Sunday School Lesson
June 19
Lesson 3 (KJV)
GOD’S PEOPLE SHALL PROSPER
DEVOTIONAL READING: Isaiah 49:18–23
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 49:18–26
ISAIAH 49:18–23
18. Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, and come to thee. As I live, saith the LORD, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on thee, as a bride doeth.
19. For thy waste and thy desolate places, and the land of thy destruction, shall even now be too narrow by reason of the inhabitants, and they that swallowed thee up shall be far away.
20. The children which thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the other, shall say again in thine ears, The place is too strait for me: give place to me that I may dwell.
21. Then shalt thou say in thine heart, Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? and who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where had they been?
22. Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.
23. And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.
KEY TEXT
Thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.—Isaiah 49:23
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. List one or more ways by which people will know that God is the Lord.
2. Tell how the meanings of one or more lines of the text are clarified by a parallel thought (s) that follows.
3. Identify and correct a personal misperception of what it means to “prosper” in a biblical sense.
HOW TO SAY IT
Artaxerxes
Are-tuh-zerk-seez.
Babylon
Bab-uh-lun.
Belshazzar
Bel-shazz-er.
Cyrus
Sigh-russ.
Darius
Duh-rye-us.
Diaspora
Dee-as-puh-ruh.
Ezra
Ez-ruh.
Gentiles
Jen-tiles.
Isaiah
Eye-zay-uh.
Jeremiah
Jair-uh-my-uh.
Jerusalem
Juh-roo-suh-lem.
Judah
Joo-duh.
Medes
Meeds.
Micah
My-kuh.
Nabonidus
Nab-uh-nye-dus.
Persians
Per-zhens.
Zion
Zi-un.
Introduction
A. Reversal of Fortune
Reversal of fortune has long been a popular topic for story plots. For instance, in the movie The Princess Diaries Mia Thermopolis finds out that she is the crown princess of Genovia. This information causes upheaval in her world, as she must decide whether to accept this role. In considering her duties, Mia receives the requisite makeover, etiquette training, and so on. Her reversal of fortune from the daughter of a single mother to the heir of an entire nation causes friction with her mother, newly discovered grandmother, friends, and classmates.
Change in fortune often results in a change in identity. From being an artist’s only daughter, Mia became a princess. While it was an exciting change, it also came with great challenges that made Mia ask, Is it worth it?
God’s people faced a reversal of fortune, as did the nations of the world. God’s servant would offer a change of identity to all. There were great challenges for the servant, Israel, and the nations. So the question remained: Is it worth it to be part of God’s great reversal?
B. Lesson Context: Historical
The first readers of the prophecy in today’s text understood it as concerning a return from Babylon, for Isaiah had earlier given the dire prophecy about being taken into exile there (Isaiah 39:6–7; see lesson 1 Lesson Context). When Babylon fell, the Jews would return to Judah and Jerusalem (Isaiah 40–48; Ezra 1:5). At that time Jerusalem would be rebuilt, and the foundation of the temple laid.
Jerusalem lost its inhabitants when the Babylonians destroyed the city in 586 BC. Jeremiah wrote that there were only 832 who were taken from the city at that time (Jeremiah 52:29), compared with 10,000 who had been taken earlier (2 Kings 24:14). Those who remained had endured the deprivations and starvation that occurred during the siege. This small remnant was taken away to join others already in Babylon. The city was a desolate ruin for almost 50 years.
On the night in 539 BC that soldiers of Darius the Mede captured Babylon, the Babylonian King Belshazzar was having a gigantic banquet that featured vessels from the temple in Jerusalem. The king was a co-regent with his father, Nabonidus, who was frequently absent from the capital. Belshazzar and his guests at the banquet were startled when fingers appeared and began to write on a wall (Daniel 5). Daniel was finally called to interpret the message. The last part of Daniel’s message was that the kingdom was given over to the Medes and Persians—that night! Babylon had been considered impregnable, and a large food supply was always maintained in case there was a siege.
