Freedom in Christ: The Truth

COMMENTS

In the last posting, our topic was “The Lie”.  In it, I made this statement:  “Every time God tells you to do or feel or think something, Satan, the father of lies, is right there reminding you of your weaknesses and telling you it can’t be done.”  Today, we’re talking about “The Truth”, and the TRUTH is that if God says it, it CAN be done….

NOTES

That posting entitled “Freedom in Christ:  The Lie” included Psalm 51:5:

“Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.”

Look at what follows in verse 6:

“Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.”

So, even though Satan tells me lies that I tend to believe, God longs for me to know the truth. 

In John 8:32, Jesus said this about truth:

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

That’s what I’m seeking—freedom.  How do I find freedom?  By knowing the truth.  In John 18:38, Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?”  But before Jesus ever went to trial, He had answered that question to the apostle Thomas, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6).

I will be able to live in freedom when my focus is on Jesus Christ.  And when I’m focused on Him, I believe Him.  When I believe Jesus, I cannot be swayed by Satan.  In Matthew 6:24, Jesus stated, “No one can serve two masters.  Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other…”

So, I choose Jesus.  I choose truth.  Does truth tell me that I’m weak, unloved, rejected, afraid, guilty, or a lost cause?  NO!  Those are the lies Satan tells me. 

Truth tells me I am strong and courageous. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Truth tells me I am loved. (John 3:16)

Truth tells me I am not afraid. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Truth tells me I am free from those nasty charges Satan makes against me. (Romans 8:31)

Truth tells me I have been set free from sin.  (Romans 6:18)

And because I have been set free from sin:

Truth tells me I can do all things in the strength Christ gives me. (Philippians 4:13)

So, how do I go about putting Truth to work in my life?  That’s our topic for next time.

Freedom in Christ: The Lie

COMMENTS

A couple of days ago I asked the question, “Why is it so much easier to believe Satan than it is to believe God?”  Let’s investigate.

NOTES

We all know the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden and the devastating choice they made that condemned us all.  What made that choice possible?  God.  When He created us, He gave us free will, the ability to choose for ourselves.  I’m no philosopher, but it seems to me that one aspect of free will must always be the desire and inclination to please myself.  And without God’s influence in my life, that will be the MOST powerful pull.  Satan, then, tells me what my sinful nature already believes.

Satan is not God and doesn’t have His power or authority, but don’t underestimate him!  He is evil, and he is powerful.  That power provides him insight and discernment.  Even though he cannot read my thoughts, he can listen to my words and watch my behavior, then use what he learns to determine my weaknesses.  That’s all he needs.  Now he knows where and how to attack me and lie to me to either keep me from God or to make me a less effective Christian. 

The Bible tells numerous stories of Satan’s vile escapades.  Let’s look at the Old Testament book of Judges.  In Judges 13, the angel of the Lord appeared to a barren woman and told her that she was going to bear a son, Samson, who was to be “set apart to God from birth, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel” (Judges 13:5).  In Judges 13:24-25, we see that Samson “grew and the Lord blessed him, and the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him”.  God was working.  However, even though Samson was born for a purpose, he, like us, was “sinful at birth, sinful from the time [his] mother conceived [him]” (Psalm 51:5).  He had weaknesses and character flaws.  His God-given purpose didn’t negate his sinful nature.  He liked women.  We are shown two different cases where Satan convinced them to use their “womanly wiles” (their character flaw!) to cajole him into sharing sensitive information.  The most famous example is Delilah, who used that information to cause Samson to lose his sight and his strength and live in bondage.  Combining Samson’s weakness for women with his pride in his strength, Satan was able to deceive Samson into making bad choices.  In this case, God showed extreme mercy, and Samson’s strength was restored.  He fulfilled his purpose; but he paid a heavy price for succumbing to Satan’s temptations.

We don’t, however, have to listen to Satan’s lies.  The Book of Judges also tells us of another man, Gideon.  Satan told Gideon that he was the weakest member of his clan, which was the weakest clan of Manasseh, which wasn’t even a whole tribe; it was a half tribe.  Once again, the angel of the Lord appeared.  He told Gideon to “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand” (Judges 6:14).  Gideon didn’t feel strong; he felt weak, insecure, inadequate, and afraid; and Satan reminded him of that.  Gideon's response was unacceptable to God.  When Gideon reminded the angel of the Lord that he was the weakest of the weakest of the weakest, God’s response was, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together” (Judges 6:16).  Long story short, Gideon ignored the lies, obeyed God, and led the Israelites to a great victory.

Every time God tells you to do or feel or think something, Satan, the father of lies, is right there reminding you of your weaknesses and telling you it can’t be done.  Like Adam and Eve, you were given the freedom to choose.  Will you be like Samson and listen to the lies?  Or will you be like Gideon and believe God?

Don’t use your freedom to choose bondage. 

