James 2:1-12
James 2:1-4 1My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. 2Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 3If 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," 4have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
Common Areas Where We See Discrimination:
• Appearance
• Ancestry
• Age
• Achievement
• Affluence
I. FAVORITISM IS NOT CHRIST-LIKE
James 2:1-5
1My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. 2Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 3If 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," 4have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5Listen, 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?
II. FAVORITISM IS NOT LOGICAL
James 2:5-7
5Listen, 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? 6But 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? 7Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?
III. FAVORITISM IS NOT LOVING
James 2:8-11 8If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. 9But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11For 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 lawbreaker.
THE ROYAL LAW: Matthew 22:36-40
36"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Practical Application:
Romans 15:7
"Accept one another just as Christ accepted you ..."
Do you know why people have a hard time accepting others? They confuse acceptance with approval. There's a big difference between acceptance and approval. You can accept somebody without approving of his lifestyle. He may be doing something totally contrary to the word of God, but you can accept him as a person without approving of the sin he's involved in. And how will he ever get cleaned up without the love, grace, and power of God’s Holy Spirit in his life?
Philippians 2:3-5
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also the interests of others."
This goes a little bit further than acceptance. This is where we look intentionally for a need and seek to meet it without discrimination… just like the Good Samaritan, putting the needs of others above our own! And I am so glad I’m at a church where many of you are doing just that!
Galatians 3:26-27
26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
It was said of the New Testament church, "See how they love one another." "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples that you love each other."
Monday, October 25, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Forged - James 1:2-12
Forged:
When the Heat is On
James 1:2-12
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 and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.
10 But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.
11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”
God’s number one purpose in your life is to make you like Jesus.
ESSENTIALS FOR VICTORY IN TRIALS:
I. Consider Carefully Your Circumstances
1. Trials are inevitable.
One thing is certain and Jesus said it: “In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33) Scripture doesn't say, "If you face trials consider it joy" but whenever -- count on it, you're going to have problems…no one is exempt.
2. Trials are unpredictable.
3. Trials are of many kinds.
4. Trials are not permanent!
Luke 2:1
“And it came to pass ...” (KJV)
If it came to “pass”, it didn’t come to “stay”!
5. Trials are purposeful.
“...because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
II. Submit and Surrender Your Situation
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
Note...it doesn’t say the trial will end because of your prayers...it just says that if you lack the wisdom to see this trial as God does...and if you don’t understand the value of these times...go to God, ask Him for wisdom...and you will get it!
Notice also...When you pray, you are not promised that the trial will go away. You are promised wisdom!
“You know that under pressure, your faith life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way!”
James 1:3, 4 (The Message)
III. ENVISION YOUR ETERNITY
Job 19:25-26 “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, YET IN MY FLESH I WILL SEE GOD.”
When the Heat is On
James 1:2-12
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 and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.
10 But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.
11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”
God’s number one purpose in your life is to make you like Jesus.
ESSENTIALS FOR VICTORY IN TRIALS:
I. Consider Carefully Your Circumstances
1. Trials are inevitable.
One thing is certain and Jesus said it: “In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33) Scripture doesn't say, "If you face trials consider it joy" but whenever -- count on it, you're going to have problems…no one is exempt.
2. Trials are unpredictable.
3. Trials are of many kinds.
4. Trials are not permanent!
Luke 2:1
“And it came to pass ...” (KJV)
If it came to “pass”, it didn’t come to “stay”!
5. Trials are purposeful.
“...because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
II. Submit and Surrender Your Situation
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
Note...it doesn’t say the trial will end because of your prayers...it just says that if you lack the wisdom to see this trial as God does...and if you don’t understand the value of these times...go to God, ask Him for wisdom...and you will get it!
Notice also...When you pray, you are not promised that the trial will go away. You are promised wisdom!
“You know that under pressure, your faith life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way!”
James 1:3, 4 (The Message)
III. ENVISION YOUR ETERNITY
Job 19:25-26 “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, YET IN MY FLESH I WILL SEE GOD.”
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Law and Order
Want More and Less!
