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Saturday, August 1, 2020
Who Was Jeremiah
Who was Saul Of Tarsus
NAME
In Hebrew Saul means “desired.” His Roman name was Paul, which means “little.” Because one of the ancients called him Homo tricubitalis. Tradition says he was but four and a half feet in height. If this is true, he was as remarkably little in stature as his namesake King Saul was remarkably tall. King Saul stood physically head and shoulders above the soldiers of Israel (1 Samuel 9:2); the apostle Saul stands spiritually head and shoulders above the soldiers of the Lord’s army.
BIRTHPLACE/FAMILY
Saul was born in Tarsus, a city of Cilicia, a free city of the Romans. He was a free man in that city (Acts 22:28), which was not usual for Jews in Roman provinces. In the Roman Empire, citizenship outside of Italy was reserved for those who made significant contributions to the Empire, so it is thought that perhaps Saul’s family was wealthy and philanthropic. We can say with certainty that Saul’s father and mother were native Jews; therefore Paul calls himself a “Hebrew of the Hebrews” (Philippians 3:5). He was of the tribe of Benjamin (the kingly tribe), which adhered to Judah in the national split. Benjamin was the favored son of the beloved Rachel, and not of less-loved Leah or a handmaid (Genesis 35:18). Saul’s father was a Pharisee, as was he (Acts 23:6). Saul had at least one sister and one nephew (Acts 23:16).
EDUCATION
Paul’s early education was in the schools of Tarsus, which was known as a “little Athens for learning.” There he would have become acquainted with the philosophy and poetry of the Greeks, which he later remembered and used (Acts 17:28; Titus 1:12). At the traditional age of 14, young Saul was sent to the university at Jerusalem, where he studied the Torah (Jewish law). His tutor was Gamaliel, an eminent Pharisee (Acts22:3; cf. Titus 5:34). Thus Saul had the ultimate educational experience for a young Jewish male in that period.
OCCUPATION
Paul was a professor and religious leader, but he also had a “blue collar” trade. He was a tentmaker (Acts 18:3). It was common at that time for Jews who were scholars to be taught a handcraft so they could earn their maintenance in difficult times. This was also in keeping with the Jews’ belief that, “He who does not teach his son a trade teaches him to steal.”
CONVERSION RECORDS
Paul was converted about two years after Christ’s ascension. His conversion is recorded three times in the sacred history of the church (Acts 9; Acts 22; Acts 26). Although some unbelievers have accused the Bible of undue repetition, this simply highlights the importance of Saul to Christianity. In Acts 9 the historian gives the basic facts of Saul’s conversion in a chronological treatment of the early years of the church. It was a most remarkable turn of events that led the church’s number one enemy to become the church’s number one promoter. He literally left Jerusalem on a mission of persecution and ended that journey as a part of the group he hated. Apart from literally seeing and speaking with Jesus on that Damascus road, it is impossible to explain such a change.
About twenty years later, in Acts 22, Paul relates the details of his conversion as part of his defense before a furious Hebrew mob (Acts 22:1). He tries to show them that Christianity was not a rival to Judaism, but the natural conclusion of it. It was a schoolmaster to bring men to Christ, as he later wrote (Galatians 3:24). The Jews listened to him until he mentioned the fact that Jesus was sending him to the Gentiles (Acts 22:21). Then they cried out that he should die, cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air. After soldiers rescued him from their violence, he was taken to a formal hearing before the Jewish council (Acts 23:1). This trial did not end any better. He was in danger of being pulled in pieces (Acts 23:10), and a plot to take his life was hatched (Acts 23:12, Acts 23:15). This was thwarted by soldiers taking him to Caesarea via a hasty nighttime mission Acts 23:23, Acts 23:31-33).
In Acts 26, Paul is again on trial—this time before the Romans. He relates the autobiographical material of his conversion to explain why he has ended up in Festus’s court. The point he makes is that Christianity is no threat to Rome. The proceeding ends much better, and if Paul had not earlier been forced to appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:11), he would have been set free (Acts 26:30-32). The paperwork had already begun its way up the chain, though, and he must see the appeal through to its conclusion. This worked out well for Christianity anyway and was doubtless in accord with God’s providence. Paul was escorted safely (and at Roman expense) to carry the gospel into the capital city itself.
TIMELINE
Saul was born about AD 3, so he was a contemporary of Jesus and the apostles, but he grew up in a different part of the world. He would have been in school in Jerusalem while Jesus was a carpenter in Nazareth; and while the future apostles were learning the fishing trade, or other occupations, up in Galilee, Saul was attending classes in Jerusalem. Saul was converted to Christ about AD 34, at age 31. He spent the final thirty years of his life in a dead run for heaven. During this time, he traveled 12,000 miles by sea and land, and evangelized 50 cities on three continents. He planted scores of churches[popover title=”Totals” title_bg_color=”” content=”It is likely Paul established between twenty and one hundred congregations. He starts with Damascus as a base and travels over Arabia preaching, and probably establishing congregations. Then he is in Tarsus, Cilicia, and Syria preaching and probably establishing congregations. In the Galatian region Scripture mentions Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe (Acts 14). On the way to and through Macedonia we pick up Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea (1 Thessalonians 2:17). While Paul used Corinth as a base, it is likely that several churches were planted in that region (e.g., Cenchrea,Romans 16:1). Next he moved to Asia and worked out of Ephesus. Acts 19:10 says all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord, so perhaps Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis could be added. Probably most of the churches in Revelation are as a result of his work or extensions of his work.
Saturday, March 21, 2020
Blessings
(1) God blesses his people when he bestows on them some gift temporal or spiritual (Gen. 1:22; 24:35; Job 42:12; Ps. 45:2; 104:24,35).
(2.) We bless God when we thank him for his mercies (Ps.103:1, 2; 145:1, 2).
(3.) A man blesses himself when he invokes God's blessing (Isa. 65:16), or rejoices in God's goodness to him(Deut. 29:19; Ps. 49:18).
(4.) One blesses another when he expresses good wishes or offers prayer to God for his welfare (Gen.24:60; 31:55; 1 Sam. 2:20).
(5) Sometimes blessings were uttered under divine inspiration, as in the case of Noah, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses(Gen. 9:26, 27; 27:28, 29, 40; 48:15-20; 49:1-28; Deut. 33).
(6) The priests were divinely authorized to bless the people (Deut. 10:8;Num. 6:22-27).
(7) We have many examples of apostolic benediction (2Cor. 13:14; Eph. 6:23, 24; 2 Thess. 3:16, 18; Heb. 13:20, 21; 1 Pet.5:10, 11).
(8.) Among the Jews in their thank-offerings the master of the feast took a cup of wine in his hand, and after having blessed God for it and for other mercies then enjoyed, handed it to his guests, who all partook of it. Ps. 116:13 refers to this custom. It is also alluded to in 1 Cor. 10:16, where the apostle speaks of the "cup of blessing."
(2.) We bless God when we thank him for his mercies (Ps.103:1, 2; 145:1, 2).
(3.) A man blesses himself when he invokes God's blessing (Isa. 65:16), or rejoices in God's goodness to him(Deut. 29:19; Ps. 49:18).
(4.) One blesses another when he expresses good wishes or offers prayer to God for his welfare (Gen.24:60; 31:55; 1 Sam. 2:20).
(5) Sometimes blessings were uttered under divine inspiration, as in the case of Noah, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses(Gen. 9:26, 27; 27:28, 29, 40; 48:15-20; 49:1-28; Deut. 33).
(6) The priests were divinely authorized to bless the people (Deut. 10:8;Num. 6:22-27).
(7) We have many examples of apostolic benediction (2Cor. 13:14; Eph. 6:23, 24; 2 Thess. 3:16, 18; Heb. 13:20, 21; 1 Pet.5:10, 11).
(8.) Among the Jews in their thank-offerings the master of the feast took a cup of wine in his hand, and after having blessed God for it and for other mercies then enjoyed, handed it to his guests, who all partook of it. Ps. 116:13 refers to this custom. It is also alluded to in 1 Cor. 10:16, where the apostle speaks of the "cup of blessing."
Friday, November 30, 2018
Jesus Confronts His Critics
Jesus confronts his critics
Opening Prayer:
Father God, we come tonight to study about our savior, Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ We understand that there are people and places in this world where His presence was questioned, and even today some still would cause doubt to be cast upon his miracles and his mission. It is our desire to seek the truth of his miracles and his healing. We pray that our understanding of His mission will be enlightened, and that our faith In you will be strengthened, by these studies. We ask that no word be spoken here tonight which might be contrary to your will. Bless those who are here tonight with the perfect understanding of those things which You would have us learn from this study. Bless our brothers and sisters in Christ who need your healing touch, give them reassurance that even though you are not present in body, you are most certainly with us in spirit. Offer them your healing Spirit. We ask this in the name of Jesus Amen
Our study today puts Jesus in a synagogue on a Sabbath day with a man who has a withered hand. Jesus is indeed our healer, he redeems, forgives, heals, leads, and directs our lives if we but take the time to ask and believe that he can do as he says. All we need is to trust in him and do as he says. This man simply was addressed by Jesus because of his withered hand, and he did as Jesus directed him and his hand was made whole. Jesus only spoke four words to him. Jesus is in control and can do the will of his Father God, at any time and in any circumstance.
