Tag Archives: God

James 1:13 “God Tempts No One”

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God Tempts No One

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. – James 1:13 (ESV)

The words for inner temptation and outer trial are similar: (Peira-). Readers of the time needed to be reminded that they are different and while God often tested with certain trials to strengthen our faith, he never temps us to lose our faith. The verse also talks about one of God’s characters and attributes as being Holy. He is set apart. Be careful not to blame God for your own sin and temptations. His desire is to test you and make you stronger, not break you.

I appreciate testing to strengthen my faith in God. My humanity often gets in the way and I struggle with why God would allow such testing right up to the breaking point at times. I know he wants me to succeed and perhaps he knows or rather I know he knows my limits. I feel sometimes I get confused between testing and proving my faith and consequences for my sins. If I’m honest I know I get angry at God sometimes for allowing Satan to play games with me but perhaps my limited perspective in blaming God when all along I cannot see from his angle and something entirely different is happening. So, I must leave it in God’s hands as mine are so feeble.

Maranatha! (Come, Lord Jesus!)

Study through the Book of James with HolyJustLove.com!
James 1:2-3
James 1:4
James 1:5
James 1:6
James 1:7-8
James 1:9-11
James 1:12
James 1:13

Attributes of God: He is Love

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God Is Love

Your love is so crushing when I think deeply about it. Who would do what You did? You did not have to solve our problem. We were the ones who disobeyed You! But You came! You came and lived a perfect life among us. There was no fault in You at all. I could only imagine being Mary when you were a child; a confusingly perfect child. Your solution is humanly unthinkable. You did no wrong and yet You took the ultimate punishment. You died a horrendous humiliating death on a stake; fully beaten, bloody, and naked. You were innocent and yet You kept silent because You had a plan. A plan that no one would ever, ever conceive. But You did. Because You are love. That kind of love is crushing. It crushes my heart. It overwhelms me. You are not just loving, You are the epitome of love. YOU ARE LOVE!

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, ESV)

God Is Love

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. (1 John 4:7-21, ESV)

 

James 1:12 “Consider Your Reward”

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Consider Your Reward

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. – James 1:12 (ESV)

James is bringing back the topic of trials, testing, and endurance which encompasses the idea of steadfastness.
The word “crown” (stephanos) refers to a laurel wreath that is given to a winning athlete. The word “life” is referring to eternal life as our reward.

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. – Revelation 2:10, ESV

We are not to think our salvation is dependent on being victorious over our trials however we should use the thought in anticipation of our inheritance and reward to keep us going. Celebration and rewards after hard work is great motivation. Because of this, God asks us many times in the New Testament to look to our reward when we think about the trials we face. We must practice steadfastness if we want to receive and achieve a settled character.

I teach my students that in life we must reward ourselves for a job well done. Too often we glaze over accomplishments and brood over our failures. The more we are able to recognize and celebrate even our mini accomplishments over sin and trials the stronger we will become. It is like exercising a muscle: use it or lose it. Understanding there is an eternal, glorious, joy-filled eternal life is the ultimate reward and I intend to make up for any lost time by focusing daily on God’s Word and His will

Maranatha! (Come, Lord Jesus!)

Study through the Book of James with HolyJustLove.com!
James 1:2-3
James 1:4
James 1:5
James 1:6
James 1:7-8
James 1:9-11
James 1:12

James 1:9-11 “Both Rich & Poor”

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Both Rich & Poor

Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. – James 1:9-11 (ESV)

The readers James is writing to have been displaced from their homes as they have been scattered. The word lowly refers to their financial state. He was talking about those who were poor financially. Also during this time around 60-70 AD there was great famine so most of his readers were not just poor but extremely poor, hungry, and facing great difficulty just to stay alive. He is encouraging them to know that they DO have something to boast about. They are exalted or lifted up because of Jesus. The word exalted means the heavenly realm where Jesus ascended. See Philippians chapter 3.

