A Servant Of God And The Lord Jesus Christ (James 1:1)
INTRODUCTION
1. In our introductory study, we concluded that James, the Lord’s brother, was most likely the author
2. If this is so, then it is interesting that James does not identify himself as such, but rather as simply “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” - Ja 1:1
3. Perhaps it was a case of humility; yet, calling himself a “servant” was not peculiar to James...
a. Paul described himself as such as well - Ro 1:1; Ph 1:1
b. So did Peter (2 Pe 1:1) and Jude (Ju 1)
4. Why did these men refer to themselves as “servants”...?
a. The Greek term (doulos) literally means “a slave”
b. Why use such a term to describe themselves?
c. And why should we think of ourselves as “servants”?
[In this lesson, I shall explain why, and make some other observations concerning the idea of being a servant. [First of all...]
I. BEING A SERVANT IS WHAT A DISCIPLE OF JESUS IS CALLED TO BE
A. JESUS STRESSED THIS TRUTH ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS...
1. While pointing out the faults of the scribes and Pharisees - Mt 23:8-12
2. During the Last Supper, with a vivid demonstration of servitude - Jn 13:12-17
3. Even by His own example, as He came to serve - Mt 20:25-28; Ph 2:5-8
B. SPECIFICALLY, WE ARE CALLED TO SERVE...
1. God - Ja 1:1; He 9:14
2. Jesus Christ - Ja 1:1; 1 Co 4:1
3. Righteousness - Ro 6:17-18
4. Each other - Ga 5:13; 1 Co 9:19-23
[The early Christians called themselves “servants”, because that is what they were! But what is so good about being a “servant”? For one thing...]
II. BEING A SERVANT IS A MARK OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY
A. AN IMMATURE PERSON IS USUALLY VERY SELFISH...
1. For example, newborn babies are very egocentrical
2. Normally, as people grow older, they begin to concern themselves with the needs of others
a. If they do, they are becoming mature
b. If they remain selfish, it is an indication of immaturity
B. A PERSON WHO SERVES OTHERS...
1. Is certainly not selfish, but concerned with the needs of others
2. And thereby demonstrates mature behavior
C. JAMES’ DESCRIPTION OF HIMSELF FITS IN VERY WELL WITH THE THEME OF HIS EPISTLE...
1. Remember, the theme is: Marks Of Spiritual Maturity
2. By being a servant, James is demonstrating his own spiritual maturity
3. And we can make the point that one of the marks of spiritual maturity is truly being “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ”!
[Are we trying to be servants of God, and of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ? If so, then we are on the road to spiritual maturity! But before we answer too hastily, let’s consider that...]
III.BEING A SERVANT HAS SEVERAL IMPLICATIONS
A. IT IMPLIES “ABSOLUTE OBEDIENCE”...
1. In a slave-master relationship...
a. The slave knows no law but his master’s word
b. He has no rights of his own
c. He is the absolute possession of his master
d. He is bound to give his master unquestioning obedience
2. Does this describe our relationship to Christ?
a. It should, especially in light of 1 Co 6:19-20
b. We have to come to Jesus on HIS terms, not our own - Lk 6:46; Mt 7:21
B. IT IMPLIES “ABSOLUTE HUMILITY”...
1. Otherwise, absolute obedience is not possible
a. When we have a humble opinion of ourselves, we are receptive to the idea of complete
obedience
b. For example, consider Paul’s self-estimation - 1 Co 15:9-10; Ep 3:8; 1 Ti 1:15
2. Does this describe our relationship to Christ and His Will?
a. Jesus said it should! - Lk 17:10
b. But if we murmur or complain about what Jesus tells us to do, can we really be
considered “servants”?
C. IT IMPLIES “ABSOLUTE LOYALTY”...
1. Since we become servants freely, it should be expected that we:
a. Are to be loyal to Him first - cf. Ga 1:10
b. Do not consider our own profit or preference important, but that of the One we freely serve!
2. But it is amazing how anyone can claim to be servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, while:
a. Complaining about having to do the will of God
b. Being negligent or slothful in carrying out His will
3. But some act as though they are being forced against their own will!
a. They don’t “have to” serve the Lord Jesus...
1) Of course, the alternative is not very inviting
2) If we don’t serve Jesus, by default we serve Satan, and are destined for hell!
b. But God by His grace has offered salvation, and how dare we ever grumble or
complain that He calls us to life of service in grateful appreciation!
[These are some of the implications of being called a “servant”. It is costly in terms of service, pride, and allegiance. But consider also that...]
IV. BEING A SERVANT IS A GREAT HONOR
A. FAR FROM BEING A TITLE OF DISHONOR, IT WAS THE TITLE BY WHICH THE GREATEST MEN OF THE OLD TESTAMENT WERE KNOWN...
1. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob - Deu 9:27 (“Thy servants”)
2. Moses - 1 Kin 8:53 (“Thy servant”)
3. Joshua - Josh 24:29 (“Servant of the Lord”)
4. Caleb - Num 14:24 (“My servant”)
5. Job - Job 1:8 (“My servant”)
6. Isaiah - Isa 20:3 (“My servant”)
7. The prophets - Jer 7:25 (“My servants”)
B. HOW WONDERFUL IT WOULD BE IF GOD LOOKED UPON US AS
COMPANIONS OF THESE GREAT MEN...
1. Who found freedom, peace, and glory!
2. Who found it in perfect submission to the Will of God!
CONCLUSION
1. He will, if we are willing to accept the call to serve Him and His Son Jesus Christ with...
a. Absolute obedience
b. Absolute humility
c. Absolute loyalty
2. And when we are serving God, His Son Jesus Christ, and even each other in this manner, we are making great strides towards spiritual maturity!
“...a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ”
Can this be said of us?
INTRODUCTION
1. In our introductory study, we concluded that James, the Lord’s brother, was most likely the author
2. If this is so, then it is interesting that James does not identify himself as such, but rather as simply “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” - Ja 1:1
3. Perhaps it was a case of humility; yet, calling himself a “servant” was not peculiar to James...
a. Paul described himself as such as well - Ro 1:1; Ph 1:1
b. So did Peter (2 Pe 1:1) and Jude (Ju 1)
4. Why did these men refer to themselves as “servants”...?
a. The Greek term (doulos) literally means “a slave”
b. Why use such a term to describe themselves?
c. And why should we think of ourselves as “servants”?
