Sunday School Lesson
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.
HOW TO SAY IT
| Sela | See-luh. |
| wadi | wah-dee. |
Introduction
A. Look Both Ways?
We’ve heard this since we were small children: “Look both ways before crossing a street, and then cross when it’s safe.” That’s still good advice, but it is not adequate for the present culture. Why? One reason is that there are so many more ways to be distracted than in the past.
The distractions take place for those who walk, for drivers of automobiles, and those who ride bicycles. At intersections it sometimes appears as if nobody looks. The pedestrians seem oblivious to traffic lights, stop signs, and walkways. They are focused on things such as making calls, reading text messages or e-books, or listening to a podcast or music. Those on wheels are also seen looking at a device instead of at the road. The “look both ways” admonition is no longer enough. People also need to stay aware of their surroundings. The result is that the old saying could be changed to “Look up, and then look both ways before crossing a street.”
This lesson will develop three “looks” that were given to the people of Judah: to look to the past, the future, and straight into the present.
B. Lesson Context
The opening lines of Charles Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities are easily recognized by many readers: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” The same words could be used to describe Judah during Isaiah’s ministry (see lesson 3 Lesson Context). The best of times were reflected in Judah’s economic and military prowess (Isaiah 2:7); the worst of times were marked by the sin of idolatry and consequent exile in Babylon (39:6–7).
In many ways, Judah’s punishment was an indictment of their false gods and of the sins those “gods” condoned. The people had turned from the true God in spite of the great acts of deliverance they had experienced as a nation, and the admonitions in the Ten Commandments to have no other gods or graven images (Exodus 20:3–6). And the exile did have a purifying effect. Following the Babylonian captivity, Jewish idolatry was never a serious problem again (though of course other issues arose). The Jews who returned stood firm on their faithful foundation (see Isaiah 51:1b–2, below), no matter what foreign invaders tried to tempt them with new gods. Though they had suffered through the worst of times, even better than their previous best times were still ahead.
We can also assert that Babylon was punished for following their false gods. Had their worship been rendered to God and concerned with justice and righteousness instead of acquisition and power, the story of the Babylonian Empire would have been very different. In Isaiah 46–47 God mocked the Babylonians’ idolatry and its associated practices (see lesson 1). The idols have to be carried, but God’s judgment would have them carried away (Isaiah 46:1). Though the people bowed to gods that they made, the God of the heavens had declared their end (46:10). Their “best of times” was about to come to a permanent close.
I. Look to the Past
(Isaiah 51:1–3)
A. The Follower, the Seeker (v. 1a)
1a. Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord.
Our text contains three calls to hearken (see Isaiah 51:4, 7, below; compare 51:21; 52:8; see also lesson 3). Each call in our text is followed by a two-part description of the people who are being addressed. In each instance, the two phrases augment each other, adding depth to the portrait of the listener.
Undoubtedly ye that follow after righteousness are the same that seek the Lord. Those who strive to be righteous want to live according to God’s laws and His will. In the case of Abraham, even before the laws were revealed or the prophets had spoken, faith was declared to be the basis of righteousness before God (Genesis 15:6; compare Romans 3:21–26; see Isaiah 51:1b–2, below). To seek is to have a goal and to search diligently to reach it. God is near those who look for Him (Deuteronomy 4:29; Matthew 7:7–8; Acts 17:24–28).
We can note the many philosophers who have sought to define the good life without feeling the need to include God’s will in the equation. And we can think of people who say they seek God but do not seem inclined to obey His law, choosing instead a “god” of their own making. Any attempts that do not seek God and also strive to obey Him will be lacking; these do not lead to true or eternal life (John 14:5–17).
| What Do You Think? What circumstances distract or discourage you from seeking righteousness? Digging Deeper How can you prepare for those times now in order to continue seeking the Lord faithfully? |
B. Remember Origins (vv. 1b–2)
1b–2. Look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged. Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.
