WEEK THREE: SIN AND SMARTS
DAY ONE: TEMPTATION
Temptation is not sin.
Temptation is an opportunity, an enticement, but the decision to sin is ours alone. Even Jesus faced temptation, but, unlike us, He never yielded to its call. Because of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, we, too, can say no to the wiles of the evil one. If we will.
The problem, of course, is that we can choose righteousness, but we don’t. We can choose obedience, but we don’t. We can choose self-denial, but we don’t.
Our goal for today will be to recognize the pull of temptation, resist, and make a firm decision to continue resisting until Jesus calls us home. It’s a big goal, but one worth setting. It’s the one to which we’re all called, and, once made, the one that will change our lives forever.
Let’s begin today by reading through our focus passage, James 1:13-18. Skim through it first, then read it again, aloud.
James tells us that the source of our temptation to sin is not God. He can’t be tempted by evil. He doesn’t tempt anyone to sin.
1) What is the source of our temptation? (see James 1:14)
2) The word translated as “tempted” in James 1:13 is peirazō. Follow the link to find how this word is used.
When the accuser of the brethren, the enemy of our soul, tempts us, he is merely making an attempt to see “whether it can be done”. Whether he can entice us to sin or not. The success of his diabolical plan is up to us. Will we participate in his scheme or not?
3) Turn to BLB (click on the links) and examine the words translated as “carried away” and “enticed” to gain a better picture of how our temptations lead us into sin. What word picture did you find for each word?
a) carried away -
b) enticed -
Temptation is not sin.
Temptation is an opportunity, an enticement, but the decision to sin is ours alone. Even Jesus faced temptation, but, unlike us, He never yielded to its call. Because of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, we, too, can say no to the wiles of the evil one. If we will.
The problem, of course, is that we can choose righteousness, but we don’t. We can choose obedience, but we don’t. We can choose self-denial, but we don’t.
Our goal for today will be to recognize the pull of temptation, resist, and make a firm decision to continue resisting until Jesus calls us home. It’s a big goal, but one worth setting. It’s the one to which we’re all called, and, once made, the one that will change our lives forever.
Let’s begin today by reading through our focus passage, James 1:13-18. Skim through it first, then read it again, aloud.
James tells us that the source of our temptation to sin is not God. He can’t be tempted by evil. He doesn’t tempt anyone to sin.
1) What is the source of our temptation? (see James 1:14)
2) The word translated as “tempted” in James 1:13 is peirazō. Follow the link to find how this word is used.
When the accuser of the brethren, the enemy of our soul, tempts us, he is merely making an attempt to see “whether it can be done”. Whether he can entice us to sin or not. The success of his diabolical plan is up to us. Will we participate in his scheme or not?
3) Turn to BLB (click on the links) and examine the words translated as “carried away” and “enticed” to gain a better picture of how our temptations lead us into sin. What word picture did you find for each word?
a) carried away -
b) enticed -
5) The word translated as lust is epithymia. Follow the link to find learn the meaning and use of this word.
6) James describes the path to sin as a multi-step process that begins with the enticement of
lust’s decoy, or substitute, for the path of righteousness. When we reach for the decoy, the
enticement, it’s like a tar baby. It holds and drags us forward into sin. In verse 15, James
describes sin as having, in a manner of speaking, a life of its own. What is the four-step life-
cycle of sin?
-
a)
b)
c)
d)
Since there is a clear warning not to be deceived, it follows that allowing our own deception is a choice we make because of our worldly lust. The deception is the very thing that allows us to proceed into sin as if there would be no consequence. It’s that deception that prompts us to rationalize sin with excuses such as, “everyone’s doing it,” or “no one will ever know.”
7) The story of Achan is a perfect example of this four-step progression. (See Joshua 7:20-21) When confronted by Joshua, he admitted, “I saw...I coveted and took.. and concealed...” Achan’s sin affected more than just himself and his family. His hidden sin caused destruction for the entire nation of Israel. How many men died because of his decision? (See Joshua 7:5)
8) When we sin, we choose something other than God’s will, His best for us. We can, however, make a better choice. What is the three-step life cycle of obedience to God? James 1:16-18. (This is subtle, but I could find three clear steps)
a)
b)
c)
6) Where does righteousness originate?
As an aside, it’s interesting to note that, in Biblical numerology, the number four symbolizes the world. The number three symbolizes the holiness of deity.
7) The location of James 1:17 in this passage is not by accident, and the truth it conveys is too beautiful to miss. Read this verse aloud and savor it for a moment, then write it out here.
