GOD’S PLAN FOR THE NATION OF ISRAEL, Part II:
PRESENTLY THE PROMISES CONTINUE THROUGH BELIEVING ISRAEL AND BELIEVING GENTILES
Romans 10:1-11:11
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Paul’s heart’s desire and prayer to God is for the salvation of his fellow Israelites (vs 1-4).
A. Salvation (sotarian) includes justification, sanctification, glorification, deliverance from God’s wrath, and deliverance from wrong thinking (Rom. 1:15-18).
B. Even though Paul understood God’s election and foreknowledge, it didn’t stop him from serving or praying (vs 1; Rom. 8:28-9:33).
C. Paul seemed to have a “both and” mentality rather than an “either or” mentality when it came to God’s sovereignty and human responsibility (vs 1; Rom 8:27; Acts 17:24-28).
D. Trying to achieve righteousness (a right standing with God) by works will accomplish self-righteousness. Believing in the work of Christ fulfills God’s righteousness (vs 2-4; Eph. 2:8,9).
Thought: How do you see God’s sovereignty and human responsibility working together?
II. Being declared righteous by God (justification) and living out your salvation (sanctification) happens by believing and declaring that Jesus is Lord (vs 5-15).
A. Trying to be righteous before God by the Law demands 100% accuracy (vs 5; Lev. 18:5; Gal. 3:12) which for us is impossible (Rom. 3:20).
B. Attaining your righteousness before God by faith is not only possible but it is there for the asking (vs 6-15).
1. Israel was supposed to understand the concept of justification by faith from the Old Testament and from Moses himself (vs 6-13).
a. Moses not only brought the Law, he also brought the concept of forgiveness, hope, and an inner life of faith (vs 6-8; Deut. 9:4; 30:6-20).
b. Paul’s message is similar to Moses’ except that now Jesus has come, fulfilled the Law and started the New Covenant (vs 9,10; Jer. 31:31-34; I Cor. 11:25).
1. The mouth and heart coincide with confess and believe and the order comes from Moses in Deut. 30:14.
2. Confess (homologeo) means to “say the same thing” in regards to the person and provider of our faith.
3. Believing in your heart that “Jesus is Lord” brings to an individual justification (being declared righteous). This was the earliest declaration of faith by the early church (Acts 2:36; I. Cor. 12:3; Phil 2:11).
4. Confessing with your mouth brings about more of the present and future aspects of salvation.
2. Paul lists two other Old Testament passages that confirm his understanding of belief and confession (vs 11-13; Is. 28:16; Joel 2:32).
3. The Gospel (good news) is to be brought to everyone by people who have also believed and have been sent (vs 14, 15; Is. 52:7; Rom. 1:5).
Thought: How does God send people to give out His good news?
III. Even though most of the Israelites are not believing the promised message, God’s plan is still right on track (Rom. 10:16- 11:11).
A. Israel has both heard and understood but have been disobedient to the message (Rom. 10:16-21; Ps. 19:4; Deut. 32:21; Is. 65:12).
B. God has not pushed away Israel but Israel has pushed away God for the most part. During the present church age, there will always be some Israelites who will believe that are both foreknown and chosen (elected) (Rom. 11:1-7).
C. From the time of Christ until Christ’s second coming, modern Israelites are callused (hardened like a thick layer over their hearts), blinded, and deafened by God giving them over to their disobedience (Rom. 11:8-10,25; Deut. 29:4; Is. 29:10; John 12:37-42).
D. God has both allowed this and planned this to bring in the full amount of believing Gentiles and to make Israel jealous (Rom. 11:11,25).
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Romans 9:1-33
GOD'S PLAN FOR THE NATION OF ISRAEL, PART I: THEY ARE THE CHOSEN NATION BUT HAVE STUMBLED!
Romans 9:1-33
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Paul confirms the nation of Israel’s special place in God’s purposes and grieves over it’s lack of response to Christ (vs 1-5).
A. Chapters 9 through 11 are written to explain to believers what has happened, what is happening and what will happen to Israel.
B. A logical question for a believer who has been assured of God’s reliability concerning his/her eternal security(Rom 8:28-39) is: What is going on with God’s chosen people Israel?
