WHO IS WISE?

 

JAMES 3V13-18.

 

INTRODUCTION.

 

Last time we were in James we dealt with the tongue – James showed us that in order for our speaking to be pure the source of our speaking needed to be pure.

If the source of the river is bitter the whole river is bitter – if the source of our speaking is bitter then bitter words will come out of our mouths.

 

If it is the source that is all important then how do we deal with the source.

James is saying “Listen, guys, if you want to be wise and understanding then you must understand where this wisdom comes from amd what it is supposed to look like.

 

James has talked about faith and deeds – and also the tongue. He has looked at our actions and our words — he has seen from where they are supplied viz. the heart — now he is going one step further and dealing with how and from where the heart is supplied. He is also dealing in the following verses with characteristics that the person will exhibit when the heart is rightly supplied.

 

Our actions and words reflect our level of wisdom and understanding – but the questions is what is wisdom??

 

1. WHAT IS WISDOM?

 

James 3:13

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? … (NIV)

 

James uses two words here – wise and understanding –

 

“Understanding” – it carries the idea of someone who is an expert in something – one who has gained a particular kind of knowledge in a certain area.

All people have been given some level of intelligence and are expeted to use it for the glory of God. No where does the Bible ever suggest that a person who is well educated or has a high IQ is therefore superior to someone of lesser ability. What we must do, however, is see the importance of learning all we can in order to be better equipped to live life the way God intended.

 

“Wise” – wisdom is different – closely related but somehow greater and deeper than knowledge.

In the Bible wisdom always begins with knowing God –

Proverbs 1:7 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. (NIV)

 

When the Proverbs speaks of fear it does not mean that God is some kind of heavenly policeman – rather it means acknowledging that God is the source of all things and we should worship and obey him as such.

 

Wisdom is not just knowledge – there is little value in knowledge that remains purely cerebral – Christian belief in a creed is of not value is must reshape the life!

 

There are some people who know a lot about many things but their lives are in a mess – they are not very wise.

 

ILLUS. Janet and I know two brothers in SA who are both in the business world – one has no qualifications – but he has worked hard, not made dumb business moves and is very well-off today – the other is a Chartered Accountant – who should know how how to handle money BUT at 60 was bankrupt after a kife of bad decisions and irresponsible living.

 

Knowledge does not equal wisdom!!

 

C C Colton “It is better to have wisdom without learning than to have learning without wisdom….”

 

When Solomon was to become King of Israel God asked him what he wanted – His reply 2 Chronicles 1:10 10 Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (NIV)

 

Wisdom is seen in the Bible as being God centred – living closely to God – it is not just the possession of knowledge but the ability to put that knowledge to use and live the good life.

In order to explain this wisdom and understanding to us James does not tell us what we must do – rather what we must be in character.

 

2. TWO KINDS OF WISDOM.

 

How do we know what true wisdom is? James talks of two types of wisdom – Earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom

James 3:15-17 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 …….

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven ….

 

It is not always easy to identify which wisdom is which – in God’s common grace he has given people the ability to think wisely – thus an atheist can still make wise decisions and give good advice – it amazes me sometimes how someone who does not acknowledge God in a personal way can live a good life [from an earthly point of view] — can give good advice and make wise decisions WHILE IN CONTRAST a Christian can sometimes be the mouthpiece of devilish wisdom — e.g. Peter told Jesus not to go to Jerusalem and what did Jesus say

Mark 8:32-33 32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.

33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” (NIV)

 

We know that Satan masquerades as an angel of light so why not in this area also?

 

How then are we to know which of these two wisdoms we are dealing with??

Let’s see what James says!

 

3. EARTHLY WISDOM.

 

James 3:14-16 14 But if you harbour bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. (NIV)

 

Source of earthly wisdom.

If wisdom is such a wonderful quality – we must expect a forgery.

 

v15 – 4 things about source

1. NOT FROM HEAVEN – earthly wisdom will ultimately be shown for what it is – earthly – not from above – what the word lit. means.

 

2. EARTHLY – see Philippians 3:19 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. (NIV)

same word that James uses here . What James and paul are saying is that such wisdom – living – thinking is bound to this earth – their lives are governed exclusively by the desires and influences of this world.

 

3. UNSPIRITUAL – we talk of worldly-wise – there is a certain wisdom of the world – natural instincts — but it lacks a God-centredness – it is not Holy Spirit directed –

BUT simply because you and I may be Christians we must not therefore assume that all our decisions and actions will be wise – ALL Christians gifted by the Spirit is some way BUT possible to use gift in spiritual OR unspiritual way –

 

ILLUS.: Corinth was probably the most gifted Church in the NT but also the most carnal – “Ability or giftedness is not yardstick of spirituality”

 

4. DEVILISH – we hesitate to call things devilish – it is easier to talk of worldy ot natural or unspiritual but devilish conjures up picture of witches and black magic and voodoo – Is not the worldly, natural unspiritual system basically opposed to God?? YES! Then it is devilish – Satan is ultimately the promoter of all that is in oppostion to God.

 

Characteristics of earthly wisdom.

 

We have said – difficult to always iscern earthly wisdom – finally by its fruit.

 

BITTER ENVY – ‘envy’ lit. can be good or bad word – ‘zeal’ — ‘bitter’ means to cut or prick — it is the kind of envy that cannot bear someone elses popularity or success. Putting others down in order to elevate self. — this meaning becomes clearer when linked to selfish ambition.

 

SELFISH AMBITION – this is one word in Gk. – part of original meaning was political – used of a person willing to do anything to get elected to office – and we know the jealouses and schemeing involved in party-politics – not only at national level – it starts with electing house captains at school – it creeps into the church with who will do what job and hold what office.

 

Jmaes is dealing with motives – because at the heart of people’s problems is the problem of peoples hearts.

 

We can only see the actions – God weighs and searches our hearts for the motives that lie behind what we do!!

 

When we are motivated by jealousy and bitterness and boasting then we are walking the path of earthly wisdom!!

 

Outcome of earthly wisdom.

James is a great believer in cause and effect – ‘If you do this or don’t do that then such and such will follow’ — following earthly wisdom produces disorder and evil practice.

 

DISORDER – interesting word – used 2x in this letter James 1:8 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. (NIV) James 3:8 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. (NIV)

 

‘unstable – restless – disorder’

 

a variety of meanings – maybe he was referring to fights, divisions and disorders in the church – clearly these thibgs do not come from God -1 Corinthians 14:33 33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.

 

When a person is full of envy and selfish ambition there can never be rest. There is always someone else to envy, another mountain to climb, another position to strive after.

 

EVIL PRACTICES – James could have made a long list but simply says evil practices – in thought and word and deeds – when driven by envy and selfish ambition there is no limit to what people will do when driven by these passions.

 

The Spirit of Gof promotes unity and harmony NOT division and chaos – so when we see churches splitting we need to ask where the heavenly wisdom is. Usually these things come about because of petty, non-essential doctrines – sometime nothing to do with doctrine at all but simply a defence of self and position and a saving of face rather than a humble ‘I am sorry – I was wrong!!’

 

4. HEAVENLY WISDOM.

 

James 3:17-18

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. (NIV)

 

Source of Heavenly wisdom.

 

Left in no doubt from book of James that wisdom – true wisdom – is from God.

James 1:17 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (NIV)

 

emphasize – true wisdom is a free gift from a God of grace and is no way a result of our cleverness, effort of schemeing!! It come from heaven!!

 

Characteristics of heanenly wisdom.