Mat 12:9 Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue,
Mat 12:10 and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to bring charges against Jesus, they asked him, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"
Mat 12:11 He said to them, "If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out?
Mat 12:12 How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."
Mat 12:13 Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other.
Mat 12:14 But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.
Mat 12:15 Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill.
Mar 3:1 Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there.
Mar 3:2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath.
Mar 3:3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Stand up in front of everyone."
Mar 3:4 Then Jesus asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" But they remained silent.
Mar 3:5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.
Mar 3:6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus
Luke 6:6 On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled.
Luke 6:7 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath.
Luke 6:8 But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Get up and stand in front of everyone." So he got up and stood there.
Luke 6:9 Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?"
Luke 6:10 He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He did so, and his hand was completely restored.
Luke 6:11 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.
Pg.2
We have included three different scriptures of the same incident for comparison. To examine how different individuals see the same incident. The basic fact remains that Jesus did perform a miracle in the presence of all in the Synagogue that day and there were those there (Pharisees and teachers of the law) who resented what Jesus was doing, and were plotting to kill him.
Q.1 Which of these accounts seems the more compassionate
Q.2 Looking at the three scriptures, what verses draw your attention?
Q.3 One of these accounts is a bit more descriptive than the others, if so, what is the difference?
Q.4 Does it appear that Jesus did not honor some of the laws that governed the people?
Q.5 Have you heard the “ox in the ditch” story Luk 14:5? Jesus makes his point, do you agree?
Q.6 What are five points of interest in this story? Healing, Compassion, Faith, Self righteousness, and resentment. Could there be more?
Q.7 Which of these human emotions are apparent in this story? Fear, Anger, Sadness, Joy, Disgust, Trust, Anticipation, and Surprise
Jesus Heals
The Pharisees had introduced a large number of minute and absurd restrictions on Sabbath observance; so our Lord set Himself to recover the day of rest for the use of the people. He never hesitated, therefore, to work miracles of healing on that day, and so set at defiance the Pharisees and their evil amendments. He contended also that all ritual observance must take the secondary place, and that the primary concern must always be the deep and pressing claims of humanity. Even if a sheep should fall into a pit on the Sabbath, it would be lifted out by the most pious of ritualists. How absurd and illogical it was to prohibit deliverance to this man with his withered hand! Notice that this man’s condition is symbolic of many who pose as good Christians, but do nothing. They have the power, but do not use it and it becomes atrophied. That power can be given back by Jesus. Dare to act and you will find yourself able to act.
Q.1 What is it we learn about the Pharisees and teachers of the law from this incident? Q.2 What is it we learn about the laws in force from this incident? Q.3 What is it we learn about the Sabbath Day from this incident? Q.4 What is it we learn about the man being healed from this incident? Q.5 What is it we learn about Jesus from this incident? Q.6 What is it we learn about ourselves from this incident? Q.7 Can you think of more that might be learned from this incident?
Pg.3
Jesus Confuses his detractors
The Pharisees had already been building a case against Jesus because it was apparent that he was a favorite among the people, and they felt his popularity was a threat to their power over the people. Isn’t it true what Lord Acton once said. “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely”. Certainly, the Pharisees were corrupt, and what’s even more conclusive is the fact of their always having critical observance of what Jesus was doing, and trying to use it to build a case against him. But Jesus knew what they were doing, and continued in his
Teaching and healing. They asked him on this occasion, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"
And Jesus perplexed them with his answer. By citing an example of a sheep falling into a ditch on the Sabbath. Wouldn’t anyone rescue the sheep. And at that moment he Asked the man to stretch fourth his hand, and as he did, his hand was healed.
Q.1 For what reason would any religious leader or teacher object to a healing miracle?
Q.2 Are there people who would deliberately deny the health and welfare of another person?
Q.3 Are there still laws regarding our Sabbath day duties and efforts?
Q.4 Having been healed, What would be the opinions expressed by the now whole person?
Q.5 Are there those to this day that would prevent one coming to Jesus for healing?
Q.6 What would one hope to gain by preventing someone from coming to Jesus?
Q.7 What is the desire of every Christian? “As disciples, to cause God great joy by sharing his love with others as we have seen it in Jesus”
Luke 6:11 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.
Mat 12:14 But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.
Mat 12:15 Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill.
Mar 3:6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus
Here are three different interpretations of what the enemies of Jesus think of what he has been doing. Persisting still in their evil intentions, though Christ had so fully and clearly exposed the wickedness of them. In addition those men who thought it was not lawful to heal a lame man on the sabbath day, yet have no problem in meeting with others on the Sabbath day, consulting together on that day, and even with profane men, what measures and methods were best to take, to destroy the life of an innocent person.
Q.1 What do you suppose the conversation might have been like?
Q.2 Do you think that there may have been any defense of his position by anyone there?
Q.3 Would he be given the benefit of the doubt as to what he did?
Q.4 Do we seem to be in agreement in the matter of what they want to do to him?
Q.5 We know what his enemies are going to do about Jesus, but do we know what we are going to do about Jesus? As a nation?, as an individual?
Meditation Pg.4
There are radical factions and sects which still persecute and kill Christians. North Korea — a country of more than 24 million, with an estimated 300,000 Christians — remained the most dangerous country worldwide for Christians for the 12th consecutive year, followed by Somalia, Syria and Iraq. Being caught with a Bible is grounds for execution or a life-long political prison sentence. An estimated 50,000 to 70,000 Christians live in concentration camps, prisons and prison-like circumstances or have been executed under the regime of leader Kim Jong-Un.”
In the sub-Saharan African country — Somalia, Islamic extremism is the primary source of Christian persecution in the country of more than 10 million and while the capital, Mogadishu is under more moderate Muslim control recently, converts from Islam are threatened with execution. “In Somalia, a Christian cannot trust anyone,” one Christian reportedly told an Open Doors researcher. “One false confidence and you literally lose your head.” Syria, another country subjected to Islamic extremism, has powered the prosecution, and many towns that previously had large populations of Christians have become ghost towns.
“Open doors”
“Open Doors” is a non-profit organization working in the most oppressive countries, providing Bibles and literature, media, leadership training, socio-economic development and ensuring prayer, presence and advocacy for Persecuted Christians. They strive to raise awareness of global persecution, mobilizing prayer, support and action among the Christians around the world. Every year, they publish a World Watch List which ranks countries by the severity of persecution.
Closing Prayer: Pg.5
Father God, be with us now as we leave this place. May we carry with us your blessing as we continue in our efforts to live the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. We pray for your continued watch over our loved ones and those among us who need your healing hand to touch them in their time of distress. We are all in need your healing power. We pray now that we will have Your guidance and protection as we continue in our day to day living. It is in Jesus name we pray, AMEN
Where is Jesus?
Where is Jesus? Pg.1
John 5:2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades.
Until the 19th century, there was no evidence outside of John’s Gospel for the existence of this pool; therefore, scholars argued that the gospel was written later, probably by someone without first-hand knowledge of the city of Jerusalem, and that the ‘pool’ had only a metaphorical, rather than historical, significance. Then in the 19th century, archaeologists discovered the remains of a pool fitting the description in John’s Gospel. The name of the pool is said to mean house of mercy or house of grace. In both Hebrew and Aramaic the word could also mean 'shame, disgrace'. This dual meaning may have been thought appropriate since the location was seen as a place of disgrace due to the presence of invalids, and a place of grace, due to the granting of healing.
Q1. What do we know about this pool now?
Q2. What other locations are verifiable from Biblical writings? (See below)
Q3. Why do we want to know the location of this pool?
Q4. Bethesda. The name given to the pool, because of the many lame and infirm who would congregate there for the healing effects of the waters, The name means “house of mercy", or "grace", or "goodness";
Archaeological research has confirmed the existence of many other cities and places named in the Bible, including:
Antioch(300 miles north of Jerusalem), Beersheba (excavated by Condor), Bethany, Bethel (Gen. 35:1-7, excavated by Albright & Kelso),Bethesda (Jn. 5:2, excavated by C. Schick), Bethlehem (excavated by Wm. Harvey), Bethsaida, Caesarea (Acts 9:30, excavated by Israel's Department of Antiquity), Caesarea Philippi (at the foot of Mt. Hermon, Mat. 16:13), Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee (Mat. Colossae (excavated by Wm.J.Hamilton), Corinth (in Greece), Damascus (in Syria), Dan (now known as "Tel el-Qadi"), Dothan (Gen. 37:17, 2Ki. 6:13, excavated by J.P.Free), Ephesus (Acts 19, excavated by J.T.Wood & D.C.Hogarth Gaza (Judg. 1:18), Gibeon (Josh. 9:3-27, now known as "Al Jib," excavated by J.B.Pritchard),Gilgal (Josh. 4:20, excavated by J. Muilenburg); Mt. Hermon (in northern Israel), Jacob's Well(John 4:12, excavated by Robinson & C.A.Barclay), Jericho (Josh.6, excavated by C.Warren, E.Sellin, J.Garstang & K.Kenyon),Jerusalem (a 3000 year-old city), Jezreel (at the foot of Mt.Gilboa), Joppa (2Chr. 2:16, on the Mediterranean, 30 miles n.w. of Jerusalem), , Laodicea (Rev. 1:4,11, ruins of old city walls still visible, ten miles west of Colossae), Nazareth (boyhood town of Jesus, a city of 10,000 today), Nineveh (Jonah 1:2, excavated by H.A.Layard). Rome, and many more
Pg.2
What Jesus Knows
John 5:3 Here a great number of disabled people used to lie--the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. 4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. 5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?"
