041705

REAL FAITH FOR A REAL WORLD
CONTROLLED SPEECH
JAMES 3


James 3:1-2
1) Scripture does not necessarily give us an exhausted list of the gifts of God, but it does touch on quite a few. Take the time to look at Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 1:7; 7:7; 12:1-31. Each of us, upon our salvation are given at least one spiritual gift and we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to use this gift or our gifts for God’s glory. Do you see your particular gift in these passages? You might want to read Exodus 28:3 and Exodus 31:2-6. Surely, every good gift is from God (James 1:17). How do you plan to put to use the gift God has given? All of us need to remember the story of the talents (Matthew 25:13-29.)
2) Read Ephesians 4:8-13 and 1 Corinthians 14:12, based on these passages, what is the purpose of the gifts God has given to each of us?
3) 1 Corinthians 14:26 also speaks of using our gifts to strengthen God’s church—not for our own self-glorification. Even if you don’t see a particular gift that seems to fit you, what does 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 say we should all strive for?
4) James warns us not to all seek to be teachers because those that teach God’s Word are held to a strict accountability to God. Why do you suppose this is so? (See Numbers 20:7-12; Hosea 4:6; Malachi 2:7-9; Matthew 23:1-3; Matthew 23:13-15 and Romans 2:16-24.)
5) Is it limited to those who teach us? Who else might fail under this accountability? (See Hebrews 13:17.)
6) So, why teach the Word of God? (See Jeremiah 20:9; John 21:15-18; Acts 4:18-21.)
James 3:3-12
Have you ever had one of those weeks? Well, it started out with my Bible study (it was on pride and humility—spank, spank!) Then, here we are discussing the tongue. Talk about a whooping! Man, I’m black and blue! Hope God is gentle with you guys! Maybe it’s that accountability thing?
1) I think the verse that really stood out for me was vs. 2b—“If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man (or woman), able to keep his/her whole body in check.” Well, that pretty much left me in the dust. How about you?
2) As I was studying Scripture this week, I found that there are several ways to use our tongues for good and several ways to use our tongues for evil. Control is key! Is this do-able? Praise God--yes! By ourselves—most definitely no. The psalmist in Psalms 19:14 pleads that his words and even his thoughts be pleasing to God. We must seek God for His Holy Spirit power to guard our tongues (See Psalms 141:3.)
3) We are all aware of the ways we use our tongues for evil: Blaspheming, cursing, false teaching, lying, boasting, pride, gossiping, slander, etc., etc. Here is a sampling of the different ways we use our tongue for good (perhaps you can come up with a few of your own): No, you don’t have to look up each reference, but you may find it helpful to use during your quiet time with the Lord!

Blessing Confession
Genesis 12:1-3 Leviticus 5:5
Genesis 14:18-20 Ezra 10:1
Genesis 27:21-29 Nehemiah 1:5-10
Numbers 6:22-27 Psalms 32:5
Deuteronomy 10:8 (that’s us girls!) Proverbs 28:13
Romans 12:14 Romans 10:8-10
1 Corinthians 4:12 James 5:16
1 Peter 3:9 1 John 1:9

Praise Mercy Mercy Cont’d
Exodus 15:2 Mathew 5:7 Psalms 85:10
Deuteronomy 32:1-4 Matthew 9:9-13 Romans 12:8
2 Samuel 22:47 Matthew 18:33 Jude 1:22-23
1 Chronicles 16:9-12 Luke 10:29-37
Praise Cont’d
Psalms 22:3
Psalms 28:6 Healing/Restoring
Psalms 34:1 Exodus 15:26
Acts 11:18 Deuteronomy 32:39
2 Corinthians 1:3 Acts 3
Ephesians 1:3 1 Corinthians 12:28-30
Hebrews 13:15 James 5:16
1 Peter 1:3 1 Peter 2:24
1 Peter 2:9 Galatians 6:1
Revelation 5:13