We might expect the rock to refer to God here, and for good reason. This image of origin, deliverance, and safety in the Lord occurs with some frequency in the Old Testament (examples: 1 Samuel 2:2; Psalms 18:2, 31; 62:2, 6–7; Isaiah 17:10). In his farewell address Moses charged that Israel had become unmindful of the “Rock” that had begotten them and had forgotten that God had formed them (Deuteronomy 32:15, 18, 30–31). Isaiah might charge the people of his day with the same. It would be entirely appropriate for Isaiah then to call the righteous person to look to God as the one who formed and blessed the nation of Israel.
In context, Abraham actually seems to be referred to as the rock whence ye are hewn. This is appropriate for the faithful to whom Isaiah speaks, since all who put their faith in God and later in Christ are declared to be true children of Abraham (Galatians 3:7–9). In this way, Abraham is the father because God called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him (see Genesis 12:1–3; Romans 4:16; 9:8).
Sarah then is likened to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged. This unusual parallelism would be a reference to her womb, which had to be emptied through birth in order for descendants to be brought forth. Though Hagar bore Abraham a son who was blessed by association with his father, Isaac was the child of promise through whom the promise of a nation would be fulfilled (Genesis 17:19–21; Galatians 4:21–31).
The rock imagery eventually extends to Christ himself (Luke 20:17; 1 Peter 2:4, 7; compare 1 Corinthians 10:4). In Christ God’s people expanded beyond the boundaries of Abraham’s family, just as God always intended. So it is appropriate to speak of being called in Christ alone, of His blessing in ministry and blessing to us through His resurrected life, and of the expansion of the church into all places. Remember the joy of salvation when you became a Christian? Look back to the beginning of your walk with Christ for a refresher.
| What Do You Think? How does recounting your spiritual heritage strengthen your confidence in the Lord’s faithfulness? Digging Deeper What are some areas from earlier in your walk with Christ that you would like to make a bigger part of your life today? |
The Rock
Petra, in western Jordan, is the red-rock city carved out of “living stone.” It is believed by many to be Sela (2 Kings 14:7; Isaiah 16:1; possibly also referenced in Judges 1:36; Isaiah 42:11). Especially interesting to me when I visited was the eastern entrance. A narrow, half-mile pathway down a wadi took us through a crevice in a wall of rock. At the end of the wadi, an unforgettable view of the solid-rock city presented itself to us. Tradition says that wall is the stone that Moses struck to get water for the people of Israel and the cleft in the rock is the fissure through which water poured out (Exodus 17:1–7).
Remembering one’s solid foundation sets the tone for growth throughout life. Abraham served as the solid foundation and example of faithful, righteous living for Israel. Today we look to the one Abraham waited for—Jesus Christ. How will you honor your solid foundation?
—C. R. B.
C. Expect Comfort (v. 3)
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.
The destruction of Zion was complete and completely devastating—so much so that Judah broadly and Jerusalem specifically were waste places (Nehemiah 1:3; 2:3, 17; Lamentations 1:1; 2:8–9, 13). We might consider images we’ve seen of contemporary war zones to get an idea about the complete annihilation of Jerusalem. It was not simply left empty-but-intact when the people went into exile; the city was left in chaos, stones overthrown, buildings burned to the ground, and likely even unburied human remains in the streets.
Only by imagining how complete and brutal the Babylonians’ conquest of Jerusalem was can we imagine how good this news is. A wilderness where a city once was is a lonesome, haunting image; but a thriving Eden—a paradise—in its place is a hopeful, joyful image. In Eden, Adam and Eve had worked, but easily; the ground was not yet cursed and God provided every good thing they needed. They lived free of sin; they enjoyed each other’s company and even walked with God (Genesis 2:15–25; 3:8). Nothing could be better for Jerusalem than for her desert to become like the garden of the Lord. Add to that people who had experienced life outside of such a paradise; the thanksgiving and melody of returned exiles to such a place would surely be a symphony of joy and gladness.