The Babylonian Empire came to an end following its capture by the Persians and Medes under Cyrus. Cyrus the Great established the Persian Empire, which lasted about 200 years. The famous Cyrus Cylinder contains the decree that all captive peoples could return to their homelands and that they were to take their gods with them. The Jewish people were not specifically mentioned in Cyrus’s own edict, though his attention to Jerusalem is recorded in the Bible (2 Chronicles 36:23; Ezra 1:2–3). The biblical account later refers to a separate proclamation that was made for them, and it became very important in the days of Darius the Great when opposition arose to the building of the temple (6:2–3). The Jews did not have gods to take, but they did have many items from the temple (1:6–11).
The first wave of exiles returned in 538 BC. It is assumed that the 50,000 people who returned first went to Jerusalem. Then they scattered to find their ancestral homes throughout Judah, as stated in Ezra 2:1.
C. Lesson Context: Literary
The previous lesson ended with Isaiah 49:13, and great joy was predicted to be expressed (compare Isaiah 51:3). Gentiles in all directions would rejoice as the Lord comforted His people. Five verses later is where this study begins.
Isaiah prophesied that a virgin would conceive and bear a son (Isaiah 7:14). That passage is cited in Matthew 1:22–23 as fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. The fulfillment was 700 years away. That same child would grow up to fulfill many other prophecies of Isaiah, not least the prophetic expectations linked to a person referred to as the suffering servant. Our text comes from the second Servant Song, the same discussed last week (see lesson 2 Lesson Context). The servant is the one who is the speaker for the text of this lesson. The servant is understood to be the Son of God. Some have suggested that the speaker is Isaiah, but the context indicates that the speaker is more than a prophet.
The mood changed from exuberance (Isaiah 49:1–13; see lesson 2) to a lamentation that the Lord had forgotten His people and Jerusalem. It is easy to imagine Jerusalem stating that God had forgotten the city and the people (see lesson 1 Lesson Context). Metaphorically, Jerusalem sat in the dust wearing torn clothes or sackcloth and ashes, head bowed with sorrow and hopelessness (compare Lamentations 2:10).
The Lord asked rhetorically whether a woman can forget the child she gave birth to and nursed (Isaiah 49:15). Though an unhealthy mother might forget that child, even a mediocre mother cannot. In the same way, the Lord could not forget the people or Zion. To show His attention He assured Zion that the ones who had mistreated His people by taking them away were leaving. This provided opportunity for God’s children to hurry to return (49:14–17).
God had promised a return, and He also said that Jerusalem and the cities of Judah would be rebuilt (Isaiah 44:26). At least some of the people in captivity were aware of the passages in Isaiah about a deliverer named Cyrus, and that the captivity would last about 70 years (Jeremiah 25:12; 29:10). It is definite that Daniel was aware of the prophecy of Jeremiah (Daniel 9:2).
I. Promise of Restoration
(ISAIAH 49:18–21)
A. Ornamentation (vv. 18–20)
18a. Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, and come to thee.
The command to lift up thine eyes is a call to a new posture, one of hope rather than desperation. Upon obeying the command, Lady Zion would behold … these—referring to her children (Isaiah 49:17, not in our printed text)—returning to her.
Visual for Lesson 3. Have learners pair up while discussing verse 20 and each take one minute to share a time when God has restored their joy.
18b. As I live, saith the LORD, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on thee, as a bride doeth.
Once again the image is one of extreme reversal. In contrast to the mourning clothing Zion had been wearing (see Lesson Context), the Lord promised that she would have reason to dress as a bride doeth (compare Jeremiah 2:32). Brides then as now dressed to impress. In the modern Western world, it’s easy to forget how important marriage was in the ancient world. This was not the result of two independent adults choosing to pledge themselves to one another. Women had very little opportunity to care for themselves economically and usually left their father’s home only when they married. Their wedding day marked the day their economic fortune became their husband’s concern, not their father’s. It was also the day they could begin trying to fulfill one of the, if not the, most important roles for women: becoming a mother and raising her children. The end of a marriage—whether in divorce or widowhood—was a grave hardship on a woman, especially if her children were not grown and in a position to care for her.