 

PURE – concerned not with outward expression but inner experience – examine the heart – what we are more than what we do.

 

Jesus in the Sermon on the mount – Matthew 5:8 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (NIV)

 

The question is _’How is your heart?’   Is it pure?   undefiled? OR full of jealousy and selfish ambition.

 

PEACE-LOVING – Matthew 5:9 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. (NIV)

This is not a peace at all costs – not a spineless ‘keeping everyone happy’ – Jesus was apeace lover and maker – nothing spineless about him. —action not apathy.

 

CONSIDERATE – a sense of looking for the best in people – looking out for others or as the Bible puts is esteeming other better than self – not easy!!

 

SUBMISSIVE – sometime translated ‘gentle’ – again not a pushover but one not obstinately entrenched in his own opinions — standing up for his own rights — but a willingness to defer to others. Stubborn obstinacy – some people are so closed to others opinion that they think they know it all – “My mind is made up don’t confuse me with the factS!”   in churches such attutudes -esp. in leadership lead to an unhappy church!!

 

MERCIFUL – full of mercy – Christian Gos has been merciful to you surely you should be merciful to others!!

 

FRUITFUL – full of good fruit – The Salvation Army has a slogan ‘WHERE THERE IS NEED THERE IS THE SALVATION ARMY” — James would approve — Christians should be the best neighbours there can be –

 

IMPARTIAL – A sign that appeared over a Church door may help us to understand what James means here – —

”O God, may the door of this house bewide enough to include all who need divine love and human friendship; narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and strife. May its threshold be smooth enough not to be a stumblingblock to children or straying feet, yet rough enough to turn back the tempter’s power.’

 

SINCERE – without hypocrisy –

 

Outcome of heavenly wisdom.

 

James 3:18 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. (NIV)

 

Harvest of righteousness –

1. Righteousness that produces a harvest – the qualities listed above –

 

OR

2. the qulaities above produce a harvst which is righteousness –

 

As with many places in the Bible probably both !!

 

Peace is the soil in which this harvest grows – Surely when the above qualities are in evidence in our lives there will be peace – we will be the best and easiest people to live with.

 

Things that destroy peace —

Proverbs 6:16-19 16 There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. (NIV)

 

 

Proverbs 3:13 13 Blessed [happy] is the one who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding, (NIV)

 

How wise are we? Blanchard sugests was use the word ‘RIGHTWISENESS’ – good word combines the pusuit of wisdom and righteousness – and the two are interrelated.   God help us to be rightwise!!

 

 

WHO IS WISE?

James 3:13 – 18.

 

1. WHAT IS WISDOM?

 

2. TWO TYPES OF WISDOM.

      ¦ not from above

      ¦ from above

 

3. EARTHLY WISDOM.

      ¦ Source   not from above

                           earthly

                           unspiritual

                           devilish

     

      ¦ Characteristics        bitter envy

                                                selfish ambition

 

      ¦ Outcome      disorder ~ evil practices

 

4. HEAVENLY WISDOM.

¦ Source         from above

 

      ¦ Characteristics pure ~ peace-loving ~                                                     considerate ~ submissive ~

                                         merciful ~ fruitful ~ impartial ~

                                         sincere

 

      ¦ Outcome      harvest of righteousness                                                 “rightwiseness”

                                   

A God for all seasons!

 

James 5:13

 

Introduction.

 

ILLUS.: All looked through a kaleidoscope at some point – what is it that makes a kaleidoscope interesting? The fact that there are different shapes, sizes, colours and deflected angles of light!

If it was all the same is would be very boring!

 

Life is like a kaleidoscope – there are light patches and dark patches – there are mountains and valleys – there are happy times and hard times – there are successes and failures – there are times of joy and times of sorrow —>

 

Life, like the British weather, is very changeable – We can divide life into two very broad categories 1) Hard Times and 2) Happy Times

These are the two questions James asks in v.13:-

13 Is any one of you in trouble? …….

… Is anyone happy? … (NIV)

Given these differing circumstances of life what should be our response? James gives us the answer

… pray. …. sing songs of praise. (NIV)

 

 

 

Let’s look at the hard and happy times in more detail.

 

1. During the Hard Times.

 

James 5:13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray.

 

This thought of troubled times is certainly not new to James – in ch.1 he showed that the difficulties of life are not necessarily barrier to our relationship to God but are in fact a mean to becoming mature Christians.

 

James 1:2-5

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature ….. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, ……

James says that in the trials of life we need patience and perseverance and that if we lack the wisdom / ability to cope we need to ask / pray to God.

 

Now in ch.5 he is following the same pattern 5:7-12 – patience and perseverance under suffering – 5:13ff Prayer.

 

THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF HUMAN HARD TIMES.

 

The word James uses is more than just suffering from sickness – it is in fact a compound word that comprises to parts ‘evil’ and ‘suffering’ – it carries with it therefore the idea of ‘suffering evil blows from the outside world’

 

James has just spoken of the suffering of the prophets in the previous section [v.10] – this is clearly still in his mind.

The prophets suffered in different ways:

ILLUS.: Ezekiel – bereavement; Jeremiah extreme opposition; Hosea – marital breakdown. ……………..

 

Christians are as prone to hard times as anyone else. David knew that:

Psalm 34:19

19 A righteous man may have many troubles,

….. (NIV)

 

1. a) Common Trials Of Life.

 

All human troubles are ultimately brought about by the entry of sin into the world – when sin entered the order that God’s created was disrupted

Romans 8:22

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. (NIV)

 

In a way that we don’t fully understand, the whole universe – even what we call the natural order – is off centre from God’s perfect design.

So famines and floods and disease and death, including in the animal world, are all part of the common trials of life.

 

a.i) Physical Trials.

In our original state human beings were perfect – physically. Disease and deformity of the body were not part of God’s original design.

Genesis 1:27&31 27 So God created man in his own image,   in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

….. 31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning — the sixth day. (NIV)

 

God made us perfect in every way by warned that disobedience to his command would bring death.

As a consequence of sin coming into the world – disease, decay, disorder, deformity and ultimately death have become a reality.

 

Even with all the advances of modern medicine death is still inevitable and no doctor, no matter how brilliant, can ever hope to cure ‘death’

 

Hebrews 9:27 .. man[humankind] is destined to die…(NIV)

 

And can often be preceded by the must dreadful suffering – in our comfortable Western society were the control of pain is so effective we forget that this is not so for most of the world and the process of dying can be agonising for many.

 

James’ readers would have understood this far better than we do.

 

a.ii) Emotional Trials.

Alternatively we could speak of metal stress – anxiety or fear.

Our doctors will tell us that a large number of their patients have stress related illnesses – sometimes the manifestations are physical symptoms.

 

In the work place ——-

The pressure is on – productivity – performance related pay – down sizing – restructuring – rationalising – these are some of the buzz words in the business word — the goal is more work with fewer and fewer personnel in order to boost profits.

Those at the sharp end will feel like they can respond to James’ question

13 Is any one of you in trouble? .. (NIV)

“Yes! we are in trouble!”

 

In the home ———

There is pressure and stress in the home – marriages are stressed [both partners working] – children are stressed [having to perform at school – under pressure from their peers]

 

In the Church ———-

there can be stress and tensions within Church fellowships

 

In fact wherever our lives take us there is the potential for emotional stress and tension.

 

a.iii) Spiritual Trials.

We must remember that it is the spiritual side of humans that make us distinct from the animals.