This man has been an invalid for 38 years. He has been hanging out at this pool near the temple, receiving alms for the poor. He has probably grown pretty accustomed to this lifestyle. No work, other people around. Even his answer is not a “yes”, but “I’m trying to get in the water for healing but can’t get there fast enough.” I believe that God asks us this question more often than we realize: “Do you want to get well?” Jesus has the power to heal, not just physically but emotionally, psychologically, relationally. The angel stirred the waters, but left the diseased to themselves to get in. God has put virtue into the scriptures and ordinances, for he would have healed us; but, if we do not make a due improvement of them, it is our own fault, we would not be healed.
Q1.Does one know when one wants to be healed? Q2.How did Jesus learn of this mans condition? Q3.What reason did the man have for having never gotten into the pool? Q2.What are some of the problems of today's sick and ailing or crippled? Q5.What are some of today's obstacles that prevent our being healed? Q6.What is your feeling about vs. 4.
Question 6 is slightly off the subject of the lesson; Vs.4 is included in the KJV and not in the NIV, there are many theories and opinions. Some believe that the waters were medicinal and were more so at different times of the year; Some believe it was an Angel, seen or unseen. What do we believe?
What Jesus Does
John 5:7, "Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me."
8 Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk."
Never was a sinner more helpless than was this man. If God gave him strength to do his will, so he can do with all others; and the plea that we can do nothing could have been urged with far more propriety by this man than it can be by any impenitent sinner. This man has been crippled for life, now he has been instructed to get up and walk
Q1. Would it appear to this man at this point in his life that he has a chance for healing?
Q2. What would be our natural reaction to this command?
Q3. What is it about Jesus that is different from most men of that day?
Q4. To add drama to the event, what did Jesus tell him?
Q5. The man was told to get up and walk, Was that a possibility, considering his condition?
Q6. To respond to Jesus , the man needed incentive and strength, where was it to be found ?
Q7. When Jesus speaks things happen, are we prepared to respond when he speaks to us?
Pg.3
Who Jesus is
Joh 5:9 At once the man was made whole; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, 10 and so the Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed, "It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat." 11 But he replied, "The man who made me well said to me, 'Pick up your mat and walk.”12 So they asked him, "Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?" 13 The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there.
There will always be those who are willing, and given the grace of God to perform the tasks that God has set before us. There will also always be those who are determined to stop his work. They will use whatever means there are to make that happen. Satan has his ways of making a willing heart for God be as much inconvenienced as is possible. But if one is determined, Satan’s work will be nullified. Nevertheless Satan does not relent in his constant barrage against God’s will and against those who have a heart for God. What did Jesus do to answer Satan in the Wilderness
Q1.Could the man have done this without Jesus?
Q2.Are there those today that are so evil that they would deny the favor of God to anyone?
Q3.Was this man a lost soul prior to being healed by Jesus?
Q4.Why would Jesus heal only this one man at this time?
Q5.Jesus had healed him without ever telling the man who he was, Why?
Q6.Are there times when people will want to chase Jesus away from us?
What Jesus says
John 5:14 Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, "See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you." 15 The man went away and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had made him well.
One might preach an entire sermon on vs.14 or on vs. 15. Actually the Gospel message that John was teaching and preaching during these same times, was that very message, Repent of our sins and be baptized, or something very bad is our destiny. And Vs. 15, Go and tell, evangelize all who will listen. In every case thus far, when Jesus worked a miracle or healing, it was then that the recipient of the act went and broadcast the news.
Q1. What did Jesus imply in vs. 14?
Q2. As the woman at the well, the man wanted it known that it was Jesus who healed him Why?
Q3. Rules, The Jews are quoting the law, why are they doing this ?
Q4. Are there miraculous works that God does, that people broadcast today?
Q5. And are there those who would deny that God is at work healing people?
Pg.4
Jesus’ defense
16 So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders began to persecute him. 17 In his defense Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working."18 For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
And now here we are in today's world, still faced with some of the same situations and conditions. Jesus is being persecuted, The world leaders are aligning against Christianity, and Jesus speaks from the words in the Bible.
Q2. Jesus, as the progenitor of God answers their charges with his defense. What is his defense?
Q3. And how do people today feel about that? Pro & Con.
Q4. Are there those charges today, against Christians? Who is doing that?
Meditation:
In this Scripture, we glimpse how the encounter with Christ can strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…and that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” May that be our personal mission statement. God has plans for your life, and the lives of your loved ones. Our life is God’s gift to us, It may be filled with more hardships than we think we can possibly bear at times. That is when we rely on the faith we have gained in times of communion with Christ. God desires that we have a relationship with his Son, He desires for us to listen to him and learn from him, Our choice is to try to say “yes” not just when loving and trusting are easy, but even when it is very difficult and scary, and we desperately need him to respond. We are never alone. We are ever loved beyond all measure. But we need to be aware and certainly never underestimate what Jesus can do in our life if given an opportunity. He can do Miracles. When one gets to despair as this cripple did, one knows that all of our thinking will never get us out. We will only get out by the sheer creative effort of God. Consequently we are in the right attitude to receive from God that which we cannot gain for our self alone.” We need to get over making great chasms between the spiritual life and the secular life, because for a Christian it should all be exactly the same. What was Jesus doing when He was here on earth? He said, "I do always those things that please the Father, "John 8:29--never anything else. He never did anything that didn't please the Father. So whether He was tired and sitting down by a well, or walking along the dusty road by Himself or perhaps going to the pool at Bethesda, or with the disciples, or being mobbed by a large crowd of people who were yelling and screaming at Him and wanting Him to do something for them--it was all spiritual work. It was all an offering to His Father. Psa 34:22 The LORD will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.
Pg.5
Closing Prayer:
Father God, be with us now as we leave this place. May we carry with us your blessing as we continue in our efforts to live the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. We pray for your continued watch over our loved ones and those among us who need your healing hand to touch them in their time of distress. Many of us are suffering in silence now, not able at times to respond as we want. We pray for your healing, and we pray now that we will have Your guidance as we continue in our day to day living. It is in Jesus name we pray, AMEN
Opening Prayer:
Father God, we come to study about Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. We understand that there are people and places in this world where His presence is anticipated, and welcomed. Our study today takes us to one of those places. We ask that no word be spoken here tonight which might be contrary to your will Bless those who are here tonight with the perfect understanding of those things which You would have us learn from this study. Bless our brothers and sisters in Christ who need your healing touch, give them reassurance that even though you are not present in body, you are most certainly with us in spirit, and we ask that your healing presence be with them. We ask this in the name of Jesus Amen
Our study today puts Jesus at Bethesda, a sheep gate in Jerusalem, probably going to a Passover Jewish feast in Jerusalem. He passes the sheep gate, a place where the sick and crippled congregate because of the healing offered by the waters there. There is a story that bears telling about this place as well, but here Jesus sees a crippled man and offers him healing. This healing is just another day in the life of Jesus as he spreads his message, doing the will of His Father God.
John 5:2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades.
Until the 19th century, there was no evidence outside of John’s Gospel for the existence of this pool; therefore, scholars argued that the gospel was written later, probably by someone without first-hand knowledge of the city of Jerusalem, and that the ‘pool’ had only a metaphorical, rather than historical, significance. Then in the 19th century, archaeologists discovered the remains of a pool fitting the description in John’s Gospel. The name of the pool is said to mean house of mercy or house of grace. In both Hebrew and Aramaic the word could also mean 'shame, disgrace'. This dual meaning may have been thought appropriate since the location was seen as a place of disgrace due to the presence of invalids, and a place of grace, due to the granting of healing.
Q1. What do we know about this pool now?
Q2. What other locations are verifiable from Biblical writings? (See below)
Q3. Why do we want to know the location of this pool?
Q4. Bethesda. The name given to the pool, because of the many lame and infirm who would congregate there for the healing effects of the waters, The name means “house of mercy", or "grace", or "goodness";
Archaeological research has confirmed the existence of many other cities and places named in the Bible, including:
Antioch(300 miles north of Jerusalem), Beersheba (excavated by Condor), Bethany, Bethel (Gen. 35:1-7, excavated by Albright & Kelso),Bethesda (Jn. 5:2, excavated by C. Schick), Bethlehem (excavated by Wm. Harvey), Bethsaida, Caesarea (Acts 9:30, excavated by Israel's Department of Antiquity), Caesarea Philippi (at the foot of Mt. Hermon, Mat. 16:13), Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee (Mat. Colossae (excavated by Wm.J.Hamilton), Corinth (in Greece), Damascus (in Syria), Dan (now known as "Tel el-Qadi"), Dothan (Gen. 37:17, 2Ki. 6:13, excavated by J.P.Free), Ephesus (Acts 19, excavated by J.T.Wood & D.C.Hogarth Gaza (Judg. 1:18), Gibeon (Josh. 9:3-27, now known as "Al Jib," excavated by J.B.Pritchard),Gilgal (Josh. 4:20, excavated by J. Muilenburg); Mt. Hermon (in northern Israel), Jacob's Well(John 4:12, excavated by Robinson & C.A.Barclay), Jericho (Josh.6, excavated by C.Warren, E.Sellin, J.Garstang & K.Kenyon),Jerusalem (a 3000 year-old city), Jezreel (at the foot of Mt.Gilboa), Joppa (2Chr. 2:16, on the Mediterranean, 30 miles n.w. of Jerusalem), , Laodicea (Rev. 1:4,11, ruins of old city walls still visible, ten miles west of Colossae), Nazareth (boyhood town of Jesus, a city of 10,000 today), Nineveh (Jonah 1:2, excavated by H.A.Layard). Rome, and many more
Pg.2
What Jesus Knows
John 5:3 Here a great number of disabled people used to lie--the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. 4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. 5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?"