Dressing as a bride, then, is another analogy for turning toward joy instead of sorrow (compare Jeremiah 33:11). The appropriate “attire” for a bridal city is a thriving human population. Those who returned would be Zion’s ornamentation, the source and sign of her newfound joy.
What Do You Think?
What insight can embracing our shared identity as God’s “bride” give us regarding how to remain faithful to Him?
Digging Deeper
What are some cultural expectations of brides that can serve as a warning?
19a. For thy waste and thy desolate places, and the land of thy destruction, shall even now be too narrow by reason of the inhabitants.
The people who returned would find desolation and ruins. Zion would be plowed, and Jerusalem would become heaps (Micah 3:12). The image of waste encourages the reader to think of the utter destruction of not only Jerusalem but all the land. Once-cultivated fields would be wild and overgrown, having reverted to their own natural state. Stones that had been walls would be strewn within and without the city limits (compare Nehemiah 4:2). The population would have dwindled to the point that the whole land was desolate.
Further evidence of the reversal of fortune would be in regard to the land that had been suffering with too few people. But the happy issue would instead be that the land was too narrow for all those who would return. Rather than emphasizing the current scarcity of the land, the prophecy instead focuses on its future when it will teem with life, be revitalized, and experience all the joys and thriving of human life within its borders.
What Do You Think?
How would you encourage someone who is going through a time of spiritual darkness?
Digging Deeper
What Scriptures speak to the sound wisdom of hoping in the Lord?
19b. And they that swallowed thee up shall be far away.
The city and the returned exiles were assured that they that swallowed thee up, the Babylonians, would be far away and thus unable to cause them further pain and terror. Even more important than actual geographical distance was to be the absolute loss of power Babylon experienced, positioning it as far as could be from causing any more sorrow in Judah.
DESOLATION AND RUIN
We who live in the western United States are feeling the growing threat of wildfires. Wilderness areas are most in danger, but wildfires often blow into inhabited areas, destroying towns and cities in the process. We have our “go bags” packed with irreplaceable possessions—family pictures, computers and backups with data that can’t be replaced, and the clothes we would need while displaced and awaiting the “you can go home now” announcement.
Following fires in residential areas, homeowners return to find widespread devastation, with whole communities reduced to a wasteland of ash and twisted metal. Rebuilding can take months or years, and sometimes the destruction is so complete that a community is simply abandoned. Those who do rebuild feel the happiness of restoration but do not forget the terror and grief of losing their homes.
The Jews returning to ruined Jerusalem must have felt similarly when they got the “you can go home now” news. But the Judeans could trust in God’s help in rebuilding Jerusalem. How does your faith help you when events in life destroy what you have built?
—C. R. B.
20. The children which thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the other, shall say again in thine ears, The place is too strait for me: give place to me that I may dwell.
The growth in the Jewish population during the captivity was significant. It is reminiscent of the growth that the Hebrews experienced when they were in bondage in Egypt for 430 years (Exodus 12:40–41). They went into Egypt as 70 people (Genesis 46:26–27); as the family of Jacob, and they left as a nation of about 600,000 men (Exodus 12:37), or more than two million people.
The ones who return to Zion are portrayed as her children. In the short term, these are primarily a new generation born in exile. Though some elders would return, many other returning exiles had never seen Jerusalem in its heyday, when the temple was standing (Ezra 3:10–13). As in Egypt, the population of the people expanded so that the land was too strait to contain them all (Exodus 1:6–7). But unlike then, the people would not be oppressed because of their flourishing (1:8–14).
Although the temple would be rebuilt in Jerusalem (Ezra 6:12–18), the exiles in Babylon were dedicated to maintaining their faith while far from their center of worship. And some exiles stayed in Babylon, even after the way was opened to return to Judah. This paved the way for the rise of synagogues and religious leaders called rabbis. Jews scattered throughout the Mediterranean region during the second temple period (around 538 BC–AD 70), taking their faith with them. That Diaspora (“dispersing”) resulted in more territory experiencing Jewish influence (example: Acts 2:9–11).