The world offers us what only God can give. Our lust wraps sin in all manner of attractive packages, but every good thing, every perfect gift comes only from above. The world and its sin will never be able to give us what is good or perfect. If we want the gifts God gives, we must approach life His way. We pursue righteousness. We follow His will.
PRAYER PAUSE:
b)
c)
6) Where does righteousness originate?
As an aside, it’s interesting to note that, in Biblical numerology, the number four symbolizes the world. The number three symbolizes the holiness of deity.
7) The location of James 1:17 in this passage is not by accident, and the truth it conveys is too beautiful to miss. Read this verse aloud and savor it for a moment, then write it out here.
The world offers us what only God can give. Our lust wraps sin in all manner of attractive packages, but every good thing, every perfect gift comes only from above. The world and its sin will never be able to give us what is good or perfect. If we want the gifts God gives, we must approach life His way. We pursue righteousness. We follow His will.
PRAYER PAUSE:
-
1) Spend a few minutes looking over your answers for today. How have you chosen the lusts of
this world?
-
2) What price did you pay for that choice/those choices?
-
3) What price did others pay for your choices?
- 4) How have you begun to choose the things of God?
-
5) In what ways do you struggle with temptation?
-
6) Every good and perfect gift is available to all of us, if we’re willing to do things God’s way.
Are you ready?
-
7) Now’s the moment we set as our goal at the beginning of this lesson. It’s time to recognize
the pull of temptation, resist, and make a firm decision to continue resisting until Jesus calls
us home. If you’re ready, write your prayer here. Make a note of date and time.
MESSAGE IN THE MARGIN:
“It’s not God’s fault when I choose to sin. To avoid sin, flee from lust. It’s that simple.”
“It’s not God’s fault when I choose to sin. To avoid sin, flee from lust. It’s that simple.”
DAY TWO: SIN - ADULTERY
One of the most difficult experiences of my life was my former husband’s infidelity. His was a very public affair that left me cautious about venturing into town for fear of inadvertently running into him with his new partner. It was a humiliating situation that lasted for years, and incredibly painful.
I felt betrayed and cheated.
Friends tried to intervene. To “talk sense into him”. Nothing helped. The solution didn’t lie in more information or a better rationale. The solution required a heart change.
If the infidelity of a husband toward his wife is painful, imagine how much more painful our betrayal of infidelity is to God. His Son gave His life for our freedom. He paid the price for our sin.
When we love the world more than we love our Savior, we say to Him, “You are not enough for me.”
I look at my own life and shudder at the many times I’ve said that to God, not with my words, but with my actions.
How about you? What does your life, your world-lust say to God?
The theme of today’s lesson is simple: The world has no place in the life of a disciple.
The decision point is equally simple: If we are a disciple, we must let go of the world and embrace Christ.
Let’s begin our study today by reading through James 4:1-10 quickly to get an overview, then reading it again more slowly, aloud.
These are hard verses, but worth understanding so that we can live the life of a disciple that pleases God.
We begin with the problem of arguing and conflict, as well as their root cause.
1) Look back at James 1:1 to remind yourself to whom James is writing. Who does he say (in James 4:1) has quarrels and conflicts?
2) What is the source of the quarrels and conflicts?3) What sin has surrounded the quest for pleasure and to what additional sins have those led?
4) How might they have committed murder? 1 John 3:15.
5) Zēloō is the word translated as “envy”. Follow the link to view the Vine’s Expository Dictionary and the Outline of Biblical Usage. What does this word indicate? What intensity of feeling?
6) James calls the people “adulteresses”. To whom have they been unfaithful. What three phrases are used to describe the adultery the people have committed?
7) What might “friendship with the world” involve?
8) Follow the link (above) to look at the Vine’s entry. The word translated as friendship is used only once in the Greek New Testament, so it was a deliberate choice by the author. Look at the meaning in Vine’s and compare/contrast this friendship with the world to the relationship we are to have with our Lord.
9) John wrote about the problem of our love affair with the world. What does 1 John 2:15-17 say about our lust for the things of this world?
10) Paul struggled with a similar problem. Read Romans 7:14-25. How does he describe his struggle?
11) In Romans 7:14, Paul said he was sold into the bondage of sin. Follow the link to learn more about this bondage. Under Outline of Biblical Usage, we see an explanation of the Metaphorical use of the term. Write both explanations here, then consider how the two explanations have been true in your life.
12) What solution is given in Romans 8:1-4?
13) What did Jesus say about our “double-minded” love affair with the world? (Matthew 6:24)
One of the most difficult experiences of my life was my former husband’s infidelity. His was a very public affair that left me cautious about venturing into town for fear of inadvertently running into him with his new partner. It was a humiliating situation that lasted for years, and incredibly painful.