Freedom in Christ: An Explanation

COMMENTS

Our next step must be that of determining what God means by “bondage” and “freedom”.  Let’s check it out.

NOTES

The dictionary defines “bondage” as “the state of being under the control of another person; the state of being under the control of a force or influence or abstract power.”  More importantly, in John 8:34, Jesus said that “everyone who sins is a slave [in bondage] to sin.”  And 2 Peter 2:19 says that “a man is a slave [in bondage] to whatever has mastered him.” 

I believe that Jesus Christ, by His death and resurrection, bought our freedom from sin; and when we are reborn, we are born into that Divine Liberty that only He can give.  However, as in all things, God has given us a choice.  We can choose to live in His freedom, or we can choose to listen to Satan’s lies and live in bondage.

I have a car sitting in my garage.  I live about 12 miles from the nearest store of any size.  If I want to buy groceries, I have a choice:   (1) I can choose to act as if cars were never invented and walk to town, make my purchases, and then struggle to walk back home with them, or (2) I can get in my car and drive to Kroger, make those same purchases, and then load them in the car and drive back home.  God has invented a "car" for me, a vehicle that I can choose to use to live my life in a better way.  I can use that vehicle (Christ’s power through the Holy Spirit living in me) to live in freedom, or I can deny its existence and "walk" in sin (listen to Satan telling me that, even though I’m a Christian, I’m unchanged).

When I continue to listen to Satan, I’m in bondage, even though that car is sitting in my garage.  I have access to freedom, but I’m choosing bondage.

What does that bondage look like?  It’s different for different people.  I was a slave to insecurity.  Christ offered me the freedom of confidence in Him.  I was a slave to the fear of rejection.  Christ offered me the freedom of knowing I’m loved and accepted.

What has "mastered" you?  What is Satan using from your old life to hold you captive?  Look at your life, at the struggles you have; and He will reveal where you need to experience freedom.  You could be like I was (and still am when I listen to the wrong voice) and struggle with insecurity or fear of rejection.  Yours could be that you feel unloved, unqualified, unappreciated, or unable to perform to the level you think you should.  You could have a fear of failure.  Maybe you’re a slave to work or money or power.  Maybe worrying is your problem.  Maybe your bondage is in the form of a relationship—putting someone in your life above God.  The potential list is way too long to even try to include here, but God wants to talk with you personally about your life. 

I realize that it’s difficult to think of these things as sin because most of us think that’s “just the way I am”.  That implies that we are stuck—that we cannot change.  We know that’s not true!  In Christ’s power, we can do anything He wants us to do (Philippians 4:13 Paraphrased).

So, what does He want us to do?  He wants us to live like this is true (because it is!):

“If we have been united with Him like this in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection.  For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.”  (Romans 6:5-7)

In Jesus Christ, we have been freed from sin.  Walk in the freedom He has provided for you!

Freedom in Christ: A Contrast

COMMENTS

Every day, there are many voices speaking to each of us—sometimes quietly, sometimes loudly.  Some of the voices tell us good, positive things.  Some of the voices tell us negative, unpleasant things.  Sometimes, what we hear is true; but sometimes, we hear lies.   

NOTES

Matthew West has a song out now that I just love.  It’s called “Hello, My Name Is”.  I love it because it expresses in a beautiful song what our Savior has been speaking to me in recent years:  the message that I became a new creation when I came to Him.  All of my life, even AFTER I became a Christian, Satan has told me how unlovable I am.  And most of my life, even AFTER I became a Christian, I believed him.

But God holds me and tells me and SHOWS me how very much I am loved.  Why is it so much easier to believe Satan than it is to believe God?  Satan has attacked me at my core.  By the time I came to Christ, Satan had spent several years convincing me how hopeless and unlovable I was.  I had been “programmed”, “brainwashed”, to believe his lies.  Undoing that programming has taken some time; but God is the victor, the overcomer.  Now, I can usually recognize the lies when Satan pummels me with them.  And, with Matthew West, I can sing of my true identity:

Hello, my name is regret.

I’m pretty sure we have met.

Every single day of your life

I’m the whisper inside

That won’t let you forget.

Hello, my name is defeat.

I know you recognize me.

Just when you think you can win

I’ll drag you back down again

‘Til you’ve lost all belief.

Oh, these are the voices.  Oh, these are the lies.

And I have believed them for the very last time.

Hello, my name is child of the one true King.

I’ve been saved, I’ve been changed, I have been set free.

“Amazing Grace” is the song I sing.

Hello, my name is child of the one true King.

I am no longer defined

By all the wreckage behind.

The one who makes all things new

Has proven it’s true.

Just take a look at my life.

Hello, my name is child of the one true King.

I’ve been saved, I’ve been changed, I have been set free.

“Amazing Grace” is the song I sing.