This became highly important in the long term, when Gentiles would be welcomed into God’s family, regardless of religious or ethnic background or their geographical relationship to Jerusalem. The place where Zion’s children could dwell would turn out to be throughout the world, to its most remote locations (Revelation 15:4).
What Do You Think?
How might Isaiah 49:20 encourage a church that appears to be declining?
Digging Deeper
What measures beyond numerical growth are important in order to gauge the spiritual health of a congregation?
B. Disorientation (v. 21)
21. Then shalt thou say in thine heart, Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? and who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where had they been?
The change of fortune promised to Zion is so extreme that she will experience extreme disorientation when hearing it. Her reaction is not described as disbelieving exactly but incredulous or bewildered, afraid to hope that this can be true. Zion will have lost her children and become desolate, a captive, left alone, and without a safe home to settle into. She will not be aware that any of her children had survived. Her experience would soon be that of Babylon, who had brought all this evil on Zion; Babylon would experience widowhood and the loss of her children in one day (Isaiah 47:10–11; see lesson 1).
What Do You Think?
Is being surprised by God’s blessing a faithful reaction? Why or why not?
Digging Deeper
How would you encourage a friend who struggles to accept God’s blessings?
II. Explanation of Restoration
(ISAIAH 49:22–23)
A. Foreigners Called (vv. 22–23a)
22a. Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people.
Zion is once again called to behold (see Isaiah 49:18, above). God’s lifting up His hand to the Gentiles and setting up His standard to the people reveals that God will use foreign nations to accomplish His will for Zion. It could also be that God was warning any people who would stand against His people. Language like lifting God’s hand and setting up His standard is used throughout Isaiah to emphasize how the Lord chose to communicate with foreigners to draw them to Him and to His will (Isaiah 5:26; 11:12; 18:3; etc.). We might think of the wise men’s reading the sky to learn of Jesus’ birth and where to go to praise Him as an example of this (Matthew 2:1–2).
22b. And they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.
The Gentiles will provide help for the sons and daughters who make the return trip to Judah (Ezra 1:7–11; Nehemiah 2:8–9). The image is of parental care, unexpected from foreign nations but in keeping with what God required of them. The exiles would not be kicked out of their exilic homes and left defenseless to fend for themselves.
23a. And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet.
The image here is one of both care and humility. Being provided for by kings and queens as foster parents reveals how important the people are to God—that the most powerful royals are to be called to nurture them. It also suggests the abundance of worldly resources that God will muster for the sake of His people. The image might remind us of how the daughter of Pharaoh cared for Moses (Exodus 2:1–10).
Darius, as well as Cyrus, arranged for several types of provisions for the Jews to be supplied from the royal revenues collected in that area (Ezra 6:8–10). This would have been about 520 BC. Later, Artaxerxes and his seven counselors gave silver and gold to the people who returned with Ezra in 458 BC (7:14–15).
The language of Gentiles being in submission points to the future when people from all nations will acknowledge that the God of Israel is the only God. Although in the past powerful people had set themselves up as gods, those who heed God’s call will humble themselves to Him and be glad to serve His people.
B. Hopeful, Not Shamed (v. 23b)
23b. And thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.
The phrase thou shalt know that I am the Lord is used frequently in the book of Ezekiel (6:7; 7:4, 9; 11:10; etc.). Knowing starts with accepting the facts but requires much more. Then as now, knowing the Lord requires obeying Him, first of all by rejecting all others who claim the same status (Exodus 6:2; Isaiah 42:8; etc.). Following closely after this is living in accordance with God’s revealed laws, not choosing for ourselves what seems good or simply justifiable (Psalm 22:23; etc.). And although knowing the Lord requires faith, He also supplies plenty of evidence to give us confidence in who He is.
Waiting on the Lord is rarely easy, but it is always worthwhile (examples: Psalm 130:5–8; Luke 2:25–32, 36–38). Though His good plans may not be revealed in our lifetimes, “we know that all things work together for good to them that love God” (Romans 8:28). Between His past deeds, His demonstrated faithfulness to His promises, and His assurances regarding our future with Him, we have every reason to wait patiently and know that He will vindicate our faith and hope (8:24, 38–39).