I felt betrayed and cheated.
Friends tried to intervene. To “talk sense into him”. Nothing helped. The solution didn’t lie in more information or a better rationale. The solution required a heart change.
If the infidelity of a husband toward his wife is painful, imagine how much more painful our betrayal of infidelity is to God. His Son gave His life for our freedom. He paid the price for our sin.
When we love the world more than we love our Savior, we say to Him, “You are not enough for me.”
I look at my own life and shudder at the many times I’ve said that to God, not with my words, but with my actions.
How about you? What does your life, your world-lust say to God?
The theme of today’s lesson is simple: The world has no place in the life of a disciple.
The decision point is equally simple: If we are a disciple, we must let go of the world and embrace Christ.
Let’s begin our study today by reading through James 4:1-10 quickly to get an overview, then reading it again more slowly, aloud.
These are hard verses, but worth understanding so that we can live the life of a disciple that pleases God.
We begin with the problem of arguing and conflict, as well as their root cause.
1) Look back at James 1:1 to remind yourself to whom James is writing. Who does he say (in James 4:1) has quarrels and conflicts?
2) What is the source of the quarrels and conflicts?3) What sin has surrounded the quest for pleasure and to what additional sins have those led?
4) How might they have committed murder? 1 John 3:15.
5) Zēloō is the word translated as “envy”. Follow the link to view the Vine’s Expository Dictionary and the Outline of Biblical Usage. What does this word indicate? What intensity of feeling?
6) James calls the people “adulteresses”. To whom have they been unfaithful. What three phrases are used to describe the adultery the people have committed?
7) What might “friendship with the world” involve?
8) Follow the link (above) to look at the Vine’s entry. The word translated as friendship is used only once in the Greek New Testament, so it was a deliberate choice by the author. Look at the meaning in Vine’s and compare/contrast this friendship with the world to the relationship we are to have with our Lord.
9) John wrote about the problem of our love affair with the world. What does 1 John 2:15-17 say about our lust for the things of this world?
10) Paul struggled with a similar problem. Read Romans 7:14-25. How does he describe his struggle?
11) In Romans 7:14, Paul said he was sold into the bondage of sin. Follow the link to learn more about this bondage. Under Outline of Biblical Usage, we see an explanation of the Metaphorical use of the term. Write both explanations here, then consider how the two explanations have been true in your life.
12) What solution is given in Romans 8:1-4?
13) What did Jesus say about our “double-minded” love affair with the world? (Matthew 6:24)
PRAYER PAUSE:
James 4:1-2, 4-5
James makes it clear. We can’t have it all, no matter what the advertising industry would have us believe. God’s ways and man’s ways are irretrievably at odds and cannot coexist in the life of a disciple.
Ask yourself these questions:
1) How has my love for the things of this world kept me from faithfully following Christ?
2) How have I been unfaithful to the Spirit of God within me?
3) What changes regarding the things of this world should I make in order to be a more faithful follower?
4) If you’re ready to make those changes, write a prayer of commitment and surrender.
DAY THREE: PRIDE
Pride is often extolled as if it were a virtue. We’re encouraged to take pride in our accomplishments, to allow pride to push us to greater efforts, and to have pride in the success of those we love.
Is pride a virtue? No.
Humility is a virtue. Pride is a sin.
Those words sting as I read them, because pride has often found a home in my heart. Like most of us, pride and humility have warred more times than I’d like to admit. Humility has not always won.
The time after my marriage fell apart is a perfect example. Pain was the excuse I gave for hiding in my home. Pride was the real reason. I felt like a failure and it hurt my pride. I was afraid of a public confrontation, but pride was the root of my fear.
It was a good thing my pride was wounded, for that pride was the root of many problems in my life, and it needed to die.
Today, we’ll look at what the Bible says about pride. In our prayer pause, we’ll look at our own hearts and ask God to remove the pride that separates us from Him.
James never actually uses the word “pride.” Instead, he speaks of boasting and arrogance, as well as humility.
1) Read James 4:13-16. How does he describe the presumption of those who assume on the future? (see v 16)
2) Follow the links to learn more about boasting and arrogance. How do these words relate to the topic of pride?
3) Read James 1:9-11. James speaks of not “glorying” in position or wealth. Follow the link to see how this relates to pride.
4) Why might a rich man glory in his position?
5) What cause might a poor man have to glory in his position?
6) Let’s continue our study on pride with the words of Jesus in Mark 7:20-23. Jesus was speaking to His disciples about legalism, the worship of form over faith. Legalism says that doing right (the form of religion) is all that matters. True discipleship says that being right (the faith of relationship) is not only what matters, but also what will transform us.
