Before you start your time with God today, take a moment to pray to your God. Ask God to "open the eyes of your understanding" to the wisdom of His Word, the hope of your calling, and the greatness of His power (Eph. 1:17-19)! Then read the passage slowly, taking notes on what God is teaching you through His Word, and answer the questions.
As you read this week's passage, look for these words or phrases: riches, weep, Lord of Sabaoth, patient, farmer, prophets, and Job.
Passage for the week: James 5:1-11 (NASB)
1 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you.
2 Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten.
3 Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure!
4 Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.
5 You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.
6 You have condemned and put to death the righteous man; he does not resist you.
7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains.
8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.
9 Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.
10 As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
11 We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.
DIGGING DEEPER:
MONDAY
· List 5 specific things that you noticed about the passage.
· List characteristics of God that you find in the passage (what God is like, His attributes).
· How does this passage connect with the rest of the book of James? Where else does James talk about the rich people who were abusing the poor?
TUESDAY
· Why would the riches of those in verses 1-3 be “rotted”, garments “moth-eaten”, and gold “rusted”? How will the rust of the gold be a witness against them and consume their flesh like fire? What does James mean here?
· When will the judgment of verses 2-3 come? Is James speaking of the present or the future? Explain your answer.
· James notes that the rich have stored their treasure in the last days. Compare and contrast Jesus’ parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:13-21 to James 5:3. Are you laying up treasure in Heaven or on earth? Remember, where your treasure is, that’s where your heart is too!
WEDNESDAY
· The laborers in this passage are the field workers for the rich. What have they done to “reach the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth”?
· In verse 4, James uses the highest name for God in the Hebrew mind. Be careful - the text says, “The Lord of Sabaoth” and not “the Lord of the Sabbath.” What does the Lord of Sabaoth mean? What is the significance of James using it here?
· In verse 5, James condemns the rich for having “fattened [their] hearts in the day of slaughter.” What is this “day of slaughter”? What is James referring to?
THURSDAY
· What is a life of “wanton pleasure”? What does that look like? Is the term “pleasure” used anywhere else by James?
· What does James mean in verse 9 by the “Judge is standing right at the door”? Why would that keep them or you from complaining against each other? Why would you complain if you were in this situation?
· Why do you think they would kill a righteous man? Why doesn’t the righteous man resist?
FRIDAY
· James mentions Job as an example of endurance. Why does he choose Job? Why is he such a great example of endurance? Read Job 42:10-17. How did God bless Job for his endurance?
· Pick a verse or two from this passage that has really challenged you and memorize it.
Chew on this:
James now turns to the wealthy outside the church. These people are not only failing the test of having wealth, but they are also the source of some of the pressure on the church as they take advantage of poor Christians. James does not waste any time telling them that they should be weeping over their sin and that their wealth will be the end of them. James takes the rich people on a trip into the future. He shows them what their great stores of possessions will look like – rotted or corroded! The “corrosion” of their wealth is evidence that they did not need it as bad as they think.
Just like the rich in this passage, our wealth is not the most important thing in our lives. James even shocks us in this verse by telling us that the riches that we believe will bring us happiness will actually eat your flesh like fire! This reminds me of the rich man in Jesus’ parable in Luke 12:13-21. The end of the world is coming, and it is time to put treasure in heaven, not store it on earth.
Far from giving, these people have done even worse in that they have failed to pay the workmen who harvested their fields. What made it worse is that no one would hear the cries of the workers. The workers, however, appealed to heaven, and the Lord Sabaoth heard their cry. The term Lord Sabaoth is the term means “Lord of Hosts or armies.” God Almighty does not hear and then do nothing as people are living luxuriously, robbing the poor, and even condemning those less fortunate; He hears and acts with awesome power. Instead of a day of harvest for the rich, it will be a day of slaughter with God’s judgment behind it! In fact, God is already standing at the door – His judgment may come sooner than we think! In the midst of all these things, however, we should be sure to not complain or grow impatient, but to trust God to make things right in His timing when He returns. Just as the farmer waits patiently from the planting of his seeds (early rain) to the harvesting of his crops (latter rain), so we should wait patiently for the Lord’s return.