C. Paul’s continual sorrow and pain over the nation of Israel is so great that he would give up his own salvation for theirs (vs 1-3).
D. In the past, God’s plan through the nation of Israel has resulted in many blessings (vs 4,5) including: 1. The adoption (Jews being children of God, Deut. 14:1; Ex. 4:22) 2. The glory (the times when God revealed His presence, Ex. 24:17) 3. The covenants (i.e. the Abrahamic, Gen. 12, 15; the Davidic, 2 Sam. 7; the New, Jer. 31) 4. The receiving of the Law, Ex. 20; Deut. 5) 5. The temple worship (Exodus and Leviticus) 6. The promises (given in the covenants and other prophecies) 7. The patriarchs (i.e. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) 8. The human ancestry of Christ (Messiah, Matt. 1; Luke 3) 9. The spiritual ancestry of Christ is God and, therefore, Christ is God over all, blessed forever! (Col. 1:15-20, 2:9).
Thought: What is the difference between religion and relationship when it comes to God? Which have you had this week?
II. Even though many in the nation of Israel have rejected Christ, God’s word and purpose have not failed(vs 6-13).
A. Everybody born as national Israelites are not children of God (vs 6-9).
1. The promises of God were not given to all of Abraham’s seeds (descendents) but to one specific seed, Isaac, who was according to the promise (vs 6-9; Gen. 21:12).
2. Paul clearly states that the promised seed ultimately speaks of Christ(Gal. 3:16).
B. God’s purpose has stood and continues to stand because of his election (ekloga-selection, choice) (vs 10-13).
1. God’s election is not based on a person’s or nation’s moral goodness, works, or birth order. God’s choice happens way before these(vs 10-12; Eph. 1:4).
2. The idea of hating and loving as used in verse 13 is not based on God’s temperament but is based on God’s election (choice).
a. This is a Hebrew idiom (figure of speech) where the opposite is used to express a lesser degree(Gen. 29:30; Luke 14:26).
b. God did provide for Esau(Gen. 27:29; chapter 36; Deut. 23:7) and blessed him and his family in certain ways(Gen. 33:4-17).
Thought: Why should it comfort and encourage believers to know that God’s word and purpose cannot fail?
III. God’s election is based on his freedom, His mercy, His purposes, our sinfulness, and the mystery of God (vs 14-18).
A. God is not unjust but he is mercifully accomplishing His purposes in and through the lives of sinful humanity (vs 14-18).
1. He chose to show mercy to Moses and Israel by revealing His glory, His law and Himself (vs 14, 15; Ex. 33:18-34:10). However, God holds Moses and Israel responsible and desires repentance for restored fellowship (Ex. 32:30-35).
2. He chose to harden the heart of Pharaoh in order to display His power and proclaim His name (vs 16-18). However, Pharaoh is held accountable for his actions and unbelief (Ex. 5:2) and rebellion and progressively hardens his own heart (Ex. 8:32) while God seems to give him over (like in Rom. 1:18-32) to his own sinful ways (Ex. 10:1).
B. Our creator has the right to plan and form His creation according to His choosing, like a potter and His clay (vs 19-29).
1. God creates Moses, Pharaoh, and every kind of life in between to display His power and glorify His name (vs 22-24).
a. The objects of his wrath seem to be those in Romans 1:18-32 who refuse to believe in God or His salvation. Therefore, God is patient with them desiring their repentance (vs 22; Rom. 2:3, 4; 2 Pet. 3:9). They have prepared themselves and continue preparing themselves (katartismena- perfect tense) for destruction.
b. The objects of his mercy have been prepared beforehand (proatoimasen- aorist tense) for glory (vs 23; Eph. 2:6-10).
2. Paul uses Old Testament scriptures to show that God’s plan showed a time where Gentile believers would increase and Jewish believers would decrease (vs 24-29; Ho. 2:23, 1:10; Isa. 10:22,23, 1:9).
3. Paul’s Israel and present day Israel have only a remnant of true children of God because they have stumbled. They are pursuing their righteousness by works rather than by faith in Jesus Christ (vs 30-33; Isa. 8:14, 28:16).
Romans 9:1-33
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Paul confirms the nation of Israel’s special place in God’s purposes and grieves over it’s lack of response to Christ (vs 1-5).