7) If we allow God to make us “right” on the inside, soon the appearance on the outside will be “right,” too. Read through Mark 7:20-23. What sins of the heart are listed?
8) What effect do these often-hidden sins have on our lives?
9) Proverbs 16:18 is a familiar verse, but worth revisiting. What does it say about the consequences of pride?
10) These next verses are also from Proverbs and give a stark contrast between pride and humility. Read Proverbs 11:2, Proverbs 18:12, and Proverbs 29:23. What do they say is the result of pride?
11) We’ll turn now to BLB to expand our understanding of pride versus humility from Proverbs 11:2. Write down what you learn. (click on the links)
Pride is often extolled as if it were a virtue. We’re encouraged to take pride in our accomplishments, to allow pride to push us to greater efforts, and to have pride in the success of those we love.
Is pride a virtue? No.
Humility is a virtue. Pride is a sin.
Those words sting as I read them, because pride has often found a home in my heart. Like most of us, pride and humility have warred more times than I’d like to admit. Humility has not always won.
The time after my marriage fell apart is a perfect example. Pain was the excuse I gave for hiding in my home. Pride was the real reason. I felt like a failure and it hurt my pride. I was afraid of a public confrontation, but pride was the root of my fear.
It was a good thing my pride was wounded, for that pride was the root of many problems in my life, and it needed to die.
Today, we’ll look at what the Bible says about pride. In our prayer pause, we’ll look at our own hearts and ask God to remove the pride that separates us from Him.
James never actually uses the word “pride.” Instead, he speaks of boasting and arrogance, as well as humility.
1) Read James 4:13-16. How does he describe the presumption of those who assume on the future? (see v 16)
2) Follow the links to learn more about boasting and arrogance. How do these words relate to the topic of pride?
3) Read James 1:9-11. James speaks of not “glorying” in position or wealth. Follow the link to see how this relates to pride.
4) Why might a rich man glory in his position?
5) What cause might a poor man have to glory in his position?
6) Let’s continue our study on pride with the words of Jesus in Mark 7:20-23. Jesus was speaking to His disciples about legalism, the worship of form over faith. Legalism says that doing right (the form of religion) is all that matters. True discipleship says that being right (the faith of relationship) is not only what matters, but also what will transform us.
7) If we allow God to make us “right” on the inside, soon the appearance on the outside will be “right,” too. Read through Mark 7:20-23. What sins of the heart are listed?
8) What effect do these often-hidden sins have on our lives?
9) Proverbs 16:18 is a familiar verse, but worth revisiting. What does it say about the consequences of pride?
10) These next verses are also from Proverbs and give a stark contrast between pride and humility. Read Proverbs 11:2, Proverbs 18:12, and Proverbs 29:23. What do they say is the result of pride?
11) We’ll turn now to BLB to expand our understanding of pride versus humility from Proverbs 11:2. Write down what you learn. (click on the links)
-
PRIDE
HUMILITY (be sure to explore the Gesenius Lexicon)
12) The three verses in Proverbs give a sequence of three-fold blessing that comes to the one
who has an humble heart. List them here.
a. b. c.
13) John shares a hard truth with us in 1 John 2:15-16. The boastful pride of life is not from God. What is the source of pride?
14) It boils down to this: Pride is sin and it has to go, but only the blood of Jesus is sufficient to deal with it. Read 1 John 1:9. What must we do to rid ourselves of the blight of pride (and other sin) in our lives?
PRAYER PAUSE:
Now’s the time to deal with our pride. Let’s begin by asking God to reveal the places in our lives where pride is evident. Be still long enough to hear from Him, then write down what He reveals.
Let’s take a few minutes to examine our hearts and lives for evidence of the destruction pride has caused. Make notes on what you find. Dig deep, because getting rid of pride will be worth it.
Can you see evidence of the destruction pride has caused? The price it has extracted? Write it out.
a. b. c.
13) John shares a hard truth with us in 1 John 2:15-16. The boastful pride of life is not from God. What is the source of pride?
14) It boils down to this: Pride is sin and it has to go, but only the blood of Jesus is sufficient to deal with it. Read 1 John 1:9. What must we do to rid ourselves of the blight of pride (and other sin) in our lives?
PRAYER PAUSE:
Now’s the time to deal with our pride. Let’s begin by asking God to reveal the places in our lives where pride is evident. Be still long enough to hear from Him, then write down what He reveals.
Let’s take a few minutes to examine our hearts and lives for evidence of the destruction pride has caused. Make notes on what you find. Dig deep, because getting rid of pride will be worth it.