This man has been an invalid for 38 years. He has been hanging out at this pool near the temple, receiving alms for the poor. He has probably grown pretty accustomed to this lifestyle. No work, other people around. Even his answer is not a “yes”, but “I’m trying to get in the water for healing but can’t get there fast enough.” I believe that God asks us this question more often than we realize: “Do you want to get well?” Jesus has the power to heal, not just physically but emotionally, psychologically, relationally. The angel stirred the waters, but left the diseased to themselves to get in. God has put virtue into the scriptures and ordinances, for he would have healed us; but, if we do not make a due improvement of them, it is our own fault, we would not be healed.
Q1.Does one know when one wants to be healed? Q2.How did Jesus learn of this mans condition? Q3.What reason did the man have for having never gotten into the pool? Q2.What are some of the problems of today's sick and ailing or crippled? Q5.What are some of today's obstacles that prevent our being healed? Q6.What is your feeling about vs. 4.
Question 6 is slightly off the subject of the lesson; Vs.4 is included in the KJV and not in the NIV, there are many theories and opinions. Some believe that the waters were medicinal and were more so at different times of the year; Some believe it was an Angel, seen or unseen. What do we believe?
What Jesus Does
John 5:7, "Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me."
8 Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk."
Never was a sinner more helpless than was this man. If God gave him strength to do his will, so he can do with all others; and the plea that we can do nothing could have been urged with far more propriety by this man than it can be by any impenitent sinner. This man has been crippled for life, now he has been instructed to get up and walk
Q1. Would it appear to this man at this point in his life that he has a chance for healing?
Q2. What would be our natural reaction to this command?
Q3. What is it about Jesus that is different from most men of that day?
Q4. To add drama to the event, what did Jesus tell him?
Q5. The man was told to get up and walk, Was that a possibility, considering his condition?
Q6. To respond to Jesus , the man needed incentive and strength, where was it to be found ?
Q7. When Jesus speaks things happen, are we prepared to respond when he speaks to us?
Pg.3
Who Jesus is
Joh 5:9 At once the man was made whole; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, 10 and so the Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed, "It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat." 11 But he replied, "The man who made me well said to me, 'Pick up your mat and walk.”12 So they asked him, "Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?" 13 The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there.
There will always be those who are willing, and given the grace of God to perform the tasks that God has set before us. There will also always be those who are determined to stop his work. They will use whatever means there are to make that happen. Satan has his ways of making a willing heart for God be as much inconvenienced as is possible. But if one is determined, Satan’s work will be nullified. Nevertheless Satan does not relent in his constant barrage against God’s will and against those who have a heart for God. What did Jesus do to answer Satan in the Wilderness
Q1.Could the man have done this without Jesus?
Q2.Are there those today that are so evil that they would deny the favor of God to anyone?
Q3.Was this man a lost soul prior to being healed by Jesus?
Q4.Why would Jesus heal only this one man at this time?
Q5.Jesus had healed him without ever telling the man who he was, Why?
Q6.Are there times when people will want to chase Jesus away from us?
What Jesus says
John 5:14 Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, "See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you." 15 The man went away and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had made him well.
One might preach an entire sermon on vs.14 or on vs. 15. Actually the Gospel message that John was teaching and preaching during these same times, was that very message, Repent of our sins and be baptized, or something very bad is our destiny. And Vs. 15, Go and tell, evangelize all who will listen. In every case thus far, when Jesus worked a miracle or healing, it was then that the recipient of the act went and broadcast the news.
Q1. What did Jesus imply in vs. 14?
Q2. As the woman at the well, the man wanted it known that it was Jesus who healed him Why?
Q3. Rules, The Jews are quoting the law, why are they doing this ?
Q4. Are there miraculous works that God does, that people broadcast today?
Q5. And are there those who would deny that God is at work healing people?
Pg.4
Jesus’ defense
16 So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders began to persecute him. 17 In his defense Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working."18 For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
And now here we are in today's world, still faced with some of the same situations and conditions. Jesus is being persecuted, The world leaders are aligning against Christianity, and Jesus speaks from the words in the Bible.
Q2. Jesus, as the progenitor of God answers their charges with his defense. What is his defense?
Q3. And how do people today feel about that? Pro & Con.
Q4. Are there those charges today, against Christians? Who is doing that?
Meditation:
In this Scripture, we glimpse how the encounter with Christ can strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…and that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” May that be our personal mission statement. God has plans for your life, and the lives of your loved ones. Our life is God’s gift to us, It may be filled with more hardships than we think we can possibly bear at times. That is when we rely on the faith we have gained in times of communion with Christ. God desires that we have a relationship with his Son, He desires for us to listen to him and learn from him, Our choice is to try to say “yes” not just when loving and trusting are easy, but even when it is very difficult and scary, and we desperately need him to respond. We are never alone. We are ever loved beyond all measure. But we need to be aware and certainly never underestimate what Jesus can do in our life if given an opportunity. He can do Miracles. When one gets to despair as this cripple did, one knows that all of our thinking will never get us out. We will only get out by the sheer creative effort of God. Consequently we are in the right attitude to receive from God that which we cannot gain for our self alone.” We need to get over making great chasms between the spiritual life and the secular life, because for a Christian it should all be exactly the same. What was Jesus doing when He was here on earth? He said, "I do always those things that please the Father, "John 8:29--never anything else. He never did anything that didn't please the Father. So whether He was tired and sitting down by a well, or walking along the dusty road by Himself or perhaps going to the pool at Bethesda, or with the disciples, or being mobbed by a large crowd of people who were yelling and screaming at Him and wanting Him to do something for them--it was all spiritual work. It was all an offering to His Father. Psa 34:22 The LORD will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.
Pg.5
Closing Prayer:
Father God, be with us now as we leave this place. May we carry with us your blessing as we continue in our efforts to live the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. We pray for your continued watch over our loved ones and those among us who need your healing hand to touch them in their time of distress. Many of us are suffering in silence now, not able at times to respond as we want. We pray for your healing, and we pray now that we will have Your guidance as we continue in our day to day living. It is in Jesus name we pray, AMEN
Saturday, April 1, 2017
James 5 session 6
Pg.1
Opening Prayer; Father God be with us now as we continue in our study in the Epistle of James. Tonight we study the effects of riches and the management of our affairs and our conduct as Christians. We ask that you impart to us those matters that you would have us learn from these verses. Be with those of our group who cannot be here tonight, we offer our prayer for their safekeeping and pray that they will join us for the next study. We offer this prayer in the name of Your Son our Lord Jesus Christ…..Amen
James 5:1-6 The Misuse of Riches
1. Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.
Discussion
James is offering a condemnation to those who idolize their riches, setting their affection on riches rather than on God. He is telling them that they have replaced the worship of God with the love of their wealth and position. This is simply the way of the world. The richer one is, the more they attract the world's attention, which incidentally becomes addictive. They ignore and avoid those who have been unfairly treated and they take advantage of their high position to influence matters of interest to them for self promotion and gratification. .They know what they are doing, and whom they are hurting, and they know that judgment is coming. They really should be living in fear of God and seeking his mercy with a change of heart. Yet their wealth and posessions have calloused their heart to the worship God except in ways that promote their position in life. Hoarding wealth does two things. One, it becomes a powerful force in one's life, making real life decisions more difficult because it has such an addicting influence. And two, it becomes a testimony against those who have coveted it and used it in a life of luxury and even to the detriment of their own well being. The condemnation concludes with vs. 6 referring to the Jews who had condemned to death and crucified Jesus Christ the righteous and innocent one who was trying to save them from their sinful ways.
God does not condemn the wealthy nor does he prevent the use of great wealth to aid nations. Joseph was in a position to save the lives of many in Egypt because of his position, wealth and power.- Gen 47:15 -17; Abraham was a man of great wealth, & was called a “friend of God”—James 2:23; God called Job a perfect and upright man—Job 1:8; Solomon praised great riches as a blessing from God, saying, “In the house of the righteous there is much treasure. Please read (Ps.112:). The Bible only condemns the rich who store up their wealth instead of using it to reach the lost, feed the hungry, cloth the naked, provide for widows and orphans, shelter the cold & homeless, nurse the sick & use it for the spreading of the Gospel.
Questions 1. What dangers are always present for the rich and powerful?