A. Chapters 9 through 11 are written to explain to believers what has happened, what is happening and what will happen to Israel.
B. A logical question for a believer who has been assured of God’s reliability concerning his/her eternal security(Rom 8:28-39) is: What is going on with God’s chosen people Israel?
C. Paul’s continual sorrow and pain over the nation of Israel is so great that he would give up his own salvation for theirs (vs 1-3).
D. In the past, God’s plan through the nation of Israel has resulted in many blessings (vs 4,5) including: 1. The adoption (Jews being children of God, Deut. 14:1; Ex. 4:22) 2. The glory (the times when God revealed His presence, Ex. 24:17) 3. The covenants (i.e. the Abrahamic, Gen. 12, 15; the Davidic, 2 Sam. 7; the New, Jer. 31) 4. The receiving of the Law, Ex. 20; Deut. 5) 5. The temple worship (Exodus and Leviticus) 6. The promises (given in the covenants and other prophecies) 7. The patriarchs (i.e. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) 8. The human ancestry of Christ (Messiah, Matt. 1; Luke 3) 9. The spiritual ancestry of Christ is God and, therefore, Christ is God over all, blessed forever! (Col. 1:15-20, 2:9).
Thought: What is the difference between religion and relationship when it comes to God? Which have you had this week?
II. Even though many in the nation of Israel have rejected Christ, God’s word and purpose have not failed(vs 6-13).
A. Everybody born as national Israelites are not children of God (vs 6-9).
1. The promises of God were not given to all of Abraham’s seeds (descendents) but to one specific seed, Isaac, who was according to the promise (vs 6-9; Gen. 21:12).
2. Paul clearly states that the promised seed ultimately speaks of Christ(Gal. 3:16).
B. God’s purpose has stood and continues to stand because of his election (ekloga-selection, choice) (vs 10-13).
1. God’s election is not based on a person’s or nation’s moral goodness, works, or birth order. God’s choice happens way before these(vs 10-12; Eph. 1:4).
2. The idea of hating and loving as used in verse 13 is not based on God’s temperament but is based on God’s election (choice).
a. This is a Hebrew idiom (figure of speech) where the opposite is used to express a lesser degree(Gen. 29:30; Luke 14:26).
b. God did provide for Esau(Gen. 27:29; chapter 36; Deut. 23:7) and blessed him and his family in certain ways(Gen. 33:4-17).
Thought: Why should it comfort and encourage believers to know that God’s word and purpose cannot fail?
III. God’s election is based on his freedom, His mercy, His purposes, our sinfulness, and the mystery of God (vs 14-18).
A. God is not unjust but he is mercifully accomplishing His purposes in and through the lives of sinful humanity (vs 14-18).
1. He chose to show mercy to Moses and Israel by revealing His glory, His law and Himself (vs 14, 15; Ex. 33:18-34:10). However, God holds Moses and Israel responsible and desires repentance for restored fellowship (Ex. 32:30-35).
2. He chose to harden the heart of Pharaoh in order to display His power and proclaim His name (vs 16-18). However, Pharaoh is held accountable for his actions and unbelief (Ex. 5:2) and rebellion and progressively hardens his own heart (Ex. 8:32) while God seems to give him over (like in Rom. 1:18-32) to his own sinful ways (Ex. 10:1).
B. Our creator has the right to plan and form His creation according to His choosing, like a potter and His clay (vs 19-29).
1. God creates Moses, Pharaoh, and every kind of life in between to display His power and glorify His name (vs 22-24).
a. The objects of his wrath seem to be those in Romans 1:18-32 who refuse to believe in God or His salvation. Therefore, God is patient with them desiring their repentance (vs 22; Rom. 2:3, 4; 2 Pet. 3:9). They have prepared themselves and continue preparing themselves (katartismena- perfect tense) for destruction.
b. The objects of his mercy have been prepared beforehand (proatoimasen- aorist tense) for glory (vs 23; Eph. 2:6-10).
2. Paul uses Old Testament scriptures to show that God’s plan showed a time where Gentile believers would increase and Jewish believers would decrease (vs 24-29; Ho. 2:23, 1:10; Isa. 10:22,23, 1:9).