The spirit world has an effect on the physical and emotional spheres – while we have distinguished these three areas – physical, emotional and spiritual – we must remember that there is a considerable amount of overlap between these three.

 

The Christian is prone to spiritual trials – not only are Christians going to face the same kinds of trials that everyone else naturally faces BUT we are specific target for the evil one —

Ephesians 6:12 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (NIV)

 

Sometimes the symptoms may be physical or emotional but the cause is spiritual because the Christian is the constant target of Satan.

As Christians we need to remember that we are not simply up against circumstances, or fate or ‘bad luck’ – we constantly face a powerful, living, intelligent and very devious enemy.

 

2 Corinthians 11:14 … for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. (NIV)

 

1 Peter 5:8

8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (NIV)

 

It is interesting that when Paul writes to Timothy he speak of him ‘..joining with me in the suffering for the gospel ..’ [1 Tim 1:8] — he us using the same basis word that James uses here.

2 Timothy 2:3-9 3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. …… This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. (NIV)

 

2 Timothy 4:5 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. (NIV)

 

The implication of Paul’s writing is that there are special troubles associated with committed Christian living and with the proclamation of the gospel. It is this kind of trial or trouble that is because you are a Christian – this is what Jesus referred to as ‘bearing you cross’ –

 

Sometime we speak of carrying a cross as a tyrannical boss – or nagging wife – or wayward child or difficult mother-in-law — BUT that is not what the Bible means!!

A cross is something that you bear because you are a Christian and something that you would not be bearing if you were not a Christian!!

 

Read the scriptures – read Church / missionary history – invariably it is those who are godly and who are use by God – when you look at their lives you see suffering of some kind.

 

James has mentioned the prophets and Job as example of this very point!!

 

So Christian – what do you do when you are up against it!

 

THE CHRISTIAN’S RESPONSE

-turn attention to God – Pray!

The meaning of the word that James uses is ‘turn to God’ – when trouble comes the first and most appropriate response for the Christian is to turn to God.

 

So often we rush around trying to solve the problems ourselves – I am not saying that we should be passive BUT what is our first response? – often look to human resources.

O! what peace we often forfeit

O! what needless pain we bear

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer!

 

Usually – and understandably – our immediate response to trouble, when we do come to God is to ask him to remove it.

BUT the Bible teaches us that God does not always remove it — and the experience of life tells us that God does not always remove it — at least not immediately.

 

What God will always do is give us the ability to cope with the trial!

 

ILLUS.: In 1924 two climbers – Mallory and Irvine – were part of an expedition to try and conquer Mt. Everest. They were both lost in the effort and when the expedition party returned to London – one of the survivor at a meeting in London turn to a huge photograph of Everest mounted on the wall and said–

-”Everest, we tried to conquer you once, but you overpowered us. We tried to conquer you a second time but again you were too much for us. But Everest, I want you to know that we are going to conquer you, for you can’t get any bigger, and we can!”

 

The spiritual implications are clear – our problems – trouble can never be bigger than God’s ability to help us!

It doesn’t matter how big your troubles are – God is bigger!

Whatever your mountain – turn to God in prayer – he may not remove the mountain – although he sometimes does – but he will certainly give you the strength to conquer.

 

Habakkuk 3:19

19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength;

he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,

he enables me to go on the heights.

 

Whatever your Everest you can say to it – “You can’t get any bigger – but I can -because I serve a big God!”

 

2. During The Happy Times.

 

James 5:13…. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. (NIV)

 

‘happy’ – the word means to be cheerful or ‘in good heart’ but not a kind of superficial euphoria, rather it is a deep sense of well-being.

 

It is not a word that is often used in the NT but the occasions that it is used give us a good insight into its meaning.

 

• Paul before Felix the Roman governor –

Acts 24:10

10 When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defence. (NIV)

 

• The shipwreck story during Paul’s voyage to Rome

Acts 27:22-36 22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. …….. 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. …… 36 They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. (NIV)

 

It is interesting that in all these usage’s of the word that context is difficult circumstances – in both cases Paul is prisoner – in the one he is face with a tyrant and in the other a raging storm. YET in both there is evident a deep sense of joy and an unshakeable faith in God.

 

One of the great lies of Satan is to give the impression that being a Christian is a miserable existence – that it is morbid and dreary.

It is certainly not hilariously funny but it should be joyful. Sadly, we Christians sometimes project and image of the Christian life being boring or as the youth would say ‘sad’.

 

We bemoan that fact the people are not attracted to the gospel – but let me ask you “What kind of an advertisement are you for Christ” “Are you one of those Christian who look as if you have been baptised in lemon juice!!”

The challenge the Church has always faced – and today is no different – is packaging the gospel in a way that is relevant and applicable to its society.

 

NOW HEAR ME! I am not saying that we must change the gospel – that is unchanging – But much of what passes for the gospel is traditional packaging.

We are not going to reach the 90’s generation with 1950’s packaging – we need to deal with the cringe factor.

People are going to be offended by the gospel – by the claims of Christ – esp. in a pluralistic society that objects to the absolute claims of the gospel – BUT for our part we have to work at making sure that it is the gospel that they are rejecting and not our treasured wrapping paper.

 

ILLUS.: give a small child a present – often more interested in the wrapping paper than in the contents.

 

Let us make sure we are not guilty of this!!

 

God wants us to have a deep inner joy and contentment

1 Timothy 6:17    17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. (NIV)

Life has its problems and the Bible never tries to hide that – but equally we should have joy in our hearts!

 

THE CHRISTIAN’S RESPONSE – Turn to God in Praise!

‘songs of praise’ – one words which is the root for the English words ‘Psalms’

The Bible is full of examples of praise – in prayer; singing; musical instruments; clapping; raising hands; dancing.

 

Psalm 95:1-2

1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;

let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving

and extol him with music and song. (NIV)

 

1 Chronicles 16:8-10

8 Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;

make known among the nations what he has done.

9 Sing to him, sing praise to him;

tell of all his wonderful acts.

10 Glory in his holy name;

let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. (NIV)

 

after the ascension —

Luke 24:53 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. (NIV)

 

Praise is not just external frivolity – praise in only genuine when it comes from that deep contentment with God.

 

Conclusion

 

Whether in hard times or happy times we should turn our attention to God.

Calvin – “ James means that there is no time in which God does not invite us to himself”

 

Not that we have a religious experience to cover every aspect of life BUT we have a God for all the changing scenes of life. To use Alec Motyer’s phrase “A God for all seasons!!

To turn to him in good times and bad times – in times of joy and sorrow – prayer and praise both acknowledge that he is sufficient.

 

“To pray to him is to acknowledge his sovereign power to meets our needs, to praise him is to acknowledge his sovereign power in appointing our circumstances!” [Motyer]

 

Our whole life needs to be angled towards God so that whatever strikes us is defected into his presence. This is the practical exercise of faith in accepting the will of God for our lives.

 

In praise – we thank God for what he has done and rejoice!

In prayer – in time of trouble we endeavour to respond like Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane ‘Not my will, but yours be done’.

 

Prayer and Prayer have this as the foundation -they both say ‘The will of God is good’.

In the hard times – pray!

In the happy times – praise!

 

Jesus by whom we come to God

The true and living way,

the humble path of prayer you trod,

Lord, teach us how to pray!

 

 

 

 

‘A GOD FOR ALL SEASONS!’