Exodus 20:17
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Exodus 20:17
I. THE PROBLEM OF POSSESSIONS
“All man’s efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied.” Ecclesiastes 6:7
“Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
II. A CULTURE OF COMPARISON
“I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven…it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Matthew 19:23
III. THE PROBLEM OF PERSPECTIVE
Matthew 19:25-26, “When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, ‘Who then can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”
Learning to Live for Legitimate Longings:
It’s called contentment. Contentment is the opposite of striving, aching, restlessness, and worry and anxiety. Wouldn’t you like to be freed from your endless pursuit of accumulation?
“But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones” (Proverbs 14:30).
Paul wrote:
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13
Learn to live for legitimate longings: HOW?
1. RECOGNIZE THAT EVERYTHING IS A GIFT FROM GOD
1 Chronicles 29:16 says, “O LORD our God, as for all this abundance … it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you.”
2. RESOLVE TO GIVE THANKS IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Be joyful always; pray continually;
give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
3. RESTRICT YOUR INTAKE
4. RECOMMIT YOURSELF TO GIVE GENEROUSLY
Warren Wiersbe says, “An open heart cannot maintain a closed hand.”
Generosity is a natural expression of our love and gratitude to God.
Maybe our discontentment is telling us something important. C.S. Lewis says: “If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.” Our citizenship not here in America…in Heaven! The Apostle Paul understood this when he gave up his wealth and influence and prestige and freedom—and even his life--to serve the Lord as a missionary: Nothing else mattered to him.
Philippians 3:7-8: 7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ…
In Acts 20:24 Paul said, “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.”
Exodus 20:17
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Exodus 20:17
I. THE PROBLEM OF POSSESSIONS
“All man’s efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied.” Ecclesiastes 6:7
“Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
II. A CULTURE OF COMPARISON
“I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven…it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Matthew 19:23
III. THE PROBLEM OF PERSPECTIVE
Matthew 19:25-26, “When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, ‘Who then can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”
Learning to Live for Legitimate Longings:
It’s called contentment. Contentment is the opposite of striving, aching, restlessness, and worry and anxiety. Wouldn’t you like to be freed from your endless pursuit of accumulation?
“But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones” (Proverbs 14:30).
Paul wrote:
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13
Learn to live for legitimate longings: HOW?
1. RECOGNIZE THAT EVERYTHING IS A GIFT FROM GOD
1 Chronicles 29:16 says, “O LORD our God, as for all this abundance … it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you.”
2. RESOLVE TO GIVE THANKS IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Be joyful always; pray continually;
give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
3. RESTRICT YOUR INTAKE
4. RECOMMIT YOURSELF TO GIVE GENEROUSLY
Warren Wiersbe says, “An open heart cannot maintain a closed hand.”
Generosity is a natural expression of our love and gratitude to God.
Maybe our discontentment is telling us something important. C.S. Lewis says: “If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.” Our citizenship not here in America…in Heaven! The Apostle Paul understood this when he gave up his wealth and influence and prestige and freedom—and even his life--to serve the Lord as a missionary: Nothing else mattered to him.
Philippians 3:7-8: 7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ…
In Acts 20:24 Paul said, “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.”
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Law and Order
Exodus 20:15-16 Model Integrity
I. STEALING IS A VIOLATION OF THE LAW
God has authorized two primary methods by which people can legitimately increase their possession. When we engage in these 2 areas of getting gain, we are doing it the right way. Notice what they are.
1. As A Reward For Work – Contrary to popular belief, work is not a curse! It is a means, ordained by God, whereby people can obtain the resources they need to function in the world. In fact, work is glorified by God – 2 Thes. 3:10.
2. By The Reception Of A Gift – Another legitimate means of increasing our possessions is by the generosity of another. Some one may give us a gift, or we may receive and inheritance, or we may be the beneficiary of a will or insurance policy. These are all legitimate ways of getting gain. There is nothing wrong with receiving things from others. Often, God may choose to bless your life in this way.
The Corrupt Means Of Getting Gain – This is by taking that which does not belong to us as our own. Also know as stealing. God has condemned this practice and has declared that His children should leave it behind with the other works of the flesh – Eph. 4:28.
II. STEALING IS A VIOLATION OF A LOYALTY
1- As An Employee – Employee theft costs companies billions of dollars every year, somewhere in the neighborhood of $120 billion. According to USA Today, 48 % of all American workers took something from an employer last year. People do this by taking thing home, selling things without their employers knowledge and pocketing the money, taking kickbacks, falsifying time records, wasting time while at work, etc.