Joy is one characteristic of Christians (Galatians 5:22–23). Philippians 4:4 gives a double command to rejoice, and in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 the admonition is to rejoice always. When our life or our world seems like devastated Zion, our joy comes from the knowledge that God has a greater plan. The destruction is not the end; and knowing that, we can experience joy, no matter our temporary situation.
A Thriving City
Are urban dwellers entitled to green space in their cities? The Parks for All nonprofit is dedicated to “the creation, maintenance and beautification of public parks, playgrounds & green space throughout New Orleans.” The organization holds that well-planned and maintained parks are key to thriving in a city. More city planners and other officials agree. And a growing body of research asserts that green spaces are good for health—mental and physical—and overall well-being of a city’s population.
God is well ahead of this urban trend, describing the newly rebuilt Jerusalem as an Eden; even the New Jerusalem centers on a life-giving tree and river (Revelation 22:1–5; see lesson 12). The reconstructed Jerusalem would not be a perfect city on earth, but in both human thriving and natural bounty, it would be a beautiful place and a sign of what God has in store for His faithful people. Challenge yourself this week to go to one of your local parks and consider the many and varied ways that God provides for you and your community.
—J. A. K.
II. Look to the Future
(Isaiah 51:4–6)
A. “My People, My Nation” (v. 4a)
4a. Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation.
Hearken and give ear constitute one call to pay attention (see Isaiah 51:1, above). My people and my nation continues to address the Jews, specifically the exiles in Babylon. In 51:1b–2 (above) it’s clear that this call is to the descendants of Abraham; Isaiah does not need to be so explicit here because of the specificity before.
B. Coming Light (vv. 4b–5)
4b. 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.
The pursuit of righteousness (Isaiah 51:1, above) is about to be rewarded. Salvation in the Old Testament frequently refers to a very physical, earthy deliverance from evil and harm (examples: 1 Chronicles 16:35; Psalm 27:1–9; Habakkuk 3:13). For this reason, many misunderstood Jesus’ mission of salvation as being one of political liberation in the vein of other rebellious “messiahs” before Him (example: Acts 5:36–37). In hindsight, however, we see that this salvation is essentially spiritual in nature, given how Jesus would call people from all nations—here the isles (compare Isaiah 11:11)—to come to Him for deliverance from sin (Acts 13:38–48). Only through spiritual wholeness can any other kind of thriving be anticipated.
Elsewhere the Lord directs the people to “Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed” (Isaiah 56:1). There He explicitly welcomes both strangers and eunuchs—people typically excluded from being part of Israel—to be integral members of His people when they keep His law. One of Jesus’ final commissions to the apostles shows a fulfillment of what had been prophesied by Isaiah. Just before His ascension, Jesus said that the apostles were to be His witnesses to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the entire world (Acts 1:8). In Romans 1:16 Paul summarized these concepts when he wrote that the gospel was for everyone who believes, to Jews and also to Gentiles.
The arm of the Lord is often associated with deliverance and justice (examples: Isaiah 30:30; 59:15b–16; Jeremiah 21:5; Ezekiel 20:33–34). Here His judgment is linked to the people’s trust. Without the Lord’s promise to judge, it would be impossible to trust Him. After all, how could a good God who loves righteousness simply ignore evil? And if He did not have the power to judge, that would be another reason for mistrust. But this God has the authority, the will, and the power to judge the wicked and will protect all who place their trust in Him.
| What Do You Think? How do you demonstrate God’s love for people in distant lands? Digging Deeper What opportunities does your community offer to show God’s love for all people? |
C. Everlasting Reign (v. 6)
6a. 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.
To the casual observer the heavens and the earth seem permanent. But smoke drifts on the wind and then dissipates. Wearing out like a garment suggests hard use, tearing, ripping, outgrowing. These analogies suggest that, far from lasting forever, both heavens and earth are quick to fall apart. Other passages also describe heaven and earth as being temporary (Psalm 102:25–26; Matthew 24:35; 2 Peter 3:10). All creation only lasts as long as God chooses to sustain it (Colossians 1:15–18).