[In this lesson, I shall explain why, and make some other observations concerning the idea of being a servant. [First of all...]
I. BEING A SERVANT IS WHAT A DISCIPLE OF JESUS IS CALLED TO BE
A. JESUS STRESSED THIS TRUTH ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS...
1. While pointing out the faults of the scribes and Pharisees - Mt 23:8-12
2. During the Last Supper, with a vivid demonstration of servitude - Jn 13:12-17
3. Even by His own example, as He came to serve - Mt 20:25-28; Ph 2:5-8
B. SPECIFICALLY, WE ARE CALLED TO SERVE...
1. God - Ja 1:1; He 9:14
2. Jesus Christ - Ja 1:1; 1 Co 4:1
3. Righteousness - Ro 6:17-18
4. Each other - Ga 5:13; 1 Co 9:19-23
[The early Christians called themselves “servants”, because that is what they were! But what is so good about being a “servant”? For one thing...]
II. BEING A SERVANT IS A MARK OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY
A. AN IMMATURE PERSON IS USUALLY VERY SELFISH...
1. For example, newborn babies are very egocentrical
2. Normally, as people grow older, they begin to concern themselves with the needs of others
a. If they do, they are becoming mature
b. If they remain selfish, it is an indication of immaturity
B. A PERSON WHO SERVES OTHERS...
1. Is certainly not selfish, but concerned with the needs of others
2. And thereby demonstrates mature behavior
C. JAMES’ DESCRIPTION OF HIMSELF FITS IN VERY WELL WITH THE THEME OF HIS EPISTLE...
1. Remember, the theme is: Marks Of Spiritual Maturity
2. By being a servant, James is demonstrating his own spiritual maturity
3. And we can make the point that one of the marks of spiritual maturity is truly being “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ”!
[Are we trying to be servants of God, and of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ? If so, then we are on the road to spiritual maturity! But before we answer too hastily, let’s consider that...]
III.BEING A SERVANT HAS SEVERAL IMPLICATIONS
A. IT IMPLIES “ABSOLUTE OBEDIENCE”...
1. In a slave-master relationship...
a. The slave knows no law but his master’s word
b. He has no rights of his own
c. He is the absolute possession of his master
d. He is bound to give his master unquestioning obedience
2. Does this describe our relationship to Christ?
a. It should, especially in light of 1 Co 6:19-20
b. We have to come to Jesus on HIS terms, not our own - Lk 6:46; Mt 7:21
B. IT IMPLIES “ABSOLUTE HUMILITY”...
1. Otherwise, absolute obedience is not possible
a. When we have a humble opinion of ourselves, we are receptive to the idea of complete obedience
b. For example, consider Paul’s self-estimation - 1 Co 15:9-10; Ep 3:8; 1 Ti 1:15
2. Does this describe our relationship to Christ and His Will?
a. Jesus said it should! - Lk 17:10
b. But if we murmur or complain about what Jesus tells us to do, can we really be
considered “servants”?
C. IT IMPLIES “ABSOLUTE LOYALTY”...
1. Since we become servants freely, it should be expected that we:
a. Are to be loyal to Him first - cf. Ga 1:10
b. Do not consider our own profit or preference important, but that of the One we freely serve!
2. But it is amazing how anyone can claim to be servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, while:
a. Complaining about having to do the will of God
b. Being negligent or slothful in carrying out His will
3. But some act as though they are being forced against their own will!
a. They don’t “have to” serve the Lord Jesus...
1) Of course, the alternative is not very inviting
2) If we don’t serve Jesus, by default we serve Satan, and are destined for hell!
b. But God by His grace has offered salvation, and how dare we ever grumble or
complain that He calls us to life of service in grateful appreciation!
[These are some of the implications of being called a “servant”. It is costly in terms of service, pride, and allegiance. But consider also that...]
IV. BEING A SERVANT IS A GREAT HONOR
A. FAR FROM BEING A TITLE OF DISHONOR, IT WAS THE TITLE BY WHICH THE GREATEST MEN OF THE OLD TESTAMENT WERE KNOWN...
1. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob - Deu 9:27 (“Thy servants”)
2. Moses - 1 Kin 8:53 (“Thy servant”)
3. Joshua - Josh 24:29 (“Servant of the Lord”)
4. Caleb - Num 14:24 (“My servant”)
5. Job - Job 1:8 (“My servant”)
6. Isaiah - Isa 20:3 (“My servant”)
7. The prophets - Jer 7:25 (“My servants”)
B. HOW WONDERFUL IT WOULD BE IF GOD LOOKED UPON US AS
COMPANIONS OF THESE GREAT MEN...
1. Who found freedom, peace, and glory!
2. Who found it in perfect submission to the Will of God!
CONCLUSION
1. He will, if we are willing to accept the call to serve Him and His Son Jesus Christ with...
a. Absolute obedience
b. Absolute humility
c. Absolute loyalty
2. And when we are serving God, His Son Jesus Christ, and even each other in this manner, we are making great strides towards spiritual maturity!
“...a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ”
Can this be said of us?
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
The Epistle Of James. Introduction To The Epistle
The Epistle Of James. Introduction To The Epistle
INTRODUCTION
1. Not everybody who grows old, grows up; there is a vast difference between age and maturity
2. Ideally, the older we are, the more mature we should be; but too often the ideal does not become the real!
3. The result is problems -- problems in personal lives, in homes, and in churches...
a. Problems in these areas are caused by immaturity more than by anything else
b. If Christians would just grow up, they would become victors instead of victims
4. The Epistle of James was written to help us understand and attain spiritual maturity...
a. “...that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (Ja 1:4)
b. Or as translated by J. B. Phillips: “...any you find you have become men of
mature charachter, men of integrity with no weak spots.”
5. With this lesson, we shall begin a series of expository lessons based upon The Epistle of James, which I hope will help us all to reach this goal of spiritual maturity!
6. Beginning a study of a book of the Bible is something like preparing for a trip...you like to know ahead of time:
a. Where you are going
b. What you can expect to see
So perhaps the best way to launch a study of The Epistle of James is to answer some
important questions. And the first question is...