2- As An Employer – When employees are underpaid, over worked and treated badly, this too is a form of stealing! God has certain principles, which are to be followed by employers
3- In Our Ethics – Often, we are guilty of stealing in various area of our lives. Things like taxes, keeping our word, honoring our debts, borrowing things and not returning them. When we are obligated to do something, we should do it! When we don’t, we have stolen. When we owe a debt, or taxes etc, then we also must pay that, or, again, we are guilty of stealing before God.
III. THE VIOLATION OF A HEAVENLY LOVE
1- The Stealing Of The Tithe – Notice what Malachi says about the tithe – Mal. 3:8-10. God says that when we hold back that which belongs to the Lord, then we are guilty of stealing from God.
2- The Stealing Of Time – You and I have been allotted only so much time in this world. If we waste that time instead of using it for the glory of the Lord, we are guilty of theft! Are you using your time as you should?
3- The Stealing Of Titles - There is also the matter of Lordship. We are guilty of stealing when we hold back areas of our lives from His Lordship.
4- The Stealing Of Talents – The Bible is clear when it tells us that when we become a Christ-Follower, we are given certain gifts from the Heavenly Father – 1 Cor. 12:7-27
Now let’s look at the second integrity area. The 9th commandment!
Ex. 20:16
1- Your Reputation Determines The Level Of Respect You Receive
2- Your Reputation Determines The Level Of The Response You Receive
I. STEALING IS A VIOLATION OF THE LAW
God has authorized two primary methods by which people can legitimately increase their possession. When we engage in these 2 areas of getting gain, we are doing it the right way. Notice what they are.
1. As A Reward For Work – Contrary to popular belief, work is not a curse! It is a means, ordained by God, whereby people can obtain the resources they need to function in the world. In fact, work is glorified by God – 2 Thes. 3:10.
2. By The Reception Of A Gift – Another legitimate means of increasing our possessions is by the generosity of another. Some one may give us a gift, or we may receive and inheritance, or we may be the beneficiary of a will or insurance policy. These are all legitimate ways of getting gain. There is nothing wrong with receiving things from others. Often, God may choose to bless your life in this way.
The Corrupt Means Of Getting Gain – This is by taking that which does not belong to us as our own. Also know as stealing. God has condemned this practice and has declared that His children should leave it behind with the other works of the flesh – Eph. 4:28.
II. STEALING IS A VIOLATION OF A LOYALTY
1- As An Employee – Employee theft costs companies billions of dollars every year, somewhere in the neighborhood of $120 billion. According to USA Today, 48 % of all American workers took something from an employer last year. People do this by taking thing home, selling things without their employers knowledge and pocketing the money, taking kickbacks, falsifying time records, wasting time while at work, etc.
2- As An Employer – When employees are underpaid, over worked and treated badly, this too is a form of stealing! God has certain principles, which are to be followed by employers
3- In Our Ethics – Often, we are guilty of stealing in various area of our lives. Things like taxes, keeping our word, honoring our debts, borrowing things and not returning them. When we are obligated to do something, we should do it! When we don’t, we have stolen. When we owe a debt, or taxes etc, then we also must pay that, or, again, we are guilty of stealing before God.
III. THE VIOLATION OF A HEAVENLY LOVE
1- The Stealing Of The Tithe – Notice what Malachi says about the tithe – Mal. 3:8-10. God says that when we hold back that which belongs to the Lord, then we are guilty of stealing from God.
2- The Stealing Of Time – You and I have been allotted only so much time in this world. If we waste that time instead of using it for the glory of the Lord, we are guilty of theft! Are you using your time as you should?
3- The Stealing Of Titles - There is also the matter of Lordship. We are guilty of stealing when we hold back areas of our lives from His Lordship.
4- The Stealing Of Talents – The Bible is clear when it tells us that when we become a Christ-Follower, we are given certain gifts from the Heavenly Father – 1 Cor. 12:7-27
Now let’s look at the second integrity area. The 9th commandment!
Ex. 20:16
1- Your Reputation Determines The Level Of Respect You Receive
2- Your Reputation Determines The Level Of The Response You Receive
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