February 4, 2008
As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: religious, tongue, religion, and visit orphans and widows.
Passage for the day: James 1:26-27 (NASB)
26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.
27 Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.
What makes a person’s religion worthless?
What does it mean to bridle your tongue? Take a look at your life for a moment and evaluate whether this is true about you or not.
What is true religion when it is lived out before God (v. 27)? Are you doing these things in your life?
What are two ways that you can remain unstained from the world?
Chew on this:
In these verses, James talks to us about “worthless religion.” One of the chief characteristics of self-deception in the Christian life is that believers can make an empty show of religious devotion. “Religion” is a way of life that either demonstrates hypocrisy or true faith. The problem then is that you can seem to be religious, that is, rightly related to God, and yet in the most basic way be failing to be so. You can be a person who talks a lot about your religion and how much you love God, but your speech will reveal if that is real or not (Luke 6:45 – “out of the heart the mouth speaks”). The tongue, then, becomes the test case for true religion.
The tongue must be bridled, or controlled. The image used here involves the harnessing of a horse at the mouth. It is not that the tongue or speech is at all bad; James would later affirm it as an instrument of blessing. Unfortunately, an unrestrained tongue is a highly destructive force and an instrument of deception. By drawing attention to the tongue, James takes our attention away from just doing good things for people. Control of the tongue stands for control of the whole self against temptation to give into evil desire. James called the religion that goes with an uncontrolled tongue “worthless.” Worthless religion is then merely external, with no value.
Genuine religion is that which is “pure and undefiled before our God and Father.” Genuine religion means that everything in the believer’s life is to bear the mark of service to God. We bring this service before God our Father as a pure and genuine form of religion that has eternal value; not a fake form of outward religion that is worthless! And, when we are practicing this “true religion”, we will look after orphans and widows, the most vulnerable members of our church and society. Orphans and widows may be outcasts to the world, but they must be embraced into the relationships of believers! This is simply living as Christ lived. He went to where these people lived and ministered to their needs in love.
But James does not stop here! Along with genuine service to orphans and widows, we are to avoid whatever will pollute or stain our lives in the world. In other words, the world must have no hold on the believer. Instead, believers hold themselves apart from the ways of the world. Having received the life-giving Word, we are able to live out these truths through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Let’s be people who are living out true religion that will show itself in a controlled tongue and a consecrated life of service to others!
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
Monday, February 4, 2008
Friday, February 1, 2008
James 1:22-25
February 1, 2008
As we spend our time “chewing” on the Word, let’s remember of the end goal of this study – to taste the Word of God for ourselves! Simply showing up at Sunday School and church will not help you grow, just like simply showing up at the dinner table each meal will do nothing to make your hunger go away and give you what your body needs. You’ve got to actually pick up your fork and taste the food for it to help you grow and live. The Bible is no different! You’ve got to be daily tasting God’s Word and studying it for it to help you grow in your walk with God. I don’t just want you to know that God is good; I want you to taste and see for yourself that God is good! I don’t just want you to know that God’s grace is sufficient; I want you to taste and see that God’s grace is sufficient! Some of us, however, are just content to show up, go through the motions at church and at home, instead of tasting God’s Word and growing. Let’s feed on the Word and then follow Christ with passion!
As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: doers, hearers, mirror, and blessed.
Passage for the day: James 1:22-25 (NASB)
22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.
23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror;
24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.
25 But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.
Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.
What are the major differences between a hearer and a doer?
Examine your life for a moment and think about all of the times during the week when you hear the Word (church, school, personal devotions, etc.). Would you consider yourself just a hearer of the Word, or are you a doer of the Word?
What is the result of being a doer of the Word?
Chew on this:
Where would we be without mirrors? We would have a hard time knowing what we looked like! With a mirror in front of us, however, it is ve
ry clear to see what we look like. Mirrors do not hide the truth, but reflect what is true. They are always honest. Ever notice that? Many people will lie to you, but a mirror never will. Mirrors are very helpful because they show us what we look like. In James, the Word of God is spoken of as a mirror. As you read God’s Word and hear it preached, you see what you look like spiritually. Just like a mirror, the Bible will reveal the real you and show you what needs to change. We are to receive the Word and hear what it says, but we cannot just stop there. Hearing the Word of God and accumulating knowledge is not the end – it’s only the beginning! The man who looks intently into the mirror of God’s Word can still ignore its message once it is received. The mere glancing at the Word without taking action is of little use – just as the mere glancing in the mirror as you are getting ready in the morning will not help you. James says that the person who just glances in the mirror will walk away and forget what kind of person he really is before the God and His Word.