Hello, my name is child of the one true King.

What love the Father has lavished upon us that we should be called His children.

I am a child of the one true King.

Hello, my name is child of the one true King.

I’ve been saved, I’ve been changed, I have been set free.

“Amazing Grace” is the song I sing.

Hello, my name is child of the one true King.

I am a child of the one true King.

                                                                                    “Hello, My Name Is”

                                                                                    Matthew West

                                                                                    ©2013 Sparrow Records

Freedom in Christ: An Appeal

COMMENTS

As I prepared to write my second blog on the Book of 2 Peter, nothing came.  I mean, that’s nothing against Peter.  There are awesome, life-changing principles in his letters.  God was just not speaking to me.  What He DID whisper to me was, “Freedom in Christ”.  Now, I’m convinced He was speaking to me yesterday about 2 Peter because He revealed so much to me in just those first two verses.  For some reason, though, He appears to want me to leave 2 Peter for the time being and tackle this new subject.  Maybe He’s challenging my OCD behavior ;-)!  Or just maybe there’s someone out there who desperately needs to hear what God has to say about freedom.  If so, He’s speaking to you right now because He loves you and you matter.

NOTES

I’m convinced there are thousands of Christians walking on this earth at this very moment who do not realize that they are living in bondage and are not aware that part of our salvation is freedom from that bondage.  I lived much of my life that way, and I cannot begin to tell you how thrilling it is to walk in His freedom!  It’s as if a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders.

I was at the doctor’s office today and had to have some blood drawn for some routine tests.  The lab tech was one of the sweetest ladies I’ve been around in some time, but she was in bondage.  My heart broke for her as I recognized my old self in her.  She didn’t do anything wrong at all, but she apologized to me at least three times.  Someone, somewhere has convinced this sweet lady that she has little or no worth, that she’s unlovable.  I wanted to tell her how beautiful she is, how much she’s loved, how much she’s valued.  The most I thought to do at the time was to tell her repeatedly what an awesome job she did.  (And that was true!  One stick with the needle that I didn’t even feel!)  God forgive me that I didn’t say more….

I have to be honest with you and tell you that I’m a little nervous about posting this blog.  It’s much easier to tackle a book of the Bible because I know what comes next:  the verses following the ones I just did.  I have no idea where our Lord is taking me from here, but He is always faithful; and I believe He’ll tell me WHAT He wants me to say WHEN He wants me to say it.

If you know or suspect that you may be in bondage—or if you’re just curious about the subject—I challenge you to “stay tuned”.  I can’t wait to hear the message of hope and healing that He has for us.

See you soon!

2 Peter 1:1-2

COMMENTS

So, what do you think about studying 2 Peter next?  I believe that’s where the Lord is taking us.  It’s been a number of years since I studied this rich book, and I could benefit from another look.

NOTES

As I started reading the first chapter of 2 Peter, I was prepared to quickly read the greeting and then move on to the “meat”.  However, I found myself fascinated with Peter’s opening words:

“Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,

“To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:

“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”

What an incredible salutation to a letter!  There’s plenty of “meat” right there—no need to read any further today.  How often have I missed a beautiful beginning because I assumed it was only a First Century “hi”?

Begin with Peter’s very first phrase:  “a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ”.  That’s how he identifies himself.  How do I identify myself?  Wife of my husband?  Mother of my children?  Grandmother of my grandchildren?  Friend of my friends?  Consultant to my clients?  All of that is important; but what’s MOST important should be that which defines who I am at my core:  a servant of Jesus Christ.  I wonder if my attitudes and actions would be different if I more often identified myself primarily in that role and relationship….  Hmmmm.  Worth considering.

The second thing that grabbed my attention was the way he identified those to whom the letter was sent:  “those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours”.  In his salutation to them he spoke a gospel reminder to them of their identity.  They were followers of Jesus because of His righteousness and the faith He had given them.  Their identify was as important to Peter as his own was.  And note that he defines that faith as “precious”.  How often do I stop and realize just how precious my faith is?  Do I take it for granted?  Too often, the answer is “yes”.

Finally, Peter expresses his desires for them in a lovingly instructional manner:  “Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”  Don’t I wish “grace and peace” to those I care about?  Don’t I wish that “in abundance”?  How are they to obtain it?  By knowing God and Jesus Christ.  The only way any of us will have the grace and peace we desire is by continually seeking to know our God more intimately.  And that kind of knowledge implies a faith that is put into action.

A powerful message in only a few easily-overlooked words….

James: A Review

COMMENTS

I’ve loved our study of James, just as I thought I would.  As always, the question I ask now is, “Bottom line, what is God through James trying to tell me?  What do all of those individual instructions add up to?”

NOTES

As I review the Book of James and prayerfully consider his teachings, it seems that there really is a central theme:  Actively Living My Faith in Jesus Christ.  If I’m a true believer, everything I do should be a result of that faith.  It should change me at the core of who I am.  Nothing should be unaffected.