Can you see evidence of the destruction pride has caused? The price it has extracted? Write it out.
Let’s kneel before our Lord and give it to Him. Give Him the brokenness, the sin, the failure, and
ask Him to cleanse us. To replace our stony, prideful hearts with soft, humble hearts.
Let’s each make a note of the date and time we gave our pride to God, because the enemy will
want to tempt us with it again. We may need a reminder that we’re done with this. If you need
something tangible, ask God to show you something that can serve as your Ebenezer, your
memorial stone (1 Samuel 7:12) that you’ve have come to the end of pride and the beginning of
humility.
Cleansing is a great gift, so let’s be sure to thank God for the gift He’s given us. Write out a prayer of thanksgiving.
Cleansing is a great gift, so let’s be sure to thank God for the gift He’s given us. Write out a prayer of thanksgiving.
DAY FOUR: ANGER AND ENTITLEMENT
JAMES 1:19-21
Anger is not a sin.
The problem is what we do with anger. Holding on to our anger, allowing it to simmer, encouraging and nurturing it until it becomes a root of bitterness are sins.
My years in medicine revealed a surprising truth. People, especially women, will embrace anger and hold it tight until it literally kills them.The ferocity of anger that can be maintained for decades after a perceived hurt is truly stunning.
It can cause the prick of a small slight to grow into a devastating wound. How? When we rehearse the injury and massage the wound on a regular basis, there is no chance for it to heal, and, like a cancer of the soul, it devours and grows.
Does it benefit us? No.
Why do we hold onto it? Because we believe we’re entitled to it.
Letting go of anger requires an intentional decision that begins with relinquishing our sense of entitlement.
Sinners. That’s who we are. Death. That’s what we deserve. It’s that to which we are entitled. Anything we receive by the grace of God is a gift. An undeserved gift.
More often than not, our anger is triggered in response to an unmet expectation that we deserved something different than we’ve received. There are more than enough unkind words, bad decisions, and mean-spirited deeds to fuel sufficient anger to consume us all, but we don’t have to respond to every slight, every wound (big or small), every foolish word with anger.
JAMES 1:19-21
Anger is not a sin.
The problem is what we do with anger. Holding on to our anger, allowing it to simmer, encouraging and nurturing it until it becomes a root of bitterness are sins.
My years in medicine revealed a surprising truth. People, especially women, will embrace anger and hold it tight until it literally kills them.The ferocity of anger that can be maintained for decades after a perceived hurt is truly stunning.
It can cause the prick of a small slight to grow into a devastating wound. How? When we rehearse the injury and massage the wound on a regular basis, there is no chance for it to heal, and, like a cancer of the soul, it devours and grows.
Does it benefit us? No.
Why do we hold onto it? Because we believe we’re entitled to it.
Letting go of anger requires an intentional decision that begins with relinquishing our sense of entitlement.
Sinners. That’s who we are. Death. That’s what we deserve. It’s that to which we are entitled. Anything we receive by the grace of God is a gift. An undeserved gift.
More often than not, our anger is triggered in response to an unmet expectation that we deserved something different than we’ve received. There are more than enough unkind words, bad decisions, and mean-spirited deeds to fuel sufficient anger to consume us all, but we don’t have to respond to every slight, every wound (big or small), every foolish word with anger.
- Let’s begin by looking at who we are before God. What does Romans 6:23 tell us about
ourselves?
-
What does Romans 6:23 say is the consequence of our actions.
- What does Colossians 4:6 have to say about our speech?
-
There’s much to learn from this verse. Turn to the BLB to learn more about the word
translated as grace. Make notes on what you learn.
-
Now explore the word translated as salt. Make notes on what you learn.
-
Using what you’ve learned about the grace and salt with which we are to speak, what should
be the tone of our speech?
-
How can we defuse a potentially angry confrontation by our speech? How can we worsen it?
-
Read James 1:19-21. What are we to be quick to do? What are we to be slow to do?
-
When we are “quick to hear,” we do more than listen to words and let them pass out of our
minds. Follow the link to learn more. We are to choose to do more than hear words. What
else are we to do?
-
Read James 1:20 aloud, then write it here. This is such a powerful verse that, for those who
struggle with anger, it’s worth memorizing.
- The worst thing about anger is not the quickening of emotion we experience. What we do with anger is the problem. What does James 1:21 say we are to do with anger and any other sin we have?
-
The things we say in an angry moment can be devastating, but I believe the way we coddle
anger, hanging on to it like a trophy, is the response that leaves the most destruction in its
wake. The longer it’s allowed to remain, the deeper the root of bitterness will grow.