Life is also described as fleeting (Job 7:7; Psalm 39:5, 11). Like the speed with which smoke disappears or an old garment falls to shreds, so will they … die (Ecclesiastes 3:19). In context, this refers to all living creations—death is the end. There’s no doubt it will happen; there’s no preventing it.
| What Do You Think? In what ways is the impermanence of this world a comfort to you rather than a threat? Digging Deeper How does God’s sustaining our fragile world give you reassurance about His love? |
6b. But my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.
In contrast to creatures, the earth, and even the heavens (Isaiah 51:6a, above), God’s salvation and righteousness shall not be abolished. The purpose of the coming of the Messiah was to grant these things to the ones who come to Jesus through faith. In the end, no more will death or sorrow afflict His people, because all of that will pass away with all else that is temporary (Revelation 21:1–4; see lesson 10). And though sin has an end, righteousness will be the law of the heavenly land where the saints live with God (2 Peter 3:13).
The Bible uses the figure of a “way” to refer to the journey of life (examples: Psalm 1; John 14:6). In the spiritual realms there are only two ways. The “wide” gate and “broad” way lead to destruction, and that is the easy way of life. It is the “strait gate” and “narrow” way that lead to true life (Matthew 7:13–14). It requires serious dedication and effort to walk in God’s way, but it’s worth it.
III. Look Straight Ahead
(Isaiah 51:7–8)
A. The Righteous at Heart (v. 7a)
7a. Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law.
For the final time in this lesson, the audience is commanded to hearken unto me. As before, ye that know righteousness are the very same people in whose heart is my law. In Hebrew thought, the heart was not only (or not primarily) the seat of emotions but, instead, of reason and insight (examples: 1 Samuel 24:5; 2 Samuel 24:10; “consulted with myself” Nehemiah 5:7). This is not to say that those who had the law in their hearts did not love it; plenty of poetry exists extolling God’s Word and its great benefit for those who learn from it (examples: Psalms 37:30–31; 40:8–10; 119). From the time the law was given, God instructed the people to hide it in their hearts and even gave them instructions on how to do so (Deuteronomy 6:4–9; Jeremiah 31:31–34). And those who took their studies of the law seriously spoke of the joy of a heart turned toward God (example: Psalm 119:2–3, 7, 10–11).
But for many generations, the people struggled to observe God’s laws the way they were meant to. This is what got them into exile in the first place! To hear that God was speaking to the righteous who loved His law would be heartening to them. God had not abandoned them forever but had provided a way for them to return not only home but, more importantly, to Him (2 Chronicles 6:36–39). When God spoke to the prophet Ezekiel, the Lord explicitly promised to give the people open hearts that would be disposed to hearing His word and obeying it (Ezekiel 11:19–20; 14:4–5; 18:31; etc.).
B. Do Not Fear (vv. 7b–8)
7b–8a. Fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool.
Just like the earth and the heavens, the reproach of men and their revilings last but a moment before inevitably coming to nothing (see Isaiah 51:6a, above). The scorn of people who do not seek righteousness, do not love God’s words, and do not care to follow the Lord is fleeting indeed. It won’t even take a ferocious bear or fire or other massive force to destroy them; the moth and the worm will suffice to judge those who speak against God’s people.
8b. But my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.
Righteousness and salvation are once again declared to last for ever (see Isaiah 51:6b, above). From generation to generation is another way to express this unending time line. But the phrase might bring to mind God’s faithfulness from generation to generation (example: Genesis 9:12–16). Though He brings judgment, He forgives too (example: Exodus 20:4–6). This salvation is the last plan; there is no next salvation to come. Each generation is given the opportunity to accept the gift.
| What Do You Think? How do you manage feelings of fear when you feel threatened or unsafe? Digging Deeper How would redirecting your thoughts to seeking God help you react faithfully in that moment? |
Conclusion
A. Which Way?
Looking to our past offers important insights: about faithfulness, examples to follow or deviate from, the people and events that have shaped us. Isaiah prepared the nation to look forward to Jesus, but we look to the past, present, and future when we look to Him. The salvation work Jesus has done is the reason for our joy in the present and our hope in the future. So when you think about whether to look to the past, present, or future, the answer is: all three! Look to Christ and His ministry, His sacrifice, His death and resurrection. Look to the body of Christ that continues to call the world to repent of sins and be reconciled to God. And look to the glorious future when God’s promises of eternal life will no longer be a hope but our present, eternal reality.