My view of trials should be different.

My view of God should be different.

My view of others should be different.

My view of myself should be different.

My willingness to obey God should be different.

My reason for obeying God should be different.

How I treat others should be different.

How I speak should be different.

My attitude should be different.

My relationships with others should be different.

My relationship with God should be different.

Bottom line?  If I actively live out my faith in Jesus Christ, I will be different.  I will be like my hero.  I will be like Christ.

James 5:13-20

COMMENTS

Today, we look at the third and final point that James makes as he concludes this letter.  It’s such a beautiful and encouraging way to end! 

NOTES

James’ third point in Chapter 5 and the one he finishes with is a beautiful reminder about relationships—with our God and with each other.  Look at the circumstances he uses to accomplish this reminder:

• When I’m in trouble, I should pray (James 5:13).
• When I’m happy, I should sing songs of praise to Him (James 5:13).
• When I’m sick, I should call the elders of the church and have them pray over me (James 5:14).
• When I sin and need forgiveness, I should confess to Him and to other believers (James 5:15b-16).
• When I wander from the truth, my Christian brothers should bring me back to Him (James 5:19).

All of this speaks of relationship.  If I am living in relationship with my God and my Christian brothers and sisters, I’m never alone, never “on my own”.  Do you find that as heartwarming as I do?  It’s incredible that my Lord cares so deeply about me.  He is constantly with me; and in those times when I need “Jesus with skin on”, He sends my dear friends to walk with me.

James has written this instructional letter to show me how to be a more righteous Christ-follower.  Now, he gives me a promise:

“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” 

(James 5:16b)

Do I want my prayers to make a difference?   What can I do to make that happen?  My life becomes righteous and my prayers become effective as I live in obedience to Jesus Christ.  James says that Elijah “was a man just like us (James 5:17)”.  Now, I wouldn’t presume to think that I in anyway compare to Elijah!  But do I dare to call James a liar?  He, in effect, says that I can be as effective a prayer warrior as Elijah was.  That is a tall order, one that can only be fulfilled as I walk in the power of the Spirit.  Do I feel capable of that?  No, but “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.”  Philippians 4:13)

One final thought:  I don’t think it’s a small matter that James’ final instruction is that we look after each other spiritually.  Look at his closing words:

“My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this:  Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”  (James 5:19-20)

I have a responsibility, a commission, to look after others and do everything I can to help them to always walk in the Truth.  That sounds a little scary, but do you know what makes it so encouraging?  My brothers and sisters are also looking after me!  Thank you, Lord, for making us a family.

James 5:1-12

COMMENTS

When I first read today’s scripture, it didn’t seem applicable to me.  The first part was addressed to the wealthy, and the second part seemed to be addressed to those whom they had abused.  (I’ll explain why I think that later.)  Since I’m not rich nor am I a victim of someone rich, neither seemed to be relevant to my circumstances.  As I prayed, the Lord spoke to me in an unexpected way.

NOTES

As James concludes his letter, he makes three basic points.  We’ll discuss the first two today.

His first point is addressed, once again, to the rich.  Why are so many warnings addressed specifically to the wealthy?  This is the second time in this short book that James speaks directly to that group of people.  At my first reading, as I mentioned above, I read this from a third-party point of view and found myself criticizing those “rich folks” that James was talking about.  As I prayed about it, though, the Holy Spirit convicted me.  I may not be rich according to my standards; but in comparison to so many in the world, I’m very wealthy.  I can pay my bills and still have enough to meet some of my wants.  If I choose, I have enough to worship my money instead of God (James 5:1-3a).  I can hoard what I have instead of using it to help others (James 5:3b).  I am capable of cheating those who do work for me or of not telling the clerk when she undercharges me for a product when I check out (James 5:4).  I can live in relative “luxury” and self-indulgence, even as I abuse the one who has served me in some way (James 5:5-6)

James’ warning isn’t so irrelevant, after all.

Now, for the second point.  Even though it’s not specifically stated, I believe the next section is mainly addressed to the victims of those “rich men” in James’ warning.  That belief is based on his encouragement to “be patient” in waiting for what’s promised, on the instructions not to “grumble against each other”, and on his examples of “patience in the face of suffering”.  They were suffering as a result of abuse by the rich.  I can be that person, as well.  Actually, I just realized that I am that person!  Someone owes me money that was going to be sent two weeks ago; then, it was going to be sent last week.  I still don’t have the money!  Here, the Lord tells me to be patient as I wait (James 5:7-8).  He tells me not to grumble (James 5:9).  I wouldn’t consider this a matter of actual suffering, especially as compared to the example of the prophets of old; but within a certain context, it could be interpreted as a type of suffering (financial suffering, I guess).  So I’m told, once again, to persevere (Remember Chapter 1!), even as I’m reminded that God is in control and is compassionate and merciful.  The implication is that I need to depend on HIM, not on the guy who’s holding out on me.

