Blessed Are The Peacemakers...Holiday Edition

 

 

Every Christmas, I remember drama when my extended family got together for the holidays. It unsettled a young me. However, these times were used by God to draw me close to Him, like a magnet to metal.

I remember retreating to a sky light window, the closest place I thought I could get to God. I cried out to God. I didn't know at the time what I was doing but I believe now it is what God desires us to do (pray) in the face of conflict.

Conflict, in and of itself, is not bad. We all have varying opinions and perspectives. It is healthy. We learn from one another. However, conflict is bad when it turns into fights and quarrels. It is bad when it is not loving or assuming the best of the other party. The evil of it comes from our hearts.

                                            WISDOM FROM JAMES

What is the source of wars and fights among you? Don't they come from your passions that wage war within you? You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and wage war. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and don't receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. James 4:1-3, CSB

God doesn't pull any punches. His word shows us exactly from where the trouble comes; within us. And if it comes from within us, why do we fight with others? Maybe it would make better sense to fight within ourselves.

WHAT THEN DO WE DO WITH CONFLICT?

Practically, how does this play out at our various gatherings?

In the face of conflict, how do we respond?

The main question to ask is, what is most loving in this situation?

We must wrestle with our own hearts and honestly ask, why do I want to fight about this? Is it a selfish motive? Do I want to win? What do I want? Do I want to be right? Do I want the best for that person? Do I just like to hear myself argue? Am I representing Christ well as I disagree?

We must make our own hearts submit to Christ. This is when we cry out to God and ask for the grace to humble ourselves. We must walk as He did and die to our own selfish motives for the sake of love.

Further on in James it explains, "But he gives greater grace. Therefore he says:

God resists the proud,

but gives grace to the humble.

Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. 

Don't criticize one another, brothers and sisters. Anyone who defames or judges a fellow believer defames and judges the law. If you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?" James 4:6-12, CSB.

We must learn to humble ourselves before a mighty God. The one and only proper judge will convict and work in the persons heart with whom you disagree. At the same time God will work in your own heart. There is no room for pride in Christian love.

Now, what if there is a certain family member who just won't let peace reign?

You can walk lovingly in grace toward them and refuse to engage. The best thing to do is say, "that is an interesting viewpoint." If they persist just ask non defensive questions (your tone goes a long way). Questions like, "How did you come to that conclusion?" What makes you so passionate about this point?" Seek to understand. In doing this, it may give you room to speak into their life as well. 

However, most importantly, we need to keep our eyes focused on Christ. When we remember what He did for us, the lengths and depths of love He has for us, what He endured for our salvation, we can die to our own self. He will give us the grace. Just remember and ponder;

Philippians 2:6-11

Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,

6 who, existing in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God
as something to be exploited.
7 Instead he emptied himself
by assuming the form of a servant,
taking on the likeness of humanity.
And when he had come as a man,
8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient
to the point of death—
even to death on a cross.
9 For this reason God highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus
every knee will bow—
in heaven and on earth
and under the earth—
11 and every tongue will confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father. 

James Week Nine - Walk It Out

Well this has been a fun adventure as we explored James together. I just love digging deep in God's word. Thanks for joining in. Please join us for the next study on 1/9 over Psalm 119. A new year and a new study to help us renew our minds by saturating our hearts with His word.

James has been so packed with great stuff. Over and over it has challenged me to trust God in all things.

Verses 1-6 go on to state that all truth will eventually come out. It is condemning those who live as if this earth is all there is. When we live that way we are very selfish and overindulgent. However, as believers we have a hope that our treasure is in Heaven, an inheritance waiting for us. This earth and everything here is only temporary. It is not even ours. The earth and everything in it is God's. We must not forget this. We must live with open hands, not grasping anything too tightly. We must also live with open hearts, intentionally loving others well. We should not take advantage of those who are weak, poor, or challenged.

Verses 7-12 encourages us to be patient for the coming of the Lord is near. We must take hope in that while life here is hard. But this is only temporary, what is to come is going to be amazing. We must learn to be patient as we wait on HIM.

The verses encourage us to look at the prophets and how they were steadfast. They patiently endured. They suffered all kinds of troubles but their hope was in the Lord where ours should be also. While we wait we should not judge others or grumble. God is coming our hearts must stay fixed and focused on this.

Then we are encouraged to look to Job and God's purposes there. Job was able to say He knows His redeemer lives before the cross, how much more should we be able to see it on this side of the cross? We are reminded that God is compassionate and merciful.

Then we are told to simply state what we mean. Our yes should be yes and no should be no. We do not need to swear by anything else.

Verses 13-20 conclude this way.
These are practical answers to questions for living out life. I love how James is so practical. I also love that these things are to be done within community. We need to depend on one another. God made us for community. I also love the emphasis there is on prayer. We must take note that prayer is very powerful.

Then it ends with the advice that if we restore a wanderer from the faith it will save his soul and cover a multitude of sins. We must keep our eyes open for those wanderers.

1-What has been the most challenging thing you discovered through this study of James?
2-Are you involved in community currently? Do you practice life with community? Why or why not?
3-Do you consider the power of prayer in every situation?
4-What encouragement can you take from keeping our eyes fixed on our lasting inheritance in Heaven?

James Week 8 - Walk it Out

We are experiencing a lot of sibling rivalry here lately. It is enough for me to want to pull my hair out! No one wants to be around arguing and fighting all the time. I keep telling my girls we must get to the heart of the matter. The problem resides in their hearts. This next chapter in James discusses this. He opens the book with this question, " What causes fights and quarrels among you?" (James 4:1a).