James concludes by telling how we can strengthen our hearts as we persevere. We are told to remember the suffering of the Old Testament prophets who suffered as they spoke in the name of the Lord. Men like Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel all went through incredible hardship, but remained faithful to the God they served so well. What is interesting to me is that the example of Job, not a prophet, but a righteous man, is tacked on to this. Even though we may not be able to relate to the Old Testament prophets, we can certainly all connect with Job. He was not always perfect, and even questioned God and doubted His promises. However, God had not forgotten him. In fact, one of the main lessons we learn from Job’s life is not his suffering, but God’s unlimited compassion and mercy!
The point of all of this is not to condemn people who have wealth. It is those who “desire to be rich” that will face ruin and destruction (1Timothy 6:9-10). Life is not about ownership, but stewardship! We have to remember that God is the source of everything we have and that He expects us to use it for His glory by investing it in what will count for eternity. James also encourages us to focus on the promises and compassion of the Lord. We can trust Him to be the righteous Judge and to be a gracious and merciful God!
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
Friday, May 2, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
James 4:11-17
Good morning! Before you start your time with God today, start by praying that God would open your eyes to the wonderful things in His Word through your study (Ps. 119:18). Then read the passage slowly, taking notes on what God is teaching you through His Word, and answer the questions.As you read this week's passage, look for these words or phrases: speak against, judge, Lawgiver, life, vapor, boast, sin.
Digging Deeper:
According to verse 15, what should be our approach to the future? How is this perspective different from the man who thinks he is in control of what will happen tomorrow?
As you read this week's passage, look for these words or phrases: speak against, judge, Lawgiver, life, vapor, boast, sin.
Passage for the week: James 4:11-17 (NASB)
11 Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it.
12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor?
13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.”
14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.
15 Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.”
16 But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil.
17 Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.
Digging Deeper:
List all of the characteristics of God that you find in this passage (what God is like, His attributes).
Who is the Lawgiver and the Judge in verse 12? What is He able to do according to this verse
TUESDAY
In light of God being the ONLY Lawgiver and Judge, how should we treat others?
WEDNESDAY
According to verse 15, what should be our approach to the future? How is this perspective different from the man who thinks he is in control of what will happen tomorrow?
THURSDAY
List all of the things that you plan on doing today and tomorrow. Then, pray that list back to God and ask Him to give you His perspective on those events. Pray by saying, “If the Lord wills, I will do this or that.” This will increase your dependence on God and help you to realize that your life is not just about what you have to do today, but rather it is about God’s plan for your life.
What is James telling us in verse 17? So, how does that change the way you are going to live today?
Pick a verse or two from this passage that has really challenged you and memorize it.
Chew on this:
The first group addressed consists of wealthier Christians. Their plans are normal plans: travel to a certain city, sell the goods they brought with them and perhaps purchase others, and make money. Is this not the way business is done? James’s criticism is that they are in fact carrying on their lives and businesses just the way every other worldly person does. As Christians, they should be well aware of not only how uncertain the future may be, but also Who actually controls the future.
The picture James paints for us is that our lives are like a puff of smoke from a camp fire. It appears over the fire for a few seconds, but then it disappears. We learn from this picture that the idea of planning without taking God’s values into account is foolishness. James’s point is not simply that we ought to just merely say, “If the Lord wills,” before we carry out our plans. This would a lip-service to God, without it being genuine. Instead, James is trying to tell us that we need to seek God’s plan and follow God’s will in their use of our time and the things God has given us. This is a contrast of boasting or bragging. What type of pride is this? 1 John 2:16 uses the same term for the boasting of (or pride in) what a person has and does. When we have this kind of pride, we think that we are laying plans that God did not make and claiming an ability to control our lives (which God actually controls!), and boasting about all the things we are going to accomplish.
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
Friday, April 18, 2008
James 4:7-10
April 14-18, 2008
Good morning! Before you start your time with God today, start by praying that God would open your eyes to the wonderful things in His Word through your study (Ps. 119:18). Then read the passage slowly, taking notes on what God is teaching you through His Word, and answer the questions.
As you read this week's passage, look for these words or phrases: submit, resist, draw near, purify, miserable, humble, and exalt.
Passage for the week: James 4:7-10 (NASB)
Pastor Stephen
Good morning! Before you start your time with God today, start by praying that God would open your eyes to the wonderful things in His Word through your study (Ps. 119:18). Then read the passage slowly, taking notes on what God is teaching you through His Word, and answer the questions.
As you read this week's passage, look for these words or phrases: submit, resist, draw near, purify, miserable, humble, and exalt.
Passage for the week: James 4:7-10 (NASB)
7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
9 Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom.