I. WHO WAS JAMES?
A. SEVERAL MEN BORE THIS NAME IN NEW TESTAMENT HISTORY...
1. James, son of Zebedee and brother of John
a. A fisherman, he was called by Christ - Mt 4:17-22
b. Together with John, they were nicknamed “Sons of Thunder” because of
their impulsiveness - cf. Mk 3:17 with Lk 9:51-56
c. Killed by Herod in 44 A.D. - Ac 12:1-2
2. James, son of Alphaeus
a. Another of the apostles - Mt 10:3; Ac 1:12
b. Very little is known about him
c. There is no indication that this James wrote the epistle
3. James, father of Judas the apostle
a. He is even more obscure
b. One of the few references to him is found in Lk 6:16
4. James, the brother of our Lord
a. He is the most likely candidate for the author of this epistle
b. Even though he humbly identifies himself only as “a servant of God
and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (Ja 1:1)
c. That Jesus had a brother named James is evident - Mt 13:55
1) Who at first did not believe in Jesus - Jn 7:5
2) But after the resurrection of Jesus and an appearance by Jesus to
him, he became a disciple - 1 Co 15:7; Ac 1:14
3) Eventually becoming a leader of the church in Jerusalem - Ga 2:9
a) When Peter was delivered from prison, he sent a special message to
James- Ac 12:17
b) He played an important role in the conference at Jerusalem
- Ac 15:13-33
c) When Paul visited Jerusalem, it was to James that he brought
greetings- Ac 21:18-19
B. WHAT KIND OF MAN WAS JAMES...?
1. He must have been a deeply spiritual man to gain such prominence in the
church at Jerusalem
2. Tradition tells us that he was a man of prayer
a. This may explain the emphasis on prayer in his letter
b. It was said that he prayed so much, his knees were as hard as a camel’s!
3. Again, tradition tells us that James was martyred in 62 A.D.
a. That he was cast down from the temple, and then beaten to death with
clubs
b. That as he died, he likewise prayed “Father, forgive them, for they
know not what they do.”
[It most likely this man who wrote the epistle bearing his name. The next question is...]
II. TO WHOM DID JAMES WRITE THIS EPISTLE?
A. “TO THE TWELVE TRIBES WHICH ARE SCATTERED ABROAD...” (Ja 1:1)
1. James wrote to Jews living outside the land of Palestine
a. “Twelve tribes” most probably refers to people of Israel, the
Jewish nation - Ac 26:6-7
b. Since the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities, many of the Jews were
scattered throughout different nations - cf. Ac 2:5-11
2. James wrote his letter to Christian Jews
a. At least nineteen times he addresses them as “brethren”
b. That these were brethren “in the Lord” and not just bretheren
“in the flesh” is evident from Ja 2:1
B. IT IS LIKELY THAT MANY OF THESE CHRISTIAN JEWS WERE POOR AND OPPRESSED...
1. Being Jews, they would often be rejected by Gentiles
2. Being Christian Jews, they would also be rejected by many of their own
countrymen
3. The letter indicates that most of these believers were poor, and some were
being oppressed by the rich - Ja 2:6-7
[Another question is...]
III.WHY DID JAMES WRITE THIS EPISTLE?
A. THE EPISTLE SUGGESTS THAT PEOPLE WERE HAVING PROBLEMS IN THEIR PERSONAL LIVES
AND IN THE CHURCH...
1. They were going through difficult trials
2. They were facing temptations to sin
3. They were hearers, but not necessarily doers
4. Some were catering to the rich, others were oppressed by the rich
5. Some were competing for positions in the church
6. Improper use of the tongue was a problem, as was worldliness
7. Some were straying from the faith
B. THESE PROBLEMS ARE NOT MUCH DIFFERENT FROM THOSE OFTEN BESETTING CONGREGATIONS
TODAY...!
1. Are there not in churches people who are suffering for one reason or
another?
2. Are there not members who talk one way, but walk another?
3. Is not worldliness a serious problem?
4. Are there not Christians who cannot control their tongues?
-- It appears that James is dealing with very “up-to-date” problems!
C. BUT JAMES WAS NOT DISCUSSING AN ARRAY OF UNRELATED PROBLEMS...
1. All of these problems had a common cause: spiritual immaturity
a. These Christians were in need of “growing up”
b. Look again at some the problems dealt with and you can see
that each one of them is characteristic of little children:
1) Impatience in difficulties - Ja 1:1-4
2) Talking but not living the truth - Ja 2:14ff
3) Lack of control over the tongue - Ja 3:1ff
4) Fighting and coveting - Ja 4:1ff
5) Collecting material “toys” - Ja 5:1ff
2. This gives us a strong hint as to the basic theme of this epistle: Marks Of
Maturity In The Christian Life
a. In fact, James uses the word “perfect” several times, a word that
means “mature, complete”
b. By the expression “a perfect man” (3:2), James did not mean a sinless
man, but rather one who is mature, balanced, one who is “grown-up”
D. AND SO JAMES WRITES TO FULFILL A GREAT NEED: THAT OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY...
1. Spiritual maturity is one of the greatest needs in churches today
a. God is looking for mature men and women to carry on His work,
and sometimes all He can find are little children who cannot even get
along with each other!
b. As one person said, “Too many churches are playpens for babies instead
of workshops for adults.”
2. James wrote to meet this need, so his epistle is very relevant today!
[Finally, the last question to consider...]
IV. HOW CAN WE GET THE MOST OUT OF THIS EPISTLE?
A. FIRST, WE MUST BE “BORN AGAIN”...
1. Apart from spiritual birth there can be no spiritual maturity
2. James writes with assumption his readers have been born again - Ja 1:18
3. This “rebirth” is brought about by obedience to the Word of God - 1 Pe 1:22-
23
4. It involves being “born again of water and Spirit” - Jn 3:5 (traditionally
understood to refer to baptism, cf. Mk 16:16; Ti 3:5)
5. So to benefit the most of this study, we must have been born again through
obedience to the truth - cf. Ac 2:38-39
B. SECOND, WE MUST HONESTLY EXAMINE OURSELVES IN THE LIGHT OF GOD’S WORD...
1. James compares the Word of God to a mirror - Ja 1:22ff
2. As we study the Word...
a. We are looking into the divine mirror
b. And seeing ourselves as we really are
3. We must be honest about what we see and not merely glance at the image and
walk away
C. THIRD, WE MUST OBEY WHAT GOD TEACHES, NO MATTER THE COST...
1. We must be “doers” of the Word, and not “hearers” only
2. The “blessing” does not come in studying the Word, but in doing the Word -
Ja 1:25
D. FOURTH, WE MUST BE PREPARED FOR SOME EXTRA TRIALS AND TESTING...
1. Whenever we are serious about spiritual growth, the enemy gets serious
about opposing us!