NUMBLE PIE
Back in the 1300s, numbles was the term for the heart, liver, and entrails of an animal. These were fed to servants and the lower class, usually in a savory pie to make the servings go further. In time, numbles became umbles, a word that has a different etymology from humble. But the similar sound of the words and the fact that umble pie was eaten by those of humble station in life probably accounts for the shift.
Over the centuries, the phrase has become a figure of speech; eating humble pie today describes a person having to publicly admit to some past wrongdoing or failure. Isaiah might have described the Gentiles’ predicament similarly. After all, they offered assistance to the Jews as they returned to Jerusalem.
Whether current society should try to atone for the sins of past generations is a bigger issue than any of us can resolve by ourselves. But perhaps there are ways to say our ancestors were wrong. How do you think it should be done?
—C. R. B.
Conclusion
A. Change of Address
Jesus’ coming results in a change of fortune: though we were condemned, we are now promised eternal life when we choose to follow Him as our Lord and Savior (Romans 8:1–2). And this change of fortune results in a change of identity: we who were once far away are now part of God’s family (8:14–17; Ephesians 2:13). Essentially our address has changed from being in this world to residing in the kingdom of Heaven (John 3:3–5; Acts 28:31; Revelation 12:10–12).
This Servant Song is one of great hope for Israel and all others. Though Isaiah’s audience couldn’t know, the redemption promised here goes well beyond an end to exile in Babylon. It encompasses an end to exile in sin. Through Jesus we have abundant life; He can be trusted with all our needs.
What Do You Think?
What in today’s lesson encouraged you? How will you share that encouragement?
Digging Deeper
What challenged you? How will you meet that challenge in the week ahead?
B. Prayer
Almighty God, we are thankful for the promises that You made to Your people. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
Wait for the Lord, who does not disappoint.
June 26
Lesson 4 (KJV)
GOD OFFERS DELIVERANCE
DEVOTIONAL READING: Isaiah 51:1–8
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 51
ISAIAH 51:1–8
1. Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.
2. Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.
3. For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.
4. Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people.
5. My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.
6. Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.
7. Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.
8. For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.
KEY TEXT
Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.—Isaiah 51:1
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Identify what endures and what does not.
2. Explain the connection between seeking righteousness and seeking the Lord.
3. State one way he or she will better model that connection in the coming week.
LESSON OUTLINE
Introduction
A. Look Both Ways?
B. Lesson Context
I. Look to the Past (Isaiah 51:1–3)
A. The Follower, the Seeker (v. 1a)
B. Remember Origins (vv. 1b–2)
The Rock
C. Expect Comfort (v. 3)
A Thriving City
II. Look to the Future (Isaiah 51:4–6)
A. “My People, My Nation” (v. 4a)
B. Coming Light (vv. 4b–5)
C. Everlasting Reign (v. 6)
III. Look Straight Ahead (Isaiah 51:7–8)
A. The Righteous at Heart (v. 7a)
B. Do Not Fear (vv. 7b–8)
Conclusion
A. Which Way?
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember
HOW TO SAY IT
Sela
See-luh.
wadi
wah-dee.
KID’S CORNER
Newspapers Prove the Bible is True
Sunday, June 19, 2022
James 3:13-18
James 3:13-18
(James 3:13) Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.
Those with true wisdom will rightly apply the knowledge they gain from learning the will of God as revealed in the Bible and their conscience. Those with understanding will know the consequences of right and wrong thoughts, choices, and behavior without needing to learn these consequences from good and bad personal experiences. Bible study gives people wisdom and understanding partly because they learn what to do and what not to do from God’s commandments and the experiences of those who made good and bad choices in the Bible. In many cases they see the consequences of obedience and disobedience from the examples of those they learn about in the Bible. As they read the Bible, Christians should choose to live a good life and produce good fruits in words and actions, and they can do so with the guidance and help of the Holy Spirit. They can also pray for the grace of God to empower them and others to do what is right. Wisdom inspires believers to speak gently instead of cursing. Instead of becoming arrogant, they become humble from knowing how much they depend entirely upon God to give them the power they need to know and do the will of God in a variety of difficult situations in this life.
