The Overcomers Blessing: James 1:12-18

 

Introduction

The book of James is a very practical book. It was written by the brother of Jesus who was very concerned how people lived in their day to day life. He like Jesus grew up in a culture filled with religious people. Often however there was no connection between people's religion and everyday life. Naturally everyone agrees that it is good to resist temptation. Yet when you are in the midst of the temptation it is not easy to resist the temptation. What practical advice could James give to those who faced the temptation to turn away from God due to persecution? James focuses them and us on the prize that is ahead of us. The student who wants to quit when the studying becomes hard and boring thinks of the goal of graduation and endures. I am sure you can think of many examples of this basic life principle. In 1 Corinthians chapter 9 verse 25 Paul writes about athletes going into training to obtain the crown (the Greeks gave the winner of a race a crown, sort of like we give athletes a gold medal today). Paul states that we also will receive a crown and should therefore be like athletes and focus on the goal. Hebrews chapter 11 is filled with examples of people who endured terrible trials and temptations yet they endured and obtained the crown.

Some Background Information

The word that is translated as trials in verse 2 and 12 is the same exact word that is translated temptation in verses 13-14. From this we can see that these verses are a continuation of the first section dealing with trials. In verses 14-15 James gives a great description of how sin is born and how sin leads to death. Understanding how this works helps us in a practical way to break the cycle of temptation - sin - death. A vivid example of how temptation works is also found in Proverbs chapter 7 verses 6-23. Asking God for help is a key component of breaking out of the sin cycle and becoming an overcomer. James description of God's willingness to help is a great encouragement to all of us who face temptation.

Devotional Ideas

1. Identify a patterns of sin in your life and specifically ask God for help in those areas. He will help.

2. Explain to someone verses 13-15

Final Thoughts

The crown of life will be glorious. It will make everything we have suffered more than worthwhile. Let us keep our focus on that crown and never give up!

James 1:1-11: The Purpose of Testing

 

Introduction

Joy and trials do not seem to go together. In fact much of what the Bible has to say makes no sense to us. The reason for this is that God looks at things from an entirely different perspective or point of view than we do. We focus on the present God focuses on the eternal. We focus on our comfort God focuses on our character. Once we begin to align our way of thinking with God's way of thinking then God's word make perfect sense. In these verses James sets forth the reason why trials of many kinds are actually a benefit to us. The basic rational is as follows: Trials develop patience and patience builds mature character leading to stability in life and faith. Similar ideas are found in Romans 5:2-5 and 1 Peter 1:6-7. It is clear throughout the Bible that God is always at work building and refining the character of those who follow him. One could pick any Bible character and see this dynamic at work. The goal therefore is to have the mind of Christ. Once we do we will count it joy when we face trials of many kinds.

 

Some Background Information

James was the brother of Jesus who initially did not believe that his older brother was the savior. Yet after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus James became a believer and then became the most influential leader in the early church. How James came to believe is not recorded in scripture perhaps it happened when Jesus appeared to him after the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7-8). James stayed in Jerusalem and was the leader of the church there. This book is written to all of the Christians who had been scattered all over the world. Suffering and trials are one of the main themes of the entire book of James. He returns to this topic several times throughout the book. James also under the influence of the Holy Spirit believed it was a topic all of the new believers needed to understand. Wisdom is also a second prominent theme in the book of James. It is easy to see the connection between suffering, trials and wisdom. 

 

Devotional Ideas

1. Study the life of Joseph in Genesis chapters 37-46. Note how God uses suffering in his life and Joseph's response each time. 

 

2. Memorize James 1:2-4

 

Final Thoughts

The goal of life is not to avoid trials but to allow them to mold us into the mature people God intends us to be. May you be blessed and experience joy as you surrender to God's working in your life.   

Be Compelled by Love: 2 Corinthians 5:14-20

 

 

Introduction

The book of 2 Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul to a church in the Greek city of Corinth. There are ruins of the city of Corinth that you can visit today. The church was filled with very spiritually gifted people. Unfortunately they had drifted away from the purpose God had for their lives. Instead of focusing on building God's kingdom and spreading the message of Jesus they were distracted by arguments between each other and by sinful behavior. Paul writes the two letters to the Corinthians to help them resolve the issues that are distracting them and to refocus them on reaching others. These verses above are very well known particularly verse 17 of chapter 5. Followers of Jesus love to remember how Jesus changed them from what they used to be into a new creation. It is however easy to forget that what God did in us he wants to do in those around us.

Paul discusses his motivation for devoting his life to spreading the message of new life in Jesus. Paul's only motivation was the love of Christ. Love is the most powerful of all motivators. Love leads to sacrifice of ourselves for the good of others. John 15:13 tells us that there is no greater love than someone laying down their life for others. The Bible is full of examples of people whose lives were changed by Jesus and this experience of God's love compelled them to devote their lives to letting others know the same love of Jesus. Some examples are the Apostle Paul (Acts 9); the woman at the well (John 4) and the Gaderene demoniac (Mark 5). Truly understanding God's love for us will compel us to reach others.