2. But if you wish to develop patience, you should expect some trials - Ja 1:3
3. However, in the end it will be worth it! - Ja 1:12
E. FINALLY, WE MUST MEASURE OUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH BY THE WORD OF GOD...
1. We should not measure ourselves by comparing ourselves to others - cf. 2 Co 10:12
2. But by the Word of God, and by the Son of God!
CONCLUSION
1. Remember, not everyone who grows old, grows up...
a. There is often a vast difference between age and maturity
b. Just because a Christian has been saved 10, 20, or 60 years does not
guarantee that he or she is mature in the Lord
2. Mature Christians are:
a. Happy Christians, despite the trials they face
b. Useful Christians, overcoming the temptations that cross their path
c. Christians who help encourage others and build their local churches
As we study The Epistle of James together, may we with God’s help grow and mature together...
Note: Much of the material for this introduction was adapted heavily from The Bible Exposition Commentary, Volume 2, by Warren W. Wiersbe, pages 334-337.
INTRODUCTION
1. Not everybody who grows old, grows up; there is a vast difference between age and maturity
2. Ideally, the older we are, the more mature we should be; but too often the ideal does not become the real!
3. The result is problems -- problems in personal lives, in homes, and in churches...
a. Problems in these areas are caused by immaturity more than by anything else
b. If Christians would just grow up, they would become victors instead of victims
4. The Epistle of James was written to help us understand and attain spiritual maturity...
a. “...that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (Ja 1:4)
b. Or as translated by J. B. Phillips: “...any you find you have become men of
mature charachter, men of integrity with no weak spots.”
5. With this lesson, we shall begin a series of expository lessons based upon The Epistle of James, which I hope will help us all to reach this goal of spiritual maturity!
6. Beginning a study of a book of the Bible is something like preparing for a trip...you like to know ahead of time:
a. Where you are going
b. What you can expect to see
So perhaps the best way to launch a study of The Epistle of James is to answer some
important questions. And the first question is...
I. WHO WAS JAMES?
A. SEVERAL MEN BORE THIS NAME IN NEW TESTAMENT HISTORY...
1. James, son of Zebedee and brother of John
a. A fisherman, he was called by Christ - Mt 4:17-22
b. Together with John, they were nicknamed “Sons of Thunder” because of
their impulsiveness - cf. Mk 3:17 with Lk 9:51-56
c. Killed by Herod in 44 A.D. - Ac 12:1-2
2. James, son of Alphaeus
a. Another of the apostles - Mt 10:3; Ac 1:12
b. Very little is known about him
c. There is no indication that this James wrote the epistle
3. James, father of Judas the apostle
a. He is even more obscure
b. One of the few references to him is found in Lk 6:16
4. James, the brother of our Lord
a. He is the most likely candidate for the author of this epistle
b. Even though he humbly identifies himself only as “a servant of God
and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (Ja 1:1)
c. That Jesus had a brother named James is evident - Mt 13:55
1) Who at first did not believe in Jesus - Jn 7:5
2) But after the resurrection of Jesus and an appearance by Jesus to
him, he became a disciple - 1 Co 15:7; Ac 1:14
3) Eventually becoming a leader of the church in Jerusalem - Ga 2:9
a) When Peter was delivered from prison, he sent a special message to
James- Ac 12:17
b) He played an important role in the conference at Jerusalem
- Ac 15:13-33
c) When Paul visited Jerusalem, it was to James that he brought
greetings- Ac 21:18-19
B. WHAT KIND OF MAN WAS JAMES...?
1. He must have been a deeply spiritual man to gain such prominence in the
church at Jerusalem
2. Tradition tells us that he was a man of prayer
a. This may explain the emphasis on prayer in his letter
b. It was said that he prayed so much, his knees were as hard as a camel’s!
3. Again, tradition tells us that James was martyred in 62 A.D.
a. That he was cast down from the temple, and then beaten to death with
clubs
b. That as he died, he likewise prayed “Father, forgive them, for they
know not what they do.”
[It most likely this man who wrote the epistle bearing his name. The next question is...]
II. TO WHOM DID JAMES WRITE THIS EPISTLE?
A. “TO THE TWELVE TRIBES WHICH ARE SCATTERED ABROAD...” (Ja 1:1)
1. James wrote to Jews living outside the land of Palestine
a. “Twelve tribes” most probably refers to people of Israel, the
Jewish nation - Ac 26:6-7
b. Since the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities, many of the Jews were
scattered throughout different nations - cf. Ac 2:5-11
2. James wrote his letter to Christian Jews
a. At least nineteen times he addresses them as “brethren”
b. That these were brethren “in the Lord” and not just bretheren
“in the flesh” is evident from Ja 2:1
B. IT IS LIKELY THAT MANY OF THESE CHRISTIAN JEWS WERE POOR AND OPPRESSED...
1. Being Jews, they would often be rejected by Gentiles
2. Being Christian Jews, they would also be rejected by many of their own
countrymen
3. The letter indicates that most of these believers were poor, and some were
being oppressed by the rich - Ja 2:6-7
[Another question is...]
III.WHY DID JAMES WRITE THIS EPISTLE?
A. THE EPISTLE SUGGESTS THAT PEOPLE WERE HAVING PROBLEMS IN THEIR PERSONAL LIVES
AND IN THE CHURCH...
1. They were going through difficult trials
2. They were facing temptations to sin
3. They were hearers, but not necessarily doers
4. Some were catering to the rich, others were oppressed by the rich
5. Some were competing for positions in the church
6. Improper use of the tongue was a problem, as was worldliness
7. Some were straying from the faith
B. THESE PROBLEMS ARE NOT MUCH DIFFERENT FROM THOSE OFTEN BESETTING CONGREGATIONS
TODAY...!
1. Are there not in churches people who are suffering for one reason or
another?
2. Are there not members who talk one way, but walk another?
3. Is not worldliness a serious problem?
4. Are there not Christians who cannot control their tongues?
-- It appears that James is dealing with very “up-to-date” problems!
