Bible Study - Pressure Points - Conflict - James 4:1-10 - September 29, 2013

Bible Study – Pressure Points – Conflict – September 29, 2013

This is lesson five in our series entitled “Pressure Points.”

Our scripture is James 4:1-10.

Conflict and conflict resolution - Conflict happens in churches, families, businesses, between best friends, teams, social forms and the list goes on. How Christians respond to conflict is an indication of their Spiritual maturity. Ouch! Let’s explore.

Let’s read James 4:1-5:

1 What is the source of wars and fights among you? Don’t they come from the cravings that are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. You do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and don’t receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your evil desires. 4 Adulteresses! Don’t you know that friendship with the • world is hostility toward God? So whoever wants to be the world’s friend becomes God’s enemy. 5 Or do you think it’s without reason the Scripture says that the Spirit who lives in us yearns jealously?

James admonishes his fellow Christians to ask themselves a very important question. This was question one.

What is the source of wars and fights among you? Considering the original Greek words James used for “war” and “fights”, it would read, “What is the source for violent quarrels that can become deadly and disputes that result from an emotional or heat of the moment argument that does not become hostile or deadly.” Asking his readers to consider the source was asking them to dig deep into their relationship with GOD, through CHRIST.

Fellow Christians would discover that it was a problem of the heart toward GOD. The flesh which was being ruled by Satan was leading their lives and not the indwelling Holy Spirit.

James provided the answer to question one in his second question. Don’t they come from the cravings that are at war within you? What did James mean by cravings?

The Greek word that he used for cravings carried the idea of desires that bring pleasure. He was telling them that they enjoyed it. Have you ever met people that just enjoyed arguing just for the sake of arguing? They will always take the opposite viewpoint in a discussion. It is a form of lust or desire. Some people may lust after something or someone but in reality they know they cannot obtain the object or person they are lusting after. A dog barks and chases a moving car but when the car stops, the dog stops, until the car begins to move again and at some point the dog gives up and returns to home base or gets hurt or killed.

James spelled it out using cause and effect: (Keep in mind that James was addressing Christians.)

You desire and do not have, therefore you murder. It could have been actual killing or it could have been a reference to bitterness or hatred toward others who have the desired object, person or position. JESUS’ gave a message about keeping the letter of the law, “Thou shall not kill,” as well as, the Spirit of the law in Matthew 5:21-22:

21 “You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. 22 But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.

When a person desires something or someone so bad and tries very hard to achieve it but cannot, it triggers many emotions – envy, anger, frustration, hatred, bitterness and the list goes on. This often is directed within and creates physiological problems or toward others who may have achieved the thing, position or person desired. Such emotions manifested toward others are a form of murder of their character.    

James continued, you covet and cannot obtain, therefore you fight and war or quarrel. James used the word “covet”, which is an intense human desire for something or someone another person has. It consumes the person and that is all he/she thinks about. Such obsession could lead to murder or harsh words. It is clear that the person is being led by his/her flesh and it opens him/her up to Satan leading him/her into destruction. The person has blocked out any help from GOD and their relationship with GOD, has been broken. Remember, James is addressing this to Christians.

You do not have because you do not ask. James addressed these overwhelming desires. The person desiring does not consult GOD, they try to achieve what they desire in spite of what GOD may be leading him/her to do. They trust themselves to accomplish what they desire so that when they accomplish it, they will not have to be accountable to GOD.

You ask and don’t receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your evil desires.

James anticipated that Christian readers might say, “But I prayed about this until I was blue in the face and GOD did not take away the desire or help me!” Often, Christians use prayer as a copout, “Oh, I prayed but GOD did not listen or HE did not take away my desire.” Excuse me!! GOD always listens to the prayers of HIS children but HE may say NO! Wait! Or that is not good for you now because you need to grow more Spiritually! Christians can be blinded by their evil desires or flesh desires.

James up to this point, in his written message, had been referring to his audience as “brothers” or “brethren” but now he used a stark word to get their attention “Adulteresses!” Wow, that must have gotten the attention of his readers and sent a chill down their spines.  

In a previous lesson, James used adultery and killing together to show the Jewish readers that one commandment is not greater or less than another. In this lesson, James combined killing or murder and coveting. Again in GOD’S eyes there is no difference. Then James called his fellow Christians adulteresses, his intent was to cover both male and female in his exclamation. The males, in general, during that time were not included in the sin of adultery but James included them. It was not that they were having affairs with others but they were breaking covenant with GOD. GOD considered HIS chosen as HIS bride and HE was the groom and when they allowed sin to enter into their lives they had committed Spiritual adultery.

James puts this in context:

Don’t you know that friendship with the • world is hostility toward God? So whoever wants to be the world’s friend becomes God’s enemy. 5 Or do you think it’s without reason the Scripture says that the Spirit who lives in us yearns jealously?

GOD is jealous and HE does not share, just as husbands or wives do not share their spouse.

Let’s read James 4:6-10:

6 But He gives greater grace. Therefore He says: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 7 Therefore, submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people! 9 Be miserable and mourn and weep. Your laughter must change to mourning and your joy to sorrow. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.

We need to look back to verse 5. Verse 5 reveals that GOD did not give Christians the Holy Spirit to lead them to envy. Christians may say but I cannot help myself, I want such-and-such. James revealed to Christian’s battling envy or coveting, that GOD provides additional grace when envy or coveting raises its head in their lives, so battle it by:

-          Submitting to GOD

-          Resist the devil and when you do he (the devil) will flee from you.

-         Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. When Christians desire to have a closer relationship with GOD and they make the move toward HIM, HE will move toward them. GOD knows the heart and knows when a person is sincere or just playing games.

-         Cleanse your hands, sinners – James’ Jewish audience would understand washing of the hands. Washing of the hands is an outward symbol expressing the recognition of sin in their lives but the physical acknowledgement must go to the core of the problem, which James expresses in his next statement.

-         Purify your hearts, double-minded people. Christians are to confess their sins and repent. Repenting, which means to stop doing what you were doing, must go to the next level and that is recognizing and acknowledging that when Christians sin, they need to examine the source of that sin and that is their hearts. Christian’s battle being doubled-minded, that is being friends with the world or flesh and maintaining their relationship with GOD through CHRIST. Christians vacillate. When they vacillate long enough they often give up and ask CHRIST to take them as they are and to give them the strength to live the Christian life in HIS strength. They relinquish their wills to HIM and depend upon the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, direct and nourish them. GOD forgives and restores. Recognize and acknowledge your double-mindedness and be honest with GOD. HIS desire is for you to worship HIM in Spirit and truth and stop sitting on the fence.