Hmmm. The question of all ages. Why are there wars? Why do family members stop speaking? How does this happen? What is the cause? Often we would like to say it is the other person right? However that is far from the truth. Then the Scripture goes on to state this, "Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures" (James 4:1b-3)

Our fighting and quarreling comes from the desires within ourselves. Our heart is deceptive. We desperately want things, things others have, things we are not allowed to have, things that are not good for us. We are jealous of others thinking their life is better than ours. Yet if we only trusted God. He is the one who gives good gifts. He is the one who allows whatever comes into our lives. He is in ultimate control. Yet often we still want our own way.

Quarreling and fighting is a sign of lack of trusting God with our hearts. If we could see it that way and learn to trust then we would be better off. Sometimes when we are in the valley of life it is hard to understand why. Yet God is still in control. He uses every bit of it to make us more like Him if we are trained by it. The solution to our dissatisfaction is to ask God. Sometimes He says no, sometimes He says yes. We just must trust.

The people of this time were a dispersed people. It would have been a hard time to trust God's plan. But James wanted to encourage them. Honestly we know when something like pride is welling up in our hearts if we just pay attention. You start by getting a feeling on the inside of you. It is a yucky feeling. If you stop and recognize that you can take it to God and humble yourself. It will help you see what is truly going on in your heart. Usually the argument you have is about a deeper thing.

A modern day example could be that I share irritated words with my husband because he left the towel on the floor. He does this everyday but this day he also left his shoes in the middle of the hallway causing me to trip. I am angry because I have been inconvenienced and feel unappreciated. This brings out unkind actions and words then an argument begins. No one wants to yield. As it goes on we forget what the argument was really even about. Yet pride keeps it going.

James 4:4-8 goes on to states, "You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.  Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."

If we belong to God then we are in a covenant relationship with Him. It is a marriage. We become His and when we start running with things of the world we become His enemy. We are committing spiritual adultery because our hearts are divided. A serious thing! He lives in us and He is jealous for us. He wants us back. Yet He gives us scandalous grace we do not deserve. He is a lover who will never leave us or forsake us even in our horrible ways. He will continue to come after us because He loves us so. Yet He will hold the proud at a distance which in any relationship should be painful enough to cause the offender to return because they miss the one they love.

If you humble yourself before God He will give you grace. As you draw near Him He will draw near you. He will never force this. He waits for your move. Your return. He is faithful. Also, we have the power through His grace to resist the devil. When we do he will flee from us. So this should encourage us to be strong in the Lord and follow hard after Him the one who loves us perfectly.

Then verse 8-10 speak of how we will be filled with sorrow for departing from God. We will be convicted and repent. We are perfectly clean as we take this to the cross. As we are humbling ourselves God will lift us up. He always restores. A forgiving lover. His love is amazing. Run to Him He will never turn you away.

Then verses 11-12 talk about what to do with this strife we feel toward other people. How we handle it is to not speak evil of one another. When we are in right relationship with God we will rightly understand He is the only true judge. He is the one who will make things right. We have no right to judge our brother by taking the place of God or His law.

Finally James goes on to explain that it is arrogance to plan life without the guidance of God. Read verses 13-16.  The point is our life is a short. We don't even know how short it really is. We must seek the wisdom of God as we plan our our days and we must be okay with changes in our plans. God is in control and we must trust Him.  So instead of being arrogant we can say, "If the Lord wills then...."  This kind of boasting with out thinking of God, is evil. We must consider what the Lord would have for us to do.

Then this chapter ends in a convicting way. Just as it began. Verse 17 states, "To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." Enduring Word Media Commentary states, "James knows that it is far easier to think about and talk about humility and dependence on God than it is to live it. Yet He makes the mind of God plain: as we know these things we are accountable to do them."

How has any of this challenged you this week?
How can we pray for one another in this? Humility is hard. Yet walking it out is as easy as trusting and submitting to God. Whatever He allows is for our good. We do not need to fight. We need to trust.

James Week 7 - Part Two - Walk It Out

Have you ever thought someone was really wise? What made you think that? Did it prove to be true? This word for wisdom is the some word we were looking at in chapter one when we were told to ask God for wisdom if we needed it and God will give it. Now we get to see what that wisdom that comes from Him will look like. Read verses 13-18 in James 3 now and I am going to work backwards this time on this passage.

First we will look at what Godly wisdom is (v. 17-18):
pure which means pure from carnality, chaste, modest
peace-loving means loving peace
considerate means fair, mild, or gentle/suitable
submissive means easily obeying, compliant.
full of mercy means kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them.
and good fruit means good constitution or nature in acts
impartial means without dubiousness, ambiguity or uncertainty.
sincere means without hypocrisy or unfeigned.
*Definitions taken from Blue Letter Bible Lexicon

Now when you are seeking wisdom if it does not fall into these categories do not listen to it. It is not from God. And don't give advice to someone contrary to this either. There is so much information in this world flying at us. You must prayerfully filter it through these characteristics.

Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. The passage ends with this. If we live peaceable lives we will end up with righteousness. Hold on to that. Sometimes it does take a while for the harvest to come but that peace that passes all understanding is constantly in our heart if we trust Him in faith.