Encouragement Hope
Acts 14:21-22 Romans 5:4-5
Acts 15:32 Romans 12:12
Romans 1:11-12 Romans 15:4
Romans 12:6-8 Romans 15:13
Colossians 2:2 1 Corinthians 13:13
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 2 Corinthians 1:7
1 Thessalonians 5:11 2 Corinthians 1:10
1 Thessalonians 5:14 Ephesians 1:18-23
2 Timothy 4:2 Ephesians 4:4-5
Titus 1:9 1 Timothy 4:9-10
Titus 2:6 1 Timothy 6:17
Hebrews 3:13 Titus 2:13
Hebrews 10:24-25 Hebrews 6:19
Isaiah 50:4 Hebrews 10:23
1 Peter 1:3-4
1 John 3:2-3
Colossians 1:27



Teaching/Preaching Instruction/Correction
Acts 4:1-3 1 Corinthians 14:26
Acts 5:42 Galatians 6:6
Acts 18:11 Ephesians 6:4
Colossians 1:28 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2
Colossians 3:16 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8
2 Thessalonians 2:15 2 Thessalonians 3:14
1 Timothy 3:1-7 1 Timothy 6:3-5
1 Timothy 4:1-11 2 Timothy 4:2-3
1 Timothy 6:3-5 Hebrews 6:1-2
2 Timothy 2:2 2 Timothy 3:16
Titus 2 2 Timothy 4:2
1 John 2:27
2 John 1:9-11
Romans 10:14-15
1 Corinthians 9:16
2 Corinthians 4:5
Galatians 1:8
Galatians 1:11-12
Philippians 1:18
1 Timothy 3:16
2 Timothy 4:2



Prayer/Intercession Rebuking
Romans 8:26-27 1 Timothy 5:20
Romans 10:1 2 Timothy 3:16
Romans 12:12 2 Timothy 4:2
Romans 15:30 Titus 1:10-16
Ephesians 6:18 Titus 2:15
Philippians 4:6 Revelation 3:19
Colossians 1:9-12
Colossians 4:2
1 Thessalonians 1:2 Witnessing
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Psalm 40:9-10
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 Isaiah 43:10
2 Thessalonians 3:1 Acts 1:8
1 Timothy 2:1-2 2 Corinthians 5:20
1 Timothy 2:8 1 Peter 3:15
Philemon 1:6 Matthew 9:36-38
James 5:13-16 John 4:35-38
1 Peter 3:7 Romans 10:15
1 Peter 4:7
1 John 5:16
3 John 1:2
Romans 8:34

4) Sometimes, perhaps most times, there is another alternative—silence! Listening and quietness definitely have their purpose and place. (See 1 Kings 19:11-12; Job 38-40:1-5; Psalms 31:18; Psalms 39:1-5; Psalms 85:8-9; Proverbs 17:28; Proverbs 23:12; Ecclesiastes 3:7; Jeremiah 8:14; and Zechariah 2:13 and of course, James 1:19-27.
5) Jesus was silent before His accusers. This was prophesized in Jeremiah 11:19-20 and fulfilled in Matthew 27:11-14; Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:3-10 and in John 19:1-11.
6) Then, there are times when we should not be silent: (See Psalms 32:1-5; Proverbs 10:19; Jeremiah 20:8-9.)
7) And, there will be a time when Christ is not silent: (See 2 Thessalonians 2:8 and Revelation 19:11-21!)

The book of Proverbs reveals that there are basically four types of tongues (or speech): 1) Controlled, caring, conniving and careless—the big C’s. Proverbs urges us to give special care to our words and how we use them. Try to include Proverbs into your daily devotion time—this is how we gain wisdom!

James 3:13-18
1) These passages focus on godly wisdom. Proverbs 1:1-7 opens by giving us wisdom’s purpose. Where does wisdom begin?
2) Proverbs 8:12-36 is wisdom actually speaking to us. What does verse 22 tell us?
3) Combine the godly wisdom and the control of our tongues and we will be mighty warriors for God. Talk about dynamite! Let’s all pray for God’s power to enable us to be more than conquerors in these areas (Romans 8:37!)