2. What is the good that can come of great wealth?
3. In what ways does our church use it's wealth?
4. How does one's great wealth become a testimony against them?
Pg.2
James 5: 7-12 Patience and Peserverence
7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. 9 Don't grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. 12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear--not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple "Yes" or "No." Otherwise you will be condemned.
Discussion
As a matter of good character we are urged to be patient. Anxiety is just another way the world works its spell on the people who are of the world. We are to be patient as the farmer is patient waiting on the proper time and season to do his work. And we are urged to be patient with each other realizing that all do not walk at the same pace. We all have different gifts and different callings, thus our interests are not all compatible yet we are all to be civil and kind with each other not complaining and argumentative. We are to be tolerant and passive without grumbling and calling names. Those who are opposed to patience and civil conduct with their fellow man will be judged and it shall be counted against them. The judge is standing at the door. One of the great character traits of the Christian is that no matter the circumstances, like Job, they persevere and do not break from God.
Then we are urged not to swear. "Above all things, my brethren, swear not." The prohibition has not ceased to be necessary, as our daily, experience proves. Where is the pleasure in swearing? In times of strong excitement it is no doubt a relief to the feelings to use strong language; but what is gained by making the strong language more culpable by adding blasphemy to it? Besides which, there is the sadly common case of those who use blasphemous words in every phrase they utter, who habitually swear for lack of better words to express themselves.. But just let those who profess to think that there is no harm in idle swearing ask themselves whether they expect to repeat that plea when they give an account for every idle word at the day of judgment. (Matthew _12:35-37). Let us not swear the Lords name in vain, nor by the heavens, nor the earth. Why swear when a simple yes or no is all that is needed. We need not curse the circumstance of our life by swear words which do actually judge us to be lesser and not greater than the person or the thing being cursed, or sworn at.
Except where swearing to the truth of a matter, appearing as a witness, or at the calling of a judge or magistrate where an oath is required as part of our civil duty, in response to the law.
Questions
1. Can you name some things that cause you to be anxious?
2. In dealing with a cntentious person, what do you feel is the best advice?
3. What does James mean by “do not swear” explain your answer?
4. What about when we are directed by law to swear on the bible, or testify under oath?
5. In our present day, do we have a more cavalier attitude about swearing than in biblical times?
6. What about the present genre of movies which get better ratings if there is profanity
7. What does that tell us about today’s morals?
Pg.3
James 5: 13-20 Positive Faith and Prayer
13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. 19 My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
These scriptures vvs 13-20 are a plea for prayer and faith. We do not know what lies just beyond the moment and we have very little control over the next step we take. Our intention may be of the highest order, and our plans may be the most pure and sincere. But the world has a way that will certainly fail us if we purpose our life with the best of wisdom and learning, but omit God's omnipotent presence from our lives. When things are going well and we are happy, our heart sings and all seems glorious, but such is short lived. Life is such that our way is often detoured through the worst of times. We must have a home base, a place of refuge, a safe haven. It is incumbent on a mother and father to properly care for their children, give them a secure environment and a loving relationship. Without that relationship the family becomes broken and often falls apart. God feels that same incumbency when dealing with His Children. God is the Christians home base, our place of refuge, our safe haven. He offers us a relationship that is sound and secure one that cannot be broken, He is the power the Christian needs to survive the worlds ways. When that relationship is made, our hearts sing a new song, one of salvation and surety. Left without God the man is at risk of losing his soul.
Our contact with God is through the use of Prayer. God listens and is moved by every word thought and deed the Christian does. He responds always. Prayer is the most powerful message God can receive from us. True our deeds are a response to what God is doing in our life but our prayer to God is the communication with which we are able to reach and interact with God. Jesus taught us the way to pray, and it is up to us to put into action the power of prayer in our life. Without prayer the relationship is weakened and is subject to what the world offers.
If a Christian sees a brother or sister wavering and in need of Godly counsel, bring that one back into the fold with prayer and kind words of truth about God. Saving Souls is not just for the evangelist. We Christians are to be actively involved in a great cover-up; that is, turning men away from their sins, so that their sins may be “cast … into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:18-19) and “remembered no more” (Isaiah. 43:25).(1 Peter 4:7-11)
Questions 1. What is the typical response to suffering?
2. Will God always take away the trial from us?
3. What does a prayerful attitude show about our heart? (Our reliance on God.)
4. What is the typical response of an unbeliever to good news?
5. What does turning to other believers for prayer show about our hearts?
6. What does it mean that Elijah had a "nature like ours"?
7. What can we learn from the example of Elijah? What was Elijah's motivation for this prayer?
Pg.4
Scripture Readings
Psalm 112:1 Praise the LORD. Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in his commands. 2 Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.
4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. 5 Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. 6 Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever.7 They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
8 Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. 9 They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor. 10 The wicked will see and be vexed, they will gnash their teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.
Matthew12:35-37 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
Micah 7:18-19 Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. 19 You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
Isaiah 43:25 "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.
1Peter 4:7-11 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen
Closing Prayer; Almighty God our father, keeper of our peace, and reedemer of our souls, guide our words and deeds as we interact with our fellow Christians, that we may always say and do what is pleasing and acceptable to you, and cause grief to no one. Be with our loved ones and those who are ill or suffering____________ Bring to these mentioned, and to those on our hearts, Your peace to calm them and the strength to endure. Offer them your healing touch that they may be well again. Be with us now as we leave this place, keep us safe and bring us back next week. In Jesus' name we pray……….. Amen.
Pg.5
Meditation; Chapter Five of The Epistle of James
(Taken from the commentary of Matthew Henry)
“Now listen you rich people”, James was probably writing about people who were not in his congregation, But he was telling all of us, that troubles are most grievous to those who live in pleasure, and are secure and sensual, lacking a moral compass. All idolized treasures will soon perish, except as they will rise up in judgment against their possessors. Take heed of defrauding and oppressing; and avoid the very appearance of it. God does not forbid us to become rich or to experience lawful pleasures; but to live in pleasure, especially sinful pleasure, is a provoking sin. The just may be condemned and killed; but when such suffer by oppressors, this is marked by God. Above all their other crimes, the Jews had condemned and crucified among all the poor and destitute who fell to their unjust laws and self righteousness, The most just One who had ever come among them, Jesus Christ the righteous.
Be patient then brothers and sisters”,Consider the farmer who waits for the seasons to plant, and to harvest his crops. Success comes to him who waits, and will not you wait for a crown of glory? If you should be called to wait longer than the husbandman, is not there something more worth waiting for? Let us serve our God, and bear our trials, as those who believe that the end will crown all. Our eternal happiness is safe if we trust and believe Him who is the Just and Righteous one, Jesus Christ
The sin of swearing is condemned; but how many make light of common profane swearing! Such swearing expressly throws contempt upon God's name and authority. The Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. It is a sin, do not partake of such foolish behavior, it accomplishes nothing, and it promotes failure.
“Is any one among you in trouble”? In a day of affliction nothing is more seasonable than prayer. The spirit is then most humble, and the heart is broken and tender. It is necessary to exercise faith and hope under afflictions; and prayer is the appointed means for obtaining and increasing these graces. Observe, that the saving of the sick is not ascribed to the anointing with oil, but to prayer. In a time of sickness it is not cold and formal prayer that is effectual, but the prayer of faith. The great thing we should beg of God for ourselves and others in the time of sickness is, the pardon of sin. To acknowledge our faults to each other, will tend greatly to peace and brotherly love. And when a righteous person, a true believer, justified in Christ, and by his grace walking before God in holy obedience, presents an effectual fervent prayer, wrought in his heart by the power of the Holy Spirit, raising holy affections and believing expectations and so leading earnestly to plead the promises of God at his mercy-seat, it avails much. The power of prayer is proved from the history of Elijah. In prayer we must not look to the merit of man, but to the grace of God. It is not enough to say a prayer, but we must pray in prayer. This instance of the power of prayer, encourages every Christian to be earnest in prayer. God never says to any of the seed of Jacob, Seek my face in vain. Where there may not be so much of miracle in God's answering our prayers, yet there may be as much of grace.
There is some doctrinal mistake at the bottom of every practical mistake. There is no one habitually bad, except upon some bad principle. This is conversion; to turn a sinner from the error of his ways. By way of convincing one of the goodness of God. There is no way effectually and finally to hide sin, but there is the forsaking of it. Many sins are hindered in the party converted; and many also may be so in others whom one may influence. Since the beginning of time He has been multiplying pardons, and yet his free grace is not tired nor grown weary. May the Lord give us a part in this abundant mercy, through the blood of Christ, and the sanctification of the Spirit…. Amen.
Opening Prayer; Father God be with us now as we continue in our study in the Epistle of James. Tonight we study the effects of riches and the management of our affairs and our conduct as Christians. We ask that you impart to us those matters that you would have us learn from these verses. Be with those of our group who cannot be here tonight, we offer our prayer for their safekeeping and pray that they will join us for the next study. We offer this prayer in the name of Your Son our Lord Jesus Christ…..Amen
James 5:1-6 The Misuse of Riches
1. Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.