C. BUT JAMES WAS NOT DISCUSSING AN ARRAY OF UNRELATED PROBLEMS...
1. All of these problems had a common cause: spiritual immaturity
a. These Christians were in need of “growing up”
b. Look again at some the problems dealt with and you can see
that each one of them is characteristic of little children:
1) Impatience in difficulties - Ja 1:1-4
2) Talking but not living the truth - Ja 2:14ff
3) Lack of control over the tongue - Ja 3:1ff
4) Fighting and coveting - Ja 4:1ff
5) Collecting material “toys” - Ja 5:1ff
2. This gives us a strong hint as to the basic theme of this epistle: Marks Of
Maturity In The Christian Life
a. In fact, James uses the word “perfect” several times, a word that
means “mature, complete”
b. By the expression “a perfect man” (3:2), James did not mean a sinless
man, but rather one who is mature, balanced, one who is “grown-up”
D. AND SO JAMES WRITES TO FULFILL A GREAT NEED: THAT OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY...
1. Spiritual maturity is one of the greatest needs in churches today
a. God is looking for mature men and women to carry on His work,
and sometimes all He can find are little children who cannot even get
along with each other!
b. As one person said, “Too many churches are playpens for babies instead
of workshops for adults.”
2. James wrote to meet this need, so his epistle is very relevant today!
[Finally, the last question to consider...]
IV. HOW CAN WE GET THE MOST OUT OF THIS EPISTLE?
A. FIRST, WE MUST BE “BORN AGAIN”...
1. Apart from spiritual birth there can be no spiritual maturity
2. James writes with assumption his readers have been born again - Ja 1:18
3. This “rebirth” is brought about by obedience to the Word of God - 1 Pe 1:22-
23
4. It involves being “born again of water and Spirit” - Jn 3:5 (traditionally
understood to refer to baptism, cf. Mk 16:16; Ti 3:5)
5. So to benefit the most of this study, we must have been born again through
obedience to the truth - cf. Ac 2:38-39
B. SECOND, WE MUST HONESTLY EXAMINE OURSELVES IN THE LIGHT OF GOD’S WORD...
1. James compares the Word of God to a mirror - Ja 1:22ff
2. As we study the Word...
a. We are looking into the divine mirror
b. And seeing ourselves as we really are
3. We must be honest about what we see and not merely glance at the image and
walk away
C. THIRD, WE MUST OBEY WHAT GOD TEACHES, NO MATTER THE COST...
1. We must be “doers” of the Word, and not “hearers” only
2. The “blessing” does not come in studying the Word, but in doing the Word -
Ja 1:25
D. FOURTH, WE MUST BE PREPARED FOR SOME EXTRA TRIALS AND TESTING...
1. Whenever we are serious about spiritual growth, the enemy gets serious
about opposing us!
2. But if you wish to develop patience, you should expect some trials - Ja 1:3
3. However, in the end it will be worth it! - Ja 1:12
E. FINALLY, WE MUST MEASURE OUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH BY THE WORD OF GOD...
1. We should not measure ourselves by comparing ourselves to others - cf. 2 Co 10:12
2. But by the Word of God, and by the Son of God!
CONCLUSION
1. Remember, not everyone who grows old, grows up...
a. There is often a vast difference between age and maturity
b. Just because a Christian has been saved 10, 20, or 60 years does not
guarantee that he or she is mature in the Lord
2. Mature Christians are:
a. Happy Christians, despite the trials they face
b. Useful Christians, overcoming the temptations that cross their path
c. Christians who help encourage others and build their local churches
As we study The Epistle of James together, may we with God’s help grow and mature together...
Note: Much of the material for this introduction was adapted heavily from The Bible Exposition Commentary, Volume 2, by Warren W. Wiersbe, pages 334-337.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Give me the bible
"GIVE ME THE BIBLE"
The Problem Of Biblical Illiteracy
INTRODUCTION
1. A growing problem is one of biblical illiteracy...
a. Not just by those in the world
b. Also in the church
-- "Americans revere the Bible - but, by and large, they don't read
it. And because they don't read it, they have become a nation of
biblical illiterates." - George Gallup and Jim Castelli
2. How bad is it? Consider these results from various surveys...
a. Fewer than half of all adults can name the four gospels
b. Many professing Christians cannot identify more than two or three
of the disciples
c. 60 percent of Americans can't name even five of the Ten
Commandments
d. 82 percent of Americans believe "God helps those who help
themselves" is a Bible verse
e. 12 percent of adults believe that Joan of Arc was Noah's wife
f. A survey of graduating high school seniors revealed that over 50
percent thought that Sodom and Gomorrah were husband and wife
g. A considerable number of respondents to one poll indicated that
the Sermon on the Mount was preached by Billy Graham
-- "Increasingly, America is biblically illiterate." - George Barna
[Biblical illiteracy is like a poison, wreaking havoc in the lives of
individuals, in our churches, and in our communities. To understand
how, consider...]
I. THE POISON OF BIBLICAL ILLITERACY
A. ITS EFFECT ON INDIVIDUALS...
1. God's people have always been destroyed by lack of knowledge
- Hos 4:1,6
2. Where there is lack of God's Word, the people faint - cf. Am 8:11-13
a. In ignorance they make the wrong choices
b. When they stumble, they do not know where to turn
3. Without a knowledge of God's Word, a person has...
a. No real direction or guidance in life - Psa 119:105
b. No true joy or peace in life - Psa 119:111,165
-- How many lives are being destroyed, how many people are
stumbling through life, because they do not have the light of
God's Word guiding them?
B. ITS EFFECT ON CHURCHES...
1. Churches languish for lack of teachers; teachers are few for
lack of knowledge - He 5:12
2. Churches are led astray by false teachers and false doctrine,
for how can the ignorant know what is false? - cf. 2Pe 2:1-3
-- How many churches are "dying on the vine", or into wholesale
apostasy because their members cannot discern between truth and
error?
C. ITS EFFECT ON COMMUNITIES...
1. Our standards of morality are skewed, where good is evil and
evil is good - cf. Isa 5:20
a. We slaughter the innocent (abortion), sparing the guilty (no
capital punishment)
b. We reward the wicked (movie stars, entertainers), depriving
the good (teachers, etc.)
c. Divorce is made easy, adultery looked upon lightly,
fornication "an affair, a relationship", homosexuality an
alternative lifestyle
2. The effect of such things destroy our families and communities
a. Evil (pornography, promiscuity) is allowed to spread in the
name of "freedom", ripping families apart
b. Children are deprived the kind of parenting that is their
God-given right
c. Leading to juvenile delinquency and greater evils
-- Consider how the moral fabric of our nation and others in the
world is becoming unraveled when "everyone does what is right
in his own eyes" - cf. Judg 21:25
[The poison of Biblical illiteracy has infected and sickened our people,
our churches, and our communities. Is there an antidote to this poison?
