James 2:1-13 is about the sublect of showing personal favoritism. It´s very easy for us all to judge based on appearance or by the way someone acts but Christ tells us not to make distinctions among ourselves. In this section we will be instructed on how we are supposed to live and deal with those whom we would like to judge.
(v1) NO PERSONAL FAVORITES: Here the verse is very straight forward and also introduces the subject. In your faith, don´t hold an attitude of personal favoritism. This is actually the word for respect of persons, partiality, or recognizing of faces. One example: There´s a judge who has a good friend named Jack. One day Jack commits murder and has to stand before his friend the judge. The judge is expected not to recognize his face, or in other words, judge according to the friendship that he has had with the man. Likewise we are not to act out of the recognizing of faces.
(vv2-3) EXAMPLE OF PARTIALITY: Here we see a poor man and a rich man who are in the assembly or synogogue. The rich man is given the better seat and the poor man is neglected. Obviously the person here has deduced that the rich man is better and therefore deserves the better seat. Ok, this example is very specific but let´s look at the heart issue. Have we ever seen someone who looks, talks, or acts funny and because of that we´ve neglected to treat them correctly. And instead of talking to them we talk to the person who appears to be normal. The heart issue is judging someone based on outward appearance and then acting or treating them in a wrong way.
(v4) RECOGNIZE WHAT YOU´RE DOING: You have made Distinctions: (Diakrino) to separate, discriminate, prefer, withdraw from one, to oppose. And you are now a judge with evil motives.
(vv5-7) GOD´S PERSPECTIVE: The person that you´re discriminating against just might be the person that God has chosen to be rich in the faith. And the person that you show preference to just might be the one who blasphemes your name.
(v8) EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW: If we love our neighbor as we love ourself then we will be doing fine. (See Luke 10:25-37)
(vv9-11) RECOGNIZE THE SERIOUSNESS: Not much to say here except that if we think this issue is petty, we´re wrong. Partiality is sin and if we commit partiality we are considered to be sinners.
(v12) BE CAREFUL: Now that we realize how serious this issue is, we should be careful as to how we live. We should speak and act in accordance to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The love that He has showed us should compel us to love as He did.
(v13) JUDGMENT OF GOD: If we do not show mercy we should fear the judgment of God. Because, ¨...judgment will be merciless for the one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.¨ But what exactly is mercy? Mercy is kindness or goodwill towards the miserable and afflicted, mercy is holding back a bad thing that someone might deserve, mercy is what Christ did for us. We deserve Hell but Christ showed mercy towards us so that we could live with Him in Heaven.
CONCLUSION: This week let us show mercy and love towards those less fortunant. Those who look, smell, and act funny. This is what Jesus has called us to.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Taking Responsibilty (James 1:19-27)
Today we get to a hard section of Scripture. Not so hard to understand but convicting and hard to live. This section is about being slow to anger and speech and being quick to listen. Also that the Bible is not meant to be read and studied but to be lived.
(v19) THINK: Many times in life I want to be the first one to speak and the last one to hear. This section of Scripture is very convicting and straight forward. Be ¨... quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.¨
(v20) ANGER OF MAN: Many times people would say that they had righteous anger, or that they only did something because God had instilled a righteous anger within them. I believe that this verse is very straight forward, ¨...the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.¨ I would go as far to say that every time we are angry there is either selfishness or some ungodly motive behind it all. This is why we need to be quick to hear and slow to anger.
(v21a) PUT ASIDE THE OLD: The first word that this section starts with is therefore. As my Pastor in Florida would say, ¨What is the therefore there for?¨ Therefore, (since the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God) we need to put aside Filthiness and Wickedness: (Kakia) malignity, ill will, desire to injure, depravity, wickedness that is not ashamed to break laws, evil, trouble.
(v21b) RECEIVE THE NEW: After we put aside the old we need to receive the new in Humility: (Prautes) mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit, meekness. We need to receive the word implanted. In the Greek the word ¨word¨ does not sound like the Gospel, in the Greek it is Word: (Logos) sayings of God, decree, mandate or order, what is delcared, a thought, declaration, a word of speech. We need to Receive: (Decomai) to take with the hand, to take hold of, to take up.
It sounds like the word is the Word of God. We need to not only hear the word but also receive it. It´s interesting how the Greek actually makes it sound to be a tangible action. We are called to change.