Eventually, that bitterness can poison every aspect of our lives. What does Ephesians 4:31-32
say about bitterness?
-
What do those verses say about how we should replace bitterness?
-
Hebrew 12:14-15 has painfully powerful words on the topic of bitterness. Read them and
write what you’ve learned here.
Now is the time to tackle the problems of anger, bitterness, and entitlement. If we’re to live the kind of life to which we’re called, the life worth living, those sins have to go.
-
1) Let’s pause long enough to allow the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and point out the areas
of anger and bitterness to which we cling, as well as any sense of entitlement we’ve
embraced. Make notes on what you find.
-
2) Take time to confess any broken relationships that have resulted from your anger, bitterness,
or entitlement. Write out your confession and read it aloud as a prayer to the Lord.
-
3) Now that we’ve seen our sin, let’s write a prayer of confession and repentance, asking God
for both forgiveness and cleansing. Pray that He will replace our anger with gentleness and peace, our bitterness with love, and our sense of entitlement (aka pride) with humility. Be
sure to make note of the date and time. This, too, is a kind of Ebenezer.
A tangible reminder of your repentance might be a good idea.
DAY FIVE: PARTIALITY
JAMES 2:1-13
Before we begin, take a few minutes to read James 2:1-13. Skim through this passage, then read it aloud. Listen to the words with your heart.
James 2:1 admonishes us to avoid treating people with “an attitude of personal favoritism.” Your first thought may be like mine. “That’s not my sin.”
Follow the link (above) to see how Vine’s Expository Dictionary defines this phrase. I read the definition and winced. I suspect we’re all guilty of this sin.
As one of those who has had position, gold rings, and fine clothes, I have to confess that, at times, I’ve been treated differently than those with less. But not always.
I admit that there was a time when I tended to congregate with those who also had position, gold rings, and fine clothes. But not always.
It hurts me to confess that there have also been times when I favored the ones who looked the most like me. The ones with the position, gold rings, and fine clothes. But not always.
I didn’t give the poor man in dirty clothes a bad seat. My problem was that I didn’t see the poor man to treat him one way or the other. I never even noticed him, because I was surrounded by people like me.
That’s how we usually justify it, isn’t it? “But not always” and “I didn’t see him.” James says, however, that if we treat anyone with partiality, if we favor the rich over the poor even once, we’ve sinned by our actions.
This week, we’ve looked at a variety of sins, confessed them, and repented of them. This is one more sin we’ll examine today, then reject.
James describes two people who enter an assembly, both of whom are treated differently based on their outward appearance. (James 2:1-7)
JAMES 2:1-13
Before we begin, take a few minutes to read James 2:1-13. Skim through this passage, then read it aloud. Listen to the words with your heart.
James 2:1 admonishes us to avoid treating people with “an attitude of personal favoritism.” Your first thought may be like mine. “That’s not my sin.”
Follow the link (above) to see how Vine’s Expository Dictionary defines this phrase. I read the definition and winced. I suspect we’re all guilty of this sin.
As one of those who has had position, gold rings, and fine clothes, I have to confess that, at times, I’ve been treated differently than those with less. But not always.
I admit that there was a time when I tended to congregate with those who also had position, gold rings, and fine clothes. But not always.
It hurts me to confess that there have also been times when I favored the ones who looked the most like me. The ones with the position, gold rings, and fine clothes. But not always.
I didn’t give the poor man in dirty clothes a bad seat. My problem was that I didn’t see the poor man to treat him one way or the other. I never even noticed him, because I was surrounded by people like me.
That’s how we usually justify it, isn’t it? “But not always” and “I didn’t see him.” James says, however, that if we treat anyone with partiality, if we favor the rich over the poor even once, we’ve sinned by our actions.
This week, we’ve looked at a variety of sins, confessed them, and repented of them. This is one more sin we’ll examine today, then reject.
James describes two people who enter an assembly, both of whom are treated differently based on their outward appearance. (James 2:1-7)
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1) How are the two different people described?
- 2) How are the two people treated based on their appearance?
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3) How have you seen the reality of such favoritism?
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4) How have you exhibited such favoritism?
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5) How has God treated the poor among us? (see James 2:5)
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6) How does James 2:9-11 describe partiality or personal favoritism? How does it compare this
to the sins of adultery or murder?
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7) James 2:12-13 implies that, in dishonoring the poor among us and showing favor to the rich,
we’ve shown no mercy and have, instead, acted as a kind of judge. What awaits the one who
shows no mercy?
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8) What do these verses say about mercy versus judgment?