-         Be miserable and mourn and weep. Your laughter must change to mourning and your joy to sorrow. I think this is a carryover from being self-centered, arrogant and attempting to play games with GOD. Recognize and acknowledge your pitiful Spiritual nature and when you do, your arrogance will turn into mourning and your misplaced joy will turn into sorrow. Christians recognize that they were trying to con GOD.

-         Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. When Christians recognize, acknowledge and repent for not having the heart that GOD desires for them, they become humble toward the LORD. The Christian is more willing to allow GOD to mold them into the image HE has for them, when they yield to HIM and trust HIM. GOD exalts the humble. As James stated in verse 6 - God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. The proud often believe they are self-sufficient and depend upon themselves. Such arrogance blocks GOD from getting through to them. Every Christian needs to understand that he/she cannot save themselves and depend upon CHRIST. Salvation is a free gift to all who place their faith in CHRIST. Salvation is a simple, “Yes, I accept CHRIST as my Savior and believe that HE gave HIS life for my sins.” Or “No, I reject HIM as my Savior.” The choice is yours. I accepted HIM at the age of 9-10 years old but did not commit my life to HIM until 1971. Have I lived the perfect life since then? No! But GOD’S grace sustains me as HIS grace will sustain you as a Christian. GOD is like a loving parent. When a child attempts to walk for the first time and stumbles and falls, we do not scold the child and place him or her into a chair and say, “Do not get out of that chair until you can walk perfectly!” Heavens no, we rejoice in that first step and so does GOD when we begin our journey with HIM. Yes, we will stumble but HE says, GREAT!! Keep it up because I will help you every step of the way. Often, walking with CHRIST is OJT or on-the-job-training.

Every Christian who has ever lived or will ever live must have grace. Christians sin every moment of every day and it is the love of GOD and HIS grace that always makes them acceptable to HIM every instant.

It is all about having and maintaining the right relationship with GOD through CHRIST. When Christians are in relationship and fellowship with GOD, HE lifts them up during times of trouble. When they are in right relationship with HIM, they are in right relationship with others – friends, family, fellow workers and the list goes on.

When GOD lifts Christians up, it is a worshipful experience. HE exalts the Christian because he/she has placed their complete trust in HIM. That is GOD’S unlimited grace. Are Christians worthy of that grace? No but that is what grace is. Grace is GOD’S unmerited favor. It is HIS free gift to HIS children. GOD loves you and is not trying to sneak up on you to zap you. But HE does want you to experience HIS presence in your life.

GOD knows that Christians will have ample opportunity to get into conflicts. When they do get into conflicts, their level of Spiritual maturity will be revealed based upon how they respond. If a Christian’s life or the lives of his/her family is in jeopardy, he/she must respond according to the situation to protect himself/herself or his/her family. Spiritual maturity does not mean that a Christian does not respond accordingly. I am speaking of conflicts that have not escalated to that level of response.

James is all about Christians living as mature Christians in relationship with GOD through CHRIST. Being a mature Christian is a process and takes time and yielding our wills to CHRIST as we journey through life. Christians will be tested to help them determine how they are doing along the process of becoming more Spiritually mature. Every Christian depends upon GOD’S grace as they journey through life and HE gives the measure of grace needed for the issues of life. Yes, Christians will blow it and need to confess it and likely will need to ask others to forgive him or her. Apologizing is a tough thing to do but it is good for healing and maturing.

Do you have unresolved conflicts? If so, pray and ask CHRIST to give you the courage and opportunity to resolve them. Blessings!!!  

 

 

Bible Study - Pressure Points - Pressure of Words - James 3:1-18 - September 22, 2013

Bible Study – Pressure Points – Pressure of Words – September 22, 2013

This is lesson four in our series entitled “Pressure Points.”

GOD equipped mankind with one mouth and two ears. HE intended for mankind to listen twice as much as they speak.

Our scripture is James 3:1-18.

The old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never harm me” is easy to say but it is not true. Words are like sticks and stones when spoken harshly. Words are seeds that get into our minds and grow. Good words bring about good results but harsh words can break a person’s spirit, especially a child’s spirit.

The Bible tells us that GOD’S Word will never return void. HIS Word always produces a result. Words spoken or written by each of us will produce a result, either for the good or harm.

There are certain groups who have identified certain words that are politically incorrect to use, yet within their group they use these words. This is a form of control to keep those outside that group silent. Yes, there are words that are derogatory and must not be used by anyone including rap artist and comedians. We live in a country which gives us freedom of speech; yet, Christians are not to pray using the name of JESUS in public events because it might offend someone. That is control.

People use e-mail, smart-phones, social media, written media and the spoken word to bully others, which in turn, results in causing the targeted person much grief, hospitalization, mental problems, self-esteem problems or can even lead him/her to commit suicide. Words are powerful and words written or spoken can work for good or for evil. We think that such use of words pertains only to our modern day but James gives us insight into the power of words during his day. Let’s explore!

Let’s read James 3:1-8:

1 Not many should become teachers, my • brothers, knowing that we will receive a stricter judgment, 2 for we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a mature man who is also able to control his whole body. 3 Now when we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we also guide the whole animal. 4 And consider ships: Though very large and driven by fierce winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So too, though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things. Consider how large a forest a small fire ignites. 6 And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our bodies. It pollutes the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by • hell. 7 Every sea creature, reptile, bird, or animal is tamed and has been tamed by man, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

James begins by referring to teachers. Teachers then and today have a tremendous influence upon those they teach. Parents, grandparents and many others teach children. Teachers speak from a position of authority and have certain credentials which qualify them to teach. Thus, James stated that teachers are going to be held to a higher standard. He was referring to teachers of GOD’S Word, the scripture. They will be held accountable by GOD for rightly dividing GOD’S Word, understanding it and applying it to their lives to live by.

Notice in verse 1, that James puts himself in that category by using the word “we.” James was highlighting the importance and seriousness of those who teach to study, pray, prepare, practice what they teach and present the message GOD lays upon their hearts.

I encourage YOU TO PRAY FOR THOSE WHO TEACH YOU GOD’S WORD. A big bulls-eye is drawn on every teacher by Satan because if he can get them to compromise, fall into sin or misrepresent the truth it will negatively impact so many people.