What James referred to as the “Word” in vv. 18, 21, 22, 23 he calls the “law” here. As the “Word” brings new life according to v. 18, it also sets us free and points to the free obedience of the Christian life. The blessing that is promised in this passage follows closely the words of Jesus, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28).
Let’s seek to apply ourselves to the Word so that we can apply the Word to our lives!
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
As we spend our time “chewing” on the Word, let’s remember of the end goal of this study – to taste the Word of God for ourselves! Simply showing up at Sunday School and church will not help you grow, just like simply showing up at the dinner table each meal will do nothing to make your hunger go away and give you what your body needs. You’ve got to actually pick up your fork and taste the food for it to help you grow and live. The Bible is no different! You’ve got to be daily tasting God’s Word and studying it for it to help you grow in your walk with God. I don’t just want you to know that God is good; I want you to taste and see for yourself that God is good! I don’t just want you to know that God’s grace is sufficient; I want you to taste and see that God’s grace is sufficient! Some of us, however, are just content to show up, go through the motions at church and at home, instead of tasting God’s Word and growing. Let’s feed on the Word and then follow Christ with passion!
As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: doers, hearers, mirror, and blessed.
Passage for the day: James 1:22-25 (NASB)
22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.
23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror;
24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.
25 But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.
Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.
What are the major differences between a hearer and a doer?
Examine your life for a moment and think about all of the times during the week when you hear the Word (church, school, personal devotions, etc.). Would you consider yourself just a hearer of the Word, or are you a doer of the Word?
What is the result of being a doer of the Word?
Chew on this:
Where would we be without mirrors? We would have a hard time knowing what we looked like! With a mirror in front of us, however, it is ve
ry clear to see what we look like. Mirrors do not hide the truth, but reflect what is true. They are always honest. Ever notice that? Many people will lie to you, but a mirror never will. Mirrors are very helpful because they show us what we look like. In James, the Word of God is spoken of as a mirror. As you read God’s Word and hear it preached, you see what you look like spiritually. Just like a mirror, the Bible will reveal the real you and show you what needs to change. We are to receive the Word and hear what it says, but we cannot just stop there. Hearing the Word of God and accumulating knowledge is not the end – it’s only the beginning! The man who looks intently into the mirror of God’s Word can still ignore its message once it is received. The mere glancing at the Word without taking action is of little use – just as the mere glancing in the mirror as you are getting ready in the morning will not help you. James says that the person who just glances in the mirror will walk away and forget what kind of person he really is before the God and His Word. In contrast, the believer who learns about himself and what God requires by concentrating on the mirror of the Word will be blessed. We must intentionally look into Scripture for the purpose of change. This exercise is one of careful attention to learn what is wrong and to discern what ought to be done to correct it. This kind of continual gazing into the Word guards against forgetting and motivates doing. Only by remembering to do what Scripture says (as we continue to hear and read it), can we apply it to our lives. In other words, apply yourself to the Word so you may be able to apply the Word to your life!
What James referred to as the “Word” in vv. 18, 21, 22, 23 he calls the “law” here. As the “Word” brings new life according to v. 18, it also sets us free and points to the free obedience of the Christian life. The blessing that is promised in this passage follows closely the words of Jesus, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28).
Let’s seek to apply ourselves to the Word so that we can apply the Word to our lives!
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
James 1:19-21
January 30, 2008
As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: quick, slow, anger, and humility.
Passage for the day: James 1:19-21 (NASB)
19 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;
20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.
21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.
Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.
What does it mean to be quick to hear and slow to speak?
Is your first response in a tense situation to be angry or to listen? Why?
What are we commanded to do in verse 21? How do we obey this command?
What is the word implanted in you? What is it able to do?