Discussion
James is offering a condemnation to those who idolize their riches, setting their affection on riches rather than on God. He is telling them that they have replaced the worship of God with the love of their wealth and position. This is simply the way of the world. The richer one is, the more they attract the world's attention, which incidentally becomes addictive. They ignore and avoid those who have been unfairly treated and they take advantage of their high position to influence matters of interest to them for self promotion and gratification. .They know what they are doing, and whom they are hurting, and they know that judgment is coming. They really should be living in fear of God and seeking his mercy with a change of heart. Yet their wealth and posessions have calloused their heart to the worship God except in ways that promote their position in life. Hoarding wealth does two things. One, it becomes a powerful force in one's life, making real life decisions more difficult because it has such an addicting influence. And two, it becomes a testimony against those who have coveted it and used it in a life of luxury and even to the detriment of their own well being. The condemnation concludes with vs. 6 referring to the Jews who had condemned to death and crucified Jesus Christ the righteous and innocent one who was trying to save them from their sinful ways.
God does not condemn the wealthy nor does he prevent the use of great wealth to aid nations. Joseph was in a position to save the lives of many in Egypt because of his position, wealth and power.- Gen 47:15 -17; Abraham was a man of great wealth, & was called a “friend of God”—James 2:23; God called Job a perfect and upright man—Job 1:8; Solomon praised great riches as a blessing from God, saying, “In the house of the righteous there is much treasure. Please read (Ps.112:). The Bible only condemns the rich who store up their wealth instead of using it to reach the lost, feed the hungry, cloth the naked, provide for widows and orphans, shelter the cold & homeless, nurse the sick & use it for the spreading of the Gospel.
Questions 1. What dangers are always present for the rich and powerful?
2. What is the good that can come of great wealth?
3. In what ways does our church use it's wealth?
4. How does one's great wealth become a testimony against them?
Pg.2
James 5: 7-12 Patience and Peserverence
7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. 9 Don't grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. 12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear--not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple "Yes" or "No." Otherwise you will be condemned.
Discussion
As a matter of good character we are urged to be patient. Anxiety is just another way the world works its spell on the people who are of the world. We are to be patient as the farmer is patient waiting on the proper time and season to do his work. And we are urged to be patient with each other realizing that all do not walk at the same pace. We all have different gifts and different callings, thus our interests are not all compatible yet we are all to be civil and kind with each other not complaining and argumentative. We are to be tolerant and passive without grumbling and calling names. Those who are opposed to patience and civil conduct with their fellow man will be judged and it shall be counted against them. The judge is standing at the door. One of the great character traits of the Christian is that no matter the circumstances, like Job, they persevere and do not break from God.
Then we are urged not to swear. "Above all things, my brethren, swear not." The prohibition has not ceased to be necessary, as our daily, experience proves. Where is the pleasure in swearing? In times of strong excitement it is no doubt a relief to the feelings to use strong language; but what is gained by making the strong language more culpable by adding blasphemy to it? Besides which, there is the sadly common case of those who use blasphemous words in every phrase they utter, who habitually swear for lack of better words to express themselves.. But just let those who profess to think that there is no harm in idle swearing ask themselves whether they expect to repeat that plea when they give an account for every idle word at the day of judgment. (Matthew _12:35-37). Let us not swear the Lords name in vain, nor by the heavens, nor the earth. Why swear when a simple yes or no is all that is needed. We need not curse the circumstance of our life by swear words which do actually judge us to be lesser and not greater than the person or the thing being cursed, or sworn at.
Except where swearing to the truth of a matter, appearing as a witness, or at the calling of a judge or magistrate where an oath is required as part of our civil duty, in response to the law.
Questions
1. Can you name some things that cause you to be anxious?
2. In dealing with a cntentious person, what do you feel is the best advice?
3. What does James mean by “do not swear” explain your answer?
4. What about when we are directed by law to swear on the bible, or testify under oath?
5. In our present day, do we have a more cavalier attitude about swearing than in biblical times?
6. What about the present genre of movies which get better ratings if there is profanity
7. What does that tell us about today’s morals?
Pg.3
James 5: 13-20 Positive Faith and Prayer
13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. 19 My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
These scriptures vvs 13-20 are a plea for prayer and faith. We do not know what lies just beyond the moment and we have very little control over the next step we take. Our intention may be of the highest order, and our plans may be the most pure and sincere. But the world has a way that will certainly fail us if we purpose our life with the best of wisdom and learning, but omit God's omnipotent presence from our lives. When things are going well and we are happy, our heart sings and all seems glorious, but such is short lived. Life is such that our way is often detoured through the worst of times. We must have a home base, a place of refuge, a safe haven. It is incumbent on a mother and father to properly care for their children, give them a secure environment and a loving relationship. Without that relationship the family becomes broken and often falls apart. God feels that same incumbency when dealing with His Children. God is the Christians home base, our place of refuge, our safe haven. He offers us a relationship that is sound and secure one that cannot be broken, He is the power the Christian needs to survive the worlds ways. When that relationship is made, our hearts sing a new song, one of salvation and surety. Left without God the man is at risk of losing his soul.
Our contact with God is through the use of Prayer. God listens and is moved by every word thought and deed the Christian does. He responds always. Prayer is the most powerful message God can receive from us. True our deeds are a response to what God is doing in our life but our prayer to God is the communication with which we are able to reach and interact with God. Jesus taught us the way to pray, and it is up to us to put into action the power of prayer in our life. Without prayer the relationship is weakened and is subject to what the world offers.
If a Christian sees a brother or sister wavering and in need of Godly counsel, bring that one back into the fold with prayer and kind words of truth about God. Saving Souls is not just for the evangelist. We Christians are to be actively involved in a great cover-up; that is, turning men away from their sins, so that their sins may be “cast … into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:18-19) and “remembered no more” (Isaiah. 43:25).(1 Peter 4:7-11)
Questions 1. What is the typical response to suffering?
2. Will God always take away the trial from us?
3. What does a prayerful attitude show about our heart? (Our reliance on God.)
4. What is the typical response of an unbeliever to good news?
5. What does turning to other believers for prayer show about our hearts?
6. What does it mean that Elijah had a "nature like ours"?
7. What can we learn from the example of Elijah? What was Elijah's motivation for this prayer?
Pg.4
Scripture Readings
Psalm 112:1 Praise the LORD. Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in his commands. 2 Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.
4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. 5 Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. 6 Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever.7 They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
8 Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. 9 They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor. 10 The wicked will see and be vexed, they will gnash their teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.
Matthew12:35-37 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
Micah 7:18-19 Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. 19 You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
Isaiah 43:25 "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.
1Peter 4:7-11 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen
Closing Prayer; Almighty God our father, keeper of our peace, and reedemer of our souls, guide our words and deeds as we interact with our fellow Christians, that we may always say and do what is pleasing and acceptable to you, and cause grief to no one. Be with our loved ones and those who are ill or suffering____________ Bring to these mentioned, and to those on our hearts, Your peace to calm them and the strength to endure. Offer them your healing touch that they may be well again. Be with us now as we leave this place, keep us safe and bring us back next week. In Jesus' name we pray……….. Amen.
Pg.5
Meditation; Chapter Five of The Epistle of James
(Taken from the commentary of Matthew Henry)
“Now listen you rich people”, James was probably writing about people who were not in his congregation, But he was telling all of us, that troubles are most grievous to those who live in pleasure, and are secure and sensual, lacking a moral compass. All idolized treasures will soon perish, except as they will rise up in judgment against their possessors. Take heed of defrauding and oppressing; and avoid the very appearance of it. God does not forbid us to become rich or to experience lawful pleasures; but to live in pleasure, especially sinful pleasure, is a provoking sin. The just may be condemned and killed; but when such suffer by oppressors, this is marked by God. Above all their other crimes, the Jews had condemned and crucified among all the poor and destitute who fell to their unjust laws and self righteousness, The most just One who had ever come among them, Jesus Christ the righteous.
Be patient then brothers and sisters”,Consider the farmer who waits for the seasons to plant, and to harvest his crops. Success comes to him who waits, and will not you wait for a crown of glory? If you should be called to wait longer than the husbandman, is not there something more worth waiting for? Let us serve our God, and bear our trials, as those who believe that the end will crown all. Our eternal happiness is safe if we trust and believe Him who is the Just and Righteous one, Jesus Christ
The sin of swearing is condemned; but how many make light of common profane swearing! Such swearing expressly throws contempt upon God's name and authority. The Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. It is a sin, do not partake of such foolish behavior, it accomplishes nothing, and it promotes failure.
“Is any one among you in trouble”? In a day of affliction nothing is more seasonable than prayer. The spirit is then most humble, and the heart is broken and tender. It is necessary to exercise faith and hope under afflictions; and prayer is the appointed means for obtaining and increasing these graces. Observe, that the saving of the sick is not ascribed to the anointing with oil, but to prayer. In a time of sickness it is not cold and formal prayer that is effectual, but the prayer of faith. The great thing we should beg of God for ourselves and others in the time of sickness is, the pardon of sin. To acknowledge our faults to each other, will tend greatly to peace and brotherly love. And when a righteous person, a true believer, justified in Christ, and by his grace walking before God in holy obedience, presents an effectual fervent prayer, wrought in his heart by the power of the Holy Spirit, raising holy affections and believing expectations and so leading earnestly to plead the promises of God at his mercy-seat, it avails much. The power of prayer is proved from the history of Elijah. In prayer we must not look to the merit of man, but to the grace of God. It is not enough to say a prayer, but we must pray in prayer. This instance of the power of prayer, encourages every Christian to be earnest in prayer. God never says to any of the seed of Jacob, Seek my face in vain. Where there may not be so much of miracle in God's answering our prayers, yet there may be as much of grace.