James’ final statement in this section seemed, again, to be out of left field; but it’s not:

“Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else.  Let your ‘Yes' be yes, and your “No,’ no, or you will be condemned.”  (James 5:12)

In other words, do what you say you’ll do.  The rich guy who follows this instruction will never underpay or abuse his employee.  The worker who obeys will do the good job he promised he would do, even if he gets cheated.  And each will know that God is his provider, his protector, and his Lord. 

James 4:17

COMMENTS

My practical side tries to “divide and conquer” whatever book I’m studying.  You know:  break it into small chunks that are approximately the same size.  (I guess my OCD is showing!)  Today, God said, “Nope!  One verse today….”  One verse, and it’s a powerful one.

NOTES

Are you curious?  Here’s our one-verse subject:

“Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”  (James 4:17)

Wow.  That sentence, the last one of Chapter 4, immediately preceding the final chapter of the book, is easily overlooked.  Actually, I passed it over in my last blog.  God, however, took me back there today, even as I was trying to press forward to Chapter 5.

“Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”

It’s worth repeating.  If I know “good” that should be done but don’t do it, I’m sinning.

So, what is the “good” that James is talking about?  He’s just spent four chapters telling me some of it.  Other teachers (Peter, John, Paul, and many others) have also given me God’s instructions.  And sometimes, God speaks directly to me about my specific circumstances; like when he calls me to a specific ministry or calls me out of one.  If I know what I’m supposed to do but don’t do it, I sin.

Here are some of the specific “goods” that James has pointed out:

*Be joyful in trials.

*Persevere with a goal of becoming mature and complete.

*Believe and don’t doubt.

*Be aware of who I am in Christ.

*Don’t blame God or accuse Him of tempting me.

*Recognize my human weaknesses.  Don’t give Satan a chance to use them.

*Listen.  Think before I speak.  Be slow to anger.

*Listen to God.  Then OBEY! 

*Obey out of LOVE, not obligation.

*Don’t show favoritism.  Treat everyone the same.

*Put my faith into action.  Let my preaching be with my hands and feet as I meet the needs of others.

*Control my tongue!!!!!  Let the Lord purify and make consistent the stream of words that flows from my mouth.

*Choose “the wisdom that comes from heaven”, not earthly wisdom that’s “of the devil”.

*Be “pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere”.

*Don’t be quarrelsome.

*Don’t be selfish.

*Be humble.

*Submit to the Lord.  Resist the devil.  Purify my heart.  Grieve my sin.

*Don’t boast.

All of these things are “good” things that I know.  If I don’t do them, I sin.  This list is not given to take me back to legalism but so that I recognize my sin.  But when I look at that list—an incomplete list!—“sinner” seems to be an understatement.

“For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.  Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight…Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.”  (Psalm 51:3, 4a, 7)

Yet, my God offers me hope and challenges me to make choices that will please Him.  Even as I continue to sin, He continues to forgive me and cleanse me.  He is always faithful, always forgiving, always good, and always WORTHY!

James 4:8b-17

COMMENTS

In order to talk about what our Lord is showing me in today’s passage, I had to do some backtracking to Chapter 3 and earlier verses in Chapter 4.  Today’s theme is humility.  Humility is an interesting thing; and quite often, it’s misunderstood.  When I was young, I thought of humility as weakness.  The person described as being humble was often insecure and somewhat a “doormat”.  Since I was like that myself, humility wasn’t a character trait that I admired.  I once heard humility defined as “strength under control”.  Now, that’s something to aspire to.

NOTES

As I looked at the discussion of wisdom in Chapter 3:13-18, one thing that jumped out at me was James’ reference to humility:

“Who is wise and understanding among you?  Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”  (James 3:13)

Then, following the discussion about how selfishness causes fights and quarrels, James reminds me:

“That is why Scripture says:  ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”  (James 4:6)

Once again, after telling me to surrender to God, resist Satan, and grieve my sin, James’ command is to:

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” 

(James 4:10)

Everything that I’m told to do in this passage requires that I have humility if I want to succeed!  Think about it:

·        In order to live a “good life” that is pure, peaceful, considerate, merciful, etc., I must have humility, a result of Godly wisdom.  (James 3:13-18)

·        In order to set aside my own desires and avoid fights and quarrels, I must have humility.  (James 4:1-6)

·        In order to submit myself to God, resist the devil, purify my heart, and grieve my sin, I must be humble.  (James 4:7-10)

None of those things can be accomplished when I have a prideful heart.  But James continues.  In James 4:11-12, I’m told not to slander another and that when I do, I’m judging the law.  Aren’t slander and judgment results of pride?  Of setting myself above other people and even above God? 