Then verses 4-16 speak about the things that are not godly wisdom.
¹⁴ But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. ¹⁵ Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ¹⁶ For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

How can you identify this kind of wisdom based on this passage?
This is the world's way. Scary huh? This kind of wisdom is even considered demonic. Flee from it. If you feel envy creeping up in your heart RUN! Selfish ambition, RUN! It is only the start of many other evil practices. By all means do not boast about it. Run to God my friend. He is where true security is found.

The passage in v. 13 begins with "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." You will see a wise person by observing them. Not by perfection but by grace. Keep your eyes open and watch then when you need a good human counselor you will know who to seek out.

1-Who has been your most cherished, wise counselor?

2-Have you ever taken a moment to thank them? Do so now. Don't wait til their funeral to do so.

3-The word for selfish ambition translates as electioneering or intriguing for office in the Greek. I find this interesting considering the political campaigns we often see and that will be coming up soon. Let us watch for those candidates who are wise based on their behaviors. Let us filter them through our wisdom filter above.

4-What things need to change in your life now confronted with the word on wisdom?

James Week 7 - Walk It Out

This is a great song a bit more alternative but about keeping our mouths shut.

"Hey I want you to meet my Sunday School Teacher", she said. Those words always make me feel weird. I am what she says I am but now that person will look at me differently. Do I want that?

I often shudder when I hear or read these opening verses of James 3, "Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly" (James 3:1). Believe me I take this so seriously. When I teach you or write these studies it is a serious thing. It is not something that someone should just wake up one day and decide hmmm maybe I will teach the Bible. :) No instead it has to be something done in great faith knowing that God has given you the gift of teaching through His Spirit.

We all are given gifts to serve one another in. This one is one given me so I take it seriously in fear and trembling like we should whatever gift it is that has been given us by HIM. We do what we do to serve Him well. Not for show or to get rich and famous and sadly at that time many people were rising up to do that very thing. They were receiving glory not God. They wanted the glory for themselves. It can be a strong temptation for a teacher because often you are given an audience but a teacher must remember they are a mere servant and representative for God. That is all. God is the one who gets the glory.

Unfortunately today we see a lot of the same things with teachers. You must be careful that whoever you listen too they are teaching the true and full gospel of Christ. Otherwise they can lead you astray. When you are given influence there is a reason to take it seriously. Here the verse says there will be a stricter judgment. Commentaries reference Luke 12:48 here, "But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required."  It is a good parable to take the time to read in context however basically it states you are accountable for what you know. This is not an excuse to be lazy and stop learning either. Those issues are addressed as well throughout Scripture. However, God opens our eyes to things and when He does we are accountable to how we handle those. We must take this seriously.

Now, this first verse is a great lead in to the rest of the chapter because it addresses the tongue. Read James 3:2-12 Even if you are not a teacher you have been given influence with someone. Especially our families. How we speak to others has great impact on them. We must pay close attention to our words.

The next verse says we are perfect if we never stumble in what we say. This is the third time that word perfect is used. Again it means we are whole, and complete. Suffering aids in this process of making us perfect, God's gifts are addressed as perfect, and God's law is addressed as perfect all from James 1. Now we see it again in the context of if we do not stumble in speech we are perfect. I think we all know that this is an impossibility. We say things that are wrong or mean. We are people who do not love well. We do not use words well. We must own up to this. Otherwise if we can control our tongue then we can control everything else about us. No more sin. Interesting isn't it? Maybe it is because Scripture tells us what comes out of our mouth is a direct reflection of what is in our hearts (Luke 6:45). When something is in our heart then it is part of us. The things in our hearts are our beliefs.

v. 3 Says we can control a large horse with a small bit.
v. 4 says we can control a large ship with a small rudder even in strong winds.
v.5 says The tongue is compared to these things. It is a small thing that controls big things by making big speeches.
v.5b-6 speaks of the tongue being like a small spark that can set a forest on fire the tongue is similar. Words do hurt, long after they are spoken. We create tapes in our heads that will replay over and over like on a tape recorder if we let them. It is not true that words do not hurt. They do hurt.

Proverbs 16:24 states, "Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

Proverbs 18:21 states, "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."

Based on these verses and what we have learned so far have you rightly understood the power of your words? Yes or No? Explain.

How can you improve your use of words? Another key I have learned is your tone of voice. It makes a great difference as well in addressing others. Again, do you really make time for people? Do you really listen? Do you really respond with kindness and love? How can you improve? We all can improve.

The Scriptures go on to state this because they state every kind of creature can be tamed by mankind but no man can tame the tongue. WOW! Can you imagine that? Think of being at Seaworld seeing those killer whales and how they are tamed by men yet we cannot even tame the very thing that we live with daily. In verse 7 it states about the tongue that, "It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison."

Verses 8-12 goes on to state why the tongue is a deadly poison. It states, "Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!"  Then it goes on to compare things that cannot be both.

How have you done this? Have you cursed someone and praised God out of the same mouth? Maybe even a moment after another? I have done this. I know I have come back from having a wonderful praise time in my car all alone then when I arrive home I have just yelled at my kids for something they have done. This should not be. Give an example of this in your own life.

This is all for now. It is a lot to think about. We must take it to heart. Proverbs 4:23 states, "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." How are you doing this? So my prayer for us this week is, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer" (Psalm 19:14).

James Week 6 - Walk It Out

"Let's pack our lunches and go to the park to eat." I said as we got ready to go to meet our friend. At the last minute our friend called us to cancel but there was no need for us to cancel. We left with an extra lunch in tow. As we journeyed on our way we noticed a dirty man with a sign. As we got closer it read will work for food. We walked to the other side of the street to gracefully avoid him and kept our extra lunch for ourselves, after all he was probably a lazy bum.