3. Paul’s Israel and present day Israel have only a remnant of true children of God because they have stumbled. They are pursuing their righteousness by works rather than by faith in Jesus Christ (vs 30-33; Isa. 8:14, 28:16).
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Romans 8:28-39
FOREKNOWLEDGE, PREDESTINATION, AND THE ETERNAL SECURITY OF THE BELIEVER
Romans 8:28-39
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. A believer’s present life of sanctification (growing in holiness, being set apart to God) is a cooperative effort between our new nature and the Holy Spirit (vs 28).
A. We learned in verse 22 through 26 that we presently live in “weakness” because of the struggle with our remnant flesh and our physical limitations.
B. We learned in verse 27 that the Holy Spirit prays for us in precise, unspoken ways according to God’s will which strengthens us.
C. The “all things” are the sufferings of this present world which all believers now go through (vs 28; Rom. 8:17,18,23; 5:3-5).
D. The “ones loving”(agaposin- present, active, participle) God are obedient believers who are serving God in the Holy Spirit rather than following their flesh (vs 28; Rom. 6:6-13,16,17,20-23; 7:4-6,25; 8:1-5,13,14; John 15:8-17).
1. These “God-loving ones” have been called (invited) according to the purpose (plan, design, will) of God (vs 28; Rom. 1:6,7).
2. These “God-loving ones’” present weaknesses and sufferings work together under the Holy Spirit’s leading (Rom. 8:13,14) for good (something upright and intrinsically valuable such as fruit unto holiness and God (Rom. 6:22, 7:4; John 15:8; Eph. 2:10), and fulfilling God’s plan of conforming His created ones into Christ’s image)(vs 29; Eph. 4:23,24).
Thought: How have you seen the Holy Spirit weave your sufferings for good?
II. A believer’s present sanctification is being provided on a moment by moment basis by God, and a believer’s ultimate conformity with Christ (glorification) is eternally secure (vs 29-39).
A. In God’s plan and purpose, we have already been foreknown, predestined, called, justified, and glorified (vs 29,30).
1. Foreknow (proegno) simply means “to know beforehand” (vs 29; I Pet. 1:2).
2. Predestined (proorisen) means to mark out a boundary beforehand or to foreordain (vs 29,30) in this case to adoption and ultimate conformity to Christ(also Eph. 1:4,5).
3. Called (invited), justified (declared righteous, past-salvation) and glorified (future-salvation associated with our new bodies and ultimate conformity to Christ) add to the certainty of our salvation.
B. There are three main ways to try to make the Biblical doctrines of foreknowledge and predestination fit together with human responsibility and free will in regards to salvation.
1. Calvanism: God has a free will but humans do not. God’s foreknowledge and predestinations are based only on his unconditional choice which is governed by his attributes of love, mercy and goodness. (John 6:44; Eph. 1:4,5; I Pet. 1:2; Rom. 9:10-25 are support verses.)
2. Arminianism: God has a free will and humans have free enough wills. In this view, God knew in advance those that would eventually believe and then predestined and chose them for salvation. Therefore, God’s choice was conditionally based on the result of who would believe, (Rom. 10:13; I Tim. 2:3,4; 4:10; 2 Pet. 3:9; Eph. 1:4,5; I Pet. 1:2 are support verses.)
3. Some aspects of both views bound up in the mystery of God. (Deut. 29:29; Psalm 19; Acts 14:15-17; 17:26-28; Rom. 1:19,20 are support verses.)
C. A believer’s salvation is eternally secure. Nothing can separate a believer from the love of God (vs 31-39).
1. God has given us Christ and everything we will need for our continued growth in sanctification (vs 31,32).
2. God has set up the perimeters of our salvation, declared us righteous and through Christ’s Spirit cares for us (vs 33,34).
3. A believer can never be separated from the love of Christ or the love of God in Christ (vs 35-39).
a. Presently a believer has everything needed to conquer or win a most glorious victory in spite of the severe suffering in this world (vs 35-37).
b. Presently and in the future a believer cannot be separated by any unknown bodily existence or spiritual force (vs 38-39).
Thought: Do you have doubts of your salvation? Why?