10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.
DIGGING DEEPER:
MONDAY
List all of the characteristics of God that you find in this passage (what God is like, His attributes).
What are the 9 commands that James gives us in these verses?
List all of the promises of God that you can find in this passage
TUESDAY
What does it mean to submit yourself to God?
How do you actually resist the devil? See 1 John 2:14 and 4:4 for some insight on this.
WEDNESDAY
What does God do when, in humility, you draw near to Him?
After we have drawn near to God and are close to Him, what will be our response?
How do we purify our hearts and cleanse our hands?
THURSDAY
Where else in the book of James is the word double-minded used? What does it mean?
What is the point of James telling us to be miserable, to mourn, and to weep? Why would we have a reason to do this? Read 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 for help on this.
FRIDAY
When we sin, it offends a holy God. Does your sin before God ever cause you to weep or do you just see it as no big deal?
As we repent and become humble before the Lord, what does the Lord promise to do for us?
Pick a verse or two from this passage and memorize it.
CHEW ON THIS:
James next shows us what humility looks like. Submit yourselves, then, to God. This means to “line up under.” James is using this word to describe a willing surrender to God’s authority as the One who is in control of everything. When we are truly humble, then we will then be able to be loyal to God, obey His commands, and follow His leadership in our lives.
James then tells us to “resist the devil.” This literally means “to take your stand against.” We are able to do this ONLY when we have submitted to God and are operating under His power. We need to remember that the devil is a defeated foe, and that Christ has already won the battle against him! When we take our stand against the devil in the power of God, he flees; he may threaten disaster, but it is all a lie. It only has power if believed.
In the next verse we are encouraged to come near to God. The picture is that of a person coming to offer sacrifice in the temple and coming near to God in the ceremony. We are told to wash our hands and purify our hearts. This is another OT picture (Ex. 30:19–21), illustrating the removal of sinful practices. The double-minded is the person who tries to serve both God and the world needs to have a heart that is completely devoted to God alone. These actions should be also be accompanied by a mourning and a sorrow for our sin against God. Repentance consists of sorrow for sin plus a turning from sin and, where possible, making restitution for the damage caused by one’s sin.
However, James does not leave us there in our sadness over our sin. James includes promises within his call to repentance. As we come near to God, God will come near to us. He will lift us up and will not leave a humble heart mourning! He will accept our repentant heart and respond with His love, raising us up from our mourning into the warmth of His love.
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
Friday, April 11, 2008
James 4:1-6
Good morning! I wanted to let you all know that I will be changing our “chew on its” a little bit to make them more effective for you. We will be focusing on one passage each week so we can really chew on what the passage is saying as opposed to just “covering the material.” The whole purpose behind this devotional is not to just stuff your inbox with tons of e-mails each week that you don’t have the time to read or digest. My desire is that all of us will truly dig deeply into the Word of God, discover its life-giving truth, and then seek to live it out in our everyday lives.
Here’s how it will work. I will send you a few questions to answer each day to get us all to dig deeper into the passage we are studying. Take your time and don’t rush! Push everything else out of your mind and focus on listening to what God is saying to you! Once we have worked through the passage, I will e-mail you the “CHEW ON THIS” section later in the week to encourage you in your study.
As we take apart one passage a week, this will allow us to post discussion topics (on Facebook) as well as encourage others with the principles that God is teaching us. This will help us to fulfill Hebrew 10:24 which says, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works” (NLT).
Start by praying that God would open your eyes to the wonderful things in His Word through your study (Ps. 119:18). Then read the passage slowly, taking notes on what God is teaching you through His Word, and answer the questions.
As you read this week's passage, look for these words or phrases: conflicts, war, lust, ask, motives, friendship, enemy of God, the Spirit, grace, proud, and humble.
Passage for the week: James 4:1-6 (NASB)
1 What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?
2 You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask.
3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.
4 You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
5 Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us?”
6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
DIGGER DEEPER:
MONDAY
List all of the characteristics of God that you find in this passage (what God is like, His attributes).
What are the questions that James asks in the passage? What is the point of all of these questions?
TUESDAY
What does James mean by “pleasures?”
What does James mean by “you lust” or “you covet”? What were they coveting?
WEDNESDAY
James calls his readers “adulteresses.” Why does he address them in this way? (Hint: "friendship with the world")
James’ mentions fights and quarrels in his rebuke of his readers? What did this fighting look like?