042405

REAL FAITH FOR A REAL WORLD – LIVE HUMBLY
JAMES 4


James 4:1-3
1) Just a suggestion--I hope all of you have a King James Version of the Bible. Yes, it is dated, but, oh, how marvelously this week’s text reads. Fighting and arguing is described as “wars” among ourselves. Next time you are in a “little argument,” think nuclear holocaust!
a) Who do we must often chose to “war” with? Galatians 5:15 gives a stern warning of what may become of us if we “war” with one another!
2) The KJV brings to mind a much deeper word picture for what we too often refer to as a “little argument or disagreement”.
a) What is the cause?
i) Check this out in the KJV. It is called our “lusts.” Is this word always sexual in nature? Read Mark 4:19; Romans 13:14; and Galatians 5:16-21.
3) Both translations we are studying state pretty plainly that we will go to any extreme to get what I like to call my “gotta haves.” How far will our “lusts” carry us? This is too scary because you have to remember that James is writing to the “church”—born-again believers!
4) Why do our “wars” so grieve the heart of God? Read Jesus’ words in John 13:34. This phrase is used at least 13 times throughout the New Testament.
5) God is the Giver of good gifts (Matthew 7:11 and Romans 8:32) and we are already blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3.) Still, James is encouraging his brothers and sisters in Christ to ask God for their “gotta haves.” James gives his brethren two specific reasons why their requests are not being answered by God. What are the reasons?
6) So, what are right or proper motives and why is asking selfishly a hindrance to prayer? (See Matthew 6:19-21; Matthew 6:33; Matthew 7:7-12; Matthew 22:37-38; Luke 12:22-32; John 14:1; Psalms 66:18; 1 John 3:22; and John 5:14.) Do you how see this is really a heart problem? Explain.
7) Speaking about our hearts, I just completed Section 4 in a Bible study by Beth Moore, called Living Free. In this study, this section deals mainly with “soul satisfaction.” I bring this up because most of our “wars” come from a lack of inner peace and contentment with what God alone can give us. “Soul satisfaction” comes from recognizing that it is 1) God who satisfies (See Isaiah 55:1-2 and Psalms 145:16-21.) 2) “Soul satisfaction” is truly what our heart is crying out for and we keep trying to stuff ourselves on the things of this world—it won’t work! (See Ecclesiastes 1:2, 14 and Psalms 63:1.) 3) God, in Jesus Christ, is the perfect Picture of “soul satisfaction.” (See 2 Corinthians 4:4; Colossians 1:13-20 and Colossians 2:9.) 4) Look at your dissatisfaction as a blessing from the Father. (See Psalms 25:17.) As Beth puts it, “God offers us so much more than we usually choose to enjoy. Dissatisfaction is not a terrible thing. It’s a God thing. It’s only a terrible thing when we don’t let it lead us to Christ. He wants us to find the only thing that will truly satiate our thirsty and hungry hearts.” Me—put away those “gotta haves!” 5) “Soul satisfaction” comes when we begin to celebrate God’s “Godness.” (See Isaiah 25:1; Job 12:10; 36:26-29; Psalms 24:1; 40:5; 95:3-5; Colossians 1:15-17.)
James 4:4-6
1) James accuses these Christians as being adulterers. What is spiritual adultery? (See Isaiah 54:5; Jeremiah 3:20; Hosea 2:2-5; Hosea 3:1; Hosea 9:1; Acts 14:15).
2) Why does Scripture relate coveting (this could include our “gotta haves”) to idolatry? (You really have to see this in the KVJ-Ephesians 5:5.)