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. – Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV)

He is telling them not to worry about the rich because riches pass away. The rich, if they are right with God will boast in their humiliation.  He is not saying that the rich will be judged BECAUSE of their riches. He is not writing from an ironic perspective that they had it good here on earth therefor they will have it hard in the afterlife. No. He is talking to believers both poor and rich. James is giving a warning to the rich and a reminder to not put their faith in their riches because they are not stable like God’s word. They must be constantly on guard and are often humbled by this trial. Wealthy Christians are to constantly remind themselves that while in men’s eyes they are high, they are not high in comparison to God. This becomes a struggle and so to boast in their humility before God may be what James is getting at. Both poor and rich must look at their lives from a godly and heavenly perspective and not a worldly one.

Our perspective needs to be God centered and not world centered. Regardless of if we are rich or poor we all must come back to our true center which can only be found in the heart of Jesus himself. The only true position in which we can boast.

I struggle with these types of verses and looking further into it I now feel more understanding. My wealth or my poverty is there to guide me to my true center: the heart and will of God. Being wealthy has its struggles and difficulties just as being poor does. With constant monitoring of who I am and what my purpose is within God’s will can guide me to true wealth in Christ and my salvation. Money is here on earth as a great trial. I will continue to strive to grow and invest in the LORD’s Wisdom.

Maranatha! (Come, Lord Jesus!)

Study through the Book of James with HolyJustLove.com!
James 1:2-3
James 1:4
James 1:5
James 1:6
James 1:7-8
James 1:9-11

James 1:7-8 “Double Souled”

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Double-Souled

For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. – James 1:7-8

The word double-minded (dipsychos) means double souled which James may very well have coined. James is calling for single mindedness and views the double minded man is an unbeliever. Unbelievers will receive nothing from the LORD. I must put my love hope and faith always in God. When I ask anything I must trust in him and hope in his will. Thank you, God that you are daily making me more and more settled and stable in my understanding, hope and acceptance of your will. I desire to always trust in you. Hope in you. Love in you. Have faith in your will. Your perspective is not my perspective. Thank you for taking that huge burden from me.

Maranatha! (Come, Lord Jesus!)

Study through the Book of James with HolyJustLove.com!
James 1:2-3
James 1:4
James 1:5
James 1:6

Modern Parable ~ Blind Obedience

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jenosullivan_20131031_0002_webSometimes I need my 5 year old to just simply obey something I ask him to do: Don’t cross the street yet… Eat your veggies… Go to bed… Don’t eat the entire bag of Halloween candy at once. While his little 5 year old mind cannot fathom any good reason to follow any of these ridiculous rules, he does. Why? Somehow in his 5 long years of life he has figured out that going against what I say as a direct command usually goes badly… sometimes very badly. So, here I sit. Almost 40 years old, still whining to God about this rule and that rule. “Why can’t I just…” on this command and that command. In my bible study today, I was reading and dissecting one verse in 1 Peter. Yes, sometimes it is important to dig into the Bible one verse at a time and digest it fully before moving on. So, here is what I studied this morning:

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, (1 Peter 1:14, ESV)

God is commanding me to not be conformed to all the things of this world that are sin and that are against His law. But get this, the first part of that sentence is “as obedient children.” This context is like a child is obedient to his father. Like my child is obedient to me. Blind obedience at times. Kicking and screaming but still obedient obedience. I hung my head low this morning as I reflected on my desire to mature in this one point. With the help of the LORD I will prevail!

~ Jen O’Sullivan
www.HolyJustLove.com

Have No Fear by Philip DeCourcy

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Click HERE to watch the sermon by Philip DeCourcy.