What do you think when you read that story? Does it upset you? If you have been with us so far you will know this is crazy right? First we are being judgmental which we learned last week was not right. This is a human being who has a story. Who is a creation of God. But this next section that goes til the end of Chapter two talks of faith and works. If we have extra to give someone and with hold it that is sin. So let's dig in and read the Scripture for ourselves. Read James 2:14-26.



Focusing on verses 14-20
As my story above states, that is how James opens except his is better because it is the inspired word of God. It is ridiculous to say you are a believer but not live like it. We are to display the glory of God to the world. When we come to Christ, if we are truly believers, if we have real faith, then the Holy Spirit lives in us and starts to change us and starts to make us more and more into the image of Christ. When this happens we want to do things because we are compelled by love for God. We know He deeply loves us and we want to express this back to Him. We do this by our deeds.

We must be careful here though because there are many moral people who do good deeds because they think they will earn them right standing before God. They do them for the wrong reasons. That is not true faith. This is not what is being talked about here. This is something I see often in the south. Many people go to church because it is what you do but that does not make you a Christian. You may even go on mission trips, serve on committees, teach Bible studies, keep the nursery but that does not make you a Christian.

Faith in Christ alone is what makes you a Christian and because of that because God called you to Himself you respond. That is where true works come from. You are compelled to work because of love for Him. You are secure in your standing because you are His child nothing is to be earned because all has already been done by Him.

Then we go on to look at two examples of people who lived this kind of faith out in verses 21-26.

Read Genesis 22:1-18. It is the entire story of what James 2:21-24 is referencing.

I love the references in it that are pointing toward to Christ to come. Immediately Abraham got up and obeyed this strange request. He believed and trusted God. Just as Christ had to carry the cross up to His place of sacrifice, Isaac had the wood for the sacrifice placed on him. The request, his father was to sacrifice his one and only beloved son. Then God provided the sacrifice of the lamb stuck in the thickets for the sacrifice instead of Isaac. The Perfect Lamb of God would become our final sacrifice. And through Abraham (Isaac) all the nations on earth will be blessed because it is his seed that will bring Jesus. In Christ all families on earth will be blessed. Christ is our salvation.

True faith is acted out. God told Abraham to do something and he acted. When we know the right thing to do and do not do it it is sin. We must learn to walk out our faith. Because of our great love for God we should desire to do what He wants us to do.

Read Rahab's account in Joshua 2 that is referenced in James 2:25-26.

Rahab's fear of God was bigger than her fear of her king or country. She opened her heart to God and acted in faith to help these men of God. This changed her life. She is credited several times in Scripture for her faith because of this. She acted. Faith worked out. 

James Week 5 - Walk It Out

"I really liked him," excitedly stated my husband about a guy we just met who we would be doing some ministry work with. I answered curtly, "why?" You see this man was covered in tattoos. I was so distracted by them that I failed to see his heart. My husband on the other hand saw how this man was of good character. My husband did not judge. If it was not for my husband I would have missed out on working with an amazing person. I judged. I did not give it a second thought and I would have cut this person off if it was not for the mercy and wisdom of my man.



Listen for preparation. Appropriate for our study.

James warns us of this behavior. James 2:1-12 is our passage for this week. Again I recommend you just read it every day take it in slowly and just really think about the passage. Ask who it is talking about? How it can apply to your life? How your life needs to agree with it?  This is how Scripture is alive and active to change us and make us more like Jesus.

We ended last week by learning real god-fearing worship is taking care of those who are weak and keeping ourselves from being stained by the world. Chapter two starts with a question that helps us with this further. Remember this is a letter and when James wrote it it did not have chapters and breaks. The question that opens this week is,
"My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?"

That is a question that makes me say ouch! I am not sure if I know anyone who has not ever favored someone except Jesus. It is a good question to make us evaluate our hearts. Then readjust them. Do you have an example to share with the group like my example above? If so please share and how God changed you.

Then James goes on to give an example about people coming into a meeting and how we judge and treat them. That this is evil motives when we have favorites. (Read James 2:2-4).

Looking at both of these photos of women you could meet on the street. Would you invite both of these women into your home? Would you take the time to get to now either? Why or why not?

Then it goes on to state how the poor are blessed. Remember us discussing this in James 1:9? James 2:5 says, "Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him?" Interesting too that Jesus taught in the sermon on the mount that blessed were the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 5:3).

Essentially the poor of this world have more opportunity to trust than the rich. It is really easy for someone who is rich to think that they have earned their own way. It does not facilitate the dependence that being more needy does. A humility comes with that and in it a dire need for God. It is indeed a blessing. I am finding this to be true in my personal weakness. People will often look at me and think what good can come from this chronic illness? However I believe I have been chosen by God to be dependent on Him in this way. I experience more intimacy with Him this way so if this is the best way for this I would not change a thing. I am surrendered to Him.

Then in contrast James goes on to say about the rich, "But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?" James 2:6-7. Remember what we spoke about in James 1:10-11 regarding the rich?

The rich man's heart can often be divided and drawn toward money. Because of this even though they have lots of money they will still sue and wrongly treat others for more of it. They cannot get enough. They will chose money over other things like relationships. It can easily become an idol in their hearts. A great reason not to favor the rich over the poor. Everything boils down to matters of the heart. How is someones heart on the matter? There are rich people whose hearts love God more than money. The meaning of this passage is do not judge based on outward appearance.