(v22) BE A DOER OF THE WORD: This passage is very straight forward. We are not called to simply read our Bibles or listen to sermons. We are called to change! If you are reading the Word and nothing is changing, something is wrong. The ones who only hear delude themselves.
(vv23-24) THE HEARER
(v25) THE DOER
(v26) THE TONGUE: If we claim to be Christians and do not control our tongues our religion is Worthless: (Mataios) devoid of truth, force, success, or result, useless, of no purpose. That´s a tough word. If we don´t bridle our tongue our so-called religion is worthless.
(v27) CORRECT VIEW OF RELIGION: True religion is lived out. Helping those who can´t help themselves. Not only this but keeping yourself ¨unstained by the world.¨
(v19) THINK: Many times in life I want to be the first one to speak and the last one to hear. This section of Scripture is very convicting and straight forward. Be ¨... quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.¨
(v20) ANGER OF MAN: Many times people would say that they had righteous anger, or that they only did something because God had instilled a righteous anger within them. I believe that this verse is very straight forward, ¨...the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.¨ I would go as far to say that every time we are angry there is either selfishness or some ungodly motive behind it all. This is why we need to be quick to hear and slow to anger.
(v21a) PUT ASIDE THE OLD: The first word that this section starts with is therefore. As my Pastor in Florida would say, ¨What is the therefore there for?¨ Therefore, (since the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God) we need to put aside Filthiness and Wickedness: (Kakia) malignity, ill will, desire to injure, depravity, wickedness that is not ashamed to break laws, evil, trouble.
(v21b) RECEIVE THE NEW: After we put aside the old we need to receive the new in Humility: (Prautes) mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit, meekness. We need to receive the word implanted. In the Greek the word ¨word¨ does not sound like the Gospel, in the Greek it is Word: (Logos) sayings of God, decree, mandate or order, what is delcared, a thought, declaration, a word of speech. We need to Receive: (Decomai) to take with the hand, to take hold of, to take up.
It sounds like the word is the Word of God. We need to not only hear the word but also receive it. It´s interesting how the Greek actually makes it sound to be a tangible action. We are called to change.
(v22) BE A DOER OF THE WORD: This passage is very straight forward. We are not called to simply read our Bibles or listen to sermons. We are called to change! If you are reading the Word and nothing is changing, something is wrong. The ones who only hear delude themselves.
(vv23-24) THE HEARER
(v25) THE DOER
(v26) THE TONGUE: If we claim to be Christians and do not control our tongues our religion is Worthless: (Mataios) devoid of truth, force, success, or result, useless, of no purpose. That´s a tough word. If we don´t bridle our tongue our so-called religion is worthless.
(v27) CORRECT VIEW OF RELIGION: True religion is lived out. Helping those who can´t help themselves. Not only this but keeping yourself ¨unstained by the world.¨
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Temptations (James 1:13-18)
James 1:13-18 is all about the temptations that we face. It goes to say that life brings temptations in various forms and it is crucial that we have a proper view or understanding of the temptations we face.
(v13) GOD DOESN´T TEMPT: This verse is very straight forward. God doesn´t tempt anyone. It sounds like when James wrote this letter that one problem the early church was having was that the people were blaming God for their temptations. We should have a correct view of who our God is. He cannot be tempted by evil. I love the passage in 1 Timothy 6:15b-16 that says " He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the KING of kings and the LORD of lords, who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen." Our God dwells in unapproachable light and we should never dare to associate Him with the evil in our lives. All that said, don´t associate our God with our temptations, it brings Him lower than what is His rightful position.
(v14) WE´RE THE PROBLEM: We need to take responsibility for our own sin. It´s the lust of our flesh that entices and carries us away.
(v15) RECOGNIZE THE SERIOUSNESS OF SIN: The order of sin is that lust first takes over. Once the lust has convceived or given birth then sin comes forth. In practical terms this is when we allow our lusts to drive us so far as to commit the act of sin. Next, once sin is accomplished or perfected, death is brought forth. It is somewhat difficult to know exactly what the term death implies, however the Greek means death of the body, implied misery in hell, or the body in hell. Many people will argue that once you´re saved your salvation is eternal and secure. I don´t know the answer but I do know that if you are living in sin you should be very afraid of the wrath of God. I believe the Bible leaves the question of secure salvation somewhat unclear for a reason.