There is some doctrinal mistake at the bottom of every practical mistake. There is no one habitually bad, except upon some bad principle. This is conversion; to turn a sinner from the error of his ways. By way of convincing one of the goodness of God. There is no way effectually and finally to hide sin, but there is the forsaking of it. Many sins are hindered in the party converted; and many also may be so in others whom one may influence. Since the beginning of time He has been multiplying pardons, and yet his free grace is not tired nor grown weary. May the Lord give us a part in this abundant mercy, through the blood of Christ, and the sanctification of the Spirit…. Amen.
James 4 session 5
Pg.1
The Epistle of James 4: 1-10….Do Not Choose The World
What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 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. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. 4 You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Discussion
James' epistle implies that there were quarrels and conflicts among the church members. The problem was they were worldly and dissatisfied. (Ecc 2:1-3). The love of pleasure tempts us, and much like Eve was tricked, our desires will sometimes lead us into sin.
God wants us to be happy and have the desires of or heart but Instead of giving in to the temptationsthat the desires of our heart create in us, we should go to God in prayer and make certain that the desires of our heart are those that will please God, and not anger or sadden Him. Ask for God's guidance in all that we undertake, and try to eliminate from our lifestyle those things that edify self, and fulfill selfish desires. The true disciple of Christ is one who is loving forgiving and humble, serving the needs of others, in service to Jesus Christ. (James 1:27)
The desire to have bigger and better, and more of the things which we perceive will make us happy, and our upscale lifestyle which displays our wealth, have the potential to draw us ever deeper into sin. And technology has made available to us so much more of the things which draw us into the worlds ways. All of these things influence our relationships with each other and with God. In verse 4, James says friendship with the world is hostility towards God. Loving what the world has to offer will most often turn us away from God. Some of the attitudes of our present lifestyles include such phrases as "Look out for number one”, Live like there is no tomorrow"And “living la vida loca” (which means living the crazy life). Materialism, superstition, loose morals, and selfishness are all examples of a hedonistic lifestyle. All of these things refer to the worldly system of thought that is contrary to the Bibles teaching Jesus said in Matthew 7:13 &14 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Joshua 1:8) We must make a choice, living in this fallen world and partaking of the worlds way, or living in the world but not becoming “of the world”. The choice is ours. Just as Eve was tempted by Satan to eat of a fruit which God had forbidden, Satan's ways are clever and enticing, seemingly harmless, but the true believer, a disciple of Christ knows the difference. Choose life with Jesus, it's the only way.
Questions
1. What issues do you think church members in verses 1-3 might disagree over?
2. As in verse 4, why does James refer to these members as adulturous?
3. James speaks of one characteristic that God opposes, what is that characteristic?
4. What is one of the most difficult characteristics for a human being to exhibit?
5. What is there about “living the good life” that is so good? And what is dangerous about it?
6. How are we to live in, and be influenced by this world, and not become part of it?
Pg.2
The Epistle of James 4:11-17 Judge Not Your Brother
11 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you--who are you to judge your neighbor? 13 Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them.
Discussion
It is so easy to find fault, to point to the flaws of others, to recall their shortcomings and failures, and to slander their good name. (Romans 2:3). It is not pleasing to God for such matters to be ongoing among his followers, and James has probably had enough of that by the time he writes this letter. His church, or other churches among the early Jewish Christians in Jerusalem were probably struggling with the habit of judging each other for the selfish gratification of it. Judging others to be less than ourselves elevates our status in our mind, and gives us some satisfaction.
That type of behavior has escalated in our society as we become more sophisticated and gain more access to higher educational techniques and enjoy a higher level of learning, We become more judgmental of our fellow man. Mainly it is the world's way to belittle what we might consider the less priviledged among us, and to judge that they are not properly equipped and as such cannot possibly know what it takes to get along successfully in this world.
If one is to succeed in this life one must “have an inside track”, or “know the ropes”, or “have some clout”, or “know the right people”. It pays to have “friends in high places”. Why are these phrases even in use today?….. Does anyone know?….. All of these worldwise sayings come to us from the worlds way. (Philippians 2:5-8).
If one is to serve God one cannot serve “the World” too. We will ultimately choose to become a servant of God, a Disciple of Christ, or we will, as did Adam and Eve, succomb to the choice offered by Satan, and disobey God's plan for our life. That choice has been made before by many in our world, and it will continue to be a choice that human beings have to make. But all is not lost, God sacrificed an animal and made a covering for the sin of Adam and Eve. God also knows the heart of man and has a plan of salvation for our failed choices as well. His Son our Lord Jesus is a covering for our sins as well, Jesus can still become Lord of our life if we ask him into our heart. It really is that simple. The worlds way or God's way. (Colossians 3:17). Which leads us to the last verse in this chapter, If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them……The worlds way puts our eternal soul at risk…...Because Jesus went the way of the cross, my soul has been rescued. His sacrifice saved my soul, I simply could not have done it myself……Jesus saved me.
Questions
1. What is meant in vs 11 by speaking against a sister or brother?
2. How is it that offering ourselves as the judge of another, is opposing God?
3. What directs us when making certain moral decisions?
4. What wisdom is gained by being led by the worlds ways?
5. What wisdom is gained by following The bible's teachings, God's way?
Pg.3
Opening Prayer... Father God, Tonight we ask that you would impart to us that which You would have us learn from this our study of the Epistle of James. How it is that we are to properly reflect our faith and belief in the way we treat our fellow man. Guide us in our daily interactions with each other so that our example will become a witness to our faith in You and Your teachings. Help us we pray in making our way in this world that we might not become a follower of the worlds way but a true witness in what You teach us through Your son Jesus, in whose name we pray. AMEN
Ecc 2:1-3 I said to myself, "Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good." But that also proved to be meaningless. 2 "Laughter," I said, "is madness. And what does pleasure accomplish?"3 I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly--my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was good for people to do under the heavens during the few days of their lives.
James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Joshua 1:8 - This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Romans 2:3 - And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
Philippians 2:5-8 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Colossians 3:17 - And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Closing Prayer, Dear God we pray that we have garnered some manner of truth for our purpose in this world gone mad with self promotion and self gratification. And just as those Christians were Jerusalem in James' day, we need Your guidance and direction for our lives, we need to understand that it is not what we worship that saves us, but it is who we worship and in whom our faith is built around that will bring us out of the chaos that we experience day by day. Now we pray that you will be with those of our group who are suffering illness or infirmity _______________Be with those we have spoken Lord, and with those remaining in our hearts concern, bring them your strength and give them peace as they battle for their health and well being. Now be with us as we leave this place and bring us again to study Your word next week. We pray this in Jesus name Amen.
Pg4
James Chapter 4 Meditation
James first mentions the relationship with each other. He chooses significant terms to identify the ones his readers would be judging: brother in 4:11 and then neighbor at the end of 4:12. Jesus used the term brother in his instruction against judging (Mt 7:1-5), and he used the term neighbor in the great commandment to love (Mt 22:39). In light of all that James has written so far about God's mercy toward us, these terms now come as reminders that our family bonds in God's mercy are violated when we who have received mercy turn to judge each other; and God's goodness to us is treated with contempt when we show judgment instead of mercy to our neighbors.
Second is the relationship with the law. James insists that we are to be doers under the law, which is contradicted when we try to be judges over the law. The "law" could refer to the Old Testament command in Leviticus 19:16, which prohibits slander, and to Leviticus 19:18, "Love your neighbor as yourself," which James quoted in 2:8. Given James's reverence for the teachings of Jesus as the royal law of the kingdom, it is likely that he also has in mind Jesus' specific command against judging in Matthew 7:1 and Jesus' own quoting of Leviticus 19:18. James's point is that if we accept God's mercy through Christ, we place ourselves under Christ's law, which commands mercy. If we then judge others instead of being merciful toward their faults, we are rejecting that law and so setting ourselves up as judges over the law. This contradicts our proper stance as recipients of grace--we are to be doers under the law.
The third relationship is with God. One, as the subject of the sentence emphasizes that there is only one who is Lawgiver and Judge. When we judge each other, we are contradicting that fact. This is a revealing insight into our hearts. In judging people, what we really want is to take God's place. The United States government is arranged in judicial, legislative and executive branches, with a careful separation and balance of powers. In the realm of personal relationships, however, judging and lawgiving operate together; the one who judges another person is presuming to have authority to set the law or standard by which the other person is judged. Judging is an attempt to be in control as God is in control, which has been our rebellious desire ever since the serpent told Eve she could be "like God, knowing good and evil." Our sins of judging are attempts to set ourselves not only over the law but over the Lawgiver as well.