THURSDAY
In James 1:6, James writes that prayer must be conducted in faith. What does he say about prayer in James 4:2-3? What two ways were his readers sinning in the area of prayer?
To whom does God give grace and why? Does your behavior reflect this reality?
FRIDAY
Read Luke 15:11-32. What insight does this give to the condition of James’ readers who asked that they might spend what God gives them on their pleasures?
James warns against being a friend of the world. Where else in his epistle does he speak about this? Where else in the Bible is this spoken of? (ex. 1 John 2)
Pick a verse or two from this passage and memorize it.
CHEW ON THIS:
James paints a picture of the church as he saw it: they were fighting and arguing, battling, killing (with words) and coveting. Wow! Does any of this sound familiar? Unfortunately, this picture is not too far from what we see in the church today! The church should be a place of love, encouragement, friendship, and service. However, it is our desires to please ourselves that get in the way of this. All of those who were fighting in James’ church probably felt like they were doing the right thing, but James tells them God’s perspective on the situation. The source of these conflicts is not found in their love of God but to their desires, the evil impulses that we have already learned about in James 1:14–15. The same goes for us as well!
All of this arguing is fruitless: they do not get what they want, because you do not ask God. “But I do pray!” might be your response. “You pray, but it is not effective, for your motives are wrong.” We are not seeking God’s will or God’s wisdom, but our own will. In other words, we come to God saying, “God bless my plans.” Instead of us focusing on God’s plans, our motives are wrapped up in our own desires and pleasures. God’s goal is not to give us what our own impulses demand. His goal is that we will learn to love what He loves. It is not that God does not want people to have pleasure, but that he wants to train them to take pleasure in what He knows is truly good.
In claiming to trust in God and yet living according to their own desires, James calls these people adulterers. They were being unfaithful to God and had been focusing their love on the world. When we try to become a friend of the world you are actually God’s enemy! Sure, we are still in the world as “salt” and “light,” but we are not to be of the world. At this point James talks about how God jealously longs for the spirit He made to live in us. That means that God gave to each person their spirit and He jealously longs for pure love in return (see Exodus 20:5–6). You cannot serve God and the world!
James’s argument might drive people to despair because of their sin. However, we find hope in verse 6! James claims that God offers more grace rather than condemnation, to the believer who is humble and repents. To back this up James quotes Proverbs 3:34, also quoted in 1 Peter 5:5: God does give grace to the humble! This grace that God gives is a grace that is sufficient for every struggle we are facing or any need we have.
So, let’s make our church a place where there is a genuine love for one another, a committed love for God, and a true heart of humility that will be ready receive God’s grace!
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
Here’s how it will work. I will send you a few questions to answer each day to get us all to dig deeper into the passage we are studying. Take your time and don’t rush! Push everything else out of your mind and focus on listening to what God is saying to you! Once we have worked through the passage, I will e-mail you the “CHEW ON THIS” section later in the week to encourage you in your study.
As we take apart one passage a week, this will allow us to post discussion topics (on Facebook) as well as encourage others with the principles that God is teaching us. This will help us to fulfill Hebrew 10:24 which says, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works” (NLT).
Start by praying that God would open your eyes to the wonderful things in His Word through your study (Ps. 119:18). Then read the passage slowly, taking notes on what God is teaching you through His Word, and answer the questions.
As you read this week's passage, look for these words or phrases: conflicts, war, lust, ask, motives, friendship, enemy of God, the Spirit, grace, proud, and humble.
Passage for the week: James 4:1-6 (NASB)
1 What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?
2 You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask.
3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.
4 You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
5 Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us?”
6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
DIGGER DEEPER:
MONDAY
List all of the characteristics of God that you find in this passage (what God is like, His attributes).
What are the questions that James asks in the passage? What is the point of all of these questions?
TUESDAY
What does James mean by “pleasures?”
What does James mean by “you lust” or “you covet”? What were they coveting?
WEDNESDAY
James calls his readers “adulteresses.” Why does he address them in this way? (Hint: "friendship with the world")
James’ mentions fights and quarrels in his rebuke of his readers? What did this fighting look like?
THURSDAY
In James 1:6, James writes that prayer must be conducted in faith. What does he say about prayer in James 4:2-3? What two ways were his readers sinning in the area of prayer?
To whom does God give grace and why? Does your behavior reflect this reality?
FRIDAY
Read Luke 15:11-32. What insight does this give to the condition of James’ readers who asked that they might spend what God gives them on their pleasures?