James 5:13

 

1. During the Hard Times.

      ¢ different kinds of trouble

            ¤ physical trials

            ¤ emotional trials

            ¤ spiritual trials (esp. Christians)

 

     ¢ the Christian response

               ¤ turn to God in prayer

 

2. During the Happy Times.

     ¤ not superficial euphoria

                 but a deep sense of well being

 

     ¢ the Christian response

          ¤ turn to God in praise

FAITH – WITH OR WITHOUT DEEDS.

 

JAMES 2v14 – 26.

 

INTRODUCTION.

 

The main topic dealt with in these verses is faith – a very broad concept having a variety of meanings. We speak of the Christian of Muslim Faiths …. of faith as believing something … as placing trust in something or someone … keeping faith as loyalty …..

 

When the Bible uses the word faith – as here – it is referring to that belief and trust in God that accepts that I am cut off from God by nature but because God is merciful and gracious, on the basis that Jesus Christ died for me, I can have a personal relationship with God. So my faith is in God’s ability and willingness to rescue me from spiritual death [cut off from God] and to give me spiritual life [bring me into a personal relationship with God].

 

The teaching of the Bible is that salvation is a gift from God and is received by faith alone. We do not deserve salvation – we cannot earn it

– it is all God’s work

– we simply receive it from God as a gift.

 

How does this square with the passage before us?

 

James 2:17-26

17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. ……….

 

20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?…..

 

24 You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

 

…26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. (NIV)

 

Because of these verses many have said that James is at odds with apostle Paul and that there is a fundamental contradiction within the NT.

 

 

Helpful comparison of Paul and James on this issue!!

 

 

ISSUE	PAUL	JAMES
Faith is God’s foundational gift	Ephesians 2:8 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God —	James 2:5 5 ..Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? (NIV)
Faith is the common mark of all Christians	Galatians 3:26 26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, (NIV)	James 2:1 1 My brothers, as believers [those who have faith in] in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favouritism.
The thread running through the Christian life	1 Timothy 6:12 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (NIV)	James 2:22 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. (NIV)
The root from which good works grow	Titus 3:8 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.	James 2:22 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. (NIV)

 

There is fundamental agreement between Paul and James on how we receive salvation – they also agree as to how that salvation should show itself in our lives.

 

We need to carefully look at this passage to see that James is not saying that works are more important than faith or that faith and work are needed in equal portions in order for us to receive salvation from God.

 

 

1. A CLAIM TO FAITH!

 

James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? (NIV)

 

When he says .. Can such faith save him? .. he is not saying that faith cannot save a person. Look carefully at the verse — this hypothetical person is claiming to have faith — it claiming to be a Christian — James is saying that claiming to have faith is not the same as having it — people make claims about many things but not all are genuine.

 

ILLUS.: “Some one has said “If you were accused of being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you!”

 

This is the issue that James is addressing – faith must be followed by action otherwise we must question the claim to faith!

 

James now gives 4 illustrations:

– the one who claims faith yet neglects to help a fellow Christian.

– the demons

– Abraham – the father of faith

– Rahab – a Caananite prostitute

The first two are example of faith without deeds and the last two of faith with works.

 

2. CONTRASTING AN ARMCHAIR ‘BELIEVER’ AND AN ACTION BELIEVER.

 

Taking the first and last illustration.

James 2:15-26 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

…………

25…., was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. (NIV)

 

The first situation is clear fellow a Christian is in need materially and this armchair Christian does nothing to help – and we must assume that this person is in a position to help.

 

The second situation – Rahab – After God had rescue the Hebrew nation out of slavery in Egypt – and after their 40 year desert wanderings they were brought to the land of Canaan – present day Israel/ Palestine. When Hebrew spies were sent into the land Rahab who lived in Jericho – the first city to be attacked hid and rescued the spies at great risk to herself. It seems evident that this Caananite prostitute had already identified herself with God’s people.

 

v17 and v26 makes it quite clear that faith which does not produce good deeds it not simply deficient or lagging behind but is dead. The claim to faith that simply pats a hungry, cold person on the back and says “There, there everything will be fine – go your way and God bless you” – such faith is no faith at all!!

 

Rahab by contrast, when faced with fellow believers who were in need put her house, her resources and her personal safety on the line.

 

I wonder what James would say to us today – if he looked at the world in which we live – ‘Ah! there are very few people in Godalming who are poor and hungry’ – but there are thousands and thousands of Christians around the world [ millions if we consider our brothers and sisters as the family of humankind] – who today are hungry and sick and cold and suffering – while the church in the West is fat and comfortable.

 

If James were looking at us today would he see a living, vibrant faith – ‘What can we do to care for the world’s millions?’ – not a lot!! — but we can exert pressure on governments and agencies who could – ‘They won’t listen to me!!’ — have you tried have you written to your MP??

God will hold the rich nations to account – It is a fact that there is enough food to feed the world – millions go to bed hungry while mountains of butter, meat, fruit and grain are destroyed in the name of profits and shareholders and governments spent billions on weapons of mass-destruction!!

 

But it come much closer than that !! – What of the neighbour who has lost a loved one? Have you visited?

The old lady who is alone? have you popped in for a chat?

The disaffected teenager whose music is too loud for your liking? Have you made an effort to befriend her??

 

The kind of faith that stops with words is worthless! What we believe is important – our creed is important but a creed without caring is like a body without breathe – it is dead!!

 

Listen to Job on this

Job 31:16-22 16 “If I have denied the desires of the poor or let the eyes of the widow grow weary, 17 if I have kept my bread to myself, not sharing it with the fatherless — — 19 if I have seen anyone perishing for lack of clothing, or a needy man without a garment, 20 and his heart did not bless me for warming him with the fleece from my sheep, 21 if I have raised my hand against the fatherless, knowing that I had influence in court, 22 then let my arm fall from the shoulder, let it be broken off at the joint. (NIV)

 

Job was a giant of faith yet he understood exactly what James is talking about.

 

3. CONTRASTING TWO TYPES OF BELIEVERS.

 

James 2:18-24

18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”

Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that — and shudder.

20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. (NIV)

 

V18 seems to give the crux of the argument going on between some of James’ readers -, “You have faith; I have deeds.”

 

John Blanchard puts it like this “You have a great concern for doctrine and theology; you place a great emphasis on ‘faith’, on being quite sure of what you believe. Well, that’s fine, but I am what you would call a practical Christian. For me Christianity mean trying to live up to the Ten Commandments and the sermon on the mount. But surely we are both right? We are just different kinds of Christians that is all. Your Christianity majors on things you believe, mine majors on things I do. surely there is room for both of us.”

 

James’s response to such an argument is this ‘You say you have faith – very well show me without any deeds!! It is not possible! The absence of deeds proves the absence of faith!

 

What is the kind of faith the James is talking about??

His illustrations about demons and Abraham clarify the point!!

 

The demons.

It would seem that there were those who were saying ‘I believe in God therefore I must be OK’ – James takes the fundamental Jewish [and also Christian] belief that there is only one God Deuteronomy 6:4

4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. (NIV)

 

Good!! this is an essential belief BUT if you think intellectual assent to the exist of God is enough then think again – even the devils believe that.

There are a number of occasions in the life of Jesus were the demons recognised him for who he was :-

Matthew 8:29 29 “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they [the Demons]shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” (NIV)

Mark 1:24 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are — the Holy One of God!” (NIV)

Mark 3:11 11 Whenever the evil spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” (NIV)

 

These emphasise the point James is making ‘there are no atheists in Hell’ [Blanchard]

They might believe in God BUT they do not know the peace of God, they do not experience God’s love – they are not saved – they remain demons opposed to everything God is! YET the are terrified – they shudder – they know the consequences of their rejection of God – they know that they are cut off from God forever — And the same fate awaits all you reject God’s offer of salvation.