Indeed there is...]
II. THE ANTIDOTE TO BIBLICAL ILLITERACY
A. DAILY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READING IN PRIVATE...
1. The truly blessed person feeds upon the Word of God daily - Psa 1:1-3; 119:97-98
2. A systematic practice of prayerful Bible reading as part of a
daily devotional...
a. Will bring a person closer to God
b. Will gradually increase one's understanding of the Word of
God
c. Will offer strength, comfort and hope that only the
Scriptures provide
-- Are you willing to do your part, everyday, in stamping out
Biblical illiteracy?
B. FREQUENT IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY WITH OTHERS...
1. The faithful Christian realizes the value of mutual edification
- He 3:12-14; 10:24-25
2. Churches often provide the opportunity for Christians to study
together
a. In their Bible classes on the Lord's day, during the week,
and in their homes
b. Where they can benefit from the knowledge of other Bible
students
-- Are you willing to participate in such activities to stamp out
Biblical illiteracy?
C. PARENTS ACCEPTING THEIR GOD-GIVEN RESPONSIBILITY...
1. God gave the responsibility of spiritual training to the
parents - cf. Deu 6:6-7; Ep 6:4
2. Church may provide assistance with their children's classes,
and yet...
a. Parents should not abdicate their responsibility to the
church
b. Parents should be very much involved in the teaching
programs of any church
-- Are you willing to accept your parental duties to stamp out
Biblical illiteracy?
D. PREACHERS FULFILLING THEIR DUTY TO THE WORD...
1. Preachers are to give heed to the Word, and to preach the Word
- 1Ti 4:16; 2Ti 4:1-5
2. We should expect preachers to be "men of the Book"
a. Preaching and teaching the Word of God, providing exposition
of the Scriptures
b. Not entertaining us with "pop theology" and "pop psychology"
-- Are you willing to require that preachers proclaim the Word to
stamp out Biblical Illiteracy?
CONCLUSION
1. I was encouraged to prepare this study reading an article by Albert
Mohler (The Scandal of Biblical Illiteracy: It's Our Problem)
2. I thought his concluding paragraphs to be especially on the mark...
a. "Churches must recover the centrality and urgency of biblical
teaching and preaching, and refuse to sideline the teaching
ministry of the preacher. Pastors and churches too busy--or too
distracted--to make biblical knowledge a central aim of ministry
will produce believers who simply do not know enough to be
faithful disciples."
b. "We will not believe more than we know, and we will not live
higher than our beliefs. The many fronts of Christian compromise
in this generation can be directly traced to biblical illiteracy
in the pews and the absence of biblical preaching and teaching in
our homes and churches."
c. "This generation must get deadly serious about the problem of
biblical illiteracy, or a frighteningly large number of Americans
--Christians included--will go on thinking that Sodom and Gomorrah
lived happily ever after."
Are we willing to get "deadly serious about the problem of biblical
illiteracy"? I hope the rest of the lessons in this series ("Give Me
The Bible") will encourage us to do so...
The Problem Of Biblical Illiteracy
INTRODUCTION
1. A growing problem is one of biblical illiteracy...
a. Not just by those in the world
b. Also in the church
-- "Americans revere the Bible - but, by and large, they don't read
it. And because they don't read it, they have become a nation of
biblical illiterates." - George Gallup and Jim Castelli
2. How bad is it? Consider these results from various surveys...
a. Fewer than half of all adults can name the four gospels
b. Many professing Christians cannot identify more than two or three
of the disciples
c. 60 percent of Americans can't name even five of the Ten
Commandments
d. 82 percent of Americans believe "God helps those who help
themselves" is a Bible verse
e. 12 percent of adults believe that Joan of Arc was Noah's wife
f. A survey of graduating high school seniors revealed that over 50
percent thought that Sodom and Gomorrah were husband and wife
g. A considerable number of respondents to one poll indicated that
the Sermon on the Mount was preached by Billy Graham
-- "Increasingly, America is biblically illiterate." - George Barna
[Biblical illiteracy is like a poison, wreaking havoc in the lives of
individuals, in our churches, and in our communities. To understand
how, consider...]
I. THE POISON OF BIBLICAL ILLITERACY
A. ITS EFFECT ON INDIVIDUALS...
1. God's people have always been destroyed by lack of knowledge
- Hos 4:1,6
2. Where there is lack of God's Word, the people faint - cf. Am 8:11-13
a. In ignorance they make the wrong choices
b. When they stumble, they do not know where to turn
3. Without a knowledge of God's Word, a person has...
a. No real direction or guidance in life - Psa 119:105
b. No true joy or peace in life - Psa 119:111,165
-- How many lives are being destroyed, how many people are
stumbling through life, because they do not have the light of
God's Word guiding them?
B. ITS EFFECT ON CHURCHES...
1. Churches languish for lack of teachers; teachers are few for
lack of knowledge - He 5:12
2. Churches are led astray by false teachers and false doctrine,
for how can the ignorant know what is false? - cf. 2Pe 2:1-3
-- How many churches are "dying on the vine", or into wholesale
apostasy because their members cannot discern between truth and
error?
C. ITS EFFECT ON COMMUNITIES...
1. Our standards of morality are skewed, where good is evil and
evil is good - cf. Isa 5:20
a. We slaughter the innocent (abortion), sparing the guilty (no
capital punishment)
b. We reward the wicked (movie stars, entertainers), depriving
the good (teachers, etc.)
c. Divorce is made easy, adultery looked upon lightly,
fornication "an affair, a relationship", homosexuality an
alternative lifestyle
2. The effect of such things destroy our families and communities
a. Evil (pornography, promiscuity) is allowed to spread in the
name of "freedom", ripping families apart
b. Children are deprived the kind of parenting that is their
God-given right
c. Leading to juvenile delinquency and greater evils
-- Consider how the moral fabric of our nation and others in the
world is becoming unraveled when "everyone does what is right
in his own eyes" - cf. Judg 21:25
[The poison of Biblical illiteracy has infected and sickened our people,
our churches, and our communities. Is there an antidote to this poison?
Indeed there is...]