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9) Turn to the BLB for an examination of the word translated as “mercy”. (Click on the link)
Makes notes on what you learn here.
PRAYER PAUSE:
Read James 2:8. James describes the commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” as “The Royal Law”. The notation in my Bible says it can also be translated as, “The law of our King.”
Ponder that a moment. The Law of Our King.
Read James 2:8. James describes the commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” as “The Royal Law”. The notation in my Bible says it can also be translated as, “The law of our King.”
Ponder that a moment. The Law of Our King.
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1) Let’s ask our King how well we’re doing at obeying His great law of love.
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2) If there’s the sin of personal favoritism in our hearts, now is the time to confess it. Make a
notation of date and time. Consider a tangible reminder of this repentance.Write your prayer
of repentance here.
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3) If we are to obey the Love-Law of our King, we must love our neighbor as ourselves. In the
same way. With the same level of generosity. Ask God to show you at least one way you can
love those neighbors who are least like you, especially those who are poor and dirty, as
yourself, then write your commitment and plan to obey here.
DAY SIX: WISDOM
Wisdom comes in two forms. Godly wisdom and worldly wisdom. We can have whichever we choose, but the results are vastly different.
As one who has a number of diplomas testifying to a certain breadth of knowledge, I’m sometimes expected to have more than enough wisdom for every situation. Not so. As one of my professors often told patients, “Just because I know how to do something doesn’t mean I should do it. You don’t want me to ‘do all I can do’. You want me do what’s right.”
That’s the way we should live our lives, too.
Before you begin, read through our focus passages. James 1:5-8, James 3:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:16. Make notes on anything that stands out to you.
Worldly Wisdom
Wisdom comes in two forms. Godly wisdom and worldly wisdom. We can have whichever we choose, but the results are vastly different.
As one who has a number of diplomas testifying to a certain breadth of knowledge, I’m sometimes expected to have more than enough wisdom for every situation. Not so. As one of my professors often told patients, “Just because I know how to do something doesn’t mean I should do it. You don’t want me to ‘do all I can do’. You want me do what’s right.”
That’s the way we should live our lives, too.
Before you begin, read through our focus passages. James 1:5-8, James 3:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:16. Make notes on anything that stands out to you.
Worldly Wisdom
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1) James makes it clear. The wisdom of this world is not from God. What are the characteristics
of worldly wisdom? (See James 3:14-16)
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2) How do those who are world-wise view the cross of Christ and faith in Him? (1 Corinthians
1:18)
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3) How has God treated the wisdom of the world? (1 Cor. 1:20ff)
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4) Why do people choose worldly wisdom? (1 Cor. 2:14)
Godly Wisdom
The wisdom from above is a different kind of wisdom altogether. It’s not dependent upon what we know, but what we are. What are the characteristics of godly wisdom? (See James 3:17-18)
Worldly wisdom can bring worldly success, but, as disciples of Christ, we live as people with our eyes on eternity. The world’s wisdom won’t help us there.
Paul tells us that the foolishness of God is wiser than anything men have to offer. The weakness of God is stronger than any strength men can develop.
The wisdom from above is a different kind of wisdom altogether. It’s not dependent upon what we know, but what we are. What are the characteristics of godly wisdom? (See James 3:17-18)
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1) How can we recognize someone with godly wisdom? (See James 3:17, 18)
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2) How do those with godly wisdom view the cross of Christ? (1 Cor. 1:18)
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3) Instead of persuasive words of wisdom, what did Paul use to introduce the Corinthians to
Christ and why? (1 Cor. 2:4,5)
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4) Read Paul’s comments on the thoughts of God in 1 Cor. 2:6-13. How does he communicate
the thoughts of God to others?
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1) How did Paul gain this godly wisdom? (1 Cor. 2:10)
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2) How does James say we can gain this same godly wisdom? (James 1:5-8)
Worldly wisdom can bring worldly success, but, as disciples of Christ, we live as people with our eyes on eternity. The world’s wisdom won’t help us there.
Paul tells us that the foolishness of God is wiser than anything men have to offer. The weakness of God is stronger than any strength men can develop.
When we choose our advocates and our supporters, we do well to choose those rich in the
wisdom of God. It’s not the way of the world, but it’s the way of the Spirit. Please pray that this
will always be the path I choose. The path that we choose.
Take a few minutes to make a careful self-assessment.
Take a few minutes to make a careful self-assessment.
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1) On what wisdom do I most rely?
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2) In what ways have I relied on worldly wisdom?
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3) What have been the consequences of my reliance on the world’s wisdom?
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4) In what areas do I need to seek God’s wisdom?