Then he goes on in verses 8 and 9 to admonish something good that may be used as an argument for treating the rich better than the poor however he stomps it out quickly because if you love your neighbor as yourself it will not only be your rich neighbor you love but your poor one as well. Not only those who can do things for you but those who cannot repay you either.

It is important to keep the Scriptures which are the royal law because we are children of the high King. However just because we are children of the king of the universe it does not give us the right to favor some over others. We are only what we are because God has called us. It has nothing to do with us. If we show favoritism to some over others the word says we are actually committing sin.You are breaking God's law.

(Regarding vv10-11) Have you ever thought, well I have done all things right but this one little thing so I am okay. Or I have kept all parts of the law but have stolen this one thing so I am ok. Or I only told one lie so I am okay. This is not true before a holy God. Sin is sin. Before a holy God none can be justified. All sin has a price that needs to be paid. Of course Christ came to pay that price so in Him we are made clean. We are justified fully if we trust in what He has done for us. So take His law seriously. Not legalistically or licentiously but seriously in love. He has finished and paid that debt.

We end with a powerful verse. Verse 13 states, "There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you." In the ESV version the verse is stated like this, "For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment."

These are some hard verses. In the context we have just been talking about favoritism and giving rich people a break over the poor. God really dislikes this. If you read the full counsel of Scripture you will see over and over again God is for the underdog. He protects them and calls them blessed and takes them under His wing. When the strong take advantage of the weak it is not ok. Here God is calling people to show mercy. Remember this letter is written to the underdog. People who have been dispersed. People driven from their comfortable homes. People under threat of persecution. Yet still God is calling for mercy. He is still saying mercy is better than judgment. Earlier on too we learned that our anger never brings about the righteousness of God. God is the only true and righteous judge. We must trust Him at His word. So how do we live mercifully?

1-For these people it was probably a relief because to them they were judged pretty harshly and this was probably a sense of justice for them knowing God sees and God is the judge and He will take care of all the injustice done to them.

2-They were not to take judgment into their own hands. Living it out "mercy" which is better actually means - kindness or good towards the miserable or afflicted, joined with a desire to help them (blueletterbible.org).

This teaching was also not new because Jesus also taught this concept in the sermon on the mount. Matthew 7:2 states, "For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you." Honestly, why would you go about judging other people when there is so much in your own life that you need to work on? Maybe those who do so much judging are actually afraid to look into their own hearts. Either that or their hearts are hardened. I am not talking about an occasional judgment I am talking about those people who habitually judge others.


Also, one last thing Jesus did also tell us to love our enemies. This is indeed an upside down kingdom. Only by His supernatural power can we love that way. Look to Jesus. Follow His ways. Let His Spirit that dwells within us who are His guide us in this for nothing is impossible with Him.


1-Where are you prone to be judgmental of others? 


2-How has God made you dependent on Him alone?


3-We all have kinds of personalities that are hard to love. How can we pray for you in this?


4-Where have you involved yourself in ministries of mercy toward others? Would you share with the group? An example is instead of judging a homeless person for sitting on the street you volunteer at the homeless shelter. Mercy triumphs judgment. We don't know that persons story and even if they are lazy they still need the love of Christ. They still need mercy.


5-Practice extending mercy this week.

James Week 4 - Walk It Out

I just love this song about trusting God.

Our next section of study is from James 1:19-27. We will finish up the first chapter this week. This section is actual instructions about living. Really take some time to read the verses and let them sink in.

We start with verses 19-20 which state this, "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."

So let us break this down. We are told to be
1-Be quick to hear.
When you listen to people talk to you do you listen to hear them? I mean really hear their heart? Or are you more interested in planning your next statement to them? Being quick to hear is really hearing someone. This is more important because we need to be other centered not self centered.

2-Be slow to speak.
Do you evaluate your words before they come out of your mouth or do you just blurt them out? Words are powerful and should be considered before said. Be slow in speaking. Consider Ecclesiastes 5:2, "Don’t make rash promises, and don’t be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few." Also, "And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak" (Matthew 12:36). If we considered these things we would be slower to share our thoughts.

3-Be slow to anger. 
Anger is not sin, the Bible tells us in our anger to not sin (Ephesians 4:26). Do you blow your top easily? If things do not go your way do you lose your temper? Would people define you as someone who is hot-headed? We are encouraged to be slow to anger. God is a great example of this all throughout the Bible.

Then we learn that the "anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." Simply put, when we get angry we may think it is justified however we do not always know the whole picture. We cannot see everything like God does and our anger can never be unbiased. Our anger or our attempts for justice cannot produce the same thing as God's righteousness. In the end all things will be exposed to the light. Justice will fully be served. Now we just need to trust God to handle it the best way. We cannot see all that happens. We must trust Him with this. 
 
Next we are told to put away things that make us filthy (v.21) which would be anything that dishonors God. Also take off any remaining wickedness which means things that still remain from who we use to be prior to Christ. It may be that desire to break the rules or injure someone. Remember this letter was originally written to those who were driven away from their homes. There would have been a great temptation to get even and take things into their own hands. Handling it by revenge or hatred. That is not God's way of justice. We must get control of those fleshly thoughts and put them off.

Instead we are to realize that God chose us because He gave us His word. He planted it into our hearts. It saves us. Upon receiving it we become part of His family. We are completely His, completely forgiven, completely justified. Yet we are in a process of being made like Him.