In the early days of Christianity, church leaders had a problem with false teachers coming into the church espousing false doctrine. Some of the false teachers were called Judaizers and taught that a person had to become a Jew and be circumcised before becoming a Christian.

Being a teacher is a calling by GOD and even though called, a teacher is not perfect. James wrote that all Christians, including teachers, stumble. But those who do not stumble in what they say or do are mature. Mature words spoken reveal that the person has control of his/her entire body.

James gives three illustrations regarding small things, when properly used, control large things or prevents greater devastation:

-         Small bits in the mouths of large animals guide them and make them useful for the riders.

-         A small rudder on a large ship is useful for the captain of the ship to navigate through stormy seas with high winds.

-         A small ignition source used properly is good but if the responsible person lets it get out of control, it results in wide spread devastation.

James admonished Christians to think of their tongue as a fire. We know that an uncontrolled fire can cause a vast amount of devastation. We know the devastation of the forest and homes in California and Yosemite. The rider on the horse controls this large animal by the small bit placed in its mouth. The pilot of the ship controls it by the small rudder safely through stormy seas. Every person is responsible for what comes out of his/her mouth. The responsible person and especially every Christian must control that small thing between his/her teeth called the tongue. Each person must keep in mind that his/her tongue is a fire and must be used responsibly.

In the news, this week, was the story of a young girl who committed suicide because of hateful words being used to bully her. It reveals the wicked heart of those who use words as weapons. With social media available to children, it puts a weapon into their hands that can be used for good or evil.

James continued to admonish Christians to consider the power of the tongue. An uncontrolled tongue not only impacts others but also pollutes those whose tongue is not under control. People can control various animals, reptiles, sea creatures and birds but they are not able to control the tongue. The uncontrolled tongue is restless evil, full of deadly poison.

I recall a story I heard many years ago about a person starting a vicious false rumor about their pastor. The rumor went viral. It made the pastor ill. The person who started the rumor went to the pastor’s home and confessed what he had done. He told the pastor that he was sorry and wanted to know what he could do to rectify what he had done.  The pastor handed him a feather pillow and told him to go to the back door of the house, open the pillowcase, and shake out all the feathers and to come back to him. The man did as the pastor had instructed him and returned with the empty pillowcase. He told the pastor that he had done as the pastor had requested. The man wanted to know what else he could do. The pastor said, “Now go out and gather all the feathers and place them back into the pillowcase.” The man replied quickly that the wind was blowing and the feathers were scattered by the wind and it would be impossible for him to gather all the feathers. The pastor told the man, “I forgive you but you will never be able to tell everyone that the rumor you started was false.”

Fellow Christians, we must be careful about the use of our tongues. They can be used for good when properly controlled and under the authority of the Holy Spirit but when they are out of control they are lethal weapons. The best gun control is for people to control their tongues.

James addressed the importance of controlling the tongue in James 1:26:

26 If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, then his religion is useless and he deceives himself.

The tongue translates what is on the inside of a person to the outside. Man can tame all sorts of animals but when it comes to the tongue it is difficult to impossible to tame. It reveals who rules our lives, CHRIST or Satan. It pollutes the entire body when Satan controls a person’s life and devastates everything in its path because it is an uncontrolled, unrighteous fire.

6 And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our bodies. It pollutes the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by • hell. 7 Every sea creature, reptile, bird, or animal is tamed and has been tamed by man, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

The tongue reveals what is on the inside of a person. JESUS addressed this in Mark 7:14-23:

14 Summoning the crowd again, He told them, “Listen to Me, all of you, and understand: 15 Nothing that goes into a person from outside can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him. [ 16 If anyone has ears to hear, he should listen!]” 17 When He went into the house away from the crowd, the disciples asked Him about the parable. 18 And He said to them, “Are you also as lacking in understanding? Don’t you realize that nothing going into a man from the outside can defile him? 19 For it doesn’t go into his heart but into the stomach and is eliminated.” (As a result, He made all foods • clean.) 20 Then He said, “What comes out of a person —that defiles him. 21 For from within, out of people’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immoralities, thefts, murders, 22 adulteries, greed, evil actions, deceit, promiscuity, stinginess, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a person.”

James continued writing about the tongue and how it reveals our heart toward GOD and others. Let’s read our next scripture.

Let’s read James 3:9-12:

9 We praise our Lord and Father with it, and we curse men who are made in God’s likeness with it. 10 Praising and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers, these things should not be this way. 11 Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water.

James made another observation that Christians can use their tongues to praise the LORD JESUS and GOD and curse fellow humans. How can it be that coming from one source are praises and curses? It shows the deceitful nature of mankind and reveals hearts that are not under the authority of GOD.

Mankind was made in the image of GOD and, in essence, when we curse our fellow man, we are cursing GOD. He wanted Christians to focus on the message that it sends to all who observe their walk with CHRIST. It sends a puzzling message regarding Christians to both fellow Christians and to the non-Christian world.

James used several illustrations to make his point:

-         Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening?

-         Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers, or a grapevine produce figs?

-         Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water.

James answered the questions he posed in his last statement. When Christians take an honest look at themselves, what do they observe? Do they listen to the words they utter? Do they speak to others as they would speak to CHRIST? Some things have to be spoken in a firm voice and tone but often we think that we have to curse to get a point across. Or we think we have to run a person into the ground. I know some people just don’t get it unless you speak firmly and with authority.

But how many times do we as parents or in the work place say, “If you do such-and-such again, such-and such will happen?” Then, when they do it we say it again and again, we say the same thing. Whereas, if we were consistent and did what we told the person we would do, he/she would learn that we meant what we said, even when we used calm a voice and tone. Those in authority must be consistent but they also need wisdom from above and that comes from our relationship with GOD through CHRIST.

How do Christians control their tongues? They need wisdom. Where do Christians get wisdom? True wisdom comes from GOD and the indwelling Holy Spirit. Every Christian is a vessel who contains the indwelling Holy Spirit, the source of living water. When Christians are spewing out bitter, poisonous water it reveals hearts that are not under the control of the Holy Spirit. 

Let’s read James 3:13-18:

The Wisdom from Above Versus Wisdom From Earth

13 Who is wise and has understanding among you? He should show his works by good conduct with wisdom’s gentleness. 14 But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t brag and deny the truth. 15 Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.