Some Background Information

The word that is translated compels in verse 14 can literally be translated as a pressure which confines, restricts and controls. The image is of a force of energy from within that motivates us. Truly having God's love in our hearts will compel us to do everything we can to share that love with those around us. A key concept in the Bible is the concept of stewardship. A steward is someone who has been given something and who will be held accountable for what they do with what they have been given. Followers of Jesus have been given the message of reconciliation and the ministry of reconciliation (connecting people to God). We who are followers of Jesus have been entrusted with the responsibility of telling others the good news of salvation through Jesus. We have been entrusted with the task of building God's kingdom. We act on behalf of Jesus as His representatives. Paul calls us ambassadors.

Some Devotional Ideas

1. Go over your friends list or if you have not made one write down the names of 5 people you know who do not know Jesus. Begin to pray for them daily. Develop a strategy for telling them the message. Make connecting people to Jesus a priority in your life. 

2. Meditate on God's love for you. Use Romans chapter 8: 38-39

Final Prayer

Lord Jesus fill me with your love and let it overflow to others - Amen.

The Cost of Discipleship: Luke 9:18-27

 

Introduction

These verses are some of the most powerful verses in the Bible. It is here we discover the very essence of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. It is here we learn who Jesus is and what His mission was. One could almost say that these verses alone are enough to explain all we need to know. It starts with Jesus revealing himself as the Christ. The Christ means the anointed one of God. It would have been understood by people of that time as a claim to be equal to God or to put it another way to claim to be God in the flesh. Then in the very next breath Jesus explains that he is going to voluntarily sacrifice his life so others could be saved. That is the cross of Jesus. That cross is the source of forgiveness, new life, transformation and spiritual power. Jesus next applies that same line of thought to those who would be his followers. Our cross is not the ordinary human troubles like sickness, disappointments, poverty and the things most people usually associate with their cross. Rather our cross is what the follower of Jesus sacrifices, gives up, endures in order to serve Jesus and His mission. It includes persecution and opposition. 

Some Quotes to think About

Every person is confronted with the choice of either denying themselves together with their reputation, desires, and comfort or of living for themselves and the world and so denying Christ.
                                                                               Norval Geldenhuys

He is no fool who gives what he can not keep to gain what he can not lose. - Jim Elliott

When Christ calls a person he calls him to come and die  - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Some Devotional Ideas

1. Read the verses 23-27 slowly word by word. As you do think of each word and let it sink deep in your spirit.

2. There is a great book by the name, "The Cost of Discipleship" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer  perhaps you would want to get it and read it a few pages at a time this summer.

Walking with Jesus to the Cross: Mark 10:32-45

 

Introduction

As we read these verses the contrast between Jesus and the disciples is incredible. The follower's mentality and focus is entirely different than Jesus'. The way the followers view themselves and life is as different as night and day from the way Jesus views the same things. Jesus is focused on self sacrifice and going to the cross. The followers are focused on self advancement going to a throne. The key to spiritual growth and spiritual power is becoming transformed from the way we are to the way Jesus is. It is in these key areas of our lives where we see differences between how Jesus thinks and acts and how we think and act that God will work in our lives. Robert Mulholland writes as follows:

    Our cross is the point of our unlikeness to the image of Christ, where we must die to self in order to be 
    raised by God into wholeness of life in the image of Christ right there at that point. (Invitation to a
    Journey).

 As you read these verses note the difference between Jesus and his followers in their outlook. Jesus willingly and purposely gave his life for others. The followers seek to avoid the cross and live for themselves.

Some Background Information

Jerusalem was the religious and military capital of the region. This is were those who opposed Jesus and had threatened Him were located. This was were the headquarters of the Roman government for that region were. To march right into Jerusalem was to walk into danger and certain death. It was the road to the Cross. The disciples had argued among themselves many times as to who was the greatest or most important follower of Jesus (Luke 22:24 is one example). Each time this would happen Jesus would explain to them the basic spiritual principle of His kingdom - greatness is defined by self sacrificial service. Jesus demonstrated this principle in everyday life. In John chapter 13 verses 1-20 Jesus washes His disciples feet after they would not do so to each other. Jesus' death on the cross is the ultimate example of self sacrifice for others.  Paul reminds us in Ephesians 5:2 to walk in self sacrificial love each day in little and big ways.

Some Devotional Ideas

1. Where do you see God working in your life? What points of difference between you and Jesus in your attitudes and actions is he bringing to the surface? Reflect on this and pray to be conformed to the image of Jesus. Walk to the cross with Jesus.

2. Look for opportunities to serve others this week - walk in the love.

Final Thoughts

Let us walk with Jesus to the Cross. It is there we will find everything we have been seeking on other roads.