There will be terror and sorrow and regret – hell will be full of people saying “If only ..” “I heard about Jesus Christ IF ONLY I had believed …” “I remember my friend of that preacher telling me how I could get right with God IF ONLY I had listen …”

The Bible tells us that Today is the day of salvation – this is God’s era for salvation – when this life is over it will be too late!

 

Abraham

From demons to Abraham – the one who is called the father of faith –

Remember that James is not challenging the person who claims to be a Christian and is doing good works – He is challenging the person who claims to be a Christian and in whose life there is an absence of good deeds.

 

The story of Abraham is well recorded in the book of Genesis – God calls Abraham to follow him [Gen 12] – God promised that Abraham would have a son through whom descendants would be a numerous as stars in the sky – and in Gen.15 we read that Abraham believe God – trust him – took him at his word – James is quoting from Genesis in v23 James 2:23 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. (NIV)

 

After having waited for 25 years for the son to be born – when he is a young lad God tells Abraham to sacrifice him as a burnt offering – [Gen 22] After having arrived at the place where that sacrifice was to take place listen to the words of Abraham to his servants —Genesis 22:5 5 He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while we [I and the boy] go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.” (NIV)

 

WE will go … we will worship … and we will return.   BUT between the 2nd ‘we’ and the 3rd ‘we’ the boy Isaac, was supposed to be killed and burned to ashes. But Abraham believed that God was true to his word and would if necessary even raise the boy from the ashes.

 

Abraham’s willingness to act – to do what God had asked him to do was the evidence of the faith that was in his heart.

 

This is James’s argument – because Abraham believed God he was willing to put his faith into action. James is not saying that Abraham was justified before God because he was willing to sacrifice his son but that he obedience was evidence that he already believed. Some 35 years earlier Abraham had believed God and God had justified him.

 

Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son for God [which God stopped] was a clear picture of God’s willingness to sacrifice his Son – [Jesus] – on the cross so that everyone including Abraham and you and I could be saved. Jesus was no reluctant sacrifice – he laid down his life because he loved us!

 

BUT James readers might be thinking – ‘Abraham was a great hero of the faith these things don’t applied to us in the same way!’ – So James adds Rahab as another example of faith and deeds.

 

ABRAHAM	RAHAB
a major Bible character	a minor character
father of the faithful	a foreigner
respected in the community	a person of disrepute
a man	a woman

 

James covers the whole spectrum!

It does matter whether or not you come from the top of bottom of the social barrel! It does not matter what your past is! God’s grace reaches all!

 

But having been justified by God there needs to be evidence that you are a believer – Listen to Rahab’s words to the spies Joshua 2:11 …….the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below. (NIV)

 

Her confession was the same as the demons and the armchair Christian – there is one God – BUT was it her confession that proved she was a genuine believer?? NO!! She was considered righteous because of what she did!! -as was Abraham!

 

What kind of faith is James arguing for –   – Not faith instead of deeds

– Not deeds instead of faith

– Not deeds above faith

– Not faith and deeds equally

– BUT Genuine faith produces good deeds!!

 

The outworking of our faith is obedience to the word of God and that is seen practically in our concern for the needs of other people – not just their spiritual needs but their physical and emotional needs as well.

 

Faith is God is not measured by some decision we made in the past – How do you know that your faith is genuine?? What are you doing??

 

Our confession and our conduct must agree.

QUOTES:

John Calvin “It is faith alone that justifies, but the faith that justifies is not alone”

Billy Graham “Faith that saves has one distinguishing quality; saving faith is a faith that produces obedience, it is a faith that brings about a way of life”

 

FAITH – with or without deeds?

 

James 2:14 – 26

 

1. A CLAIM TO FAITH.

     

      q v. 14      “.. Can such faith save you?”

 

 

2. CONTRASTING ‘ARMCHAIR’ & ACTION FAITH.

     

      q v.15-17 faith and the absence of deeds

 

      q v. 25-26 faith and the presence of deeds

 

 

3. CONTRASTING SPURIOUS & GENUINE FAITH.

 

      q v. 18-20 “.. even the demons believe – and shudder.”

 

      q v. 21-24 “.. Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as                                         righteousness.”

 

 

 

“It is faith alone that justifies, but the faith that justifies is not alone”         John Calvin

 

THE ROYAL LAW OF LOVE.

 

James 2:8-13.

 

INTRODUCTION.

 

From the first 7 verses of chapter 2 we are left in no doubt that God is on the side of the poor, the disadvantaged, the widows and the orphans. In vv 2 – 4 James gave a clear illustration of favouring the rich simply because they are rich and discriminating against the poor simply because they are poor.

 

ILLUS.: The discrimination against the black people in SA is well known – they were marginalised simply because they were black. As things have changed over the last few years things have began to go the other way – Now white – esp., white males, are discriminated against simply because they are white. While it is understandable it doesn’t make it right.

 

Discrimination against anyone purely on the basis of their skin colour is wrong!

And so when we come to James – discrimination purely on the basis of a person financial state is equally wrong!

 

If we take James’ illustration to its logical conclusion we would be discriminating against the rich just because they are rich . That is why we must go beyond the illustration of vv 2 – 4 and get to the principle of verse 8 viz., ‘fulfil the royal law …’

 

1. WHAT THE ROYAL LAW DEMANDS. [v8]

 

James 2:8

8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbour as yourself,” you are doing right. (NIV)

 

The Christian and the Law – it might be helpful to look at this briefly – We tend to think that this command ‘love your neighbour as yourself’ originated in the NT. However, this royal law according to v8 was found in scripture – What scripture? It is not the NT because that was not complete nor was it recognised as scripture at the time. When Jesus said ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ he was quoting from Lev 19:18.

 

Are Christians therefore under the law? If we look at the OT and the history of Israel – God chose Abraham, he developed them into a nation, rescued them from slavery in Egypt and only then did he reveal the law to them.

The same God who is a redeemer is also a lawgiver, ‘Grace comes first then law follows’ [Motyer]. This is spiritual logic – first we experience God’s grace in redemption and then we should want to know how to live in order to please our redeemer.

 

Always bear in mind that obedience is responsive and not a way of trying to gain God’s favour. When we move from the OT to the NT the same principle applies – we experience the grace of God in salvation and then he puts the Holy Spirit in us and writes his law on our hearts.

 

Jeremiah 31:31-34 31 “The time is coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. 33 “This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will a man teach his neighbour, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (NIV)

 

Why is it royal?

There is a sense in which it is the ‘king of laws’ – the most important law – although we could debate that as Jesus put ‘love the Lord your God’ before it, it is only of secondary importance.

It seems to me that James calls it ‘royal’ because this law was given a special place in Biblical Law by Jesus himself. It has been endorsed by the King – not that he didn’t endorse all the Law but he considered this to encapsulate that part of the law which tells us how to behave towards others.

 

‘Love your neighbour as yourself’

It would be fair to assume that James’ readers were not treating all their neighbours as themselves BUT only a selected few. James is not saying we should not recognise a distinction between rich and poor – the distinction is there – one is rich and the other is poor!!

BUT the difference in peoples status should not determine how we treat them.

 

The Bible sets a high standard as to how we should treat other – we are to act towards them in a way that brings about their greatest good regardless of —

– who they are

– of what the believe

– of how they behave

– of their attitudes or actions towards us — that does not mean that we only do for people what they like – because our primary responsibility is towards God – BUT we are to treat them in a way that is right before God.