James warns against being a friend of the world. Where else in his epistle does he speak about this? Where else in the Bible is this spoken of? (ex. 1 John 2)
Pick a verse or two from this passage and memorize it.
CHEW ON THIS:
James paints a picture of the church as he saw it: they were fighting and arguing, battling, killing (with words) and coveting. Wow! Does any of this sound familiar? Unfortunately, this picture is not too far from what we see in the church today! The church should be a place of love, encouragement, friendship, and service. However, it is our desires to please ourselves that get in the way of this. All of those who were fighting in James’ church probably felt like they were doing the right thing, but James tells them God’s perspective on the situation. The source of these conflicts is not found in their love of God but to their desires, the evil impulses that we have already learned about in James 1:14–15. The same goes for us as well!
All of this arguing is fruitless: they do not get what they want, because you do not ask God. “But I do pray!” might be your response. “You pray, but it is not effective, for your motives are wrong.” We are not seeking God’s will or God’s wisdom, but our own will. In other words, we come to God saying, “God bless my plans.” Instead of us focusing on God’s plans, our motives are wrapped up in our own desires and pleasures. God’s goal is not to give us what our own impulses demand. His goal is that we will learn to love what He loves. It is not that God does not want people to have pleasure, but that he wants to train them to take pleasure in what He knows is truly good.
In claiming to trust in God and yet living according to their own desires, James calls these people adulterers. They were being unfaithful to God and had been focusing their love on the world. When we try to become a friend of the world you are actually God’s enemy! Sure, we are still in the world as “salt” and “light,” but we are not to be of the world. At this point James talks about how God jealously longs for the spirit He made to live in us. That means that God gave to each person their spirit and He jealously longs for pure love in return (see Exodus 20:5–6). You cannot serve God and the world!
James’s argument might drive people to despair because of their sin. However, we find hope in verse 6! James claims that God offers more grace rather than condemnation, to the believer who is humble and repents. To back this up James quotes Proverbs 3:34, also quoted in 1 Peter 5:5: God does give grace to the humble! This grace that God gives is a grace that is sufficient for every struggle we are facing or any need we have.
So, let’s make our church a place where there is a genuine love for one another, a committed love for God, and a true heart of humility that will be ready receive God’s grace!
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
Sunday, March 30, 2008
James 3:16-18
March 31, 2008
Good morning! I hope that this study in James has been encouraging for you. Instead of moving ahead, I believe that it would be very profitable to go back over chapters 1-3 this week. I don't want us to lose sight of the entire message that God is communicating to us. So, go through the last 3 chapters and meditate on what God has taught you so far and how it has changed you from the inside out. Remember, 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! We will begin chapter 4 next week.
.
As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: jealousy, selfish ambition, wisdom, gentleness, mercy, and fruit.
Passage for the day: James 3:16-18 (NASB)
16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.
18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.
What does jealousy and selfish ambition lead to according to verse 16?
What does true wisdom from above look like according to verse 17?
How is the wisdom in verse 17 contrasted with the wisdom of verse 15? You can notice a progression in this verse. Meditate on each characteristic and evaluate whether your life demonstrates this kind of wisdom (pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy).
Explain the picture given in verse 18. How is the seed planted? Who are the ones who plant it?
CHEW ON THIS:
James picks up right where he left off in this passage. Envy and selfish ambition are seen as the “secret agents” behind evil and disorder in the church. It is no wonder since this kind of attitude comes from a wisdom that finds its source in hell itself! But is this situation any wonder? Envy and selfish ambition will destroy our church if we do not take action. The way we do this is to live out the wisdom of God! James shows us in this passage exactly what wisdom from above will look like: pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. This wisdom is, first of all, pure. The pure religion of James 1:27 has this wisdom as the source of its purity. This pure, divine wisdom leads to the second dimension as peaceable or “peace-loving.” This fruit of wisdom which counteracts the disorder caused by envy— reminds us of the blessing of those who are the peacemakers, which Jesus taught us in Matthew 5:9. Those who make peace are committed to the unity of the body of Christ, and not seeking to divide or break up the fellowship we have with one another. In other words, peacemakers are unity-protectors! In this progression, the next fruit of God’s wisdom is quality of gentleness or the act of being “considerate.” This wisdom, when applied, is seen in Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” We also see this same exhortation in Titus 3:2. The gentleness of Jesus Christ is the greatest example, especially as He hung from the cross, forgiving those who sought to kill Him. Along with gentleness comes reasonableness, or a willingness to yield or submit. This reveals a teachable and humble spirit. Beyond that, James tells us that this divine wisdom is linked to the virtue of fruit-bearing faith. When we are living this way, our lives will produce a harvest of mercy and good fruit. Mercy forgives others and does not hold sins against them – when it is not deserved. Mercy is also to act generously to others – especially those in need. James then builds upon this good fruit by telling us that divine wisdom will result in a life that is unwavering and genuine. This means that we are people of integrity whose actions match our words.