So how do we receive His word? This next section tells us how. Verses 22-25.
When you hear God's word what do you do? Do you hear it and think that was nice and walk on later to just forget it? Or do you really think about it? Do you think how can I apply this to my life today? How can this change me? How can this make me more like Him? There is a blessing when you do that. Otherwise you cheat yourselves. You are like the man who built his house on the sand.

When you look into the mirror usually you are looking into it to do something otherwise it is a quick glance that is easily forgotten. Look into the word to do something.


vv.26-27
Now this part may hurt a bit. Essentially it says if you claim to be a God-fearer and you cannot control your tongue then your worship is worthless. Ouch! I want my worship to mean something to God. I do not want to be a hypocrite. It reminds me of James 3:8-10, " ⁸ but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹ Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. ¹⁰ And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! " We will get into those verses in detail later but really that is true how can we fear God and curse man in the image He has made? What kind of worship is that?

Then this chapter ends like this, "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you."  Showing Him worship is through acts of love toward others. He cares for those who need help. Practically played out it is looking after those who are in distress specifically orphans and widows. It is difficult now to be an orphan or a widow but during that time period it was especially hard. They did not have a state system to provide for them. They had nothing unless someone stepped up to take care of them.

And finally it ends with refusing to let the world corrupt you. How can you be in the world but not of the world? There is a different you know. There are things you just must not do because they make you a friend of the world. Love people stay away from the sin. Don't judge people that is God's job. Don't participate in their sin to try to win them or befriend them. God opens people's eyes.  Be a light. Live it out.

How can we pray for one another this week in these practical ways?

James Week 3 - Walk It Out

This is a great video and song to go along with today's lesson. Watch it in preparation.

Now this next section is important. Speaking of the trials we have been talking about, they can come in many forms even trials through temptation. However, trials through temptations do not come from God. This is important to know. Remember in the context too that this letter was originally written for believers who have been dispersed. Being dispersed is a situation where many trials would surface. Also, temptation would be an issue too. Doubting God's love for you, His ability to provide, or a variety of other things come up. This section looks at temptation and sin. So let's dig right in.

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. 
James 1:13-18 

"It is crucial for us to remember always that God tests people for good; he does not tempt people for evil. Even during temptation we can see God's sovereignty in permitting Satan to tempt us in order to refine our faith and help us grow in our dependence on Christ." ~Life Application Commentary


If you truly believe God is sovereign then it is important for you to know that Satan cannot do anything without God's permission. All things that come into our lives are to refine us and make us more like Christ, however Satan's purpose is to destroy. We show God great glory when we praise God anyway and persevere.

God however does give us a freewill to make choices. When Adam and Eve were in the perfect garden they had the perfect life and relationship with one another, creation, and with God. Because they let temptation give birth they made a choice that would forever change history. Sin is rampant on this earth. After this choice immediately they started to try to blame others for their own sinful choices. We see by these verses that "each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed."



As much as we would like to blame God or Satan. The biggest struggle we have with sin is within our own selves. We must own up to this. When we do we can finally see our desperate need for a Savior. Until we see how utterly sinful we are we will resist the need for a Savior. It is in us and our hearts that sin comes forth. We are sinful creatures. We are selfish by nature. Yet God had a plan in place in the beginning. He knew we were dust. He knew we would be in this desperate state. Because He is holy He could not be with us in that state yet He loved us so He wanted to make a way. Jesus is the way, the only way to make us right with God. We were so sinful and desperate but so deeply loved a sacrifice came. In Christ we are made right with God. I love that. God extends His invitation but many do not except it for they cannot see their own need.

Temptation is very interesting in how it works. Basically as the verse lays out that a temptation is when someone is drawn out by bait because of his or her own desire or craving for something that is forbidden. Again it is our own desires we must own up to and take responsibility for. In Christ we have the ability to resist these temptations that come because they will come.

This is another important thing to remember...The first part is not yet sin. A temptation is the bait like a fish coming to the lure. It is not sin until it is caught then it goes forth to its death. Sin is like that. The initial temptation can be stopped from its conception. Let's look at some other Scriptures.

"Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil" (Matthew 4:1). This verse is so interesting to me because look at who lead Jesus into the wilderness--The Holy Spirit. Again see that God has to allow this. It is part of the refining process. Look at who did the tempting, Satan. Jesus was without sin. Temptation is not bad it is when it is conceived that it is sin.

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:13). When we are tempted we must remember that God is faithful, temptations are of the same varieties that all men experience, God will not let you be tempted beyond your ability to endure, and He always provides a way of escape. We must find the escape and take it.

The process from temptation to sin goes like this, "Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death" (James 1:15). When the evil desire takes us prisoner or is conceived it brings forth sin. When we give into it it is sin. Then this sin if not confessed and allowed to become mature or habitual results in death. Living in continual sinfulness brings separation from God. When we chose sin we reject God. Again it is our choice. We must own up to it.

So practically played out in a simple example, if you have a bad thought about someone this is the moment of decision. It is the time to find that door out of it. It is not yet sin. If you start entertaining that thought and pondering the wickedness of it then it becomes sin. We may even start to say bad things about this person. As we do this this it opens the door for the thought to keep coming back again and again so we keep repeating this sin pattern. Then eventually it brings forth addiction and death.  Now this is just an elementary example but you can see the process.

The way to respond to temptation is to recognize it then take control of it. As in this thought mentioned above, we need to take it captive and make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Say no to the thought and replace it with a good one from Philippians 4:8. Nothing that is of God is evil.