What James has been prescribing is a life of faith that has two facets: confidence in God's grace and passion for God's righteousness. The confidence and the passion are complementary responses to God's judgment and mercy. God's mercy triumphs over judgment on our behalf; therefore we may be confident in relying on grace. However, we who have genuinely grasped grace will become all the more eager to grasp righteousness, realizing that our lack of righteousness so nearly brought us to disaster in the fearful judgment of God. Once one has humbly sought grace for escape from judgment (4:10), it becomes unthinkable to set oneself up as judge over a neighbor (4:11). It is part of a single stance before God to submit to him for his grace (4:7) and to submit to him for his law; one cannot be both a judge over the law and a doer under the law (4:11). James is showing us a well-integrated faith in Christ as both merciful Savior to be trusted and righteous Lord to be obeyed. AMEN
The Epistle of James 4: 1-10….Do Not Choose The World
What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 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. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. 4 You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Discussion
James' epistle implies that there were quarrels and conflicts among the church members. The problem was they were worldly and dissatisfied. (Ecc 2:1-3). The love of pleasure tempts us, and much like Eve was tricked, our desires will sometimes lead us into sin.
God wants us to be happy and have the desires of or heart but Instead of giving in to the temptationsthat the desires of our heart create in us, we should go to God in prayer and make certain that the desires of our heart are those that will please God, and not anger or sadden Him. Ask for God's guidance in all that we undertake, and try to eliminate from our lifestyle those things that edify self, and fulfill selfish desires. The true disciple of Christ is one who is loving forgiving and humble, serving the needs of others, in service to Jesus Christ. (James 1:27)
The desire to have bigger and better, and more of the things which we perceive will make us happy, and our upscale lifestyle which displays our wealth, have the potential to draw us ever deeper into sin. And technology has made available to us so much more of the things which draw us into the worlds ways. All of these things influence our relationships with each other and with God. In verse 4, James says friendship with the world is hostility towards God. Loving what the world has to offer will most often turn us away from God. Some of the attitudes of our present lifestyles include such phrases as "Look out for number one”, Live like there is no tomorrow"And “living la vida loca” (which means living the crazy life). Materialism, superstition, loose morals, and selfishness are all examples of a hedonistic lifestyle. All of these things refer to the worldly system of thought that is contrary to the Bibles teaching Jesus said in Matthew 7:13 &14 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Joshua 1:8) We must make a choice, living in this fallen world and partaking of the worlds way, or living in the world but not becoming “of the world”. The choice is ours. Just as Eve was tempted by Satan to eat of a fruit which God had forbidden, Satan's ways are clever and enticing, seemingly harmless, but the true believer, a disciple of Christ knows the difference. Choose life with Jesus, it's the only way.
Questions
1. What issues do you think church members in verses 1-3 might disagree over?
2. As in verse 4, why does James refer to these members as adulturous?
3. James speaks of one characteristic that God opposes, what is that characteristic?
4. What is one of the most difficult characteristics for a human being to exhibit?
5. What is there about “living the good life” that is so good? And what is dangerous about it?
6. How are we to live in, and be influenced by this world, and not become part of it?
Pg.2
The Epistle of James 4:11-17 Judge Not Your Brother
11 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you--who are you to judge your neighbor? 13 Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them.
Discussion
It is so easy to find fault, to point to the flaws of others, to recall their shortcomings and failures, and to slander their good name. (Romans 2:3). It is not pleasing to God for such matters to be ongoing among his followers, and James has probably had enough of that by the time he writes this letter. His church, or other churches among the early Jewish Christians in Jerusalem were probably struggling with the habit of judging each other for the selfish gratification of it. Judging others to be less than ourselves elevates our status in our mind, and gives us some satisfaction.
That type of behavior has escalated in our society as we become more sophisticated and gain more access to higher educational techniques and enjoy a higher level of learning, We become more judgmental of our fellow man. Mainly it is the world's way to belittle what we might consider the less priviledged among us, and to judge that they are not properly equipped and as such cannot possibly know what it takes to get along successfully in this world.
If one is to succeed in this life one must “have an inside track”, or “know the ropes”, or “have some clout”, or “know the right people”. It pays to have “friends in high places”. Why are these phrases even in use today?….. Does anyone know?….. All of these worldwise sayings come to us from the worlds way. (Philippians 2:5-8).
If one is to serve God one cannot serve “the World” too. We will ultimately choose to become a servant of God, a Disciple of Christ, or we will, as did Adam and Eve, succomb to the choice offered by Satan, and disobey God's plan for our life. That choice has been made before by many in our world, and it will continue to be a choice that human beings have to make. But all is not lost, God sacrificed an animal and made a covering for the sin of Adam and Eve. God also knows the heart of man and has a plan of salvation for our failed choices as well. His Son our Lord Jesus is a covering for our sins as well, Jesus can still become Lord of our life if we ask him into our heart. It really is that simple. The worlds way or God's way. (Colossians 3:17). Which leads us to the last verse in this chapter, If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them……The worlds way puts our eternal soul at risk…...Because Jesus went the way of the cross, my soul has been rescued. His sacrifice saved my soul, I simply could not have done it myself……Jesus saved me.
Questions
1. What is meant in vs 11 by speaking against a sister or brother?
2. How is it that offering ourselves as the judge of another, is opposing God?
3. What directs us when making certain moral decisions?
4. What wisdom is gained by being led by the worlds ways?
5. What wisdom is gained by following The bible's teachings, God's way?
Pg.3
Opening Prayer... Father God, Tonight we ask that you would impart to us that which You would have us learn from this our study of the Epistle of James. How it is that we are to properly reflect our faith and belief in the way we treat our fellow man. Guide us in our daily interactions with each other so that our example will become a witness to our faith in You and Your teachings. Help us we pray in making our way in this world that we might not become a follower of the worlds way but a true witness in what You teach us through Your son Jesus, in whose name we pray. AMEN
Ecc 2:1-3 I said to myself, "Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good." But that also proved to be meaningless. 2 "Laughter," I said, "is madness. And what does pleasure accomplish?"3 I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly--my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was good for people to do under the heavens during the few days of their lives.
James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Joshua 1:8 - This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Romans 2:3 - And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
Philippians 2:5-8 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Colossians 3:17 - And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Closing Prayer, Dear God we pray that we have garnered some manner of truth for our purpose in this world gone mad with self promotion and self gratification. And just as those Christians were Jerusalem in James' day, we need Your guidance and direction for our lives, we need to understand that it is not what we worship that saves us, but it is who we worship and in whom our faith is built around that will bring us out of the chaos that we experience day by day. Now we pray that you will be with those of our group who are suffering illness or infirmity _______________Be with those we have spoken Lord, and with those remaining in our hearts concern, bring them your strength and give them peace as they battle for their health and well being. Now be with us as we leave this place and bring us again to study Your word next week. We pray this in Jesus name Amen.
Pg4
James Chapter 4 Meditation
James first mentions the relationship with each other. He chooses significant terms to identify the ones his readers would be judging: brother in 4:11 and then neighbor at the end of 4:12. Jesus used the term brother in his instruction against judging (Mt 7:1-5), and he used the term neighbor in the great commandment to love (Mt 22:39). In light of all that James has written so far about God's mercy toward us, these terms now come as reminders that our family bonds in God's mercy are violated when we who have received mercy turn to judge each other; and God's goodness to us is treated with contempt when we show judgment instead of mercy to our neighbors.
Second is the relationship with the law. James insists that we are to be doers under the law, which is contradicted when we try to be judges over the law. The "law" could refer to the Old Testament command in Leviticus 19:16, which prohibits slander, and to Leviticus 19:18, "Love your neighbor as yourself," which James quoted in 2:8. Given James's reverence for the teachings of Jesus as the royal law of the kingdom, it is likely that he also has in mind Jesus' specific command against judging in Matthew 7:1 and Jesus' own quoting of Leviticus 19:18. James's point is that if we accept God's mercy through Christ, we place ourselves under Christ's law, which commands mercy. If we then judge others instead of being merciful toward their faults, we are rejecting that law and so setting ourselves up as judges over the law. This contradicts our proper stance as recipients of grace--we are to be doers under the law.
The third relationship is with God. One, as the subject of the sentence emphasizes that there is only one who is Lawgiver and Judge. When we judge each other, we are contradicting that fact. This is a revealing insight into our hearts. In judging people, what we really want is to take God's place. The United States government is arranged in judicial, legislative and executive branches, with a careful separation and balance of powers. In the realm of personal relationships, however, judging and lawgiving operate together; the one who judges another person is presuming to have authority to set the law or standard by which the other person is judged. Judging is an attempt to be in control as God is in control, which has been our rebellious desire ever since the serpent told Eve she could be "like God, knowing good and evil." Our sins of judging are attempts to set ourselves not only over the law but over the Lawgiver as well.
What James has been prescribing is a life of faith that has two facets: confidence in God's grace and passion for God's righteousness. The confidence and the passion are complementary responses to God's judgment and mercy. God's mercy triumphs over judgment on our behalf; therefore we may be confident in relying on grace. However, we who have genuinely grasped grace will become all the more eager to grasp righteousness, realizing that our lack of righteousness so nearly brought us to disaster in the fearful judgment of God. Once one has humbly sought grace for escape from judgment (4:10), it becomes unthinkable to set oneself up as judge over a neighbor (4:11). It is part of a single stance before God to submit to him for his grace (4:7) and to submit to him for his law; one cannot be both a judge over the law and a doer under the law (4:11). James is showing us a well-integrated faith in Christ as both merciful Savior to be trusted and righteous Lord to be obeyed. AMEN
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