Romans 8:28-39
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. A believer’s present life of sanctification (growing in holiness, being set apart to God) is a cooperative effort between our new nature and the Holy Spirit (vs 28).
A. We learned in verse 22 through 26 that we presently live in “weakness” because of the struggle with our remnant flesh and our physical limitations.
B. We learned in verse 27 that the Holy Spirit prays for us in precise, unspoken ways according to God’s will which strengthens us.
C. The “all things” are the sufferings of this present world which all believers now go through (vs 28; Rom. 8:17,18,23; 5:3-5).
D. The “ones loving”(agaposin- present, active, participle) God are obedient believers who are serving God in the Holy Spirit rather than following their flesh (vs 28; Rom. 6:6-13,16,17,20-23; 7:4-6,25; 8:1-5,13,14; John 15:8-17).
1. These “God-loving ones” have been called (invited) according to the purpose (plan, design, will) of God (vs 28; Rom. 1:6,7).
2. These “God-loving ones’” present weaknesses and sufferings work together under the Holy Spirit’s leading (Rom. 8:13,14) for good (something upright and intrinsically valuable such as fruit unto holiness and God (Rom. 6:22, 7:4; John 15:8; Eph. 2:10), and fulfilling God’s plan of conforming His created ones into Christ’s image)(vs 29; Eph. 4:23,24).
Thought: How have you seen the Holy Spirit weave your sufferings for good?
II. A believer’s present sanctification is being provided on a moment by moment basis by God, and a believer’s ultimate conformity with Christ (glorification) is eternally secure (vs 29-39).
A. In God’s plan and purpose, we have already been foreknown, predestined, called, justified, and glorified (vs 29,30).
1. Foreknow (proegno) simply means “to know beforehand” (vs 29; I Pet. 1:2).
2. Predestined (proorisen) means to mark out a boundary beforehand or to foreordain (vs 29,30) in this case to adoption and ultimate conformity to Christ(also Eph. 1:4,5).
3. Called (invited), justified (declared righteous, past-salvation) and glorified (future-salvation associated with our new bodies and ultimate conformity to Christ) add to the certainty of our salvation.
B. There are three main ways to try to make the Biblical doctrines of foreknowledge and predestination fit together with human responsibility and free will in regards to salvation.
1. Calvanism: God has a free will but humans do not. God’s foreknowledge and predestinations are based only on his unconditional choice which is governed by his attributes of love, mercy and goodness. (John 6:44; Eph. 1:4,5; I Pet. 1:2; Rom. 9:10-25 are support verses.)
2. Arminianism: God has a free will and humans have free enough wills. In this view, God knew in advance those that would eventually believe and then predestined and chose them for salvation. Therefore, God’s choice was conditionally based on the result of who would believe, (Rom. 10:13; I Tim. 2:3,4; 4:10; 2 Pet. 3:9; Eph. 1:4,5; I Pet. 1:2 are support verses.)
3. Some aspects of both views bound up in the mystery of God. (Deut. 29:29; Psalm 19; Acts 14:15-17; 17:26-28; Rom. 1:19,20 are support verses.)
C. A believer’s salvation is eternally secure. Nothing can separate a believer from the love of God (vs 31-39).
1. God has given us Christ and everything we will need for our continued growth in sanctification (vs 31,32).
2. God has set up the perimeters of our salvation, declared us righteous and through Christ’s Spirit cares for us (vs 33,34).
3. A believer can never be separated from the love of Christ or the love of God in Christ (vs 35-39).
a. Presently a believer has everything needed to conquer or win a most glorious victory in spite of the severe suffering in this world (vs 35-37).
b. Presently and in the future a believer cannot be separated by any unknown bodily existence or spiritual force (vs 38-39).
Thought: Do you have doubts of your salvation? Why?
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Romans 8:1-27
BELIEVERS NOW LIVE OUT THEIR LIFE UNDER A DIFFERENT LAW:
THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE
Romans 8:1-27
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Believers in Christ Jesus should now live out their life in a new way which is free from condemnation (vs 1-4).
A. The Mosaic Law bring condemnation (a judgment against someone) to the flesh. The flesh is the core nature of unbelievers and the “sinful tendency” remnant in believer’s lives. Remember Paul’s equation of flesh (sin) + Law + death which he formulated in chapters one through seven (vs 1).
