:
When you come to a passage about how to respond to trials in your life, pray that God would give you wisdom and endurance to count it all joy.
When you come to a verse where God is commanding you to be like Christ and reach out in love toward others in need, call out to God and ask Him to give you the grace to be faithful in your obedience.
When you come to a passage that encourages your heart and makes you want to praise God, feel free to express it to Him! We are told in the Psalms to shout to the Lord, to sing out praises to His name, and to share what He has done in your life. Does this describe your time with God? It doesn't have to be boring and quiet - in fact, it should be the most exciting time of the day! You are meeting with God Himself and He is meeting with you!
Enjoy your time with God today and don't forget to share what you are learning with others. It may be just what they needed to hear!
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
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