B. Prayer
Thank You, Lord, for these reminders that You have always loved and admonished Your people. As we leave class now, we ask for wisdom in making the tough decisions that are ahead of us this week. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
Hear that? God is calling.[1]
July 3
Lesson 5 (KJV)
The Word Becomes Flesh
Devotional Reading: John 1:1–14
Background Scripture: John 1:1–14
John 1:1–14
1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2. The same was in the beginning with God.
3. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
6. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
10. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
11. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
13. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Lesson Aims
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Identify “the Word.”
2. Explain the respective missions of John the Baptist and “the Word.”
3. Identify one way he or she can continue the mission of John the Baptist—and make a plan to commit to it.
Lesson Outline
Introduction
A. Caring in Person
B. Lesson Context
I. The Eternal Word (John 1:1–5)
A. Being with God (vv. 1–3)
Proof of Identity
B. Light in Darkness (vv. 4–5)
II. The Human Witness (John 1:6–8)
A. Sent by God (vv. 6–7)
B. Testified to the Light (v. 8)
III. The True Light (John 1:9–13)
A. Rejected by Some (vv. 9–11)
B. Accepted by Children (vv. 12–13)
IV. The Only Son (John 1:14)
A. Dwelt with Humanity (v. 14a–b)
B. Glorified by the Father (v. 14c)
Dwelling Among Us
Conclusion
A. Embodied from the Start
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember
HOW TO SAY IT
| Incarnation | In-kahr-ney-shuhn. |
| logos (Greek) | law-goss. |
| synoptic | sih-nawp-tihk.[2] |
How to Receive More Grace
Sunday, June 26, 2022
James 4:1-10
James 4:1-10
(James 4:1) What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?
James describes the ways of “this world;” the ways of people who focus on achieving and selfishly obtaining what “this world” has to offer instead of what the heavenly kingdom offers believers through faith in Jesus Christ. Unhappily, too many people in the church bring their “this world” commitment and focus with them into the church and hope to use those in the church to achieve their worldly ambitions. Sometimes even Christians find themselves falling into the trap of entering into and remaining in conflicts and disputes which cannot be resolved until one person or another ends the cravings that are at war within them and finds by the grace of God the peace that only true fellowship with Jesus can give. Those who refuse to follow Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord remain slaves of sin and selfishness separated from God. Their evil desires and passions rule them and bring conflict into their lives that cause quarrels and fights with others and bring disruption into the church. Therefore, Christians must seek to avoid these conflicts, pray for the wisdom from above, live peaceably, and show that their works are done with gentleness born of wisdom (see James 3:17, 13).
(James 4:2) You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask.
James recognized that new Christians must learn how to live and do good works that are Christ-like, rather than bring into the church their former evil desires and practices. Yes, there are hypocrites in the church, but most of these so-called “hypocrites” are those who are trying to become more like Jesus Christ as the Holy Spirit enables them according to the Scriptures. In most cases, those in the church who are still in love with the practices and possessions of “this world” desire what no one should practice or possess; therefore, they may murder someone or cheat or tell lies or try to assassinate someone’s character to get what they want. Some come into the church to use the church to get what they do not have. Some covet what another possesses, because there is no person or no other “thing” like the one they want. They will try anything to get what they want. What they want may be “legal,” but immoral, which can bring about disputes and conflicts among those in the church. The worldly-minded in the church do not ask another or ask God to give them what they want—perhaps knowing that neither the church nor God would approve of what they desire or give it to them. Those who do not ask have reasons for not asking; deep inside they know that God will not grant immoral and selfish requests.