3) God’s enemy—ouch! This passage is in stark contrast to James 2:23 where Abraham believed God and was called His friend! What was different about Abraham’s response to this world and that of the Christians James is addressing? (See Hebrews 11—the believers hall of faith—verses 11-19 to learn about Abraham. How did he visualize himself on this earth? What does this passage say we should be looking for? (See also Hebrews 13:14; Ephesians 2:19 and 2 Peter 3:13.)
4) To be an enemy of God we have to be in opposition of His plans and purposes. Based on the following passages, make a personal listing of some of the purposes of God. See Psalms 33:10-11; Psalms 57:2; Psalms 138:8; Proverbs 19:21; Isaiah 14:24; Isaiah 14:26-27; Isaiah 46:8-12; Isaiah 55:8-12; Jeremiah 15:11; Jeremiah 29:11; Jeremiah 30:15-24; Acts 2:22-24; Ephesians 1:7-13; Ephesians 3:10-12; Philippians 2:13; and 2 Timothy 1:8-9.
5) Humility—not our normal response to life. (See 1 Peter 5:5-8.) Who would you say is your greatest example of living or having led a humble life? (See Philippians 2:5-16a.)
6) In what ways or by what means does God teach us humility or strives to keep us humble? (See Deuteronomy 8: 1-7; Deuteronomy 8: 16-18; 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10; and Psalms 107:39-40.
7) Our humility before such an awesome God can do wonders we can never imagine. Look at God’s great promises in 2 Chronicles 7:14; 2 Chronicles 33:9-13; Psalms 149:4; and Isaiah 58.
James 4:7-10
1) Surrender to God and resist the devil! To start this discussion off—what is the opposite of surrender?
2) How does surrendering to God help us in our fight against the god of this world, satan? (See Matthew 6:24; Matthew 16:24-28; Romans 6:13; Romans 6:16; Romans 6:22; Romans 12:1; and Hebrews 12:9.)
3) Why is resisting satan, or the devil so crucial to living an abundant and victorious life in Christ? (See John 8:43-44; Romans 16:20 (Yeah, God!); Ephesians 4:27; Ephesians 6:10-12; James 3:13-16.; 1 Peter 5:5-9 and 1 John 3:7-11.)
4) Purify our hearts—is this ever possible by ourselves? What is necessary? (See Psalms 51:10-11; Matthew 19:25-26 and Philippians 1:6.)
James 4:11-12
1) Jesus has a lot to say about judging others. We judge based on our own thoughts and feelings. Jesus warns us in Matthew 7:1-5 and Luke 6:37 about the results of our judging others. What is His warning? What is His promise?
2) You almost have to laugh here (Matthew 7:1-5.) Why is it we can so plainly see what is wrong with others yet fail to see our own sins and shortcomings which are of far greater proportion? (See Romans 2:1; Romans 14:4; and Romans 14:10.)
3) Who alone has the right to judge? (See John 5:22, 28-30; Acts 10:38-42 and 2 Timothy 4:8.)
4) What is truly behind our judging each other? (See Proverbs 13:10a.)
James 4:13-17
1) Too often we expect God to go along with our plans. What is wrong with that picture? (See Psalms 2:1-4.)
2) James is quick to remind these early Christians that they are a mist—here today, gone tomorrow. David, the psalmist, addresses God on this matter in Psalms 39:4-6. How did he see his life (remember, he was called a man after God’s own heart!)
3) In verse 7 of this passage, we find David’s solution. What is it? This word is translated, “expectation.” If we put our expectation in God—we have to lay our own expectations down. The best place for that is the Cross! (See Galatians 6:14.)