There are two kinds of wisdom, one from GOD and one from earth. Wisdom is a product or fruit coming from the work of the Holy Spirit within a Christian. A mature Christian is manifested when he/she has a gentle Spirit controlled by wisdom. Wisdom from GOD comes from our relationship with GOD through CHRIST.

This has been an area I have wrestled with the LORD over for years. I pray for wisdom and then what I do does not come out wisely. So I go to the LORD and say, “But I prayed and asked YOU for wisdom about such-and-such and it did not come out wisely.” The answer I often receive is, “How else are you going to learn to be wise.” That is not the answer I am looking for because I want the solution to reveal the hand of GOD at work. GOD works in many different ways but HIS goal is to shape our lives into the image of CHRIST. It is important that when we ask for wisdom from GOD, that we remain in communication and in relationship with HIM as we seek a solution and implement it. We may need to learn a lesson and if so, we have to suffer the consequences of our actions.

Life is a training ground and I believe most of us want to be wise in all that we do or say. But it is all about our hearts toward GOD, through our relationship with CHRIST.

So how can we tell the difference between wisdom that is from above versus earthly wisdom?

Wisdom from GOD is manifested through the life of the Christian. Wisdom is the product resulting from Christians planting peace in their hearts, which can only begin by accepting, by faith, CHRIST as their Savior. CHRIST, the Prince of Peace, in each person is ground zero. Sanctification is a process which can produce the attributes for being a wise Christian as revealed through their lifestyle and actions. When the Holy Spirit makes the change, it is genuine and revealed naturally with wisdom’s gentleness and humility. That can only be achieved by Christians yielding to the power, leadership and shaping of their lives by the indwelling Holy Spirit. That does not happen quickly.

How do we learn wisdom from GOD? We are subjected to the things in life that cause us to practice wisdom.

Wisdom is a fruit or the product of a Christian’s relationship with GOD through CHRIST. The good soil cultivated and nurtured by the indwelling Holy Spirit is the foundation for wisdom from above. It is imperative that Christians are grafted into CHRIST, the vine, as JESUS stated in John 15:1-5:

1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vineyard keeper. 2 Every branch in Me that does not produce fruit He removes, and He prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. 3 You are already • clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.

The branch produces the fruit. Christians are the branch.

The product that is produced by being grafted into CHRIST is revealed in Galatians 5:22:

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

The wise Christian will reveal wisdom through his/her lifestyle as revealed by James in verse 17 - But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.

When wise Christians allow GOD, through their relationship with CHRIST, to sow the seeds of peace in their lives, GOD will produce the fruit of righteousness. That is peace yields the fruit of righteousness.

Do you wonder why our government leaders do not lead with wisdom from above? It is because many of them do not acknowledge having a relationship with CHRIST. It is not politically correct to ask the people of our nation to pray along with them for wisdom to lead and direct the affairs of our nation, state, county or city. America, when you leave GOD out, the nation will wreak havoc and suffer.

So what does the wisdom from earth look like?

James stated it best:

14 But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t brag and deny the truth. 15 Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil.

The opposite of wisdom from above is earthly wisdom which is revealed by “bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart.”

James tells his Christian readers that when they have bitter envy and selfish ambition in their hearts as evidenced by their lifestyle, it is a wake-up call. Such action is not a badge of honor. It is serious. When Christians begin to brag about having such a nature, it becomes even more serious because the next stage in their decline is for them to deny the truth, which is sin. Sin blocks communication with the Holy Spirit.

When such a lifestyle is manifested in their lives, they must confess it and ask GOD to help them change because the next step is to give control of their lives to Satan because the final stage is for them to deny CHRIST. They will hide their light under a bushel and shrink from being associated with the name of CHRIST. Christians can do the work of Satan and when that happens they are like wolves in sheep’s clothing.

Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. Notice the descending order:

-         Earthly wisdom does not come from GOD even though it may appear to be clever.

-         Unspiritual – Those without the Holy Spirit, non-Christians or Christians who have compromised their lives and built a barrier in their relationship with CHRIST cannot comprehend the wisdom which comes from GOD. Therefore, when those who are Spiritual give solutions from GOD, the unspiritual or compromised Christians cannot comprehend it. Often, the unspiritual, as well as compromised Christians enjoy earthly wisdom.

-         Devilish – Yes, Satan can come as an angel of light. His desire is to deceive and destroy. The non-Christian of course is open to such deception, because he/she relies upon earthly wisdom. The Christian who has compromised their lives can also be deceived by Satan. That is why CHRIST told HIS followers to take up the cross daily. A Christian’s walk is daily and depends upon our relationship with CHRIST and a constant flow of wisdom from above.    

James tells it like it is. Where envy and selfish ambition exists, there is disorder and every kind of evil. Do we have disorder and every kind of evil in the world today?  Yes, and we know that it comes from, earthly wisdom. Contrast earthly wisdom with wisdom from above, which James defines.

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.

Are you an instrument of peace? This does not mean you roll over and play dead when things go awry. When the peace that only CHRIST can give is sown in the hearts of Christians, it produces righteousness, which only comes from GOD. Our relationship with GOD through CHRIST gives Christians unlimited access to GOD Who is the source of wisdom from above. Do you want wisdom from above? Then ask for it and seek an intimate, loving relationship with GOD through CHRIST. Blessings!!!  

Bible Study - Pressure Points - Partiality - James 2:1-13 - September 15, 2013

Bible Study – Pressure Points – The Pressure of Partiality – September 15, 2013

This is lesson three in our series entitled “Pressure Points.”

Our scripture is James 2:1-13

James addressed a problem in the local synagogues. He used the word “meeting” which the Greek word used can mean “synagogue” or “meeting place for official purposes.” James pointed to a problem of some Christians showing favoritism or partiality to the wealthy when they came to worship. The Christian church in that day was young and growing. The situation James referred to may have actually happened or he may have used it as an illustration of a trend he had observed.

The leadership in the early churches likely wanted the church to grow in number for various reasons. First and foremost would have been to gain new converts. They soon discovered that the physical church needed money. They realized that important people, powerful people and wealthy people in the community aligning with them would entice others in the community to join them. It is a form of endorsement for that church. This is true today in some churches.