Then the remainder of the passage goes on to state, "Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created" (James 1:16-18).

In contrast to the evil, every good thing comes from God. Do we recognize this? He is the creator of all things even the stars and sun. He gives us good things. He is good. He is constant and does not change like a shadow. We never have to question His goodness. He will always remain true to His promises. In His amazing goodness and love He extended the invitation for us to be His children. His word is life giving and He gives us birth as His children. Upon acceptance we become part of His royal family. Let us live on display of this to the dying world.


1-Give an example of a sin that wanted to have you but then how you resisted that temptation. It is good testimony because in Christ we can resist. This will not make sense to those not in Christ.

2-What is your favorite promise of God's goodness to you?

3-How would you explain this sin process to a child?

4-Can you see your desperate need for God? Have you started to own up to your own sin? Sin has consequences but we have a great Savior who took that sin making us clean. Do you regularly confess your sin? There is no better time than now. Take it to Him. He cleanses us from all righteousness when we confess our sins to Him.

5-Do you have an experience like Jesus being lead into the wilderness for the purpose of refining? What were the biggest temptations? Did you overcome then and if yes how?

Walk It Out - James, Week 2 Part 2

Jesus is remarkable. His ministry turned the world upside down. His teachings and concepts were so different from world concepts. We will see an example of this from this section of Scripture. I love how radically different Jesus was. The people were looking for someone who would come and free them from Roman rule. That is what they understood the Messiah to do. However they had it all wrong. Jesus came to save the world alright from oppression but His way of salvation was not what they expected. Down is the way up in God's kingdom. Jesus death and resurrection were what changed the world and made us right with God through faith in Him. This was not what was expected. His death looked weak and like defeat yet it was actually the opposite. It is what rocked the world as they knew it. Nothing would ever be the same. His teachings fit this same unpredictable mold. 

In this section we will look at James 1:8-12. Remember we just got finished talking about our need for wisdom and how it comes from God. He desires to give it to us when we ask in faith. If someone doubts they are double minded. They love the world yet love God and these two cannot mix. Verse 8 picks up in describing this person, "Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."

I know I do not want to be unstable in what I do. I want to be like the man who built His house on the rock. I want to stand when storms hit. As we walk out our faith we learn that we can trust God fully. He shows us this over and over. In the parable of the house on the rock it tells us how to stand strong. It says, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." (Matthew 7:24). Do you get that? We must not only hear God's word and receive it as knowledge but we must apply it to our lives. We must put it into practice.

So here is the upside down part of this section of Scripture.
 ⁹ Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. ¹⁰ But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. ¹¹ For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
 ¹² Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. 

Talk about an opposite philosophy from the world! If you are poor or in humble conditions in status, depressive state, or with grief you should rejoice. This position places you in a high station or rank in God's kingdom. Yet in contrast the person who is abundantly supplied is considered in a lower estate in God's kingdom. This is a concept that the world cannot understand. It is of the same language of the Sermon on the Mount that Jesus preached. 

Essentially it is saying that no matter our circumstances our faith and identity should rest in God. Worldly riches fade as quickly as wildflowers. Though riches are not bad in and of themselves they are not to be trusted for security. This life is temporary. Everything will pass away except our relationship with Jesus. That is all that will matter in the end. Whether we have had plenty or not. It all fades away. God is in control of all things and we must trust Him in all this. We must continue to run the race put before us to the finish. At that time we will receive that precious crown of life and hear the words Well done my good and faithful servant. God wants us to be complete in maturity. Our stations in life are part of what makes us into what we are meant to be. How we live determines what kind of treasure we store up for eternity.

In this letter James was addressing those dispersed from their homes. In an instance they had to leave all they had. These unexpected things can happen at any moment. They needed to be reminded that true security is only found in Christ. Nothing in this world is secure. A message that is good for us to hear and be reminded of as well.

So let us run together encouraging one another on so that we will all finish well. This is a team race not an individual competition. How can we pray for you at this stage in life? Where are you in this race? Don't give up keep going and finish well. We are in this together.

God allows trials to mature us, He gives us wisdom, and He rewards a race well run. Isn't it great to know God understands completely and wants us full and complete in Christ? So let it encourage you to walk it out.

1-How have you been in a humble state? How can you count it as a blessed situation?
2-How have you been in a rich state?  How do you keep free of the temptation of depending on it?
3-Where are you storing your treasures? The Bible says, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). What is your heart most focused or devoted?
4-Are you running alongside others? Are you tempted to be a lone ranger?
5-What steps do you have in place to be sure you finish well?

James Week Two - Walk it Out

<sup>I like this group Indelible Grace. Hope you enjoy them too. Listen to prepare your heart for God's Word.

Last week as we learned about considering our trials a joy because of the opportunity they bring in building endurance in us and testing our faith, we must consider what happens when we find ourselves in the midst of a trial. We often have questions. Questions are not bad. God knows how He made us. He knew we would have questions. Immediately after the verses we discussed on the trials we find this;</sup>

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do"  (James 1:5-8.) 

^{If you need wisdom it is simple, ask God. I wanted to explore further what wisdom really is. As I have pondered this I was listening to a sermon by Tim Keller that defined wisdom like this,}

"Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?” The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies- I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have!" (1 Kings 3:9-12.)