040305

REAL FAITH FOR A REAL WORLD
THE MARKS OF THE MATURE CHRISTIAN
JAMES 1


James 1
What is the purpose of trials?
Faith is always tested. (Genesis 22:1-14; Hebrews 11:6; 1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 1 Thessalonians 2:4)
Testing works for us—not against us. (1 Peter 1:7)
Trials work for the believer, not against him. (Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 4:17)
Trials rightly used helps us to mature. (Romans 5:3-4)
Joy in trials?
What is biblical joy? (See Nehemiah 8:10; Psalms 16:11; Psalm 51:12; Psalms 126:5-6; Ecclesiastes 2:26; Galatians 5:22).
How is joy different from happiness?
How is it possible to have joy in the midst of the chaos all around us? Read Psalm 31 and be ready to share some of the ways the psalmist was able to continue to joy in the Lord in the midst of his trials.
Why does James seem to take a time-out to mention asking for wisdom?
What possible role could wisdom play during a trial? See Proverbs 1:1-7; Proverbs 8.
Do you think trials are the only time we need to ask for wisdom? Explain.
Have you ever found yourself being double-minded in spiritual matters? When?
How does faith, belief and unbelief effect your response during these times? (See Mark 9:24; Romans 4:18-25; Hebrews 12:2-8)
How does our sin nature fit in? (Romans 7:18-25.)
Does submission have any part to play during these times? If so, how? (See Hebrews 5:7-10.)
a. Is being weak in our faith the same thing as being double-minded? What, if any, is the difference? (Romans 14:1-10.)
b. Can you be double-minded and still be a child of God? (Ephesians 4:14-15.)
James is careful to remind us of being humble during our trials.
How do you define humility?
Describe the humility of Christ. (See Philippians 2:3-8.)
Would you say that the world pictures humility as a sign of strength or weakness?
Do you see your humility as actually exalting Christ? (See Acts 20;19-24
Read Isaiah 2:12-22. What awaits those who exalt themselves?
6. What is it about perseverance, what I call “sticking it out” or “sticking to it” that matures and completes us as followers of Christ? Scripture calls it “standing firm.” See 1 Corinthians 15:58; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 2 Corinthians 1:21; 2 Corinthians 1:24; Galatians 5:1; Ephesians 6:14; Philippians 1:27; Philippians 4:1; Colossians 4:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; James 5:8)
7. Verse 12 seems to indicate that if we truly love Christ, we will persevere. Can you think of an incidence where your love of the Lord enabled you to press on? Share.
8. Crown of life. Some say these are literal crowns. However, I like what the Holman Commentary has to say on this subject: “Crown did not refer to the ornament of a ruler but to a garland wreath given to the victor in an athletic contest. [The type of crown mentioned here is] God’s reward to us for faithfully enduring trials…it is recognition from God for spiritual victory…a spiritual privilege which gives a deeper, fuller life on earth (John 10:10) and an unending, joyous life in the world to come…God has stored up marvelous blessings for those who love him. Glory!
9. Blessed. In the beginning of our study on Jesus—Our All Sufficient Savior, we touched on the Beatitudes as seen through the eyes of Max Lucado. We saw how we are blessed if we come to Jesus mourning, thirsty, hungry. Now, let’s see what awaits us if we do humble ourselves, see our need and come to Jesus:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit…for theirs is the kingdom of God.” Max Lucado calls it the “Kingdom of the Absurd—its citizens are drunk on wonder!” Jesus knocks on the door, we open it and in He walks (Revelation 3:20.) “True, He changes a few things—first our names (2 Chronicles 7:14; Acts 11:26 and Revelation 2:17). Then he changes our minds (1 Corinthians 2:16b; Romans 12:2), our faith (Romans 1:17; Romans 5:1; Romans 10:17; Galatians 2:16; Hebrews 11:1), our attitudes (Philippians 2:5-8; 2 Peter 1:4-8; Ephesians 4:23). He sees something in us, we can never see. (Never, ever forget Romans 4:17—know that our God is a faith God!) We say, “No way—Jesus says, “My way!” Jesus said, “My power is best displayed in the weak things (people) of this world (2 Corinthians 12:9). God is looking for cracked, broken, empty jars of clay to fill to overflowing with His powerful Spirit (2 Corinthians 4:7)! If we try to make a name for ourselves—we remain nameless!. But, call on the name of Jesus’ and we get new names, and even more, new life!