Chew on this:
It is interesting that James begins this section by telling us that we should already know what he is about to write – the discipline of a controlled tongue. Normally when we see a command to be quick to do something, we think of taking action. Here we are told to not act in anger, but to actively listen. We are told to be slow to anger, but ready to hear. This is a foreign concept for us outside of the grace of God! How many of us actually listen? Are we characterized by a quickness to show love or by a readiness to pour out anger? Contrary to some who would defend anger as the last resort for the Christian under trial, James declared they are simply wrong. In Paul’s writings, we see this same response for the Christian - “in your anger do not sin,” “do not let the sun go down on your anger,” and to rid yourself of anger (Eph 4:26; cf. Col 3:8). This is all comparable to being slow to anger. Anger is dangerous even when expressed in speech. Angry speech is part of the temptation to seek vengeance and was of deep concern to both James and Paul (Rom. 12:9-21). Whether in relationship with God or in relationship with others, anger must be ruled out. Human anger will injure the merciful peacemaking required for the relationships among fellow believers and those who are unbelievers. How can the world know that we are the disciples of Christ, when we are showing anger toward one another? Love is one of the defining characteristics for the disciple of Christ and we should love each other as Christ loved us (John 13:33-35)!
James does not just stop with anger, but commands us to rid ourselves of anything that does not please God. James uses the metaphor of taking off and putting away soiled clothes. However, we cannot do this on our own power. We must receive the Word of God that has been implanted in our hearts. It has the power to rescue your soul! God has already put His Word in your heart if you are a Christian, but you must still receive it with meekness and gentleness – the opposite of anger. This means that you and I must allow the word to become deeply rooted in our hearts, so that we are able to live it out in our daily responses to life’s challenges. Rather than speaking out in anger, the wise believer listens to the Lord speak through His Word. When we are listening to God’s voice, we will be able to respond correctly in any situation.
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: quick, slow, anger, and humility.
Passage for the day: James 1:19-21 (NASB)
19 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;
20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.
21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.
Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.
What does it mean to be quick to hear and slow to speak?
Is your first response in a tense situation to be angry or to listen? Why?
What are we commanded to do in verse 21? How do we obey this command?
What is the word implanted in you? What is it able to do?
Chew on this:
It is interesting that James begins this section by telling us that we should already know what he is about to write – the discipline of a controlled tongue. Normally when we see a command to be quick to do something, we think of taking action. Here we are told to not act in anger, but to actively listen. We are told to be slow to anger, but ready to hear. This is a foreign concept for us outside of the grace of God! How many of us actually listen? Are we characterized by a quickness to show love or by a readiness to pour out anger? Contrary to some who would defend anger as the last resort for the Christian under trial, James declared they are simply wrong. In Paul’s writings, we see this same response for the Christian - “in your anger do not sin,” “do not let the sun go down on your anger,” and to rid yourself of anger (Eph 4:26; cf. Col 3:8). This is all comparable to being slow to anger. Anger is dangerous even when expressed in speech. Angry speech is part of the temptation to seek vengeance and was of deep concern to both James and Paul (Rom. 12:9-21). Whether in relationship with God or in relationship with others, anger must be ruled out. Human anger will injure the merciful peacemaking required for the relationships among fellow believers and those who are unbelievers. How can the world know that we are the disciples of Christ, when we are showing anger toward one another? Love is one of the defining characteristics for the disciple of Christ and we should love each other as Christ loved us (John 13:33-35)!
James does not just stop with anger, but commands us to rid ourselves of anything that does not please God. James uses the metaphor of taking off and putting away soiled clothes. However, we cannot do this on our own power. We must receive the Word of God that has been implanted in our hearts. It has the power to rescue your soul! God has already put His Word in your heart if you are a Christian, but you must still receive it with meekness and gentleness – the opposite of anger. This means that you and I must allow the word to become deeply rooted in our hearts, so that we are able to live it out in our daily responses to life’s challenges. Rather than speaking out in anger, the wise believer listens to the Lord speak through His Word. When we are listening to God’s voice, we will be able to respond correctly in any situation.
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
Monday, January 28, 2008
James 1:17-18
January 28, 2008
As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: gift, Father, word of truth, and first-fruits.
Passage for the day: James 1:17-18 (NASB)
17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first- fruits among His creatures.
Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.
According to these verses, what is the source of good things?
Name at least 5 good things that God has given you
What does “no variation” or “shifting shadow” mean?
What is the word of truth in verse 18?
Chew on this:
Last time we learned that God is not the source of evil temptation, but here we read that God is the source and true giver of “every good and perfect gift.” God is the only the source of good in our lives. He is the source of the good fight within us that resists temptation and strengthens our heart to pursue a growing and living faith. The gifts of God are good because they never cause us to fall into sin. The gifts of God are perfect because they are the fulfillment of God’s will for His people. The range of God’s giving includes both the goodness that God has created in this universe as well as the perfect gifts God gives to all who put their trust in Him and seek His wisdom. In Psalm 84:11, God promises to not withhold any of these good things to those who do what is right! Truly, God is good in all that He does! And, as the Creator and Ruler of all things, He is called the “Father of lights.” God orders the sun, moon, and stars and controls all the changes in his creation. But He Himself does not change! The light and the shadows change from day to day, but God never changes and is always the same.