Quotes from the Sermon:

“Fear is fueled by the unknown. Fear is fueled by ignorance. I remind myself of truths concerning God. That gives me a place to stand.” – Philip DeCourcy

“If you are battling fear you have to fight your fear by taking account of how God has been faithful to you in the past.” – Philip DeCourcy

“Fear is a false prophet. What do we do with false prophets? We stone them to death.”  – Philip DeCourcy

Application Questions:

1.    What are some of the things that cause us to fear? Specifically, what are things that cause you to fear?
2.    What is the difference between healthy fear and unhealthy fear?
3.    List and affirm some truths about God. Then discuss their relevance to the fearful heart.
4.    Why is it important to keep alive the memory of God’s past actions?
5.    How is worship the antidote to fear?
6.     Discuss the idea that courage is fear which has said its prayers.
7.    Think about the promise of future grace. How does it relate to the subject of fear?

Psalm 27

The Lord is my light and my salvation;

whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life;

of whom shall I be afraid?

When evildoers assail me

to eat up my flesh,

my adversaries and foes,

it is they who stumble and fall.

Though an army encamp against me,

my heart shall not fear;

though war arise against me,

yet I will be confident.

One thing have I asked of the Lord,

that will I seek after:

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord

all the days of my life,

to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord

and to inquire in his temple.

For he will hide me in his shelter

in the day of trouble;

he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;

he will lift me high upon a rock.

And now my head shall be lifted up

above my enemies all around me,

and I will offer in his tent

sacrifices with shouts of joy;

I will sing and make melody to the Lord.

Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud;

be gracious to me and answer me!

You have said, “Seek my face.”

My heart says to you,

“Your face, Lord, do I seek.”

Hide not your face from me.

Turn not your servant away in anger,

O you who have been my help.

Cast me not off; forsake me not,

O God of my salvation!

For my father and my mother have forsaken me,

but the Lord will take me in.

Teach me your way, O Lord,

and lead me on a level path

because of my enemies.

Give me not up to the will of my adversaries;

for false witnesses have risen against me,

and they breathe out violence.

I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord

in the land of the living!

Wait for the Lord;

be strong, and let your heart take courage;

wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27, ESV)

Attributes of God: He is Omnipotent

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God Is Omnipotent (He has infinite and unlimited power.)

How precious is your power. How it is needed every second of every day it is! I am weak but you are all powerful. I ache and have pain yet you have power. I long for the day when I get to see you and your power. For now I am thankful for your power thorough my life. Through your Holy Spirit I am able to gain access to your power. Please Lord give me your power; even just a grain of sand worth. I cannot seem to make it through this day without you. I fumble even when I am obedient. I am saddened by my lack of power. Please give me a tiny piece of you to get me through today.

Summon your power, O God, the power, O God, by which you have worked for us. (Psalm 68:28, ESV)

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)

I am a failure…broken…a mess

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How is it possible that we can try our hardest and work at keeping all our ducks in a row and balls in the air and then all it takes is a simple breeze to mess us up. Satan relentlessly pursued Jesus with temptation after temptation after temptation. All he needed was for one small tiny mess up and the entire plan of God would be finished. Jesus did not mess up even once. He is my example. Yet here I sit. A failure… broken… a mess. I hang my head at my mistakes knowing there is always tomorrow.

James 1:6 “Faith in God’s Will”

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Faith in God’s Will

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. – James 1:6

James often used examples in nature because his audience could relate well. They traveled by foot, lived in mostly open air environments, and worked mainly as fishermen, farmers, and shepherds. They could identify closely with what it meant to be driven and tossed by the wind as a wave is. Waves tossed by the wind are uncontrollable at times and often nothing can be done but hold on tight and ride it out. If they doubt, they understood that there would be grave repercussions. This is a serious concept to them and they would not have taken it lightly. We must understand that asking in faith requires both a head knowledge and a heart knowledge. It requires a steadfast understanding and acceptance of God’s will. I pray every day for that kind of steadfast understanding and acceptance of God’s will in my own life. Asking God for anything in faith without doubting is one of the hardest human things to accomplish. Only through the strength of Christ is it possible.

Maranatha! (Come, Lord Jesus!)

Study through the Book of James with us!
James 1:2-3 Commentary
James 1:4 Commentary
James 1:5 Commentary