What about boasting?  James 4:13-17 discusses the arrogance I reveal when I boast about what I’m going to do tomorrow or next month.  This one is a little tricky because, in this life, we all have to make plans.  I have a doctor appointment tomorrow, or I’m going on vacation next month.  Am I arrogant to make those plans?  I believe this has more to do with attitude.  As I make that appointment or those reservations, do I assume that, because I planned it, it will happen?  Or do I recognize and accept that God may intervene and change my plans?

Repeating my original statement, James 3:13 tells me to show my “good life” in the humble works I do.  I cannot be godly or do godly things unless I am humble.  My natural instinct is to think of myself and to want to make myself look good so that others will admire me.  I must constantly make a choice.  Do I choose pride by building myself up, or do I choose humility by putting God and others first.  I can’t do the right thing under my own strength.  The right choice requires strength under the control of the Holy Spirit.

James 4:1-8a

COMMENTS

As I go through the Book of James, I continue to be amazed at how chapters and subjects are connected.  Why have I never seen that before?  What I always thought were random “life instructions” thrown together are, actually, expansions on previous lessons.

NOTES

Yesterday, one thing we talked about was how earthly wisdom brings about envy and selfish ambition.  In today’s passage, James expands on that, showing some of its repercussions.  His introductory sentence in Chapter 4 asks, “What causes fights and quarrels among you?”  His answer follows:

“Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?  You want something but don’t get it.  You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight….”  (James 4:1b-2a)

The answer:  we fight because we follow earthly wisdom instead of heavenly wisdom.  When what’s most important to me is myself and my desires, I fight and quarrel with others, who are often seeking their own desires. 

I am, then, reminded that, in those circumstances, I can ask God for anything; but often, I do not even bother to ask.  And when I do ask, my motives are all wrong.  I don’t ask in order to find out His will, but I ask for my own benefit—to get what I wanted all along (James 4:2b-3).  How often have I prayed that God will change the circumstances or the person so that my life is more like I want it to be?

What happens to those fights when everyone involved is simply seeking God’s will?  Most of the time, they don’t happen.  At times, we may still disagree; but the disagreements are handled with maturity as the Holy Spirit “moderates” the discussion.  We can disagree without fighting.

Next, James reminds us of the oppositional relationship between God and Satan (discussed in the last blog):

“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God?  Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”  (James 4:4)

What, then, is the solution?  Heavenly wisdom:

“Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Come near to God and He will come near to you.” 

(James 4:7-8a)

My God is a loving, forgiving God who longs for relationship with me.  He wants the best for me and knows that I can only have that when I stop following my own wisdom and follow His, instead.  When I look back, my life gives evidence to the fact that I am most content (even in the midst of storms) when I do things His way.

James 3:13-18

COMMENTS

Some days, as I read the passage for the day, the Spirit floods my mind with thoughts and words.  And then, there are days like today when He, apparently, wants me to do some digging.

NOTES

The heading in my Bible for this section is “Two Kinds of Wisdom”.  James describes the first as “earthly, unspiritual, of the devil” (verse 15), and he describes the second as wisdom “that comes from heaven” (verse 17).  As I read those descriptions, I became a little confused because I didn’t consider the first one to be wisdom at all.

As I pondered and evaluated my reactions, I slowly came to realize that, even though I don’t always live it out, I’m looking at this passage as I was taught to look at it:  from a godly perspective.  But there’s another perspective:  a worldly one.  From the human, secular, non-Christian point of view, each of us should look out for himself:  “If I don’t look out for #1, who will?”  In that frame of reference, “envy and selfish ambition” (verse 14) are perfectly acceptable, even wise, because I’m all that really matters.  If that’s the case, it’s a good thing; and it’s wise to “boast” about it (verse 14).  (Note that the untamed tongue shows itself again here!)

However, God (through James) dares to challenge that statement.  He offers another point of view:  true wisdom comes from heaven (verse 17).  Instead of being envious and selfish, it is “pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (verse 17).  In other words, godly wisdom is the exact opposite of earthly wisdom.  That should not shock us; everything about God is the opposite of Satan.  (Remember, earthly wisdom was described in verse 15 as being “of the devil”.)

Paul addressed this same conflict.  Here’s what Paul had to say about how the ungodly man looks at godly wisdom:

“The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 

(1 Corinthians 2:14)

Then, Paul addresses the believer:

“Do not deceive yourselves.  If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a ‘fool’ so that he may become wise.  For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight….”  (1 Corinthians 3:18-19)

I have a choice—every day, many times a day.  Which type of wisdom will I choose?  Will I be envious and selfish; or will I be pure, peace-loving, considerate, merciful—all those things that James described?  If I choose “the wisdom that comes from heaven”, then He can use me.  I can be one of His peacemakers:

“Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” 
(James 3:18)

That’s the kind of wisdom I want.  That’s who I want to be.