II. THE ANTIDOTE TO BIBLICAL ILLITERACY
A. DAILY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READING IN PRIVATE...
1. The truly blessed person feeds upon the Word of God daily - Psa 1:1-3; 119:97-98
2. A systematic practice of prayerful Bible reading as part of a
daily devotional...
a. Will bring a person closer to God
b. Will gradually increase one's understanding of the Word of
God
c. Will offer strength, comfort and hope that only the
Scriptures provide
-- Are you willing to do your part, everyday, in stamping out
Biblical illiteracy?
B. FREQUENT IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY WITH OTHERS...
1. The faithful Christian realizes the value of mutual edification
- He 3:12-14; 10:24-25
2. Churches often provide the opportunity for Christians to study
together
a. In their Bible classes on the Lord's day, during the week,
and in their homes
b. Where they can benefit from the knowledge of other Bible
students
-- Are you willing to participate in such activities to stamp out
Biblical illiteracy?
C. PARENTS ACCEPTING THEIR GOD-GIVEN RESPONSIBILITY...
1. God gave the responsibility of spiritual training to the
parents - cf. Deu 6:6-7; Ep 6:4
2. Church may provide assistance with their children's classes,
and yet...
a. Parents should not abdicate their responsibility to the
church
b. Parents should be very much involved in the teaching
programs of any church
-- Are you willing to accept your parental duties to stamp out
Biblical illiteracy?
D. PREACHERS FULFILLING THEIR DUTY TO THE WORD...
1. Preachers are to give heed to the Word, and to preach the Word
- 1Ti 4:16; 2Ti 4:1-5
2. We should expect preachers to be "men of the Book"
a. Preaching and teaching the Word of God, providing exposition
of the Scriptures
b. Not entertaining us with "pop theology" and "pop psychology"
-- Are you willing to require that preachers proclaim the Word to
stamp out Biblical Illiteracy?
CONCLUSION
1. I was encouraged to prepare this study reading an article by Albert
Mohler (The Scandal of Biblical Illiteracy: It's Our Problem)
2. I thought his concluding paragraphs to be especially on the mark...
a. "Churches must recover the centrality and urgency of biblical
teaching and preaching, and refuse to sideline the teaching
ministry of the preacher. Pastors and churches too busy--or too
distracted--to make biblical knowledge a central aim of ministry
will produce believers who simply do not know enough to be
faithful disciples."
b. "We will not believe more than we know, and we will not live
higher than our beliefs. The many fronts of Christian compromise
in this generation can be directly traced to biblical illiteracy
in the pews and the absence of biblical preaching and teaching in
our homes and churches."
c. "This generation must get deadly serious about the problem of
biblical illiteracy, or a frighteningly large number of Americans
--Christians included--will go on thinking that Sodom and Gomorrah
lived happily ever after."
Are we willing to get "deadly serious about the problem of biblical
illiteracy"? I hope the rest of the lessons in this series ("Give Me
The Bible") will encourage us to do so...
The Implanted Word
The Implanted Word (1:21-25)
INTRODUCTION
1. This study is based upon Jm 1:21-25, in which we read concerning
"The Implanted Word" (the KJV uses the word "Engrafted"):
21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
2. Several observations can be made about the Word of God from this
passage, and the first pertains to what the Word is able to do in our
lives...
I. THE POWER OF THE WORD OF GOD
A. NOTICE THE WORDS OF JAMES HIMSELF...
1. "which is able to save your souls" (1:21)
2. Stated very clearly, the Word of God has the power to SAVE OUR
SOULS!
[To see how, let's consider some other scriptures...]
B. ITS POWER TO SAVE IS FOUND IN ITS ABILITY TO...
1. CREATE ANEW
a. I.e., to cause us to be born again - 1Pe 1:22-25; Jm 1:18
b. This is because of what the Word of God contains: God's
way of salvation through Jesus Christ!
2. SANCTIFY
a. The word "sanctify" means to "set apart for a holy purpose"
b. David sang of the Word's ability to sanctify God's people
- Ps 19:7-11
c. In His prayer, Jesus spoke of the sanctifying influence of
God's Word - Jn 17:15-17
d. Thus the Word of God can serve to set us apart for His
purpose!
3. PRESERVE
a. The young were told to preserve their way by the Word of
God - Ps 119:9,11
b. The elders were admonished to keep the church pure by
the same Word - Ac 20:28-32
[When we take the time to consider the POWER of the Word of God, it
becomes evident that the Word is very important to the Christian!
But the value of "The Implanted Word" can only be realized when
certain conditions are met. We find those conditions mentioned in our
text...]
II. BENEFITING FROM THE POWERFUL WORD OF GOD
A. THERE ARE THINGS WE MUST LAY ASIDE! (21a)
1. James mentions such things as "all filthiness and overflow of
wickedness" (NKJV) - cf. Paul's description of things to
lay aside - Col 3:5-9
2. For the Word of God to bear its fruit in our lives, the "weeds
of sin" must first be uprooted!
a. We cannot hope to benefit from our study of the Word if we
continue to dwell on that which is spiritually filthy and to
engage in wickedness
b. Could this be why many do not get much out of Bible study?
B. WE MUST HAVE A PROPER ATTITUDE! (21b)
1. James says to "receive with meekness" the Word of God
2. A humble and receptive attitude is essential to get the most
out of the Word of God
3. It helps to remain humble if we remember two things:
a. We are sinners too!
b. We can be easily deceived also!
4. We should study, not to learn facts, not to win debates, but to
learn God's truth to save ourselves and those around us!
5. Is this prayer of David our own? "Open thou mine eyes, that I
may behold wondrous things out of thy law." (Ps 119:18)
C. THE WORD MUST BE "IMPLANTED" IN OUR HEARTS! (21b)
1. It is only the "implanted" Word which can truly save our souls
a. Therefore we must be sure to take the words out of the pages
and implant them into our hearts!
b. Otherwise we are no different from the Jews who gave lip
service to their Words written on stone
2. A distinguishing feature of the those under the NEW COVENANT
is that the Word of God is to be WRITTEN IN THEIR HEARTS - He 8:6-13
3. Where is the Word of God today?
a. Is it only in ink inscribed on paper?
b. Or we have we read it often enough, meditated upon it enough,
that it has become IMPLANTED in our hearts as well?
4. Is this possible without daily reading of the Bible?
D. IT MUST BE APPLIED IN OUR LIVES! (22-25)
1. We must be "doers of the Word and not hearers only"
2. Otherwise, we deceive ourselves (and usually ONLY ourselves)
a. God is not deceived
b. Nor is the devil
c. Most likely our children will see through us
d. And so will many others!