This does not mean that we will be popular with everyone! Often doing what is right get an adverse reaction from people!

 

ILLUS.:

In the office insisting that you will not deal dishonestly may make you unpopular in an enviroment where shady dealing is practiced.

 

Humanly speaking it may not seem like the loving thing to do but before God it is because it is right.

 

2. WHAT THE ROYAL LAW DEPLORES. [V9]

 

James 2:9 9 But if you show favouritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as law-breakers. (NIV)

 

James commends them in v8 – if you keep the royal law you do well but – v9 – if you show favouritism you commit sin!

 

James holds out that the opposite of the royal law is the sin of partiality. And while the one enjoys God’s blessing the other incurs God’s anger.

 

ILLUS.: [from Motyer] In the OT – Deut. 27 – after Israel had entered the Promised Land they were commanded to go to two mountains – Ebal and Gerizim and there to identify these with the law of God. On Mt. Gerizim the blessing promised to the obedient were recited. On Mt. Ebal the curse promised to the disobedient were recited. The people could not escape their obligation to obey God’s law any more that they could remove these two mountains.

 

Here in James are the Christians Gerizim and Ebal – the royal law ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ and the sin of partiality.

 

It is easy to say ‘love your neighbour’ but it is infinitely more difficult to practise.

 

The world is full of needy people and we have far more neighbour than we can possibly care for!! What are we to do??

 

• we each need to discover what God has called us to do. Out their is a world full of people who are my neighbours. Where has God place me? What are my gifts? How best can I fulfil God will?

 

• we must understand that our callings are different –         : Nancy MacElroy – living in a mud hut amongst the Maasai of Kenya – that is her calling – not everyone can do that – I am not guilty about that fact that I don’t live in a mud hut.

 

• We must support others in their calling – part of our calling is to support others in theirs – thus we as a Church support the Smalls in Paris – the Stanfords in Burkina Faso – and others — should involve not just money but other kinds of support as well.

 

It is all too easy to say ‘It is not my calling’ and to use that as a cop out – often ending up doing little towards your neighbour!!

Favouritism or partiality is not just a weakness it is an offence to God!!

 

 

3. WHAT THE ROYAL LAW DECLARES [V10 – 11]

   (You can’t choose which laws to obey!)

 

James 2:10-11 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a law-breaker. (NIV)

 

Is James saying that if you break one law you are therefore guilty of breaking every other law? No! I don’t think so!

 

ILLUS.: Someone you steals a chocolate bar from the corner shop is not a murderer!

 

To use the examples James uses – an adulterer is not a murderer.

However, what James is saying is that the law of God is a whole – it is a unified entity. So whether you break law ‘A’ or law ‘Q’ or law ‘X’ in one sense is irrelevant because you have broken the law and consequently are a law breaker!

 

ILLUS.: Two weeks ago we were on my Uncle’s farm – it brought back many childhood memories. One of which is that on many occasions I was called upon to help round up the cattle which had broken through a paddock fence.

It was irrelevant on which side of the paddock the fence was broken – the point is that it was broken!!

 

When we look at the law of God in this way we ALL stand guilty! If we want to be justified before God on the basis of keeping God’s law then we need to keep every last detail of it perfectly!!

 

Galatians 3:10

10 All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” (NIV)

 

ILLUS.: a chain can be perfect except for one link ?!?! – it is broken.

A car tyre can be perfect except for one tiny hole ?!?! – it is punctured – does it matter where??

 

But even taking the examples of murder and adultery – which of us is not guilty! Maybe not the physical act —-BUT

 

Matthew 5:21-28

21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment……..

27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (NIV)

 

Before the law of God we stand condemned!!

Listen to the Psalmist

 

Psalm 143:2 2 Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no-one living is righteous before you. (NIV)

Psalm 130:3 3 If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? (NIV)

 

The answer — NO ONE!!

 

As Christians we were not saved by keeping the law – so now we are not kept by obeying the law – it is by God’s grace and mercy alone!

Philippians 3:9 9 …….., not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ — the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. (NIV)

 

If you are trying to gain acceptance with God by living a good life – forget it!! – you can’t do it that way. God calls ALL people EVERYWHERE to repent and trust Jesus Christ.

 

If you are a believer then ask God for more grace to empower you to obey him!

We often tend to think of God’s laws as a bind – as a hindrance – as if God is ‘kill-joy’ – obeying God is the greatest freedom there is!

 

If you have drifted away from God – your heart is cold towards him – maybe you are here out of duty — habit — duress — maybe you would rather be on the Golf-course or gardening — There is a joy in serving Jesus that surpasses all other pleasure BUT so often we miss out because our hearts are cold or as best luke-warm!!

 

4. WHAT THE ROYAL LAW DEMONSTRATES. [v12-13]

 

James 2:12-13

12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! (NIV)

 

Law and liberty.

To speak of the law and liberty would seems, to many, to be a contradiction in terms. To most people the word ‘law’ conjures up imagines of restrictions and limits, cramping your style and removing your freedom.

 

ILLUS.: When motor cars became widely used by the public many of the advertisement of the time exploited the fact that this new method of transport drought a new found freedom. BUT they soon discovered that unless there were laws to governs this ‘freedom’ there could be no freedom of travel.

Can you imagine Britain without traffic laws – everyone free to ‘do their own thing’!

 

These traffic laws were introduced to enhance this new found freedom of the road.

 

When the Israelites come out of Egypt God gave them the law [Ex.20] – it marked the end of an old bondage not the beginning of a new one – the law was given to mark their new freedom AND so that they could enjoy their new freedom.

 

In our generation their has been a push for personal freedom in the area of drugs and sex and so on – but far from bringing liberty these so-called freedoms usually bring bondage.

People demand the ‘freedom to be themselves’ – but people are made in the image of God and they will never known real freedom until they are what God intended them to be. It is only in knowing God and living by his laws that we will ever discover true freedom! And discover our true selves! Only then are we being and doing what we were designed to be and do.

 

ILLUS. Going back to the illustration of the car – when you try to drive through a forest or down a cliff we come unstuck –or get stuck!!

 

The car only brings freedom when we stick to the rules! In life we only experience freedom when we stick to God’s rules.

 

The rule that is being emphasised here is ‘loving you neighbour’ – our words and our deeds “…speak and act …” – must be in line with this royal rule because it is by this law that we will be judged!!

 

Judgement and Mercy.

You and I know that we fail again and again – and we would have all given up long ago were it not for the mercy of God!

 

But a word about judgement first. The law of God is fixed and does not change because God does not change. And by God’s law every person will be judged.

 

Matthew 25:31-32

31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. (NIV)

 

2 Corinthians 5:10 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, ……. (NIV)

 

Hebrews 4:13 13 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. (NIV)

 

God’s justice is not selective everyone is included!

Some will be asking —

-What about babies [the children of Dunblane?]

– What about those who have never heard the gospel?

We tie ourselves in knots with these questions – the Bible tells us that God’s law is perfect. When Abraham was pleading with God for the people of Sodom he makes a statement that is pivotal to our understanding of God’s judgement – Genesis 18:25 25 ……… Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (NIV)

 

This would be a depressing end – because we all deserve God’s judgement – BUT it is not the end.

 

Mercy – “Mercy triumphs over judgement” – the mercy of God is seen in the cross of Jesus who took our judgement and offered us mercy.