A Tribute to Mother

COMMENTS

As I write this, it’s Mother’s Day.  When I awoke and got my senses together enough to realize what day it was, my first thought was to call Mother or go see her or both.  Very quickly, though, reality set in; and I realized that she is no longer a phone call away.  This is my second Mother’s Day without her; but the first one was so soon after her death that it didn’t seem real.  This one is very real.

Honestly, there’s been a bit of sadness in my heart today because I miss her; but the reality is that I rejoice for her!  She’s in a beautiful place with her Savior, and I wouldn’t bring her back if I could.

So, Mother, I say thank you for who you were and the love you gave and the sacrifices you made for your husband, your children, and all those grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  We love you, and we miss you; but we’re so glad you’re where you are. 

There are many opinions about what heaven is like and what its citizens experience—what they can see or not see.  I believe that you were able to laugh and smile and enjoy watching your descendants today.  The love you inspired continues on through the generations that followed.  And that “bit of sadness” I felt has been overshadowed by the joy of being with my kids and grandkids, knowing that you’re getting a kick out of it (and taking photos if there are cameras in heaven!).

Thank you, Jesus, for my mom….

James 3:9-12

COMMENTS

Well, the Lord says we’re not quite through with our “tongues” yet ;-).  Yesterday, we only got through verse 8, so today we’ll cover verses 9-12.

NOTES

May I quote these 4 verses for you—just in case you don’t have your Bible handy? This is what James says:

“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.  Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.  My brothers, this should not be.”  (James 3:9-10)

As I read those verses, the truth of what James spoke hit me hard.  He’s right!  How can I use the same mouth and tongue to give praises to my God and King and, then, turn around and gripe at a stranger who annoys me—or even worse, someone I love?  

In verse 10, James states “this should not be”.  He follows that statement with a couple of interesting analogies:

“Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?  My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs?  Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”  (James 3:11-12)

The answer reveals how double-minded I am, even though I love my Lord.  (I almost said that I love Him with all my heart; but if I really loved Him with “all my heart”, I would be more like Him than I am.)

Back to my point.  Here’s Brenda’s version of verse 11:  “Can both good words and bad words flow from the same tongue?”  As James said, that shouldn’t be possible; but when I look at my life, that’s exactly what happens!  It shouldn’t be possible, but it is.  My next question is “why”?

To find the answer, we must look to Paul’s letter to the Romans:

“I do not understand what I do.  For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do….As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me….For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.”  (Romans 7:15, 17, 22, 23)

The answer is that, even though I’m saved and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, I still have a “sinful nature” that battles to get out and to be victorious.  As I’m brought more and more under the control of the Spirit, that sinful nature will rare its ugly head less often.  However, as long as I’m in this body, there will be a battle to fight. 

So, yes, both good words and bad words come from my mouth, but the reason that happens is because my “spring” is polluted.  One day, when I’m with Jesus, my spring will be pure.  I can’t wait for that day!

“What a wretched man I am!  Who will rescue me from this body of death?  Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!”  

(Romans 7:24-25)

James 3:1-8

COMMENTS

Those of us who have spent any time at all in the Book of James are aware of the “tongue” passage in Chapter 3.  Have you ever noticed how that theme has quietly crept into the previous chapters, as well?  Today, let’s look at what James says.

NOTES

In Chapters 1 and 2, James gives some preliminary warnings about our tongues before he really tackles the subject in Chapter 3.  Let’s review some of what he’s already said:

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak…”  (James 1:19)

“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless."  (James 1:26)

“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom…”  (James 2:12)

Those verses are intertwined with the verses that teach me about trials and obedience and walking out my faith.  So, apparently, controlling my tongue is a part of my trials, my obedience, and my faith in action.  Hmmm.  I never thought about it like that….

His first words in Chapter 3 make me quake in my boots!  God has frequently called me to be a teacher.  Now, I’m fully aware that this is a spiritual gift, not a natural one.  When I try to teach outside God’s call and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, I fail miserably!  When I’m under his umbrella, it’s one of the most satisfying, fulfilling, and joyful experiences I’ve ever had.  But I am very aware of the responsibility that goes with the use of that gift.  Praise God that James recognizes that “we all stumble in many ways” (James 3:2).  So, although I am held to a higher standard, there is forgiveness when I fail.  God is merciful.

As a teacher, my tongue is held to a higher standard than most; but that doesn’t excuse anyone from this admonition.  As believers, it’s imperative that all of us keep our tongues under control!

Have you ever been hurt by words?  Did you ever hear the childhood verse:  “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me.”  That’s a lie from Satan himself!  Often, the words hurt worse and longer (sometimes, for a lifetime) than any stick or stone.  Words were the source of much pain and insecurity in my life for decades.  Can I say that I’m completely healed?  Not if I’m honest.  But God has granted so much healing that I feel like I’m a walking miracle.  However, I’ve also, thoughtlessly but unintentionally, spoken words that inflicted pain on others.