James was pointing out that showing such partiality or favoritism was a reflection of their hearts and was a sin. It is vital that Christians, especially Christians in leadership positions, be filled with, guided and controlled by the Holy Spirit. Dependence upon the Holy Spirit shows Spiritual growth and maturity in Christians. That is, their calling is to minister to whoever seeks truth, rich or poor. Church leadership must be led and guided by the Holy Spirit not by the glitter of gold, flashy clothes or status in life. That includes Pastor, deacons, elders, teachers, committee leaders and anyone serving in the church. Church leadership tends to get a body to fill a position. The key is for leadership to pray and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to fill positions and those positions filled by those who have the gift from the Holy Spirit for that position. Needs in the church are to be filled by those called. I know, I can hear it now, “If we waited for those who are called to respond, we would never fill certain needs.” The question is do we want to be involved in a church that depends upon the leadership of the Holy Spirit in all aspects of church life? Do we trust for our LORD to provide?

There is a church I know about where leadership was led by the LORD for that church to become a Holy Spirit led church. The pastor was led by the Holy Spirit to match the gifts of the Spirit to the various committees which the church had. It was to be a Holy Spirit led church. It was to take a year to for the transition to take place. Unfortunately, it never happened. Often, tradition overrules allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and build a solid foundation.   

Let’s explore.

Let’s read James 2:1-4:

1 My • brothers, do not show favoritism as you hold on to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. 2 For example, a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and a poor man dressed in dirty clothes also comes in. 3 If you look with favor on the man wearing the fine clothes and say, “Sit here in a good place,” and yet you say to the poor man, “Stand over there,” or, “Sit here on the floor by my footstool,” 4 haven’t you discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

First, we see that James was addressing fellow Christians when he referred to “my brothers.” He also made it clear that he was addressing his remarks to those who had placed their faith in CHRIST. They were not just believers in name only but believers who had a genuine relationship with CHRIST. He did not mince words regarding something he had either observed or saw a trend brewing in their midst. Showing favoritism or partiality was not in keeping with the message of CHRIST or being a Christian. He gave his brothers and sisters in CHRIST a graphic example to make his point.

A person dressed to the nines came to worship. This person had means based upon how he was dressed and his gold ring that caught their attention. Another person came in who was, as we used to say, dirt poor. The poor person had on dirty clothes. He might have had an unpleasant smell. These two men arrive at the meeting at the same time. The church leaders or greeters welcomed the wealthy person with open arms and treated him with respect. They were very gracious to him, whereas, those same leaders or greeters treated the obviously poor person with contempt. The poor person, the wealthy person and others knew there was a double standard in this group.

I think most of us have lived long enough to have seen similar treatment toward the rich and powerful when they visited our church. I know in one church where we were members, a well known business man joined our church and immediately there was a buzz of excitement. There was speculation that he would be a good donor and possibly would provide relief to some of our debt.

Some members hope that the well-known person will act like a magnet to bring others into the congregation to help the church grow.

James was getting at the heart of our motivation for doing the things we do as Christians. Certain motivations reflect our heart and our relationship with CHRIST. Are we being led by the Holy Spirit or is our flesh nature revealing itself when we show favoritism or partiality? It is a measure of a Christian’s Spiritual growth and maturity. Every human came into earth empty-handed and we all will leave empty-handed. The world is a blend of all sorts of people and all have Spiritual needs. The example that CHRIST set was not to discriminate. The gospel is for everyone, rich or poor. James revealed that when Christians discriminate, evil lurks in their hearts because they still have areas in their lives that need to come under the authority of CHRIST.

This goes back to our previous lessons in this series. When we face certain issues in our lives, personally or as a church body, they could be trials. How we, individually or collectively, respond to these trials reveals our heart. Is our response to the issues of life a response of the flesh or of the Holy Spirit?  Has the Holy Spirit renewed our hearts and minds to be in-tune and in harmony with the desires of GOD toward others through our relationship with CHRIST?

How Christians respond to certain people reflects their hearts, good or not so good. We, as Christians, reflect CHRIST in our lives and are accountable to GOD.

Let’s read James 2:5-7:

5 Listen, my dear brothers: Didn’t God choose the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that He has promised to those who love Him? 6 Yet you dishonored that poor man. Don’t the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? 7 Don’t they blaspheme the noble name that was pronounced over you at your baptism?

James began verse 5 by telling his audience of fellow Christians, “listen.” The Greek word use for “listen” carries the idea of paying close attention to what he was writing to them, to understand it, comprehend it and apply it.

GOD chose the poor to be rich in faith. This meant that those who are Spiritually poor seek strength and growth from GOD. They seek GOD’S guidance and wisdom. JESUS said it well in HIS sermon on the mount in Matthew 5:3:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Those who are physically rich in the things of life often feel that they do not need GOD in their lives until they get into trouble. The physically rich often tend to be self-sufficient and prey upon the poor. James made the point that GOD looks at the heart. Often, the poor have a servant’s heart and that is what the Kingdom of GOD is all about.

The wealthy who know what it is like to live poor often have a willing heart to serve.  

Our attitude toward others reveals much about our relationship with CHRIST and our Spiritual growth and maturity. James deals with the reality of having such bias attitudes and natures toward others. When prejudice, discrimination, favoritism or partiality surfaces in our lives it needs to be a wake-up call for a Spiritual checkup.

The rich are the very group that makes the life of the poor difficult, yet there are those in the Christian church who want to cater to them. So, what is the solution? Indeed, there is a solution which leads us to our next scripture.

Let’s read James 2:8-13:

8 Indeed, if you keep the royal law prescribed in the Scripture, Love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well. 9 But if you show favoritism, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the entire law, yet fails in one point, is • guilty of breaking it all. 11 For He who said, Do not commit adultery, also said, Do not murder. So if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you are a lawbreaker. 12 Speak and act as those who will be judged by the law of freedom. 13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who hasn’t shown mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

James directs Christians to keep the “royal law” in mind when they are tempted to discriminate. If Christians will keep in their minds that GOD’S desire is for them to “Love your neighbor as yourself” everything else will fall into place when serving the LORD. They will know that all humans, rich or poor, are our neighbors.

Discriminating, showing partiality or favoritism is a form of judgment and it is a sin. It is the same as breaking one of the Ten Commandments.

Many of the members of the Christian church were former followers of the Jewish religion. In Judaism, they considered the wealthy to be blessed by GOD and that GOD was punishing the poor or sick because of some sin.