3. Notice that the true blessedness of the Word comes...
a. NOT by "looking into the perfect law of liberty" ALONE
b. BUT by "continuing in it," and being "a doer of the work"
4. Yes, it is not just the READING of the Word which provides JOY,
PEACE and HAPPINESS, but the actual application of the Word in
lives through faithful obedience!
CONCLUSION
1. Notice that James calls the Word of God the "perfect law of liberty"
- Jm 1:25
a. This is because in its power to:
* CREATE ANEW
* SANCTIFY
* PRESERVE
b. ...it provides TRUE FREEDOM: LIBERATION FROM THE GUILT AND
DOMINION OF SIN!
2. Of course, what gives the Word this power is the message it contains:
THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST (God's power unto salvation - Ro 1:16)
3. Undoubtedly you have heard it...but hearing it is not enough!
a. You must lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness - that
is, to REPENT - Ac 17:30-31
b. You must receive the message of the gospel with meekness - in other
words, to BELIEVE - Jn 3:16
c. You must also be a "doer of the Word" - put it into practice in our daily
lives.
1) For Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to those who OBEY
Him - He 5:9
2) And in addition to the commands to believe and repent, He calls
us to be baptized! - Mk 16:16; Mt 28:19; Ac 2:38; 22:16
Receive with meekness these very words of Jesus and His apostles, for
that is how the Word of God is able to save your soul!
INTRODUCTION
1. This study is based upon Jm 1:21-25, in which we read concerning
"The Implanted Word" (the KJV uses the word "Engrafted"):
21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
2. Several observations can be made about the Word of God from this
passage, and the first pertains to what the Word is able to do in our
lives...
I. THE POWER OF THE WORD OF GOD
A. NOTICE THE WORDS OF JAMES HIMSELF...
1. "which is able to save your souls" (1:21)
2. Stated very clearly, the Word of God has the power to SAVE OUR
SOULS!
[To see how, let's consider some other scriptures...]
B. ITS POWER TO SAVE IS FOUND IN ITS ABILITY TO...
1. CREATE ANEW
a. I.e., to cause us to be born again - 1Pe 1:22-25; Jm 1:18
b. This is because of what the Word of God contains: God's
way of salvation through Jesus Christ!
2. SANCTIFY
a. The word "sanctify" means to "set apart for a holy purpose"
b. David sang of the Word's ability to sanctify God's people
- Ps 19:7-11
c. In His prayer, Jesus spoke of the sanctifying influence of
God's Word - Jn 17:15-17
d. Thus the Word of God can serve to set us apart for His
purpose!
3. PRESERVE
a. The young were told to preserve their way by the Word of
God - Ps 119:9,11
b. The elders were admonished to keep the church pure by
the same Word - Ac 20:28-32
[When we take the time to consider the POWER of the Word of God, it
becomes evident that the Word is very important to the Christian!
But the value of "The Implanted Word" can only be realized when
certain conditions are met. We find those conditions mentioned in our
text...]
II. BENEFITING FROM THE POWERFUL WORD OF GOD
A. THERE ARE THINGS WE MUST LAY ASIDE! (21a)
1. James mentions such things as "all filthiness and overflow of
wickedness" (NKJV) - cf. Paul's description of things to
lay aside - Col 3:5-9
2. For the Word of God to bear its fruit in our lives, the "weeds
of sin" must first be uprooted!
a. We cannot hope to benefit from our study of the Word if we
continue to dwell on that which is spiritually filthy and to
engage in wickedness
b. Could this be why many do not get much out of Bible study?
B. WE MUST HAVE A PROPER ATTITUDE! (21b)
1. James says to "receive with meekness" the Word of God
2. A humble and receptive attitude is essential to get the most
out of the Word of God
3. It helps to remain humble if we remember two things:
a. We are sinners too!
b. We can be easily deceived also!
4. We should study, not to learn facts, not to win debates, but to
learn God's truth to save ourselves and those around us!
5. Is this prayer of David our own? "Open thou mine eyes, that I
may behold wondrous things out of thy law." (Ps 119:18)
C. THE WORD MUST BE "IMPLANTED" IN OUR HEARTS! (21b)
1. It is only the "implanted" Word which can truly save our souls
a. Therefore we must be sure to take the words out of the pages
and implant them into our hearts!
b. Otherwise we are no different from the Jews who gave lip
service to their Words written on stone
2. A distinguishing feature of the those under the NEW COVENANT
is that the Word of God is to be WRITTEN IN THEIR HEARTS - He 8:6-13
3. Where is the Word of God today?
a. Is it only in ink inscribed on paper?
b. Or we have we read it often enough, meditated upon it enough,
that it has become IMPLANTED in our hearts as well?
4. Is this possible without daily reading of the Bible?
D. IT MUST BE APPLIED IN OUR LIVES! (22-25)
1. We must be "doers of the Word and not hearers only"
2. Otherwise, we deceive ourselves (and usually ONLY ourselves)
a. God is not deceived
b. Nor is the devil
c. Most likely our children will see through us
d. And so will many others!
3. Notice that the true blessedness of the Word comes...
a. NOT by "looking into the perfect law of liberty" ALONE
b. BUT by "continuing in it," and being "a doer of the work"
4. Yes, it is not just the READING of the Word which provides JOY,
PEACE and HAPPINESS, but the actual application of the Word in
lives through faithful obedience!
CONCLUSION
1. Notice that James calls the Word of God the "perfect law of liberty"
- Jm 1:25
a. This is because in its power to:
* CREATE ANEW
* SANCTIFY
* PRESERVE
b. ...it provides TRUE FREEDOM: LIBERATION FROM THE GUILT AND
DOMINION OF SIN!
2. Of course, what gives the Word this power is the message it contains:
THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST (God's power unto salvation - Ro 1:16)
3. Undoubtedly you have heard it...but hearing it is not enough!
a. You must lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness - that
is, to REPENT - Ac 17:30-31
b. You must receive the message of the gospel with meekness - in other
words, to BELIEVE - Jn 3:16
c. You must also be a "doer of the Word" - put it into practice in our daily
lives.
1) For Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to those who OBEY
Him - He 5:9
2) And in addition to the commands to believe and repent, He calls
us to be baptized! - Mk 16:16; Mt 28:19; Ac 2:38; 22:16
Receive with meekness these very words of Jesus and His apostles, for
that is how the Word of God is able to save your soul!
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