(James 3:14) But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.
Christians should be filled with the love of God and the Holy Spirit, so they can love God and others rightly and without envy and selfish ambition. It is one thing to be ambitious and work hard to achieve goals consistent with the will of God as revealed in the Bible with the help of the Holy Spirit in fairness to others. It is quite another thing to be selfish and ruthless and take unjust advantage of others to achieve your personal goals. As Christians, we must read the Scriptures daily so we can assuredly know the truth about God, reality, others, and ourselves. Our Bible study can help us recognize if we are motivated by any bitter envy or selfish ambition in how we treat or relate to others. Christians need to pray with an earnest desire to know and do the will of God. They need to earnestly desire that God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven, so they pray for God to help them do His will on earth as it is in heaven. Christians must have an ambition to pray and live with submission to Jesus Christ. They must maintain an open mind and heart to receive the Spirit’s leading and avoid self-centeredness and other sins. If a Christian is filled with the Spirit, there is no room for bitter envy or selfish ambition in their hearts. Those who call themselves “Christian” while maintaining bitter envy and pursuing selfish ambition are false to the truth—the truth about what kind of a person they really are, the kind of person God wants them to be as a follower of Jesus Christ, and the kind of person the Bible describes as a follower of Jesus.
(James 3:15) This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.
“Bitter envy, selfish ambition, and boasting” is a manifestation of the “worldly wisdom” that Christians see demonstrated almost every day in this world. Heavenly wisdom comes from the divine revelation and wisdom in the Bible and the example of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit lives within Christians; therefore, they recognize worldly wisdom for what it is and seek to avoid thinking and living as this world does. Worldly wisdom is earth-focused or creation-focused or self-focused instead of God-focused. Earthly wisdom does not think of heaven or God’s work in the world, in human history, and in Jesus Christ. Worldly wisdom is not truly spiritual in the Biblical sense, but often pretends to be religious. Those with a “worldly wisdom religion” only speak of God or use the name of God when they want to selfishly manipulate religious people to achieve a self-centered or earth-centered ambition. Finally, James warns us that “worldly wisdom religion” is the religion of the devil. The devils who fill this world seek to devour Christians, as Peter described in 1 Peter 5:8, “Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour.” Those who reject the divine wisdom in the Bible often boast and think they are wiser than Christians. They boast that their thinking is based on what can be learned from experience, from observation, from their own thinking abilities, and from others who think like them. But they are often unknowingly misled by devils who influence their thinking and choices. Christians should not be surprised when those who have turned from divine wisdom begin acting earthly, unspiritual, and devilish. Therefore, as Peter wrote, Christians need to discipline themselves and keep alert—being ambitious to know and do the will of God according to the Bible—so they do not fall for the schemes of those who are earthly, unspiritual, and devilish.
(James 3:16) For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.
Unhappily, “worldly-wisdom” people can sometimes be found living among Christians in a church. They bring their envy, selfish ambition, pride, and devilish beliefs into the church and they can mislead some to begin thinking and acting as they do. Therefore, Christians must stay alert, for those who think and speak with “worldly wisdom” will bring “disorder and wickedness of every kind into a church.” James was not afraid to “tell it like it is” to his readers. One can look at the way many governments function around the world and see the consequences of envy and selfish ambition, for these governments are disorderly and their rulings bring disorder and endorse wickedness of every kind that supposedly will benefit those who are earthly or worldly. Disorder and wickedness in a church can sometimes be traced to the envy and selfish ambition that motivates some in a church. Sometimes church leaders with selfish ambition will lead a church in ways that favor them and meet their selfish needs instead of the way God approves in the service of His people.
(James 3:17) But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.