“Blessed are those who mourn…for they will be comforted.” What parent would not naturally, willingly and joyfully reach out to comfort their beloved child? Then, why are we so sure that God isn’t willing or able to comfort us? Why is it that we so often run to Him last? What is the thing that keeps us from letting Him comfort us? I like the words to the song, “Sometimes He calms the storm and sometimes He calms the child.” Remember Peter on the water ? (Matthew 14:25-33). He actually did walk on water—the only natural man to do so! When he took his eyes of Jesus and began to sink, Jesus was right there to reach out and pull him up from the raging waters! He’ll be there for you, too! Trust Him!

“Blessed are the meek…for they will inherit the earth.” Fear wants to rob you—rob you of your peace of mind—your joy! He snatches away your courage to press forward. Oh, we try to cover fear up—with power, status, popularity—whatever. Those things are not courage! Real courage does not come from outside sources or factors. No, real courage is internal. Max Lucado says that our realization of our own weakness leads us to the source of our strength—God. He renews us and through this internal renewal, real courage (faith in our God) comes when we submit our wills and our lives to Him for His good purposes!

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…for they will be filled.” Earthly treasures just cannot satisfy! Oh, they pacify, but that isn’t the same thing at all! Max Lucado says we should hold our earthy possession with open palmed hands. True wealth is found elsewhere—in Jesus, our Joy! Let go! All this is temporary! (See Matthew 6:19-21; John 15:11)

“Blessed are the merciful…for they will be shown mercy.” Our hearts are storehouses and sometimes they have deep, deep wounds—voids. They store up hurts, brokenness, bitterness. Sometimes, they harbor resentment and even seek revenge! One unkind word is enough—an accusing or mocking glance. Someone spurns us. We’re so fragile! Are you allowing your hurts to turn to hatred? How’s that working for you? When I think of receiving God’s mercy, I picture Mary—washing Jesus’ feet with her tears and wiping them dry with her hair (Luke 7:36-50). I bet her heart had many holes. Unloved, used up, rejected by society. No future, no hope! How great her hurts must have been. How great were her sins. But, praise God, greater still was the mercy and grace of Jesus! Have you ever wondered how those moments must have changed her life? You know she was changed! The whole town would not have been able to miss that! Do you think her circumstances changed? I think that’s were the above passage on meekness comes in. (Remember, we spoke about how these Beatitudes build upon one another.) Don’t you just know that Jesus gave her that courage! Jesus went on to say that he who is forgiven much—loves much! She came in with wounds—inwardly she had to be bleeding to death—she left healed! I can just see her shining, basking in the love of Christ and you can be sure that she went out into that town and starting spreading what she had to others! That’s how it is with us and how can we not offer that same forgiveness to those who hurt us? Come to Jesus and let Him heal your heart!

“Blessed are the pure in heart…for they will see God.” Many come. There are those who come to receive a gift and overlook the Giver of gifts. There are those who come out of a sense of duty (they are usually forced into it) and these are soon bored, squirming, yawning. They sleep through glory of His Presence. Then, there are those who come because they remember (Luke 17:11-19). It is these that come expecting and leave having received. What is it they remember? Who He is, why He came, what He accomplished! They remember their life before Him. And, oh, one more thing—they are looking for His promise—His return (Acts 1:11). How do you come before the throne of God?

“Blessed are the peacemakers…for they will be called sons of God.” Pride—the sin of Lucifer, as well as Adam and Eve—to be like God. With men, the issue is usually power—position. With women, it is usually social influence, beauty, possessions. We all have different areas where we consciously or unconsciously seek to reach to the top of the heap. On and on we plod. It’s useless—it’s vanity! God has called us His sons and daughters! (2 Corinthians 6:18; 1 John 3:1).