James ends this chapter by telling us that the ones who have this kind of wisdom from God are called “peacemakers.” Peacemakers act like a sower who sows the seed of peace. Like God, who sows the seed of the living Word (cf. Matt 13:19), believers are to sow peaceable deeds that will produce a harvest of righteousness. These acts that make for peace are the deeds of mercy, as we show genuine love for one another.
How will you live out these truths this week? Will you be someone who is filled with the wisdom of God? If you are, then it will be evidenced in your genuine actions of peace, gentleness, and mercy toward others!
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
Good morning! I hope that this study in James has been encouraging for you. Instead of moving ahead, I believe that it would be very profitable to go back over chapters 1-3 this week. I don't want us to lose sight of the entire message that God is communicating to us. So, go through the last 3 chapters and meditate on what God has taught you so far and how it has changed you from the inside out. Remember, 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! We will begin chapter 4 next week.
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As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: jealousy, selfish ambition, wisdom, gentleness, mercy, and fruit.
Passage for the day: James 3:16-18 (NASB)
16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.
18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.
What does jealousy and selfish ambition lead to according to verse 16?
What does true wisdom from above look like according to verse 17?
How is the wisdom in verse 17 contrasted with the wisdom of verse 15? You can notice a progression in this verse. Meditate on each characteristic and evaluate whether your life demonstrates this kind of wisdom (pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy).
Explain the picture given in verse 18. How is the seed planted? Who are the ones who plant it?
CHEW ON THIS:
James picks up right where he left off in this passage. Envy and selfish ambition are seen as the “secret agents” behind evil and disorder in the church. It is no wonder since this kind of attitude comes from a wisdom that finds its source in hell itself! But is this situation any wonder? Envy and selfish ambition will destroy our church if we do not take action. The way we do this is to live out the wisdom of God! James shows us in this passage exactly what wisdom from above will look like: pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. This wisdom is, first of all, pure. The pure religion of James 1:27 has this wisdom as the source of its purity. This pure, divine wisdom leads to the second dimension as peaceable or “peace-loving.” This fruit of wisdom which counteracts the disorder caused by envy— reminds us of the blessing of those who are the peacemakers, which Jesus taught us in Matthew 5:9. Those who make peace are committed to the unity of the body of Christ, and not seeking to divide or break up the fellowship we have with one another. In other words, peacemakers are unity-protectors! In this progression, the next fruit of God’s wisdom is quality of gentleness or the act of being “considerate.” This wisdom, when applied, is seen in Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” We also see this same exhortation in Titus 3:2. The gentleness of Jesus Christ is the greatest example, especially as He hung from the cross, forgiving those who sought to kill Him. Along with gentleness comes reasonableness, or a willingness to yield or submit. This reveals a teachable and humble spirit. Beyond that, James tells us that this divine wisdom is linked to the virtue of fruit-bearing faith. When we are living this way, our lives will produce a harvest of mercy and good fruit. Mercy forgives others and does not hold sins against them – when it is not deserved. Mercy is also to act generously to others – especially those in need. James then builds upon this good fruit by telling us that divine wisdom will result in a life that is unwavering and genuine. This means that we are people of integrity whose actions match our words.
James ends this chapter by telling us that the ones who have this kind of wisdom from God are called “peacemakers.” Peacemakers act like a sower who sows the seed of peace. Like God, who sows the seed of the living Word (cf. Matt 13:19), believers are to sow peaceable deeds that will produce a harvest of righteousness. These acts that make for peace are the deeds of mercy, as we show genuine love for one another.
How will you live out these truths this week? Will you be someone who is filled with the wisdom of God? If you are, then it will be evidenced in your genuine actions of peace, gentleness, and mercy toward others!
For His Name,
Pastor Stephen
Friday, March 28, 2008
James 3:13-15
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
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
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
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