God gave Solomon a wise and understanding heart. Solomon asked with faith and God gave it. Now contextually to be fair I must say that Solomon asked this to God because God appeared to Him and said, "Ask what I should give you" (1 Kings 3:5). That makes it easier to ask by faith. However, we have God's word and His word is His promises to us. So we need to  believe that when God says in James, "if you need wisdom, ask Me. I give abundantly without finding fault" (James 1:5, ,my paraphrase) that He will do it.

Can you trust God to give you what He promises to give? Is that a silly question? I ask it because what follows is God's condition, we must ask believing and not doubting. If we doubt we are tossed like a wave back and forth. It makes me picture killer whales. They like to toss back and forth their prey, playing with them until finally they get devoured. This is the same if we are double minded. Double mindedness never ends well. If we doubt we cannot expect to receive anything.

Practically played out it looks like this.
God has promised to give you wisdom if you ask. His wisdom can be found in His word to us that we have and can open freely and read. We are privileged because we do not have to worry about persecution for doing this in America. You have all of this however you are double minded if you,

• Are looking for signs instead of His word as enough.
• Are seeking help from random people like fortune tellers or horoscopes.
• Are asking people until you hear what you want to hear.
• Are looking for an easy way out and not trusting as you endure.
• Listen to the advice of the world instead of the trust of His word on suffering and trials.

So today where do you need wisdom? Ask God He is pleased to give it to you. Will you trust Him?
As we pondered the areas we are struggling to trust Him in, just take time now to ask Him how to proceed. Go to His word. It will help guide you through. Do you trust Him? If you are struggling I am reminded of this prayer,  “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).

Walk It Out - A Study on James Week 1

I really love this song! Listen in preparation for the study. Take the study slowly. This stuff we are about to talk about can help you so much when you face life's trials. Somehow the wrong thinking of, "if I just do this then I will escape suffering" has entered into the thought lives of many people. However it is not truth. Jesus told us in this world you will have trouble (John 16:33).

What kind of trouble are you currently experiencing? If you are not experiencing anything now you will at some point. It is good to be prepared as to how to handle it. We need the right perspective on our trials to overcome them.

James is speaking to these Christians who have been dispersed as we learned last week and he cuts right to it. After his greeting he opens the letter like this, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:2-4 (ESV)).

These people were experiencing various trials from the times and dispersion. Look at the notes from last week for specifics. James challenges them to count it all joy. Now I think it is important to know that I do not believe He is saying count it joy you lost everything you own and have had to relocate so be happy about it. Sin grieves God's heart. He does not expect us to be happy about sinful circumstances that wreck our lives, yet in His great wisdom when He allows it He desires our right perspective about it. God is sovereign and in control of all things so when He allows some adversity in our lives it is for our good ultimately (Romans 8:28-29). We must trust that.

It is through adversity that we learn and grow. It is how we become more like Him. So it is one of those blessings in disguise. If we let it do its work in us we will be better off in the end then we were before it. I do not type these words lightly but it what I truly believe from studying God's word and getting to know Him more intimately. He will never leave or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5) and will bring you from glory to glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).

To understand what James is saying let's look at these verses in the Greek. These definitions are mostly from Blueletterbible.org
Count it=means to consider or think
all=means everything
joy= is a cause or occasion for joy
when=whenever or as soon as or as long as
you meet trials=fall into or encompass you
various=variety
trials= adversity, affliction, trouble: sent by God and serving to test or prove one's character, faith, holiness/ an enticement to sin, temptation, whether arising from the desires or from the outward circumstances

I like this break down. Basically it states we are to consider ALL our trials which come in various forms either from our own sin or incoming affliction as an occasion for joy. Do you get this? We must think and consider it. If the affliction is not of our own sinful doing then we may not know the why but we can be prepared to consider it an opportunity. Now why would we do that? The next part of the verses explain that.

" for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness."
It means as your faith is tested it achieves a loyalty or patient endurance. It shows your faith to be genuine. It is easy to trust God when all things are going great but it is another thing to trust when life is falling apart.

Then the final portion is astounding, it states, "And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." As we endure these trials they make us mature in our faith they help us to Walk It Out authentically. It helps us not be light weight Christians but those that stand strong keeping our eyes on Him and feet firmly on the Rock.


Here are some other helpful passages that back this line of thought up.
"Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him" (Hebrews 5:8-9).


Does it surprise you that trials taught Jesus obedience while He was in the flesh?


"There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world" (1 Peter 1:6-7).

We all have to endure many trials and it purifies our faith which is so important to God. In fact it is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6). To truly Walk It Out we need authentic faith that will be strong and hold til the end. In the end God will commend us for it. And wouldn't you like to hear Him say, "well done?"

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance" (Romans 5:3). Again, problems help develop endurance. If we want to be people of strong character then our perspective needs to see our trials in this light.

So in light of these truths, what do you find your greatest trial right now? How is your perspective looking about it? Does this give you hope?

How should we view troubles or trials that come our way?

What does this tell you about the character of God?

What most surprises you or intrigues you about all of this?

I could write so much more about what the Word says about life and difficulty. However that can be for another day and another study. Let's refocus on James and next we will look at the need for wisdom, especially in light of what we learned. That is what we will study next time. This is enough to chew on and really ponder. God is good. He loves us enough to orchestrate events that will make us more like Him in the end. We must trust Him and know we do not have a Savior who is unfamiliar with suffering. He endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him. He knew the final outcome of that vast suffering and this too is how we should view our trials. The end is where true joy and change takes place. We can trust Him.

What are you having trouble trusting God with? How can we pray for one another this week?

"But for you, O LORD, do I wait it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer" (Psalm 38:15).