Also, Judaism had a tendency to rank order the Commandments, meaning that they considered some of the Commandments being more important to obey than others. James listed two of the Ten Commandments – adultery and murder. Adultery and murder relate to a person and point to the value of considering any person as their neighbor. Breaking either commandment is the same as breaking all of the Commandments.

Sin is sin and showing favoritism or partiality is a sin, therefore, Christians must not judge the poor versus the wealthy by discriminating. Those who know the truth through their relationship with CHRIST know that in CHRIST they are under the “law of freedom.” GOD through CHRIST had forgiven them and shown them mercy and they, in turn, must keep that in their minds when dealing with fellow humans. By the same judgment and mercy they show others, GOD will use to judge them.

Christians live under the “law of freedom” as such, they have been forgiven for a debt they cannot repay and have received mercy, grace and love from GOD, which they, in turn, need to extend it to others. With such freedom comes responsibility and accountability. Christians are accountable to GOD.  

JESUS addressed this in Matthew 7:1-5:

1 “Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged. 2 For with the judgment you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the log in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a log in your eye? 5 Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

Does this mean that Christians are to overlook situations that are going on around them? No, Christians are to hate the sin but love the sinner. They are to consider how, do they measure up according to GOD’S requirements. Yes, Christians are forgiven for their past, present and future sins but that does not give them a license to discriminate. Christians are a work in progress.

GOD looks at the heart and does not look at the outward appearance. When Christians are filled and led by the Holy Spirit, they are more apt to look at a fellow human through the eyes of GOD. GOD made this clear to Prophet Samuel when he was searching for a king to replace King Saul as recorded in 1 Samuel 16:6-7: (Eliab was the oldest son of Jesse, David’s eldest brother. Eliab was handsome, well built and looked kingly. Eliab in the eyes of the Prophet Samuel fit the criteria.)

6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and said, “Certainly the Lord’s anointed one is here before Him.” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature, because I have rejected him. Man does not see what the Lord sees, for man sees what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.”

Even those chosen by GOD to do HIS will, can be misled by their own bias. If they will listen to GOD, they will select correctly.

So many business people look for that certain look or pedigree but the question is can he/she do the job?

 JESUS gave us a parable which helps us to better understand the “law of freedom”, which we are to extend to others.

Let’s read Matthew 18:21-35:

21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how many times could my brother sin against me and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 “I tell you, not as many as seven,” Jesus said to him, “but 70 times seven. 23 For this reason, the kingdom of heaven can be compared to a king who wanted to settle accounts with his • slaves. 24 When he began to settle accounts, one who owed 10, 000 talents was brought before him. 25 Since he had no way to pay it back, his master commanded that he, his wife, his children, and everything he had be sold to pay the debt. 26 “At this, the slave fell facedown before him and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you everything!’ 27 Then the master of that slave had compassion, released him, and forgave him the loan. 28 “But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him 100 • denarii. He grabbed him, started choking him, and said, ‘Pay what you owe!’ 29 “At this, his fellow slave fell down and began begging him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ 30 But he wasn’t willing. On the contrary, he went and threw him into prison until he could pay what was owed. 31 When the other slaves saw what had taken place, they were deeply distressed and went and reported to their master everything that had happened. 32 “Then, after he had summoned him, his master said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Shouldn’t you also have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And his master got angry and handed him over to the jailers to be tortured until he could pay everything that was owed. 35 So My heavenly Father will also do to you if each of you does not forgive his brother from his heart.”

With freedom comes responsibility. Our human nature must be brought under the control and authority of the indwelling Holy Spirit. That is done through the process of sanctification. GOD is creating in HIS children a new mind and a new heart as they interact with HIM and journey through life.

Being a Christian is more than a label, it is a lifestyle. When we walk as the Holy Spirit leads us, we do not have to tell others that we are a Christian, they can see CHRIST revealed in our lives by our actions. When we show partiality or favoritism it sends the wrong message.

The “law of freedom” carries an awesome responsibility and can only be lived by the power, strength and guidance of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Pressure Points - The Pressure of Temptation - James 1:13-18 - September 8, 2013

Bible Study – Pressure Points – The Pressure of Temptation – September 8, 2013

This is lesson two in our series entitled “Pressure Points.”

Our scripture is James 1:13-18.

The Greek word used for tempt can mean “to test” or “to tempt” depending on the context. GOD allowed HIS only Son to be tempted at the beginning of HIS ministry by Satan. Yes, GOD will allow Satan to test HIS children. A test can turn into a temptation, which, in turn, can result in sin. GOD knows the end result of a test but the person being tested does not know. A test is for the benefit of the person being tested. It points to flaws which may not be apparent to the person. So why do it? It is to reveal and fix a flaw, if present, to make us more useable.

Luke 4:1

1 Then Jesus returned from the Jordan, full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness 2 for 40 days to be tempted by the Devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over, He was hungry. 3 The Devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” 4 But Jesus answered him, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone.” 5 So he took Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 The Devil said to Him, “I will give You their splendor and all this authority, because it has been given over to me, and I can give it to anyone I want. 7 If You, then, will worship me, all will be Yours.” 8 And Jesus answered him, “It is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.” 9 So he took Him to Jerusalem, had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. 10 For it is written: He will give His angels orders concerning you, to protect you, 11 and they will support you with their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. ” 12 And Jesus answered him, “It is said: Do not test the Lord your God.” 13 After the Devil had finished every temptation, he departed from Him for a time. Ministry in Galilee 14 Then Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread throughout the entire vicinity. 15 He was teaching in their • synagogues, being acclaimed by everyone.

JESUS, full of the Spirit, was led into the wilderness for 40 days. JESUS was full of the Spirit. Often, temptation or a test follows a time when Christians have experienced a special Spiritual time in their lives.

Have you been to a Christian conference, worship service or Bible study and experienced the presence of the LORD and you are Spiritually, so-to-speak, filled to the brim? And when you return home or to work everything just seems to go wrong?

At the conference or meeting you were on the Spiritual mountain top fellowshipping with GOD, fellowshipping with fellow Christians, filled with the Holy Spirit and then returned to the routine of life. You go from the Spiritual mountain top to the valley of despair dealing with the reality of life. Most often our Spiritual growth takes place in the valley.

We live in a sinful world and when we return to the realities of life, these are the places where we can apply what we learned on the Spiritual mountain top. Satan’s desire is to rob us of our witness for the LORD and for us, who know the truth, not to apply what has been revealed to us. So we often experience chaos. That is when we need to pause, pray and talk with the LORD.