(James 4:3) You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.
In Luke 11:9-13, Jesus taught about prayer, saying “So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” If you seek God, a stronger faith in Jesus Christ, or the wisdom from above, God will answer your prayers for these good gifts and give them to you.
God gives good gifts and only good gifts. If your passions, emotions, and selfish desires rule you instead of love for God and others, and you ask God for something that is bad, God knows that giving you what is bad would harm you and others; so, you will not receive what you want from God. For example, if you ask for a snake when you should be asking for your daily bread, a merciful God will not harm you by giving you a snake or something immoral. However, in answer to your prayer, God may discipline you with love and mercy to teach you the lessons God knows you must learn.
(James 4:4) You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
James described the effect when one or more people in the church are not obeying the commandments of Jesus: they do not love God and others in word and deed as Jesus taught and exemplified. In John 14:15, Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” They are not growing in grace; therefore, neither they nor those around them can enjoy peace with them. They become more adulterous spiritually—they may commit adultery physically—even in the church. Instead of loving God and others as God has commanded, they love the things of this world and themselves supremely. When they make friendship with “this world,” to enjoy their immoral cravings, they become enemies of God. For example, Jesus said we cannot love both God and money. If we love ourselves, money, or anything else more than we love God, we will eventually hate God. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus preached, “No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” James also put the matter starkly to those inside and outside the church: if you want to be a friend of this world, then you have enmity (hatred, animosity, hostility, and antagonism) toward God. By your choices, you have declared yourself an enemy of God! As an enemy of God, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, in order to spend what you get on your pleasures” (James 4:3).
(James 4:5) Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”?
God made our human spirits to indwell our physical bodies: “the spirit that he has made.” As believers in Jesus Christ, God sends His Holy Spirit into us to have communion, fellowship, and friendship with us through our spirits. When we prefer friendship and fellowship with the world, so our passions can be satiated by the things and people of this world, we offend God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. We are refusing to let the Word of God dwell in us richly and the Spirit of God to help us change and transform our lives into the image of Christ. Though James’ words do not quote exactly a verse from the Old Testament, they do express the spirit and overall teaching of the Old Testament. God made our spirits to dwell in us and God yearns for our spirits “the spirit that he has made” to have a right relationship with His Holy Spirit, which is possible by grace through faith in Jesus Christ that leads us into a loving relationship between God and every follower of Jesus. In the best sense, God is “jealous” when a believer in Jesus tries to be friends with the world and becomes an enemy of God.
(James 4:6) But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”
If we find ourselves following our desires, passions, and emotions (our flesh) as James described, the promise from Scripture is “God gives more grace,” but the condition to receive more grace involves expressing true humility before God and praying for God to give us more grace—His loving power—to overcome all our temptations. We must bow before the Lord God morally and spiritually, confess our sins to God, repent (turn from) all our sins, turn to Jesus, and ask Jesus for His power to live as His friend and in friendship with all heaven; then, Jesus will give us more grace to overcome our temptations from the world, the flesh, and the devil. If we become proud, thinking we are so special that our sins will not offend or separate us from God, God will oppose or resist us and not give us what we ask if we pray. If a follower of Jesus becomes proud, God’s grace—His loving power and undeserved favor—may bring about the discipline someone needs to return to following Jesus and His commandments.
(James 4:7) Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Even in the church, some people can be so in love with “this world” and themselves that they become enemies of God and fight with God and His people. The solution to their sinful way of living is for them to submit to God, bow down before God, and give their heart to God in total allegiance to serve God in Christ supremely. Without first submitting yourself to God, without first choosing and praying to know the will of God, so you can do the will of God with the help of God, you cannot resist and overcome the devil. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, when you pray the Holy Spirit helps you pray and resist the devil and all its temptations.