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5) In James 3:17, the wisdom from above is described as “first, pure.” The word translated as
pure is hagnos and indicates “exciting reverence.” I love this term. God’s wisdom is not just
free from every evil, but exciting. How do I view God’s wisdom? Is my relationship with
God exciting? If not, what changes do I need to make?
6) Now’s the time when we relinquish our reliance on the world and cling to the ways and wisdom of God. Write out your prayer of confession and commitment.
DAY SEVEN: THE REWARDS
This short lesson will, I hope, make all the hard lessons of this week fade because of the beauty of the truth we’ll examine today. The wisdom that leads to righteousness comes with a reward, and it’s available to all of us.
If we lack wisdom, James tells us, all we have to do is ask in faith. When we do, we will be given an abundance of wisdom for whatever circumstance we face.
1) Yesterday, we looked at James 1:5-8 in terms of how we can obtain wisdom when we need it. Today, read through that passage again to find the way in which God gives us wisdom.
In my mind, the wisdom to make the right choice is enough of a gift. When we use the wisdom from above to order our steps according to God’s righteousness, however, God gives more.
The sowing of righteousness comes with a reward. It’s one of those perfect gifts from above that we studied earlier this week.
2) Proverbs 11:18. What is the difference between the reward of the wicked and the righteous?
3) There will come a time, Isaiah writes, when the work of righteousness will not be hard labor, but will be a delight. Read Isaiah 32:17-18. What will be the work of righteousness? (If you want a treat, read all of Isaiah 32 and take note of the wonderful days to come.)
4) Hosea tells us that we need to be intentional about “sowing righteousness.” We sow with our lives with the expectation of a harvest in due time. We can plow wickedness, but we will reap injustice. We’ll eat the fruit of lies. We have a choice. We can sow differently. Read Hosea 10:12 and write that beautiful verse here. (It’s one of my favorites.)
5) When we seek the Lord, according to Hosea, how will He respond?
This short lesson will, I hope, make all the hard lessons of this week fade because of the beauty of the truth we’ll examine today. The wisdom that leads to righteousness comes with a reward, and it’s available to all of us.
If we lack wisdom, James tells us, all we have to do is ask in faith. When we do, we will be given an abundance of wisdom for whatever circumstance we face.
1) Yesterday, we looked at James 1:5-8 in terms of how we can obtain wisdom when we need it. Today, read through that passage again to find the way in which God gives us wisdom.
In my mind, the wisdom to make the right choice is enough of a gift. When we use the wisdom from above to order our steps according to God’s righteousness, however, God gives more.
The sowing of righteousness comes with a reward. It’s one of those perfect gifts from above that we studied earlier this week.
2) Proverbs 11:18. What is the difference between the reward of the wicked and the righteous?
3) There will come a time, Isaiah writes, when the work of righteousness will not be hard labor, but will be a delight. Read Isaiah 32:17-18. What will be the work of righteousness? (If you want a treat, read all of Isaiah 32 and take note of the wonderful days to come.)
4) Hosea tells us that we need to be intentional about “sowing righteousness.” We sow with our lives with the expectation of a harvest in due time. We can plow wickedness, but we will reap injustice. We’ll eat the fruit of lies. We have a choice. We can sow differently. Read Hosea 10:12 and write that beautiful verse here. (It’s one of my favorites.)
5) When we seek the Lord, according to Hosea, how will He respond?
6) Check BLB by following the link to learn more about the outpouring of “rain”. Also see Isaiah 44:3. Is the “rain” to which these two prophets refer a “sprinkle” of rain or a a soaking downpour? Hold that word-picture of blessing in your mind’s eye for a moment.
7) We’re promised another blessing if we sow to righteousness. What does Galatians 6:8-9 promise?
PRAYER PAUSE:
Ponder this truth: We can have the wisdom to choose righteousness. When we choose a life of righteousness, God pours out more blessings than we can receive, and He does it in a soaking downpour of righteousness. Wisdom. Peace. Eternal Life.
Savor that beautiful word picture for a long moment.
It’s time to decide. How committed are you to pursuing righteousness and having all God has promised?
Galatians 6:9 exhorts us not to lose heart or grow weary for, in due time, we shall reap all God has promised.
If you’re ready to sow without weariness or loss of heart, write your prayer of confession and commitment to our Lord. As always, seal it with the date and time.
We’re half-way through our study. If we’ve embraced the challenge of James, we’re becoming
more like Christ. Don’t give up. There’s more truth to learn. More sin to repent. More godliness
to embrace. If we choose it, we can have a life worth living.
Here's a link to Week Four: Humility
Here's a link to Week Four: Humility