In verse 18, we see how God creates new life through His Word and His sovereign plan. The contrast here is that God does not cause us to be tempted by sin; instead, He gives us spiritual life! In the previous verses, we learn that the result of sin is death. Before salvation, we were dead in our sins, with seemingly no hope (Eph. 2:1-10); but now God has breathed spiritual life into our dead bodies by the His truthful and powerful Word! This “word of truth” is the gospel. The same God who spoke the world into existence is the same God who speaks the gospel to us and we are given new life in Him! Those of us who are saved will be first-fruits of God’s saving grace. In the Old Testament the “first-fruits” of living things, were those offered to God in thanksgiving and became His precious and special possession. We are God’s precious ones – above all else in His wonderful creation.
So, how do these verses apply to our lives today? First, we can find hope and satisfaction in God because He is always good and will never change! Second, we can be thankful to God because of the new life we have been given by the gospel. He considers us to be His prized and precious possession in the midst of all of the beautiful things He has created. Let’s taste and see that God is good!
(I encourage you to read Psalm 34 if you want more encouragement in tasting and seeing the goodness of God).
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: gift, Father, word of truth, and first-fruits.
Passage for the day: James 1:17-18 (NASB)
17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first- fruits among His creatures.
Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.
According to these verses, what is the source of good things?
Name at least 5 good things that God has given you
What does “no variation” or “shifting shadow” mean?
What is the word of truth in verse 18?
Chew on this:
Last time we learned that God is not the source of evil temptation, but here we read that God is the source and true giver of “every good and perfect gift.” God is the only the source of good in our lives. He is the source of the good fight within us that resists temptation and strengthens our heart to pursue a growing and living faith. The gifts of God are good because they never cause us to fall into sin. The gifts of God are perfect because they are the fulfillment of God’s will for His people. The range of God’s giving includes both the goodness that God has created in this universe as well as the perfect gifts God gives to all who put their trust in Him and seek His wisdom. In Psalm 84:11, God promises to not withhold any of these good things to those who do what is right! Truly, God is good in all that He does! And, as the Creator and Ruler of all things, He is called the “Father of lights.” God orders the sun, moon, and stars and controls all the changes in his creation. But He Himself does not change! The light and the shadows change from day to day, but God never changes and is always the same.
In verse 18, we see how God creates new life through His Word and His sovereign plan. The contrast here is that God does not cause us to be tempted by sin; instead, He gives us spiritual life! In the previous verses, we learn that the result of sin is death. Before salvation, we were dead in our sins, with seemingly no hope (Eph. 2:1-10); but now God has breathed spiritual life into our dead bodies by the His truthful and powerful Word! This “word of truth” is the gospel. The same God who spoke the world into existence is the same God who speaks the gospel to us and we are given new life in Him! Those of us who are saved will be first-fruits of God’s saving grace. In the Old Testament the “first-fruits” of living things, were those offered to God in thanksgiving and became His precious and special possession. We are God’s precious ones – above all else in His wonderful creation.
So, how do these verses apply to our lives today? First, we can find hope and satisfaction in God because He is always good and will never change! Second, we can be thankful to God because of the new life we have been given by the gospel. He considers us to be His prized and precious possession in the midst of all of the beautiful things He has created. Let’s taste and see that God is good!
(I encourage you to read Psalm 34 if you want more encouragement in tasting and seeing the goodness of God).
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
Friday, January 25, 2008
James 1:13-16
January 25, 2008
As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: tempted, lust, sin, and death.
Passage for the day: James 1:13-16 (NASB)
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.
14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.
15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.
According to these verses, who or what actually tempts us to sin?
What is the progression from being tempted with sin to actually committing the sin?
What is the end result of sin?
What is it that you are being tempted with that is causing you to sin?