In Romans 8:26-27, Paul wrote, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” As we pray and resist the devil with the help and intercession of the Holy Spirit, our war will turn from warring against God to warring against the devil and our own sinful passions. To resist the devil involves putting on the full armor of God; then, the devil will flee from us; thereby, we will have peace with God and peace within ourselves and peace with others insofar as that peace rests with us.
Practice what Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:10-18, “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. For 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. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.”
Think of these truths and practice them, for they will enable you to always live as a friend and child of God in the power of the Holy Spirit. They will help you resist the devil, who will flee from you.
(James 4:8) Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Having submitted ourselves once and for all to God in Jesus Christ, we may need to resubmit ourselves to God repeatedly and more deeply when tempted to follow our passions once again. Having submitted ourselves to God, our daily practice and often our moment-by-moment practice will become drawing near to God and God’s drawing near to us as our Lord, Savior, and Friend. Whether we “feel” God is near or not, God is near because He has promised to draw near to those who draw near to Him. Our thought life often extends to our outward life; we may misuse our hands, our tongues, or other parts of our bodies to sin, so we must resolve to obey the Lord and turn from all temptations to sin. Having tried to love the world and love the Lord simultaneously (thus being double-minded), we must commit our hearts, our minds, and our wills to love God supremely, and to wisely love others as the Lord commanded—thus becoming single-minded. We can pray daily for the Holy Spirit to help us live loyal to God, and if we do so the Holy Spirit will help us. We can pray for the Holy Spirit to purify our hearts and thoughts, and He will do so. As we study the Bible each day, we will be reminded of many promises; such as, 1 John 1:6-7, “If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” The Holy Spirit will work with us if we truly want to purify our hearts, for the Holy Spirit will always help us obey God.
(James 4:9) Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom.
James does not give people a mechanical formula to follow to be right with God. Repentance is not simply saying to God that we are sorry we have hurt His feelings. Rather, when we truly understand that we have been active enemies of God and at war against our holy, loving, just, merciful, and gracious God, we are inwardly prompted to feel wretched, mourn, and weep—we truly grieve and feel ashamed. Previously, our laughter and joy had been from the pleasures we derived as we satisfied our passions and desires in “this world,” but at some point, by the grace of God and the influence of our loving Savior Jesus Christ, we turned to God in Christ for salvation from satisfying the passions that brought God and us so much grief. When Jesus saves us, we begin walking in holiness, truth, and love, and we cease being friends with the world, the flesh, and the devil.
(James 4:10) Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.
The world’s way of thinking involves self-seeking and desiring “this world’s” honors. The world’s way is to be of the world and exalted in the world by the world. As Christians, we turn from selfishness and self-seeking to living humbly before our God in fellowship with Jesus Christ. Through the Holy Spirit, God works with us here and now and will throughout eternity; therefore, we love God and want God to live in us and with us forever. Rather than use our minds and bodies for immoral purposes, we truly want our bodies to serve as temples of the living God. Where the Holy Spirit abides, we want our hearts and minds to be a clean dwelling place. As we follow Jesus Christ, God is exalted in and through us. We do not seek the glory that belongs to God alone. We do not seek loving fellowship with God in Christ so God will exalt us, but because we want to exalt God as God deserves. We love God so much that throughout eternity we want loving fellowship with the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit and all who love God.
How to Receive More Grace
Sunday, June 26, 2022
James 4:1-10
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble (James 4:6—KJV).
But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE
HUMBLE” (James 4:6—NASB).
But he gives all the more grace; therefore it says, “God
opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble”
(James 4:6—NRSV).