We need to keep in mind that JESUS was 100% human and as such HE was tempted in the same ways as any human.

The fact GOD allowed JESUS to be tempted confirmed HIS humanity. If JESUS was GOD, then the temptation was mute because GOD cannot be tempted. Of course, the other confirmation of JESUS’ humanity was confirmed in the fact that HE died. When GOD resurrected JESUS, HE was fully GOD in HIS Glorified body which is suitable for both earth and heaven.

JESUS had nothing to eat for 40 days and HE was hungry. The scripture did not say HE did not have anything to drink, being human HE needed water.

Satan comes when he thinks we are the most vulnerable. JESUS knew that HIS time had come to begin HIS ministry. Satan tempts by appealing to our human nature and needs. Just imagine how Satan must have tempted JESUS to turn the stones, which looked like bread into bread. Satan may have said something like, “JESUS, You are the promised Messiah and You are about to starve to death. A dead Messiah is of no use to GOD. Certainly, GOD wants You to use Your power to save Yourself. After all You are the promised Messiah. You have the power and GOD, Your Father, wants You to use it rather than depending upon HIM to provide You with food! Why else would HE give You such power? Now is the time GOD wants You to try Your power out.” JESUS was tempted and HE had to make a choice, do I do this to test My Spiritual powers or do I depend upon My Father to provide for me? I think, the temptation of JESUS was the most intense any human has ever been subjected to. A disobedient Messiah would have been useless.

Notice how JESUS dealt with Satan, HE quoted scripture to him and JESUS relied upon scripture to lead and guide HIM. HE set the example for how all Christians are to respond when dealing with Satan and the temptations of everyday life.

Also notice in verse 10, that Satan knows the scripture as well and he quoted it to JESUS. Christians need to know scripture, understand it and apply it as they journey through life in harmony with the indwelling Holy Spirit. Christians must walk in the Spirit. Satan is like a roaring lion seeking whom he might devour. A roaring lion is a hungry lion, which is ready to pounce upon his prey. Christians must stay ready.

I have heard Christians, who had certain addictions, printing scripture on cards and taking the scripture cards with them wherever they went. When they faced temptation, they would refer to the scripture cards. Building the power to resist temptation did not happen overnight, it takes time and perseverance. It is important for all Christians to keep their focus upon the LORD JESUS and HIS power through scripture memory or use scripture cards and rely upon the indwelling Holy Spirit.

All Christians will be tempted but is the temptation a trial or a temptation? It is not a matter of if but when temptation comes our way. A trial can turn into a temptation. The intent of a trial is to help Christians grow and mature Spiritually. A trial can turn into a temptation. How can that happen? Temptation comes from within and reveals a character flaw. When the character flaw is revealed we have a choice. Do we do something to bring it under control and bring healing or do we let it remain in our lives because we enjoy it being there.

Often, when Christians are tempted they keep it quite. That is exactly what Satan wants. Cover it up after all you have the power to resist. When temptation comes our way, I think we need to confide in our spouse or our best Christian friend, who I hope for all married folks their best friend is their spouse. When we try to hide it, Satan knows it is just a matter of time until we yield to the temptation. He has been at it for a long, long time.

Our pastor did the right things when he sensed that he was in the early stages of mid-life crisis. The first person he told was his wife. That was wise.   

GOD tested Abraham when HE told him to offer Isaac as a burnt offering. That meant Isaac would be killed, burned and rendered a pile of ashes. Abraham had faith that GOD would raise Isaac from the ashes and restore his life. How do we know that? Genesis 22:4-6:

4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there to worship; then we’ll come back to you.” 6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and laid it on his son Isaac. In his hand he took the fire and the sacrificial knife, and the two of them walked on together.

What if Abraham was tempted to go through with the sacrifice as GOD had directed him, even after GOD provided the sacrificial animal in the bushes, just to test GOD and prove to himself that HE would restore Isaac?  Christians or people have to be careful that they do not test GOD to prove HIS existence or HIS power in their lives.

We see that JESUS responded to Satan with scripture and Satan responded to JESUS with scripture. That is why Christians need to know the Bible and memorize scripture. Scripture is a Christian’s weapon when he/she battles temptation or succumbs to it and sins. JESUS quoted scripture each time Satan tried to tempt HIM.

The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:13:

13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it.

Temptation is inherent in being human. As stated, as we began the study of this lesson, the Greek word can mean “to test” or “to tempt.” GOD tests but HE does not tempt. Temptation comes from our flesh nature. Commonly we think of being tempted to sin sexually but we can be tempted to try drugs, steal, gamble, embezzle, over eat, become involved with pornography and list goes on and on. The pleasure of sin is temporary, fleeting and has consequences. Christians are tempted but they must consider that sin is most often enslaving and leads to destruction. When Christians choose not to yield to sin, it leads them to Spiritual growth, maturity and obedient service as led by the Holy Spirit. But when they do sin, they are to confess and repent. GOD forgives and restores. 1 John 1:9.

Let’s read James 1:13:

13 No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God.” For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn’t tempt anyone.

Most of us want to point to someone else as the cause of our sin. Often, we might say, “The devil made me do it” or “GOD tempted me.” It all began in the Garden of Eden. It is called the “transfer of guilt.” Notice in Genesis 3:10-13 when GOD questioned Adam about what happened:

10 And he (Adam) said, “I heard You in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.” 11 Then He asked, “Who told you that you were naked? Did you eat from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” 12 Then the man replied, “The woman You gave to be with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate.” 13 So the Lord God asked the woman, “What is this you have done?” And the woman said, “It was the serpent. He deceived me, and I ate.”

Pointing to someone else for our sin began a long time ago.

GOD will allow Christians to be tested but HE does not tempt them but as stated earlier, temptation can result in sin. It is up to us. We are in control of what we allow into our minds and hearts.

But when we do sin, 1 John 1:8-10 reveals:

8 If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say, “We don’t have any sin,” we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

In our next scripture, James gives us the anatomy of sin.

Let’s read James 1:14-15:  (The anatomy of sin.)

14 But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. 15 Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.

The path to sin starts within each person. He, as used here, applies to male or female. Christians are dawn away from what they know is the right thing they should do. Keep in mind that Satan’s desire is to defeat and destroy any human, Christian or non-Christian. We were born into a sinful world and our nature is to sin. The Greek word for “sin” is missing the mark. The idea was the archer shooting an arrow at a target with a bull’s-eye on it and missing it.