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness…for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward…” It didn’t take long for persecution against the followers of Christ to begin. Even before Jesus’ death and resurrection, John the Baptist was imprisoned and later beheaded for baptizing and foretelling of His kingdom (but, mostly for telling Herod he was sinning—his wife really didn’t like that!). (See Mark 6:16-27). While waiting in prison, John naturally began to doubt and sent word to Jesus to ask if, in fact, he was the One (See Matthew 11:3). Imagine yourself in John’s place. He knew from conception (see Luke 1:39-44) that Jesus was the promised Messiah. John had worked faithfully for Him. Yet, there he was in prison! Chained! What must have been going on in his head? Now, Jesus had already told His followers that there was not a greater man born of women. (See Matthew 11:11.) How did Jesus respond to his doubt? (See Matthew 11:4-6.) Jesus answered John by telling him the kingdom of heaven was now being fulfilled on earth. Yes, Jesus was God and He could have set his cousin free, but His kingdom had a bigger and far greater agenda—the freeing of our souls and making it possible for us to freely enter in to God’s kingdom (Luke 17:20-21)! Of course, we still see through a glass darkly. But, it is a truth—right now—this very moment—we sit in heavenly places with Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3). Amazing! But, one day the heavens will split and we’ll enter into the home of God—eternal heaven. Ever wonder who will be there? The Bible gives us several clues. Read Matthew 22:1-9. What kind of people do you find on street corners? Not your usual wedding guests! Thank God. I was once on one of those street corners—in the lost sense! I think we’ll all be a bit surprised by who is there, but more likely—by who is not!

10. If God doesn’t tempt—who or what does? There are numerous incidences of sin in the Bible, but let’s look at two more closely. Genesis 3:1-7 and 2 Samuel 11.
Who or what tempted Eve?
Who or what tempted David?
i. How did temptation enter into Eve?
ii. How did temptation enter into David?
h. There is another avenue that sin enters—look up Colossians 3:5; 1 John 2:15:17.
11. God is the Giver of good gifts (See Matthew 7:11)! Name a few of the gifts He gives us. (See Acts 1:4-5; Romans 5:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 12:6-9; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 1 Corinthians 12:29-31; 1 Corinthians 13:1-8; Ephesians 2:4-9; Revelation 22:17; and most importantly, John 3:16.
12. Oh boy! I hate to say it but, I think this is more of a problem for women! I know it’s a biggie for me! We’ll be touching on this in the near future, so stayed tuned. Feel free to share something you may have experienced in this area.
13. Be doers of the Word! Most of us women can appreciate how Jesus referred to a mirror! We always want to look our best! Now hang with me for a bit. Imagine your hair is sin! How many times a day do you check to see if each and every hair is in place? Is it look fresh or a little wind blown? Well, that is how we should be examining our lives to see if we are measuring up to the light and beauty of our Lord, Jesus Christ. After all, we are to become like Him! Perseverance comes in handy here. Oh, we’re not there yet! So, we press on…one step closer, another step closer—until we see Him face to face. And, guess what! We shall be like Him! Shining bright like the stars! So, don’t give up—don’t become discouraged—it’s a process! God started it and God will complete it until the day of our Lord. (Philippians 1:6)
14. Pure Religion requires self-control, self-sacrifice and self-denial—selfishness in reverse! See Isaiah 1:11-20, Isaiah 58: 6-14; Micah 6:8; Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 2:13 and finally, Romans 12:1. I have some work to do!