(vv16-18) CORRECT VIEW OF THE FATHER: Do not let the Enemy deceive you into believing that God is anything but perfect and holy. ¨Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.¨ Not only does God give us cool stuff but He has saved us (v18) by the word of truth. Technically said, He has given birth to us. Remember the awesome salvation and call that we have through Christ Jesus (see Ephesians 1-3). God is good, let´s not think otherwise.
Conclusion: I believe in summing up this section of scripture it would be fair to say that we need to have a correct view of the Father. Not only during our temptations but during everyday life. Knowing the character of God is vital for believers. When things are looking bad and we have no where else to turn we need to remember that our God has our best interest in mind. Even when it hurts us!
(v13) GOD DOESN´T TEMPT: This verse is very straight forward. God doesn´t tempt anyone. It sounds like when James wrote this letter that one problem the early church was having was that the people were blaming God for their temptations. We should have a correct view of who our God is. He cannot be tempted by evil. I love the passage in 1 Timothy 6:15b-16 that says " He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the KING of kings and the LORD of lords, who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen." Our God dwells in unapproachable light and we should never dare to associate Him with the evil in our lives. All that said, don´t associate our God with our temptations, it brings Him lower than what is His rightful position.
(v14) WE´RE THE PROBLEM: We need to take responsibility for our own sin. It´s the lust of our flesh that entices and carries us away.
(v15) RECOGNIZE THE SERIOUSNESS OF SIN: The order of sin is that lust first takes over. Once the lust has convceived or given birth then sin comes forth. In practical terms this is when we allow our lusts to drive us so far as to commit the act of sin. Next, once sin is accomplished or perfected, death is brought forth. It is somewhat difficult to know exactly what the term death implies, however the Greek means death of the body, implied misery in hell, or the body in hell. Many people will argue that once you´re saved your salvation is eternal and secure. I don´t know the answer but I do know that if you are living in sin you should be very afraid of the wrath of God. I believe the Bible leaves the question of secure salvation somewhat unclear for a reason.
(vv16-18) CORRECT VIEW OF THE FATHER: Do not let the Enemy deceive you into believing that God is anything but perfect and holy. ¨Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.¨ Not only does God give us cool stuff but He has saved us (v18) by the word of truth. Technically said, He has given birth to us. Remember the awesome salvation and call that we have through Christ Jesus (see Ephesians 1-3). God is good, let´s not think otherwise.
Conclusion: I believe in summing up this section of scripture it would be fair to say that we need to have a correct view of the Father. Not only during our temptations but during everyday life. Knowing the character of God is vital for believers. When things are looking bad and we have no where else to turn we need to remember that our God has our best interest in mind. Even when it hurts us!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Trials (James 1:1-12)
James 1:1-12 is all about the trials that we face in life. As believers trials are a reality. Trials come in various forms: financial, other people, accidents, sickness, etc. We all know that life gets hard and trials come, but what´s the purpose behind them? Why doesn´t God just take them away? In this section of James, we have a hand book on trials.
(v2) HAVE THE RIGHT ATTITUDE: Trials are a cause for joy not a cause to feel bad for yourself. We have to be happy during our trials? No! Joy is not always connected with a happy feeling. Joy is knowing that God has our best interest in mind and that He has not lost the power to deal with our problems. It´s kind of related to peace.
(vv3-4) HAVE THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE: Not only should we have joy during our trials but we should have an understanding of what trials do for and in us. Trials produce Endurance: (Hupomone) steadfastness, constancy, endurance, a patient and steadfast waiting for, a patient enduring, sustaining and perservering. Also trials bring a believer to be Complete: (Teleios) brought to it´s end, finished, full-grown, adult, of full age, mature. Without trials we would be lacking in certain areas of our spiritual life.
(vv5-8) KNOW YOUR OPTIONS: Trials can get tough and James tells us that ¨if any of you lacks wisdom (concerning trials), let him ask God, who gives to all generously and without reproach.¨ God will give us the wisdom during our trials if we ask Him in faith. A definition of faith is seeing it the way God does. When we ask we must not doubt and when God gives us the wisdom we must conform our view to His.
(vv9-11) TRIALS SHOW NO FAVORITES: This sections is somewhat difficult to understand but I believe all that James is trying to say is that trials show no favorites. That they fall on both the rich and the poor.
(v12) REWARD: It´s a big help during our trials if we can keep our eyes fixed on the prize. Here James tells us that the man who perserves under trials is blessed. ¨Once he has been approved he will receive the Crown of Life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.¨ This is the same Crown of Life mentioned in Rev 2:10-11. Let us be faithful ¨...even unto death¨ and He will give us the crown of life.