The path to sin is to withdraw from GOD first of all and others who care for us. Our internal desires kick in when we have withdrawn from that which keeps us from doing that which we know we should not do.

After our desire kicks in and our inhibitions have been either removed or neutralized, conception takes place. Once conceived, the deed is done, unless an abortion takes place in our lives.

As with any conception, the result, unless aborted, is a birth. In this case, the birth is sin. When sin is fully grown it results in death. People do have an opportunity to nick what has been conceived in the bud and terminate the process but most often they let it go to completion, which is death. Sin leads to death.

The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 6:23a – “For the wages of sin is death” (NIV)

Death means spiritual death or eternal death. Sin results in the death of a relationship with GOD. Sin is a barrier. Just as physical death terminates our fellowship and relationship with the deceased person. Sin breaks our relationship and fellowship with CHRIST. Regarding sin, only confession and repentance can bring back life and restore our relationship and fellowship with GOD through CHRIST.

Let’s read the second part of Romans 6:23b – “but the gift of GOD is eternal life in CHRIST JESUS our LORD” (NIV)

James focuses our attention on the source of our sin. Sin results from the desires, cravings and lust of the person leading and enticing him/her. We can think of these as seeds. When we plant a seed it has to be placed in the right soil, fertilized, proper environment and watered. When nurtured it produces a product.

The things Christians allow to come into their lives produce a product. When Christians allow GOD’S Word to come into their lives, it produces a product, fruit of the Spirit. When Christians allow the things of the world into their lives they produce a product. Some things are benign and others can enslave.

James tells us that conception takes place when we allow things to enter our lives. Good things produce good fruit and bad things produce bad fruit. Every human chooses what he/she allows into his/her life. Only the power of GOD can free us from the bad that we allow into our lives.

Let’s read James 1:16-18:

16 Don’t be deceived, my dearly loved brothers. 17 Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning. 18 By His own choice, He gave us a new birth by the message of truth so that we would be the • firstfruits of His creatures.

James made it clear in verse 16 that he was writing to his brothers and sisters in CHRIST, those who had experienced the miracle of Spiritual rebirth. Fellow Christians were GOD’S children and therefore his siblings. Some Christians get the notion that once they are born into GOD’S family, everything in life is supposed to go well. The Jews had the notion, if things went wrong in a person’s life, he /she had sinned and GOD was punishing that person. Consider Job.

In verse 17, James wanted his fellow Christians to focus on the truth of the miracle of rebirth, the gift GOD had given them. GOD did not have to do it but because HE did, it revealed HIS love and HIS heart toward all who place their faith in CHRIST. The gift of rebirth comes from GOD as the result of HIS love, mercy and grace.

HIS love for a Christian does not change when things don’t seem to go as they should in a Christian’s life. Often, Christians think that GOD is against them. GOD is the unchanging, the steady, trustworthy source of Spiritual light to all who live in Spiritual darkness, as well as to all Christians. HE is right there with all HIS children when they go through tough times. HE sends HIS angels to protect those who are to receive Salvation. Yes, those who are to receive salvation have guardian angels. They respond according the GOD’S orders.

Those who worshipped pagan gods had to be careful how they approached one of their pagan gods or the tone of voice they used when speaking to them because they claimed these false gods were fickle. You could make them mad and they would not do anything for those who worshipped them. Of course, these gods were dead and unresponsive. They were mere man-made objects made from stone or wood.

GOD is not fickle. GOD, The Father of CHRIST is the source of true Spiritual light. Because GOD is the source of true Spiritual light, HIS message of salvation through CHRIST is true and will never change. Salvation is just the beginning of the process for growing and maturing Spiritually. It is the process of sanctification.

Salvation, through faith in CHRIST, was not a plan devised by man. It was GOD’S choice, HIS plan and HIS gift to mankind to all who will place their faith in CHRIST because of HIS love, mercy and grace for humans. Just as CHRIST was the first to be resurrected from the dead and to receive HIS Glorified body, so will those who place their faith in HIM receive eternal life and at the second coming of CHRIST they will receive their Glorified body. CHRIST was the firstfruits of a bountiful Spiritual harvest through faith in CHRIST.

The Jews were familiar with the practice of giving the first of their harvest to GOD when the Israelites arrived in the Promised Land. The practice is referred to in Deuteronomy 26:9-10:

9 He led us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. 10 I have now brought the first of the land’s produce that You, Lord, have given me.

The Israelites recognized that GOD had brought them to the Promised Land and the bounty of the land was HIS gift to them. The resurrected JESUS is GOD’S gift to all mankind and it is HIS assurance of eternal life to all who place their faith in CHRIST. Only GOD can produce a product. If GOD had not given mankind food and food that reproduces, mankind would be extinct. Most of us take food for granted and do not realize that our existence depends upon it. Our eternal existence depends upon GOD, HIS mercy, grace, love and the passion of CHRIST.

JESUS is the firstfruit Who died as a human and by doing so conquered death. As proof, GOD resurrected CHRIST physically from the dead, as the firstfruit, to confirm that JESUS paid the price for sin in full. Not only was CHRIST resurrected as a human but GOD gave HIM HIS new Glorified body, which every Christian will receive at the second coming of CHRIST.

Until then, Christians who exit their earth suit in physical death have a special Spiritual body fashioned by GOD for them to use in heaven while waiting for HIS return. When HE returns those who have died receive their new Glorified bodies as well as the Christians who are alive upon earth. All will return to heaven with CHRIST and tribulation will begin upon earth.

The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corintiahns 15:20-23:

20 But now hath Christ been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of them that are asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ's, at his coming.

Every person that places his/her faith in CHRIST receives forgiveness for their sin, eternal life, the miracle of rebirth into the family of GOD, citizenship in heaven and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Once a person is born into GOD’S family, he/she will never be unborn. Christians must keep in mind that obedience does have eternal rewards.

It is GOD’S desire for all of HIS children to become fully mature Christians. That does not happen in a flash. It is a process called sanctification. Being a Christian is not easy but the rewards are beyond our imagination or comprehension. The choice is up to each individual.

First, a person chooses whether or not to accept CHRIST as his/her Savior and if he/she does, then the choice is whether or not to obediently serve HIM. Some get their fire insurance and stop. The abundant life comes from yielding your life to CHRIST and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and guide your life. It will not be easy but it is an awesome journey. Blessings!!!