Saturday, August 20, 2016

The Book of James: Putting Faith to Work! (Chapter 3:13-18)



Hello Friends!

Welcome back to our Monday morning Daily Devotions summer series titledThe Book of James: Putting Faith to Work!

The Book of James: Putting Faith to Work!

This week we will continue our reading of verses 13-18 in completion of chapter 3 as we consider Two Wisdoms…

As we examine this next powerful section of James' wonderful epistle, he continues outlining a series of tests proving true “faith” in Jesus Christ. Here we'll be considering the concept of the “two wisdoms” available. One is heavenly the other is earthly. One is godly the other is demonic. One is true the other is false. One is good and the other is evilA very important distinction!

When considering this very important portion of Scripture, we will learn that what James is saying through the New Testament is exactly what the Old Testament has already said! Wisdom is divided into two kinds… One represents the “wisdom” of man and the other represents the “wisdom” of God. In other words, this subject matter is not a foreign concept throughout the Biblical narrative – Words of Wisdom!

Two Wisdoms: Which One?

Many people might claim they possess “wisdom” but the question to ask and discern is this: Is it the “wisdom” of men or the “wisdom” of God? Again, there is a distinctive difference! Therefore, James begins this portion of his excellent epistle by asking a simple question in calling true “believers” to a solemn self-examination and then follows it up with an equally simple answer of action:

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom – James 3:13

If we claim to be “wise” among the “brethren” and our “wisdom” is indeed from the Lord, the burden of proof is with us to verify that we possess His “wise” attributes. How do we verify this? James says it is “shown” by our “works” done in “meekness” and by the “wisdom” of God expressed through our lives. In other words, it is “him” who proves this “wisdom” from God to be true by another test of his “good conduct” through specific “works” performed with an attitude of “meekness” – For God’s glory!

THEOLOGICAL THOUGHTS: It is interesting to note that this is the only time in the entire New Testament where the two words “wise” and “understanding” appear together. The word "understanding" in the Greek refers to a specialist or a highly skilled professional. The word for "wisdom" in the Greek refers to speculative knowledge, theory or philosophy. However, the Hebrew infuses "wisdom" with a much deeper meaning with the ability to apply our “knowledge” to the matter of “living” out life. Therefore, in the Greek culture "wisdom" was sheer speculation and in the Hebrew culture "wisdom" was a matter of practical living. The simple distinction here is that “understanding” relates to the knowledge of life principles whereas “wisdom” relates to the application of those life principles. In other words, we can't really be “wise” if we don't “understand” and we can't really “understand” if we’re not “wise” – Makes perfect sense!

False Wisdom

First, James continues by analyzing the false worldly “wisdom” that is not of God, has no “obedienceto God and has no true “knowledgefrom God. And James now goes on to “teach” us several points concerning this wickedwisdom” that is from below:

But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there – James 3:14-16

Here we're introduced to the man-centered motivation for all false human “wisdom” of which is found within the “heart” of “sinful” and “fallen” man-kind. There are two attributes that motivate this human “wisdom” of which are “bitter envy” and “self-seeking” ambition. And these “fleshly” attributes manifest attitudes of which “boasts” and “lies” against the “truth” of God and His Word. James goes on to say that this “wisdom” is “earthly,” “sensual,” and “demonic” in nature – From Satan himself!

This is similar to what the Apostle Paul said in writing to the young pastor Timothy in describing the “false teachers” of whom were teaching “doctrines of demons” generated by the “seducing spirits” of Satan’s invention:

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of demons – 1 Timothy 4:1

In other words, this wicked “wisdom” is not of true “faith” but is from – The pit of hell!

The dilemma of “unbelievers” who think themselves to be “wise” is that the reality is they are actually fools! The worldly, finite system of “unregenerate” men are “living” in stark “confusion” filled chaos and do not know God. They are demanding a humanistic “wisdom” along with every “evil thing” and nothing else. Everything they seek to accomplish is limited to the corruption of “fallen” man's “fleshly” and sinister system of thought. It pervades their “worldly” philosophy, education and every other dimension of his life – Everything is evil foolishness!

True Wisdom

Conversely, James describes for “us” the true godly “wisdom” from heaven of which is “imputed” to the true “believer” in ever-increasing measure as they “grow up” in the “sanctifying” power of the Holy Spirit, baring much “good fruit” for God:

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace – James 3:17-18

This “wisdom” is first “pure” and implies a sincere, moral spiritual “character” that is free from bitter jealousy, selfish ambition and arrogant self-promotion. This “wisdom” is also “peaceable,” very “gentle,” and is “willing to yield” in all humility. It is also “full” of much “mercy” and many godly “good fruits” of which does not show personal “partiality” or “hypocrisy” of a self-serving fake or phony nature. True “righteousness” is equated with God’s “wisdom” because it is “sown” in “peace” that produces a “righteous” life. As we sow the “fruit of righteousness” it produces even morerighteousness” in our lives. Therefore, James says this kind of “believer” has a “pure heart” and motives with a deep desire to “obey” God's “will,” to “serve” God and to “love” God with his life. This is the Biblical law of – Sowing and Reaping!

In fact, many of these Holy Spirit inspired “fruits” can also be found in the Apostle Paul’s epistle to the “brethren” throughout the region of Galatia:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law – Galatians 5:22-23

By the way, that's also the condition of a true “believer” as indicated in the Beatitudes taught by James’ big brother Jesus Christ:

Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God – Matthew 5:8

The word "see" here means to “understand” more fully. In other words, it is the “pure” hearted who really “understand” God! To “understand” God more and more is truewisdom” and those who have it in an increasing measure are those “believers” who possess a “pure heart” for the Lord. This “wisdom” from God does not create confusion, disorder or self-promotion. It is “peace” loving and will never attempt to compromise God’s “truth” but makes “peace” with Him! Therefore, James is building on our familiarity with Jesus’ very own – Sermon on the Mount!