041005

REAL FAITH FOR A REAL WORLD
IMPARTIAL LOVE
JAMES 2

James 2: 1-7
1) In these verses James (the younger brother of our Lord, Jesus) really comes down on the church for showing favoritism among its members. Keep this thought in mind: The way we behave toward others shows what we really believe about God!
a) In Matthew 5:46-47, Jesus gives us a great example of the favoritism shown by the world. How, or is this any different from the favoritism that James is condemning in the church?
b) Taking a good hard look at ourselves always helps to keep us humble and to show God’s mercy and love to others. See what 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 has to say about me and you. So, what gives us the right to show favor to one above another?
c) 1 Samuel 16:7; Mathew 22:16 and Acts 10:34 and may give us a little insight as to why this strongly goes against what God intends for His church. Explain.
d) Romans 12:8-10; Romans 12:16; 1 Timothy 5:21 (I like the KJV) and 1 Peter 2:17 give us clear commands on how we should treat all our brothers and sisters in the Lord.
e) Jesus reminds us to be humble with our relationships and to not be puffed up about ourselves or our positions. (See Luke 14:8-14; Romans 12:3-5 and 1 John 3:16-18)
f) Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. Just a little exercise—repeat this passage using your own name. (i.e., Jennifer is kind, etc.) Doesn’t quite cut it, does it? Now, do the same thing, only this time—use the name of Jesus! Wow! Now, that fits—God is love (See 1 John 4:8).
g) Another reason loving one another is so important is found in Jon 13:34-35. What is it?
h) Finally, follow Christ. Jesus looked at everyone as having potential. If we are looking at a brother or sister in the Lord, then welcome him/her because Christ dwells in their hearts. If we are looking at an unbeliever, then realize that Christ died for him and loves him/her while they are yet sinners!
James 2:8-13
1) What is mercy? Jesus gives us a beautiful picture of the mercy of God in Matthew 18:23-35 and still another in Luke 10:25-37. How would you describe mercy based on these accounts?
a) When we show favoritism is mercy at work?
b) We always want mercy extended to us. On a scale from 1 to 10, how would you rate the mercy
you show others?
c) The NIV translation of James 2:13 proclaims, “Mercy triumphs over judgment!” In John 8:4-11, we get a glimpse right into the merciful heart of Jesus. The Law demanded that this women (by the way, the man, too—but he was no where to be found) be stoned to death. What a great example of mercy triumphing over judgment! No accusers! Isn’t that what we all want—no one to stand up and condemn us—especially our Lord? Then surely, we should be first in line to extend mercy to our brothers and sisters! Let’s be careful here—while we are to show mercy, and we do receive mercy—by doing so, we are not saved! We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone!
d) We’ve studied the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) over the past several weeks and one of them is, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Can you recall an incident where you obtained or extended mercy from someone? How did you respond? Was it freeing?
James 2:14-18 and James 2:21-26
1) Faith without works is dead—that’s one translation. This seems to contradict Ephesians 2:8. So, what about the thief on the cross (Luke 23:40-43?) Oh, and look at John 6:28-29! Any thoughts?
a) Ephesians 2:10 seems to back up James’ assertion. God has give each of us gifts to be used to build up His church (See Ephesians 4:8; Romans 12:6-9; 1 Corinthians 12.) How are you putting to work the gift(s) God has given you? A mature Christian “lives” his/her faith! True faith results in change (See Galatians 5:22-23.)
b) 1 Corinthians 13 shows us a more excellent way—love! Oh, girls—love! 1 Peter 4:8 gives us a rich promise if we follow the law of love. What is it?
James 2:19-20
1) The devils believe and tremble—now that is a scary thought! You have to remember, the devils are fallen angels—they were once in the presence of Almighty God, His Son, Jesus and the Holy Spirit—each and every one of them beheld the Ancient of Days face to face! The reason they tremble is because they know they are doomed! They will spend eternity in the place prepared for them (Matthew 25:41) because they rebelled against God’s authority (Isaiah 14:12-17 and Revelation 12:7-9).
a) What is saving belief? (See Romans 3:20-27 and Romans 4:3.) By the way, ours is an unseeing faith! (See 1 Peter 1:8-9.) Jesus, Himself said that we are blessed because we believe and have not seen (John 20:24-29.)

Strong’s gives the following as a definition of believed: to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ):

KJV--believe(-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.


b) If you every find yourself doubting, or not feeling very strong in your faith, remember Mark 9:24. Don’t be afraid to admit your weakness—ask for more! God promises that His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9.)
c) Oh, and don’t worry that you will suffer the same thing that awaits the devils—look at 1 Thessalonians 5:9. Yeah, God!