1. Believers now have dies to sin (Rom. 6:2) and have died to the Mosaic Law (Rom. 7:4) through Christ (vs 2; Gal. 3:19, 23-25; Col. 2:13-23).
2. Believers now have the law of the Spirit of life. Therefore, Paul’s new formula is new nature + Spirit= life (vs 2; Rom. 6:22,23; 7:6).
B. God has fulfilled the righteous requirements of the Law in us through our justification (past-tense salvation) in Christ (vs 3; Rom. 3:19; Matt. 5:17).
C. God desires for His believers to now learn to walk according to the Spirit so that we might fulfill His will (righteous requirement) for us (vs 4). In Paul’s mind, this would be present-tense salvation, sanctification, or walking in holiness (Rom. 6:19, 22; 7:22,25).
Thought: What are some way believers can slow down their sanctification.
II. Believers in Christ Jesus now have the choice of obeying the Holy Spirit or the flesh (vs 5-11).
A. The flesh will produce death (which for the believer is broken fellowship with God and fellow believers, loss of good fruit, and loss of reward and inheritance) and the Spirit will produce life and peace (vs 6; Rom. 6:21-23; 7:4-6; Gal. 5:16-26).
B. Living or walking in the Spirit pleases God now (vs 7,8; Gal. 3:20; Eph. 5:10).
C. All believers have the Holy Spirit living in them now (vs 9; I Cor. 12:13; Eph. 1:13).
D. All believers continue to have dying physical bodies and yet the core of their being is alive through the new nature and the Holy Spirit (vs 10). Also, because of the Holy Spirits presence, we are assured of having a resurrected spiritual body in the future (vs 11, I Cor. 15:35-49; 2 Cor. 5:1-6; Eph. 1:13,14).
Thought: If all believers have the Holy Spirit, why do some believers still pray for the Holy Spirit?
III. What the Holy Spirit now does in a believer’s life (vs 12-27):
A. He helps us “put to death” our flesh (sinful tendencies) and therefore truly live (vs 12-17; Col. 3:5-9).
1. This is a process. As we are led by the Spirit of God, we are living out our children of God position (vs 14, I John 2:28-3:3).
2. This process should not lead us back to the old ways of the Law but rather to a deeper understanding of being God’s adopted children (vs 15a; Gal. 4:6,7).
3. This process should deepen our relationship with God as our Abba (An Aramaic expression used in the family circle for father)(vs 15b, 16).
4. This process involves suffering with Christ but it will also produce future inheritance (vs 17; Matt. 19:28-30; 2 Tim 2:11-13; Rev. 20:4).
B. He will give to us our resurrected spiritual bodies as well as a restored and new heaven and earth (vs 18-23).
1. The creation was subject to frustration (“mataiotas”- vanity (Eccles. 1:1), aimlessness, inability to reach or obtain results) by God at the time of the fall (Gen. 3:14, 17-19). It is portrayed as looking forward to it’s restoration (vs 18-22; Isa. 60; Eph. 1:10; Rev. 21:1-22:6).
2. We also continue to groan because we still have our remnant flesh and physical body that are ill-adapted for eternal life (vs 23; John 14:1-4).
C. He helps us in our weakness by praying for us (vs 26, 27).
1. We pray in imprecise, spoken ways to Abba, Father (I John 5:14,15).
2. He prays in precise, unspoken ways according to God’s will (John 14:15-18).
THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE
Romans 8:1-27
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Believers in Christ Jesus should now live out their life in a new way which is free from condemnation (vs 1-4).
A. The Mosaic Law bring condemnation (a judgment against someone) to the flesh. The flesh is the core nature of unbelievers and the “sinful tendency” remnant in believer’s lives. Remember Paul’s equation of flesh (sin) + Law + death which he formulated in chapters one through seven (vs 1).
1. Believers now have dies to sin (Rom. 6:2) and have died to the Mosaic Law (Rom. 7:4) through Christ (vs 2; Gal. 3:19, 23-25; Col. 2:13-23).
2. Believers now have the law of the Spirit of life. Therefore, Paul’s new formula is new nature + Spirit= life (vs 2; Rom. 6:22,23; 7:6).