Contrast those who manifest a “worldly wisdom religion” with true Christians in the church. The true spirituality described in the Bible encourages people to live by faith in Jesus Christ. True faith in Jesus Christ as Savior frees sinners from cursing, envy, selfishness, showing partiality, hypocrisy, and wickedness. Following Jesus Christ as Lord of your life will free you to act on the divine wisdom you learn from the Bible and enable you to bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit as the Holy Spirit works within you. Paul listed the fruits of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.” A person can use the list of traits in James 3:17 and Galatians 5:22-23 to test themselves and discover where they need to grow spiritually with the help of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. Being “willing to yield” does not mean willing to yield so wickedness can do whatever it wants; rather, James meant believers should be willing to yield and do what God wants or be willing to yield and do what someone else wants (if it is not wrong) rather than insist everything always be done their own way. Being full of mercy will inspire you to pray for someone to make the changes they need rather than cursing them. Praying for others and blessing others are good fruits to bear. Having a pure motive and being peaceable and gentle toward those who need correction will produce better results than cursing them.
(James 3:18) And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
The wicked behavior of others may influence a Christian to curse the wicked and retaliate against them; however, a harvest of righteousness may come from blessing those who practice wickedness, and from praying that they will repent of their sins and come to saving faith in Jesus Christ. Christians must pray because, as Paul reminded us in Ephesians 6:12, “Our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Only Jesus Christ can save the wicked from their wicked practices so they can be blessed by God. If a person practicing wickedness claims to be a Christian but refuses to repent and follow Jesus, believers can pray for God to discipline them in ways that will lead them to repent and follow Jesus. Then, they can receive the blessing of God’s forgiveness and the gift of eternal life. Those who make peace will not compromise with wickedness; instead, they will sow the Word of God in peace. While sowing the Word of God, they will pray and do as Paul commanded in Ephesians 6:10-11: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Those who peacefully sow the Word of God enjoy a harvest of righteousness within themselves and among the followers of Jesus Christ. They will live at peace with God and within themselves because they live right with God and others according to the teachings of Jesus. They will do as Paul wrote in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” In Matthew 5:9, Jesus promised, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Newspapers Prove the Bible is True
Sunday, June 19, 2022
James 3:13-18
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every
evil work (James 3:16—KJV).
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is
disorder and every evil thing (James 3:16—NASB).
For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also
be disorder and wickedness of every kind (James 3:16—
NRSV).
Our newspaper headlines often prove the Bible is true. Along
with a lot of good news that reveals the gracious gifts of God
to others and their gifts to us, we read stories about disorder
that we often hear called “disorderly conduct.” We learn about
evil practices that sometimes result in the death of others or
the punishment of criminals. Think about some of the sad
events of the past week or so. How many have envy as a root
cause or evil influence? A dictionary defines envy as “a feeling
of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone
else’s possessions, qualities, or luck.” How many envy
something someone or some group has, so they steal, riot,
maim, or kill among other harmful acts? How many people
have suffered because of someone else’s selfish ambition; an
ambition that drives them to slander and defame the
character of another person or business? When we take some
time to think about the evil practices we have indulged in or
the evil practices that we condemn, how often have envy or
selfish ambition played a part?
Ambition to serve the Lord and use His gifts as prayerfully, as
lovingly, and as wisely as possible according to the Bible for
the benefit of others and ourselves is not “selfish ambition.”
Selfish ambition is self-centered instead of God-centered.
James wrote, there is a “wisdom” that is earthly, unspiritual,
and demonic, and that “wisdom” is often given to those who
have envy or selfish ambition (James 3:15). Then, James wrote
that those with heavenly wisdom should show forth a good life
of pure, sincere, and peace-loving deeds done in humility.
Thinking Further
Newspapers Prove the Bible is True
Sunday, June 19, 2022
James 3:13-18
Name __________________________________________
1. How should those who are wise and understanding think and live?
2. What does it mean to be “false to the truth.”
3. How would you describe a “worldly wise religion” or person; one that is “earthly, unspiritual, devilish”?
4. How did James describe the religion from above?
5. What can Christians do to make peace and what are some of the consequences of their efforts?
- How should those who are wise and understanding think and live?
The wise and understanding in a church will show forth a good life and do good works with a gentleness that demonstrates their wisdom. Their wisdom will come from above, from the Scriptures, from their personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and from the right use of their reason. Their words and works will show forth purity and peacefulness, gentleness and cooperation, mercy and good fruits, and not be partial toward others or hypocritical. They will plant and reap righteousness and peace.