Chew on this:
In these verses, James gives us one of the most penetrating discussions of the nature of temptation in the whole Bible. But this raises many questions. Where do trials come from? Are some from God, but not others? Are they from God at all? If not, how can we say He rules the universe? Are all trials from God and therefore his goodness is compromised? There are many examples in Scripture of God testing a person’s faith (Abraham sacrificing his son Isaac, children of Israel in the wilderness, Gideon and the Midianities, etc.). So how are we to understand this? First we need to understand that the words for tempt and trial are two separate words in the Greek text. The word for “trial” in verse 2 is not an enticement to sin, but rather a test of faith. The word for “tempt” in verse 13 focuses on being persuading or luring someone into sin.
James tells us right from the beginning here that God is not the origin of temptation, for “God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.” No evil can have its way with God. He is immune to any of sin’s enticements. Therefore there can be nothing evil about God’s ways with His people. God does not lead us into temptation, but He delivers us from evil. Temptation to sin is the operation of evil forces and the devil. In this case the believer himself is the source of temptation. There is already something within the flesh by which any temptation can arise and become activated. This is why we desperately need God’s wisdom and should cry out for it as the previous verses tell us to do!
In this passage of James, we read that it is one’s own “evil desire” that is the cause of temptation. Where we might expect the “devil, like a roaring lion” (1 Pet 5:8), to be dragging us off into sin, it is our flesh that drags us into sin. The old excuse that “the devil made me do it,” no longer holds water. Sure, the devil is tempting us, just like He did with Christ, appealing to Christ’s desire for food, power, and prominence. But it is our decision to choose to please God or our flesh. Satan knows how to tempt us in the areas that we are weak and remind us of past failures. However, the blame for temptation then can never rest upon God, but entirely upon us. Temptation entices or lures us by our own appetites.
In Galatians 5:16-17, we find hope in a seemingly hopeless situation: “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.” Life in the Holy Spirit is the antidote to the power of evil desire! Temptation to sin is the problem of the person’s own condition as a sinner. The personal struggle with evil desire is not usually a confrontation with the devil, but rather a confrontation with our own worst enemy – OURSELVES! The pain of temptation is a self-inflicted attack. This is the sense of being “dragged away.” Desire gives birth to sin. Sin, the offspring of desire, grows up, matures, and finally, sin gives birth to death. Our own desires are like a prowling beast that would consume us if not for God’s powerful grace! James’s “beloved brothers” were to hear his strongest appeal so as to develop whole-hearted trust in God. They must be on their guard against self-deception. They should accept trials from God, and realize that it is not God who tempts them to sin.
Let me tell you a story to put this in perspective…
Back in medieval times, there were two brothers who were dukes of Belgium in separate provinces. They never really got along and would often quarrel and fight between themselves. After an argument between them, the older brother led a successful revolt against the younger brother and captured him. Instead of putting him to death, the older brother decided a different kind of punishment. He built a room around his brother in his castle and promised him he could regain his title and property as soon as he was able to leave the room. This would not have been difficult for most people since the room had several windows and a door of near-normal size. None of the windows or doors were locked or barred. The problem was that the younger brother was too fat and could not fit through the windows or the doorways. To regain his freedom, all he needed to do was lose weight, so he could leave the room. But that was not going to be easy, because the older brother sent him a variety of delicious foods every day. Instead of dieting his way out of prison, he grew fatter. When the older brother was accused of cruelty, he had a ready answer: "My brother is not a prisoner. He may leave when he so wills." The brother stayed in that room for ten years and eventually died because of his poor health. He was a prisoner of his own appetite.
We all struggle with sin, and many times we feel as if we are prisoners to the desires and appetites that are within our flesh. Let me encourage you and tell you that there is a way out! You do not have to be a slave to the flesh if you are a child of God! Christ came to set you free from the sin you are struggling with! He has given you new life and the Holy Spirit dwells within you. He is guiding you, giving you strength, and making intercession in heaven for you. And if that was not enough, God is at work within us, giving us the desire and the ability to obey Him as we face temptation (Phil. 2:13)!
If you like to learn more about this freedom that we have in Christ, see “Stop Living In Your Old Cell!” on our website (www.timberlakesm.blogspot.com).
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: tempted, lust, sin, and death.
Passage for the day: James 1:13-16 (NASB)
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.
14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.
15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.
According to these verses, who or what actually tempts us to sin?
What is the progression from being tempted with sin to actually committing the sin?
What is the end result of sin?
What is it that you are being tempted with that is causing you to sin?