B. God has fulfilled the righteous requirements of the Law in us through our justification (past-tense salvation) in Christ (vs 3; Rom. 3:19; Matt. 5:17).
C. God desires for His believers to now learn to walk according to the Spirit so that we might fulfill His will (righteous requirement) for us (vs 4). In Paul’s mind, this would be present-tense salvation, sanctification, or walking in holiness (Rom. 6:19, 22; 7:22,25).
Thought: What are some way believers can slow down their sanctification.
II. Believers in Christ Jesus now have the choice of obeying the Holy Spirit or the flesh (vs 5-11).
A. The flesh will produce death (which for the believer is broken fellowship with God and fellow believers, loss of good fruit, and loss of reward and inheritance) and the Spirit will produce life and peace (vs 6; Rom. 6:21-23; 7:4-6; Gal. 5:16-26).
B. Living or walking in the Spirit pleases God now (vs 7,8; Gal. 3:20; Eph. 5:10).
C. All believers have the Holy Spirit living in them now (vs 9; I Cor. 12:13; Eph. 1:13).
D. All believers continue to have dying physical bodies and yet the core of their being is alive through the new nature and the Holy Spirit (vs 10). Also, because of the Holy Spirits presence, we are assured of having a resurrected spiritual body in the future (vs 11, I Cor. 15:35-49; 2 Cor. 5:1-6; Eph. 1:13,14).
Thought: If all believers have the Holy Spirit, why do some believers still pray for the Holy Spirit?
III. What the Holy Spirit now does in a believer’s life (vs 12-27):
A. He helps us “put to death” our flesh (sinful tendencies) and therefore truly live (vs 12-17; Col. 3:5-9).
1. This is a process. As we are led by the Spirit of God, we are living out our children of God position (vs 14, I John 2:28-3:3).
2. This process should not lead us back to the old ways of the Law but rather to a deeper understanding of being God’s adopted children (vs 15a; Gal. 4:6,7).
3. This process should deepen our relationship with God as our Abba (An Aramaic expression used in the family circle for father)(vs 15b, 16).
4. This process involves suffering with Christ but it will also produce future inheritance (vs 17; Matt. 19:28-30; 2 Tim 2:11-13; Rev. 20:4).
B. He will give to us our resurrected spiritual bodies as well as a restored and new heaven and earth (vs 18-23).
1. The creation was subject to frustration (“mataiotas”- vanity (Eccles. 1:1), aimlessness, inability to reach or obtain results) by God at the time of the fall (Gen. 3:14, 17-19). It is portrayed as looking forward to it’s restoration (vs 18-22; Isa. 60; Eph. 1:10; Rev. 21:1-22:6).
2. We also continue to groan because we still have our remnant flesh and physical body that are ill-adapted for eternal life (vs 23; John 14:1-4).
C. He helps us in our weakness by praying for us (vs 26, 27).
1. We pray in imprecise, spoken ways to Abba, Father (I John 5:14,15).
2. He prays in precise, unspoken ways according to God’s will (John 14:15-18).
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Romans 7:1-25
WHAT BELIEVERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LAW AND SIN
Romans 7:1-25
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Justified believers need to learn to serve God now in a new way rather than turning back to a previously tried old way (vs 1-6).
A. All believers have now died to the Law through the body of Christ (vs 1-4b).
1. Christ fulfilled the law by living a perfect life and submitting himself to a cruel death in his body (vs 4a; Matt. 5:17; I. Cor. 11:23-26).
2. We have died to the Law by uniting ourselves with Christ. We now have died with him, have fulfilled the Law in Him, and therefore the old Law should no longer have a binding or condemning force on our new lives (vs 1-3, 4b; Gal. 3:23, 24; Col. 3:1-4).
B. All believers now belong to Christ and our purpose now is to bear fruit unto God (vs 4c-6; John 15:5, 8, 15, 16; Phil. 1:21,22).
1. Living life “in the flesh”, whether as an unbeliever or a believer, produces a mixture of sin aroused by the Law. This combination produces fruit unto death (lacking God’s fellowship, will, purpose, or blessing)(vs 5; Rom. 6:19-23, 7:14-20, 8:12-14).