James tells us why everyone needs more grace. Even as believers in Christ, we sometimes still have cravings and passions within us that rob us of our peace by making war within us. The war within us then spills out and harms others, even those we love. Some crave something so badly that if they cannot have it, they engage in disputes and conflicts. Sadly, James recognized that some, even in the church, could let their ruling passions lead them to commit murder (or at least lie about someone to assassinate their character). When some pray, James wrote, “You ask and do not receive, because
you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions” (James 4:3). Hence, we need more grace and power to overcome our temptations to pray wrongly and do wrongly. We need more grace to give us peace within, peace with God, and peace with others. When we feel cravings and conflicts within us striving for mastery over us, our praying the Serenity Prayer can open the door to our receiving more grace from God: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.” In addition to praying the Serenity Prayer, we need to humble ourselves to receive the grace we need. James wrote that recognizing our wrongs should move us to mourn, weep, and seek grace to help us make the changes we need to make. When we draw near to God, God will draw near to us, and He will lift
us up and help us purify our hearts.
Thinking Further
How to Receive More Grace
Sunday, June 26, 2022
James 4:1-10
Name _________________________________
1. What is one cause of troubles in the church?
2. Why can coveting lead to fighting and quarrelling?
3. Why doesn’t God give us everything we ask?
4. What does a friend of the world make himself?
5. What does James tell sinners inside and outside the church to do?
Discussion and Thinking Further
1. What is one cause of troubles in the church?
Some people bring “this world’s” passions and evil desires into the church with them, which stir up a war within them and with others.
2. Why can coveting lead to fighting and quarrelling?
It is fine to desire a good thing similar to what someone else has and use lawful means to acquire that good thing (perhaps buying it or buying something like it). Coveting involves wanting something that someone else has, perhaps because there is no one or nothing similar, and thinking of unlawful means of having it. Coveting can lead to murder and theft.
3. Why doesn’t God give us everything we ask?
Not everything is good for us to have. God will not give us bad things (or perhaps even some good things) just to satisfy our selfish, self-centered desires. God will not give us what would hurt us and/or others. God might give us something to teach us a lesson that we truly need to learn.
4. What does a friend of the world make himself?
An enemy of God.
5. What does James tell sinners inside and outside the church to do?
Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil. Draw near to God. Cleanse your hands. Purify your hearts. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Humble yourselves before the Lord.
Word Search
How to Receive More Grace
Sunday, June 26, 2022
James 4:1-10
Name _________________________________
E O U S L E R R A U Q R N T V
R V D T C Y N W T E P Y Q A M
I M B M R S G D N M L M L Y Q
S T E G U M J Q X Y F B G O D
E Z N S E A S Z L R J O M I M
D L E D F I G H T S B Y X U C
Q J K U P D P K G T M L H O H
A W Q X T A W E A Q A G I V C
R E D R U M S I Y I S N W A R
I U X I T R N S P A K O Y S J
F Z W E M S Y M I U M R Z A D
J C V O F Q K P N O I W V H B
A O E D R P I H S D N E I R F
C K I M S L R C W J A S K P D
E A R O T H D M E N M I T Y H
Quarrels
Fights
Passions
War
Desire
Body
Covet
Obtain
Ask
Wrongly
Friendship
World
Enmity
God
Humble
True and False Test
How to Receive More Grace
Sunday, June 26, 2022
James 4:1-10
Name _________________________________
Circle the True or False answers. Correct the False statements by restating them.
1. When our passions are at war within us, we are prone to cause quarrels and fights. True or False
2. It is okay to covet to obtain, but not murder to obtain. True or False
3. We do not receive from God what we want to spend on our passions. True or False
4. Christians should strive to become friends with the world and friends with God in order to become double-minded. True or False
5. Friendship with the world is enmity with God, and a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. True or False
6. God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. True or False
7. If we resist the devil, it will hit us harder and harder. True or False
8. If we draw near to God, and he will draw near to us. True or False
9. We should never worry or allow our laughter to be turned to mourning or our joy to gloom. True or False
10. Everyone should submit themselves to God, cleanse their hands, and purify their hearts. True or False
True and False Test Answers
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
Prayer
Thank You, Lord, for these reminders that You have always loved and admonished Your people. As we leave class now, we ask for wisdom in making the tough decisions that are ahead of us this week. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.