- What does it mean to be “false to the truth.”
Paul wrote in Romans 1:18-19, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of those who by their wickedness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.” To be “false to the truth” is to suppress the truth or ignore the truth or tell a lie rather than tell the truth or intentionally mislead someone to take selfish advantage of them. People can be false to the truth by admitting what is true while living contrary to what they know to be true. To be false to the truth is to refuse to admit to yourself (and possibly to others) your sins and motivations for what you are doing or want them to do (to them). Paul described those who are false to the truth in Romans 1:22, “Claiming to be wise, they became fools.”
- How would you describe a “worldly wise religion” or person; one that is “earthly, unspiritual, devilish”?
A “worldly wise religion” refuses to acknowledge the true God, Jesus Christ as Lord, or the Bible as the supreme revelation from God. They focus on “this world” and their “spirituality” does not rise above the immoral values of “this world.” Therefore, they become the slaves of demons.
- How did James describe the religion from above?
The religion from above is revealed by God in Jesus Christ, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit. The religion from above spiritually and morally uplifts those who follow Jesus Christ. The religion from above gives those who believe in and trust in the true God, “wisdom from above.” In James 3:17, we read, “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy.” The religion from above leads the followers of Jesus Christ to live obviously different from those whose religion is from this world, and they will often be rejected and persecuted by those of this world.
- What can Christians do to make peace and what are some of the consequences of their efforts?
Christians can follow the teachings of Jesus rather than show partiality toward others, but at the same time they will not live as those who live in slavery to demons. If they try to keep or make peace with others based on Jesus’ teachings and try to teach Jesus’ teachings, they may lead some to see “the better way to live as a follower of Jesus.” They may lead some to choose to learn more about Jesus and become a follower of Jesus too. In doing so, the follower of Jesus Christ and the new follower of Jesus Christ will reap a harvest of righteousness through their way of life as those who entrust their lives to Jesus Christ as their personal Leader, Lord, and Savior.
Word Search
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Sunday, June 19, 2022
James 3:13-18
Name __________________________________________
A O Q Y G T L H R Q S E C H S
I L B Z O E A I A Z L B Q O U
K X I J K R N V J T V I W N F
B T A U W I S T N E B R D Q V
O J Y F D Y M E L Q S E G E R
A N X R M E G P F E R U L Q A
S C S L Z T V A A S N B S M J
T D B U J B L I T R A E B G X
F L F L O S I A L E T I S C Y
U W A Y E Y N T C I T I T S B
L X V L N D Q A T I S M A Y A
K N Z X I T E I O E J H I L E
E I S N J P S N Z I R B Q F S
U C G M E R C Y A E F N K L I
T R U T H S E L F I S H T Y W
Wise
Selfish
Devilish
Understanding
Ambition
Peaceable
Gentleness
Boastful
Harvest
Bitter
False
Mercy
Envy
Truth
Impartial
True and False Test
Newspapers Prove the Bible is True
Sunday, June 19, 2022
James 3:13-18
Name ___________________________________________
Circle the True or False answers. Correct the False statements by restating them.
1. A wise and understanding person should do deeds in the humility that comes from wisdom. True or False
2. You need a lot of selfish ambition to beat others, win, and prove that you are better than everyone else. True or False
3. 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. True or False
4. Bitter envy and selfish ambition is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. True or False
5. True wisdom brings disorder and wickedness of every kind, so try to avoid true wisdom. True or False
6. When you know you are great, it is something to really boast about.
True or False
7. Wise and understanding people are not false to the truth. True or False
8. True wisdom from above will lead a person to love peace, live peaceably, and seek to make peace in wise and understanding ways. True or False
9. If they think it will benefit them, those of this world will show partiality and treat others unfairly to help their friends and them. True or False
10. Peacemakers will share truths peacefully and in ways that will help those who listen to the truth begin to live right and wise. True or False
True and False Test Answers
- True
- False
- True
- True
- False
- False
- True
- True
- True
- True
Prayer
Almighty God, we are thankful for the promises that You made to Your people. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.