[A Barnes] “In the plans of salvation .. respect is done to justice, but mercy triumphs. Justice demands, as what is due, that the sinner should be condemned; mercy pleads that [he] the sinner may be saved – and mercy prevails!” [from Motyer p.104]

 

Are we merciful to others? or are we judgmental? Do we show favouritism and relate to other on the basis of what we can gain in return — these and many more questions will flood our minds as we compare ‘what we should be with what we actually are’.

 

James directs us away from self-questioning – we will not find mercy there – and he turns us to God “Mercy triumphs over judgement”

 

Motyer – “In the cross of Christ justice is fully done, its claims are fully met and God’s mercy to sinners triumphed in the provision of a complete forgiveness and a full salvation ………….

…….. Judgement looks at our deserts; mercy at our needs. And God himself looks at the cross of His Son.”

 

Praise God for Jesus!

 

 

 

THE ROYAL LAW OF LOVE

 

James 2:8 – 13.

 

1. WHAT THE ROYAL LAW DEMANDS

[v8]

      r ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’

 

 

 

2. WHAT THE ROYAL LAW DEPLORES

[v9]

      r partiality – favouritism – discrimination

 

 

 

3. WHAT THE ROYAL LAW DECLARES

[v10-11]

      r ‘You can’t choose which laws to obey’

 

 

 

4. WHAT THE ROYAL LAW DEMONSTRATES

[V12-13]

      r Law and Liberty

 

      r Judgement and Mercy

THE FOOLISHNESS OF FAVOURITISM!

 

James 2:1-7.

****************************************************************

INTRODUCTION.

 

The letter of James is considered to be one of the most practical books in the Bible – his teaching does not allow too much room for vague interpretations that can easy get lost in pious platitudes. However it would be a mistake to think that the letter of James is not theological – sometimes he has been accused of this.

 

The foundational verse of James’ letter is James 1:18 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. (NIV)

 

This letter does major on the practical outworking of our faith but the underlying assumption upon which James builds is that God is sovereign and everything good – esp. our salvation – is a gift from God. James 1:17 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (NIV)

 

1:26-27 are link verses between Ch.1, which lays a foundation, and the rest of the letter which deals with care, speech and holiness!

 

For James, “to claim to have the life of God and to remain unchanged is unthinkable”. [Motyer]

 

In other words if your belief and your behaviour don’t match up then there is something wrong. He is dealing not only with individual belief and practice but also the belief and practice of the whole church!

 

An old Negro Christian “There are too sides to the gospel, a believing side and a behaving side!”

 

One of the first practical issue that he comes to deal with is favouritism or discrimination.

 

Let’s look first at verse 2-4 and we will come back to v.1 in a moment!

 

 

 

1. FAVOURITISM: AN EXAMPLE [v.2 – 4]

 

James 2:2-4 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? (NIV)

 

The world of James’ day was made up of the same kind of people as there are in the world today – the ‘haves’ and the have nots’. The main difference is that in his day the ‘have nots’ were mostly slaves – but certainly not all – many were simply poor people. The gap between the rich and poor was very big and it was the rich who had the power – what’s changed!!

 

In our society at least there is a reasonably fair legal system and a social system that helps the poor – [that does not mean that there is no poverty in England] !

 

The illustration James gives is very clear – When a rich person comes to the church meeting he is given a prominent seat and when a poor person enters he is told to stand or sit on the floor.

 

This is blatant discriminatory behaviour – At a lesser level is happens in the classroom with Teacher’s pet, at its worst level it manifests itself in ethnic cleansing in Bosnia, in Hilter holocaust, in SA Aparthied …. at this level it can destroy nations.

 

When one child is favoured at the expense of another it can destroy families.

 

And when it happens in a Church it can destroy a congregation and that is why James is so hard on his readers. Favouritism and discrimination are destructive.

 

James is not saying that there is not room for treating some people differently – For example– it would be proper and right to offer a seat to an elderly person and to ask a younger person to sit on the floor if there are too few seats — It would be perfectly in order to seat an honoured guest – e.g. the Queen – while asking others to stand.

What James is on about is favouring one person over another purely on the basis that he or she is dressed better and thus is perceived to be of more worth. Such favouritism is flattery usually with the motive of gaining some benefit. Flattery is very subtle but it ends up deceiving the flatterer and the one being flattered.

 

— reveals contradictory behaviour

 

The NIV translates v4 as follows have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

This translation does seem to fit the context very well and nor does it reflect the Greek text very accurately.

 

It would seem that these two people who have walked into the church are strangers and that is why they are invited to be seated. Thus it would not be a discrimination amongst themselves but between to visitors.

 

Further and more importantly the phrase would fit better if it read … wavered/ been inconsistent within yourselves …. One of the main points that James is making in his letter is that as Christians we must be consistent. We can’t claim to be Christian on the one hand and then act like the worldly snob on the other hand. You can’t face both ways at once and that is the import of the text here.

 

— reveals corrupt motives

Not only is such behaviour inconsistent but it reveal the inner character that is corrupt. Why do people show favouritism? – is it not because there is an underlying motive? And that motive is invariably selfish – flattery usually has a price tag!

“Flattery is praise insincerely given for an interested purpose” [Henry Ward Beecher]

Many people know how to flatter but few know how to give genuine praise!

 

Verse 1 gives us the real reason why favouritism is wrong.

 

2. FAVOURITISM IS INCONSISTENT WITH BELIEF IN CHRIST [v.1]

 

1 My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favouritism.

 

My brothers – [a generic term referring to all Christian believers] –

 

Our whole faith teaches us that we should never be a snob in anyway – we have no reason to consider ourselves better than anyone else – if anyone ever had any reason to consider himself better than anyone else then it was Jesus himself. YET his glory was seen in the fact that he never judged people by outward appearance – he is the one to whom all glory is due AND he is also the one who set the standard as to how we are to treat others.

2 Corinthians 8:9 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. (NIV)

 

If we claim to be believers then the question is, are we completely devoted to the Lord in the ups and downs of life? — does his glory come first on our value scale??

Or do we allow the standard and values of the world to dictate what is valuable and worth-while!

 

Lets face it – in the world in which we live most people are valued in economic terms – people are no longer customers – we are consumers – how much money can be made!! Profits become more important than people!!

 

This was the trap that James’ readers were falling into – and it is easy to fall into this even in the Church.

ILLUS.: Richie Rich is a good prospective members because if he joins the Church we could probably put on a new roof or build a new Hall!!

 

It happens – I have seen Church where a few wealthy families control the Church and there is a power block and the people are too afraid to say or do anything because – “What will happen to the Budget if Mr Rich leaves??!”

 

Not just about money —

ILLUS.: Church I was involved with when we where missionaries to the Asian Muslims in SA – Did not want any convert to come to the Church – come to visit as exhibits of their investment in missions but not as members because they were too different – “They need their own church!” – The disguise was what was good for them but the real reason was “We don’t want these Asian people in our Church!” HAPPILY NOT ALL MEMBERS AND NOT ALL CHURCHES WERE LIKE THIS!

 

We need to guard against such behaviour – it is easy to be resentful and stand-offish to newcomers because they are different and will change our church!!

 

When a Church begins to operate like this then it is acting contrary to the principles of the gospel and it reasoning is distorted and sinful. And far from Christ been glorified his name is dishonoured.

 

Peter and Cornielius – Cornielius told 1x – Peter 3x [vision]

Acts 10:34

34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realise how true it is that God does not show favouritism (NIV)

3. FAVOURITISM HAS LIMITED VISION [V. 6 – 7]

 

James 2:6-7 6 But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong? (NIV)

 

We will come back to v.5 in a moment!