Conclusion: We must know that we shouldn´t always try and find the quick way out of our trials. God just might be trying to perform a work in us. Let´s take the truths from this passage and apply it to our lives today.
(v2) HAVE THE RIGHT ATTITUDE: Trials are a cause for joy not a cause to feel bad for yourself. We have to be happy during our trials? No! Joy is not always connected with a happy feeling. Joy is knowing that God has our best interest in mind and that He has not lost the power to deal with our problems. It´s kind of related to peace.
(vv3-4) HAVE THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE: Not only should we have joy during our trials but we should have an understanding of what trials do for and in us. Trials produce Endurance: (Hupomone) steadfastness, constancy, endurance, a patient and steadfast waiting for, a patient enduring, sustaining and perservering. Also trials bring a believer to be Complete: (Teleios) brought to it´s end, finished, full-grown, adult, of full age, mature. Without trials we would be lacking in certain areas of our spiritual life.
(vv5-8) KNOW YOUR OPTIONS: Trials can get tough and James tells us that ¨if any of you lacks wisdom (concerning trials), let him ask God, who gives to all generously and without reproach.¨ God will give us the wisdom during our trials if we ask Him in faith. A definition of faith is seeing it the way God does. When we ask we must not doubt and when God gives us the wisdom we must conform our view to His.
(vv9-11) TRIALS SHOW NO FAVORITES: This sections is somewhat difficult to understand but I believe all that James is trying to say is that trials show no favorites. That they fall on both the rich and the poor.
(v12) REWARD: It´s a big help during our trials if we can keep our eyes fixed on the prize. Here James tells us that the man who perserves under trials is blessed. ¨Once he has been approved he will receive the Crown of Life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.¨ This is the same Crown of Life mentioned in Rev 2:10-11. Let us be faithful ¨...even unto death¨ and He will give us the crown of life.
Conclusion: We must know that we shouldn´t always try and find the quick way out of our trials. God just might be trying to perform a work in us. Let´s take the truths from this passage and apply it to our lives today.
New Series of Blogs
There hasn´t been much new going on lately, therefore I haven´t been putting up any new material on my blog site. However, I´ve been studying through James and I want to post the things I´ve been learning. Not only that but also the things that I will be putting into practice. Many times we read the Bible and discover truths but we don´t change. These 11 posts will stand as helpers for me, not only to remember what I've learned but to remember to live it as well.
The book of James has 11 subjects or themes. So I will be putting up 11 posts over the next couple of weeks. Hope you enjoy and also that you are challenged along with me.
The book of James has 11 subjects or themes. So I will be putting up 11 posts over the next couple of weeks. Hope you enjoy and also that you are challenged along with me.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Spanish
My time here in Arequipa is passing very rapidly. After I finish this next week I will have been in Peru for one month. Learning a new language is one of the hardest things I've ever done. It seems that I have a lot of ups and downs each week. Some days I feel like my Spanish is great and others I can't understand a lick of it. I believe that learning this language has taught me quite a bit, mainly patience. For me it's learning to remain under the frustration of miscommunication and at times no communication. Please pray that God will continue to give me patience and endurance for the race set before me.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Update 9/12/09
I've been very busy for the past two weeks. My schedule is full of Spanish school and lots of meals with my family. I believe I'm picking up on the language but at times it gets frustrating. Hearing Spanish all the time and not being able to communicate thoroughly and effectively is definitely a chance to learn patience.
Not much new has really been going on here in Peru. I've been making a few friends in the community here and there. It's a good chance for me to practice my Spanish by speaking with them. I've also signed up at a local gym and go there every once in a while to workout. Each week church has the same format and things don't change too much, same songs, same routine, but I enjoy it.
One thing I really like about Peru so far is the fact that everything is so cheap. I bought a nice sock hat last night for $2.33.
Again not much new but I will try and stay updated on the important things going here.
Not much new has really been going on here in Peru. I've been making a few friends in the community here and there. It's a good chance for me to practice my Spanish by speaking with them. I've also signed up at a local gym and go there every once in a while to workout. Each week church has the same format and things don't change too much, same songs, same routine, but I enjoy it.
One thing I really like about Peru so far is the fact that everything is so cheap. I bought a nice sock hat last night for $2.33.
Again not much new but I will try and stay updated on the important things going here.
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