Are you one who has been injured by words?  God offers you healing and hope, but the first step is that difficult one of forgiveness.  The good news is that He helps you with that, as well.  Feelings follow obedience.  Choose to forgive, and the feelings will follow.  I know that because I’ve experienced it.

Are you one who does the injuring?  Is your tongue out of control?  Are you only just now aware of it because God revealed it to you?  Are you aware of it, feel guilty about it, but still do it?  Do you simply believe that it’s your right to say what you think?  James tells you that your tongue must be mastered.  But “no man can tame the tongue” (James 3:8).  If that’s the case, where is your hope?  The same Jesus who heals the one who has been hurt is the One who will master your tongue.

Whatever your “tongue” problem, Jesus is the answer!

James 2:14-26

COMMENTS

I grew up in a denomination that was awesome in two areas:  (1) teaching the Bible and (2) winning souls for Christ.  The long-term effects of those early Bible lessons have been life changing.  He has given me a love for His Word, and the fact that He speaks to ME through it still amazes me.  I dearly love today’s passage in James!  We are not saved by our works, but James strongly makes the case that works must be a part of our salvation.

 

NOTES

When I was a kid, there was a strong emphasis on missionaries.  There were several times throughout each year when special offerings were taken to support missionary work.  I thought missionaries were “special people” who went to foreign lands and preached all day long.  I met one at camp one time and was in awe of her and of the fact that I actually MET and TOUCHED a real missionary!  Now, I’m privileged to count several missionaries as friends.  I don’t think they’d be offended for me to say that they are ordinary people!  However, they’re ordinary people who have said “Yes!” to God and are serving Him under the power of the Holy Spirit.  The biggest eye opener, though, is HOW they serve:  they serve through works.  Most of the time, their “preaching” is through acts of love as they meet the needs of the people around them.

That’s what James is saying in 2:14-26.  How can we say we have faith in Jesus Christ while, at the same time, we ignore the needs of those around us.  Jesus left heaven and came here because we had a need for a Savior.  While here, He was constantly attending to the needs of people.  Yes, sometimes that need was to be told the truth; but often, He met other needs:  food, healing, the breath of life after having died, hope, acceptance, love.  He was fully invested in the lives of the people He met.  Sometimes, the people were only after the gift; but frequently, His love expressed by meeting their needs drew them into relationship with Him.  He is our example.

James states:

“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? … faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. … Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. … As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead.”  (James 2:14, 17, 18, 26)

I used to think that I just had to “believe in God” to be saved.  In verse 19, James gives a powerful example to disprove this:

“You believe that there is one God.  Good!  Even the demons believe that—and shudder.”

Belief is just the first step.  Salvation comes when, after believing, we confess our sins, accept His sacrifice in payment of those sins, and live in obedience to Him.  How is that salvation displayed?  In the works we do in His name and out of love for Him.

James 2:1-13

COMMENTS

James 2:1-13 shares a very good lesson:  treat everyone the same.  “Don’t show favoritism.”  (James 2:1)  I suspect we all need to hear that from time to time because it’s a hard teaching.  As much as we might despise it, don’t we all show favoritism at least once in a while?  Great lesson but not what caught my attention today.

 

NOTES

As I studied James 1:19-27 yesterday, one phrase caught my eye.  When the same phrase appeared in today’s lesson, I had no other choice but to consider it more closely:

“the…law that gives freedom”  (James 1:25; 2:12)

In each circumstance, James uses this phrase in connection with believers walking out their faith.  In Chapter 1, the believer has listened to God’s word, looked at the perfect law that gives freedom, and is pleasing God instead of looking at himself and doing what pleases him. 

In Chapter 2, the believer has just been reminded that he’s a lawbreaker if he has ever broken even one point of the Old Testament law.  Yet, he’s encouraged to “Love [his] neighbor as [himself]” (verse 8), an Old Testament law, by speaking and acting according to this new law, one that gives freedom.

The Old Testament law became a burden.  Although it was meant to draw people closer to God and to reveal their inability to actually keep it, we humans focused on every little point, making more and more rules so we could be sure that we kept the originals.  People were in bondage to the law.  I was in bondage to the law, even though I’m a New Testament saint (God’s definition, not mine.  I’m far from a saint according to my definition!)

I’ve experienced the “law that gives freedom”.  Far from my legalistic background, I’ve found that the Lord looks at my heart.  He purifies it, although His work is not yet finished.  I am no longer bound by “rules”:  do this, don’t do that.  I still do or don’t do many things as I did before, but the bondage is not there.

Why?  What is the “perfect law that gives freedom”?

Obey out of love, not obligation….