Chew on this:
In these verses, James gives us one of the most penetrating discussions of the nature of temptation in the whole Bible. But this raises many questions. Where do trials come from? Are some from God, but not others? Are they from God at all? If not, how can we say He rules the universe? Are all trials from God and therefore his goodness is compromised? There are many examples in Scripture of God testing a person’s faith (Abraham sacrificing his son Isaac, children of Israel in the wilderness, Gideon and the Midianities, etc.). So how are we to understand this? First we need to understand that the words for tempt and trial are two separate words in the Greek text. The word for “trial” in verse 2 is not an enticement to sin, but rather a test of faith. The word for “tempt” in verse 13 focuses on being persuading or luring someone into sin.
James tells us right from the beginning here that God is not the origin of temptation, for “God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.” No evil can have its way with God. He is immune to any of sin’s enticements. Therefore there can be nothing evil about God’s ways with His people. God does not lead us into temptation, but He delivers us from evil. Temptation to sin is the operation of evil forces and the devil. In this case the believer himself is the source of temptation. There is already something within the flesh by which any temptation can arise and become activated. This is why we desperately need God’s wisdom and should cry out for it as the previous verses tell us to do!
In this passage of James, we read that it is one’s own “evil desire” that is the cause of temptation. Where we might expect the “devil, like a roaring lion” (1 Pet 5:8), to be dragging us off into sin, it is our flesh that drags us into sin. The old excuse that “the devil made me do it,” no longer holds water. Sure, the devil is tempting us, just like He did with Christ, appealing to Christ’s desire for food, power, and prominence. But it is our decision to choose to please God or our flesh. Satan knows how to tempt us in the areas that we are weak and remind us of past failures. However, the blame for temptation then can never rest upon God, but entirely upon us. Temptation entices or lures us by our own appetites.
In Galatians 5:16-17, we find hope in a seemingly hopeless situation: “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.” Life in the Holy Spirit is the antidote to the power of evil desire! Temptation to sin is the problem of the person’s own condition as a sinner. The personal struggle with evil desire is not usually a confrontation with the devil, but rather a confrontation with our own worst enemy – OURSELVES! The pain of temptation is a self-inflicted attack. This is the sense of being “dragged away.” Desire gives birth to sin. Sin, the offspring of desire, grows up, matures, and finally, sin gives birth to death. Our own desires are like a prowling beast that would consume us if not for God’s powerful grace! James’s “beloved brothers” were to hear his strongest appeal so as to develop whole-hearted trust in God. They must be on their guard against self-deception. They should accept trials from God, and realize that it is not God who tempts them to sin.
Let me tell you a story to put this in perspective…
Back in medieval times, there were two brothers who were dukes of Belgium in separate provinces. They never really got along and would often quarrel and fight between themselves. After an argument between them, the older brother led a successful revolt against the younger brother and captured him. Instead of putting him to death, the older brother decided a different kind of punishment. He built a room around his brother in his castle and promised him he could regain his title and property as soon as he was able to leave the room. This would not have been difficult for most people since the room had several windows and a door of near-normal size. None of the windows or doors were locked or barred. The problem was that the younger brother was too fat and could not fit through the windows or the doorways. To regain his freedom, all he needed to do was lose weight, so he could leave the room. But that was not going to be easy, because the older brother sent him a variety of delicious foods every day. Instead of dieting his way out of prison, he grew fatter. When the older brother was accused of cruelty, he had a ready answer: "My brother is not a prisoner. He may leave when he so wills." The brother stayed in that room for ten years and eventually died because of his poor health. He was a prisoner of his own appetite.
We all struggle with sin, and many times we feel as if we are prisoners to the desires and appetites that are within our flesh. Let me encourage you and tell you that there is a way out! You do not have to be a slave to the flesh if you are a child of God! Christ came to set you free from the sin you are struggling with! He has given you new life and the Holy Spirit dwells within you. He is guiding you, giving you strength, and making intercession in heaven for you. And if that was not enough, God is at work within us, giving us the desire and the ability to obey Him as we face temptation (Phil. 2:13)!
If you like to learn more about this freedom that we have in Christ, see “Stop Living In Your Old Cell!” on our website (www.timberlakesm.blogspot.com).
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
James 1:12
January 23, 2008
As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: persevere, trial, and crown.
Passage for the day: James 1:12 (NASB)
12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.
How is it possible for us to be happy or blessed when under a trial?
What do you think it means to persevere in the midst of a trial?
What does God promise to those who endure? Who receives this reward?