James’ readers were pandering to the rich and power.

Imagine the situation – a poor person has borrowed money from a rich person – in those day the repayment of the money could be demanded and if they were unable to pay then off to the debtors jail until they could pay –

 

See why James says to his readers – this are the ones exploiting you —

– taking you to court —-

– and by acting in this way they are dishonouring the name of Christ whom you claim to honour!

And what is more by favouring the rich in this way you are insulting the poor who in God’s eyes are of equal worth. The two visitors to the congregation [v.2-3] are seen only in the immediate context of their material possessions or lack of them. Whenever a church falls into this trap – if we fall into this trap we immediately exclude from our fellowship, our worship any whom we consider to be below our station.

 

James is talking about favouritism on the grounds of wealth but it can also manifest itself in other areas —

Education – “Did now she only went to ‘Scrap-through College!”

Social background – “Well I heard that he comes from the other side of the                                                 railway line – A bit of the old tar-brush I believe!”

Intellect – “She is a little bit slow!!”

Theologically we can play the same kind of games —

“She is a little bit TOO Charismatic when in actual fact she is alive spiritually and has an enthusiasm for Jesus that I lack – while I flounder around in my theological correctness!”

 

Is James saying that all the rich people are like this and have no place in the church – not at all!!!

But he is only echoing what Jesus said that it is hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven because hits at their position and their pockets and their pride.

God’s way is contrary to the way of the world!

 

4. FAVOURITISM IS NOT GOD’S WAY [v.5]

 

James 2:5

5 Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? (NIV)

 

ILLUS.: As a child I grew up in a street of 12 houses and their were in all about 35 kids – our street was next to the school playing fields and almost every afternoon we would gather there for some game or other. Two Captains would choose teams – always from the most athletic and competent down to the least able.

 

That is how human chose usually goes!

 

But God’s ways are not our ways – he is not impressed by wealth or position or education or ability.

 

God chooses the poor of this world – does that mean that he does not choose the rich? Not al all! We only have to look through scripture to see that God does choose the rich. Abraham was a wealthy man – so was Job! What of Joseph of Arimathea and Zacchaeus. But it is true that we need to search these out – remember what Paul said to the Corinthians 1 Corinthians 1:26

26 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. (NIV)

 

When James says that God chooses the poor – he does not mean that he never chooses the rich AND when he says that the rich exploit the poor and dishonour the name of Christ he does not mean they the poor never do BUT he is stating a general principle.

 

It is generally true that God’s concern is for those at the bottom of the world’s heap.

God chose Israel – slaves in Egypt and an insignificant group of people in the world of the time.

Time and time again we see how God rescues the poor and the stranger and the widows and orphans. He instructs Israel again and again to care for the poor, the oppressed and disadvantaged in society.

 

Exodus 22:22

22 “Do not take advantage of a widow or an orphan. (NIV)

Isaiah 1:17 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. (NIV)

 

When Jesus was on earth – where was his heart – with the sinners and the tax-collectors and the poor and the prostitutes. It was these people who followed him – It was the rich and powerful who opposed him with very few exceptions.

 

If we would follow the Lord Jesus Christ then like him we must, for the most part be on the side of the poor, the underprivileged, the disadvantaged and the oppressed. WHY? Because we follow a theology of liberation or a social gospel? NO! All to often evangelicals have allowed the liberals to rob us of our social responsibilities. We must have this conviction because God is a holy God and he hates injustice!!

 

If God practised favouritism where would I be? where would you be?

If God choose people according to Wealth and social standing where would you and I be?

 

Listen again to Paul — 1 Corinthians 1:26-29

26 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things — and the things that are not — to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no-one may boast before him. (NIV)

 

God does not show favouritism – his choice is without regard to gifts or goodness or anything else. This is abundantly clearly when we read Ephesians 1:4 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.

 

 

ILLUS.: Spurgeon – “It is perfectly obvious that God chose me, because I would never have chosen him, and it is equally clear that he must have chosen me before I was born because he would not have chosen me afterwards!”

 

I know that God’s choosing is difficult to understand!

 

But I can hear someone saying, “But didn’t I choose God??” Yes and it was a free chose BUT only because in eternity past God had first chosen you.

 

BUT you say, “Don’t I have a free will?” YES!! But not in the sense that we are completely free because apart from God all people are captive to sin. BUT nevertheless we were able to choose God because God has made that chose possible.

 

There is a clear command in scripture for the unsaved to respond to God’s call – it is clear that people have a responsibility to exercise the will God has given them .

YET it is also clear that no-one responds to Christ who has not been chosen by God.

Jesus in John’s gospel puts both these truths in one sentence: 6 37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.

 

God sovereignly elects AND people have a responsibility to exercise their chose – these two things may seem irreconcilable to our puny minds BUT what we must not do is try to pick one or the other NOR must we compromise to some kind of middle ground. Both of these are true – God does elect and people are responsible to believe in Christ – we must hold these two truths in tension.

 

Why did God chose us?? God’s election of Israel in the OT gives us insight into why God chooses.

Deuteronomy 7:7-8

7 The LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. 8 But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your forefathers that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. (NIV)

 

Why did God chose Israel?? Because he loved them – WHY? Because they were better; stronger; more numerous than the other nations?? NO!! NO!! Because he loved them and because he chose to love them.

 

Why has God chosen us? Because we are better?? hardly!! Because we are more loveable?? NO! NO!

 

ILLUS.: “The story is told of a man who told his minister that he had difficulty understanding God’s statement: ’Jacob I loved and Esau and Esau I hated!’ (Rom.9:13) The minister agreed that the verse was difficult to understand and asked the man where his particular problem lay. He said ‘In the second half of course!’.

‘Well my difficulty has always been with the first part,’ the minister replied, ‘because I can’t possibly understand how God could love a crafty, dishonest scoundrel like Jacob’.”

 

Look at the reason God chose us!   – to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him –

 

There are many who are rich in this world but poverty-stricken spiritually – Christian think of what you have received in Christ! Paul tells us that we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ –

True riches are not measured in £ and pennies – What is your heavenly Bank account like – are you rich towards God. If you are a Christian then all the riches of heaven are yours – how do we know that — Romans 8:32 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (NIV)

 

That includes that present blessings and the future glory of heaven!!

 

CONCLUSION.

 

Jesus who is rich in glory came to the poorest level so the we could be rich. If our faith is in him how then should we treat others!

 

V7 ends by referring to Christians as those who belong to the noble name of Christ –

The common marriage custom is that a woman takes her husband’s surname indicating an intimate, personal and permanent relationship – As Christians we take Christ’s name – how we behave reflects on him AND what belongs to him belongs to us!

 

God help us to live in such a way that our believing side and our behaving side match up!

 

THE FOOLISHNESS OF FAVOURITISM

 

James 2:1 – 7.

 

1. FAVOURITISM: AN EXAMPLE GIVEN [v 2-4]

       reveals contradictory behaviour

       reveals corrupt motives

 

2. FAVOURITISM SHOWS INCONSISTENCY [v 1]

       with Christian Faith

       with Christ’s example

 

3. FAVOURITISM HAS LIMITED VISION [v 6-7]

       it evaluates by distorted criteria

 

4. FAVOURITISM IS NOT GOD’S WAY [v 5]

       God’s choice is    sovereign

                                         unconditional

                                         for His glory

                                         for our good

 

 

“Don’t ever attempt, my dear Christian sisters and brother to combine snobbery with faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ” – James