REAL REFLECTIONS: We know that “wisdom” began for the true “believer” at the point when one was ushered into a personal relationship with God by His reverential “salvation” through “faith” in Jesus Christ alone. In fact, it is of Him through Whom our true “wisdom” is found, as He is the embodiment of all these wonderful characteristics! And when He takes up residence in our “lives” through the Holy Spirit, His nature becomes yours and mine in an increasing and “sanctifying” measure. And although it is a test of a “believer” to manifest the “wisdom” of God, none of us will arrive to the fullest possible capacity this side of Heaven – We are a work of God in progress!

In closing:

According to philosophers throughout the centuries, “wisdom” is that for which man should most singly strive for in life. In fact, Cicero in 52 B.C. had this to say concerning “wisdom”:

"Wisdom is the best gift of the gods, it is the mother of all good things. The best and that which generates all of the best."

That sums up what most “unbelieving” philosophers throughout the ages have felt about “wisdom” itself. Why? Because if one had true “wisdom” he could get just about anything else – The chief pursuit of sinful man!

Summarizing the Scriptures: Among many places throughout the five books of “wisdom” literature found in the Bible (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon) we find similar promises pertaining to the “acquiring’ of “wisdom” and “understanding” such as this one example:

Acquire wisdom and with all your acquiring get understanding – Proverbs 4:7

And let’s not forget the story of the wisest man in the world Solomon found in the Old Testament book of 1 Kings when the Lord appeared to him in a dream and inquired:

“Ask! What shall I give you?” – 1 Kings 3:5b

Solomon’s answer pleased the Lord! Here is God’s response pertaining to Solomon’s answer and great plea for the truewisdom” of which is only from “heaven” above:

The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” – 1 Kings 3:10-14

This is God’s great grace! Whether approaching “wisdom” from the viewpoint of a philosopher or the viewpoint of a writer of Scripture. A premium is set on the acquisition of “wisdom” of sorts… Beloved, we” too as “believers” can have God’swisdom” in our lives today! How? We must sincerely and unselfishly inquire of “God” – Ask, seek and knock!

QUIZZING QUESTIONS: Do you have the “wisdom” of God? The answer is found in the “character” of your life by the specific “deeds” you do with a godly “attitude” to match. God's “wisdom” identifies those “believers” who belong to Jesus Christ – Is your life one of worldly wisdom or Divine wisdom?

Thank you for reading! Don’t miss next week’s continued study of The Book of James: Putting Faith to Work!

May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to bless you with His perfect love, mercy and grace!

Keep looking up and sharing the Gospel while there is still time… Hallelujah and Maranatha – come quickly Lord Jesus!

Blessings!
Shane <><

Friday, August 19, 2016

Attitudes

Hebrews 4:12-13

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Picture for me, if you would, walking into the cafeteria at lunch time.  You’ve just gotten off a really tough client call, or you just finished working on a long project where the client was hurrying you, or maybe your toddler kept you up all night after you’ve had a really rough week and really needed the sleep.  You’re in a foul mood, just wanting to kick something. 

All of a sudden someone walks by you that is super bubbly and happy.  They are smiling and look your way and simply say to you, “Isn’t it a beautiful day?” 

How do you respond?  Now remember, you’re really not in a great mood right then. 

If I were honest with myself, there are times that what I wanted to respond with would not be all too friendly.  Not that this person has done anything, simply because at that point in time, my thoughts and attitude is not pure. 

I want to encourage you to meditate on the verses above.  No matter what we face, we want to make sure that our thoughts and attitudes are pleasing to God.  He sees all and knows all.  How can we focus on having a better mindset when the rough days come?


Pray today that you can be more like Christ in thoughts, words and deeds.

Monday, August 15, 2016

Tues Devo: Stars

Psalm 147:1-6 “Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant and praise is becoming. The Lord builds up Jerusalem; He gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them. Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite. The Lord supports the afflicted; He brings down the wicked to the ground.” (NASB)

Hello,

Some borrowed inspiration from a song today. I was listening to this song talk about God holding the stars and also holding our hearts. It really got me thinking about how amazing it is that the creator of all the world still focuses on individuals. We are not too small – we are extremely significant in His eyes. I did some searching, and found the above passage from the Psalms. The verses start by talking about the goodness of God, but move from Him being good to the collective whole (building up Jerusalem), to referencing segments of His chosen people (outcasts) and then gets specific with binding up the wounds of the broken hearted. Then, right after he gets personal and specific, the psalmist says that this same God counts the number of the starts and gives them names! Then goes right back to how He supports those who are afflicted.

I have no idea if this is the inspiration the songwriter had, but check out some of the lyrics out below. I pray you are encouraged by this today.

You spoke a word and life began
Told oceans where to start and where to end
You set in motion time and space
But still you come and you call to me by name
Still you come and you call to me by name

If you can hold the stars in place
You can hold my heart the same
Whenever I fall away
Whenever I start to break
So here I am, lifting up my heart
To the one who holds the stars

The deepest depths, the darkest nights
Can't separate, can't keep me from your sight
I get so lost, forget my way
But still you love and you don't forget my name

(Lyrics from “Stars” by Skillet)