Chew on this:
In this short verse, we are told that God rewards those who persevere in trials. The Greek word of persevering or enduring in this text has the idea of refusing to give up, standing firm, or holding on tightly. It means that we are living out our faith with action. We put the promises of God ahead of the cares of this life and hold on to the assurance of eternal life with God. When we cross the finish line, we will be greeted and rewarded by God Himself. We are blessed because we possess the living hope of salvation of the soul – the crown of life. This was the victor’s wreath that was given at the Olympic games in Greece to the champion who endured to the end. The people James was writing to were going under extreme persecution and many were facing death. Some of them may have questioned and doubted whether it was worth it to go through such suffering. James reminds them that they were blessed as they endured, and that they could look forward to eternal life with God as they faced physical death here on earth.
God is using trials to produce believers who stand their ground through a life shaped by the Word of God. The approval that James speaks of does not come about because we were perfect. Rather, it acknowledges a faith that perseveres and loves God. This love for God is an obedient love. Obedience through love is the nature of a right relationship with God, a relationship of wholehearted commitment to Him. So, as we persevere, let’s pursue a genuine love for God and trust God to be faithful as we endure!
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
Monday, January 21, 2008
James 1:9-11
January 21, 2008
Let’s be honest. Sometimes, you come across a passage of Scripture that leaves you scratching your head. And, that’s okay! When you come across a passage that is hard to understand, don’t get discouraged, give up, and close your Bible in frustration (although it sounds tempting sometimes!). Let that fuel your passion and desire to get into the Word, and ask the Holy Spirit to give you the understanding you need. Remember, God inspired the hard-to-understand passages just as much as He inspired the easy-to-understand passages. And, God does not waste ink or paper! It is put in the Bible for a divine purpose. So, let’s dig into today’s passage and see what God has to teach us!
As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: humble, rich, and glory.
Passage for the day: James 1:9-11 (NASB)
9 But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position;
10 and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away.
11 For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.
Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.
Why is the poor man (brother of humble circumstances) able to boast?
Who do you think placed the poor man in a high position?
What is it that humbles the rich man?
What is the end result of the rich man’s wealth and achievements?
Chew on this:
Why are we talking about rich and poor in the midst of a passage about trials and temptations? If you have ever gone through a difficult financial situation, then you understand why this fits perfectly in a passage about trials! What James is attempting to do is show us the big picture from God’s perspective on the poor and the rich.
The first person seen here is the poor or lowly man. This man feels seemingly insignificant and is possibly even perceived as a man incapable of influence. God tells this man that he can rejoice because Christ will lift him up to a position of honor. James is encouraging these men to boast or to “take pride” in their coming exaltation. Although these poor men and women had nothing visible to boast in, their boasting was greater than those who boasted in themselves. Their poverty, then, had turned into a double benefit, for it encouraged the humility and faith God requires. In 1 Peter 5:6-7, we read “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” As the poor man walks in humility by faith, God will exalt him and take care of him with His mighty hand!
The other person who is mentioned is the rich man. It is interesting to point out that the rich man is to boast in his “humiliation.” What does this mean? Well, I want to make it clear that God is not saying that if you are rich, then God is going to make a fool out of you or take you down. Instead, the rich man is encouraged to see the big picture, just like the poor man. Knowing that his riches will not last forever, the rich man should boast in his future position of humility and lowliness. Instead of basking in the artificial light of the borrowed time his wealth has brought him, the rich man should humble himself in order to guard against the temptation of trusting in wealth as opposed to God. James reminds us that the riches of this world are like wildflowers that are being scorched by the hot sun. It is beautiful for a time, but will soon die and fade away.
In regards to the church, God places the poor and the rich on the same level when they stand before Him. Neither one is to glory over the other, since all we have is from God anyway. It is not wrong or better to be rich or poor. The poor and the rich are encouraged to see life from God’s point of view. The poor can be encouraged, knowing that God will honor them as they walk by faith and trust God for their needs. The rich are encouraged to carry their wealth and position under an umbrella of humility, remembering to place their confidence in God, and not in their riches.
Let’s be sure to live our lives for eternity, putting our trust in God alone!
If you want to go little deeper on this, see these verses for more study on God’s perspective of the poor, the rich, and where we should place our confidence: 1 Sam. 2:7; 1 Chron. 29:12; Prov. 8:17-18; Prov. 28:6; Jer. 9:23-24; Matt. 6:19-34; Luke 1:52-53; 2 Cor. 6:10; 2 Cor. 8:9; 1 Tim. 6:9,17
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
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