2. Believers have now been released from (katargeo- to make unemployed, redundant) the Law but we need to learn how to serve God now in the new way of the Spirit (vs 6; Rom. 8:2; Gal. 3:23-25; Col. 2:16-23).
Thought: What choices do we make on a moment by moment basis that determines whether we as believers produce fruit unto God or fruit unto death?
II. Justified believers have died to sin(Rom. 6:2) and have died to the Law(Rom. 7:4) and yet they still struggle with sin and the Law (vs 7-25).
A. The Law of God is holy, righteous and good (vs 7-13).
1. It reveals what sin is (vs 7-13).
2. It increases sin’s desire to sin more (like a catalyst)(vs 8-12; Rom. 5:20).
3. Paul’s spiritual formulation would be sin + Law = death(a negative spiritual reaction that is supposed to lead someone to cry out to God for mercy and belief)(vs 13; Gal. 3:23-25).
B. The Law of God is spiritual (pneumatikos) but Paul and all believers are fleshly(sarknos) when we offer ourselves to sin rather than to God (vs 14-25; Rom. 6:15-18).
1. A believer now has a new nature (2 Cor. 5:17) which desires the things of God(Eph. 4:23, 24; 5:8-10) as well as a remnant of the old self called the flesh(vs 18; Rom 8:1,4; Gal. 5:16-18).
2. The flesh is our leftover sinful tendencies and is sometimes called ethical flesh(better named unethical) by theologians. It is different from our physical or mortal bodies (Rom. 16:12, 13; 18:11).
3. The flesh seeks to reign (vs 15-20), practice evil (vs 19,21) and wage war against the new nature in order to take it captive (vs 23).
4. In Paul’s theology, a believer’s new nature desires to do what is good(vs 15, 18, 21), delights in God’s Law (vs 22) and operates to its full extent in a Spirit controlled mind (vs 23,25).
Thought: Flesh(sin) + Law = death; New nature + Spirit = life; the choice is yours. Is the thing which concerns you most leading you toward death or life?
Romans 7:1-25
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Justified believers need to learn to serve God now in a new way rather than turning back to a previously tried old way (vs 1-6).
A. All believers have now died to the Law through the body of Christ (vs 1-4b).
1. Christ fulfilled the law by living a perfect life and submitting himself to a cruel death in his body (vs 4a; Matt. 5:17; I. Cor. 11:23-26).
2. We have died to the Law by uniting ourselves with Christ. We now have died with him, have fulfilled the Law in Him, and therefore the old Law should no longer have a binding or condemning force on our new lives (vs 1-3, 4b; Gal. 3:23, 24; Col. 3:1-4).
B. All believers now belong to Christ and our purpose now is to bear fruit unto God (vs 4c-6; John 15:5, 8, 15, 16; Phil. 1:21,22).
1. Living life “in the flesh”, whether as an unbeliever or a believer, produces a mixture of sin aroused by the Law. This combination produces fruit unto death (lacking God’s fellowship, will, purpose, or blessing)(vs 5; Rom. 6:19-23, 7:14-20, 8:12-14).
2. Believers have now been released from (katargeo- to make unemployed, redundant) the Law but we need to learn how to serve God now in the new way of the Spirit (vs 6; Rom. 8:2; Gal. 3:23-25; Col. 2:16-23).
Thought: What choices do we make on a moment by moment basis that determines whether we as believers produce fruit unto God or fruit unto death?
II. Justified believers have died to sin(Rom. 6:2) and have died to the Law(Rom. 7:4) and yet they still struggle with sin and the Law (vs 7-25).
A. The Law of God is holy, righteous and good (vs 7-13).
1. It reveals what sin is (vs 7-13).
2. It increases sin’s desire to sin more (like a catalyst)(vs 8-12; Rom. 5:20).
3. Paul’s spiritual formulation would be sin + Law = death(a negative spiritual reaction that is supposed to lead someone to cry out to God for mercy and belief)(vs 13; Gal. 3:23-25).
B. The Law of God is spiritual (pneumatikos) but Paul and all believers are fleshly(sarknos) when we offer ourselves to sin rather than to God (vs 14-25; Rom. 6:15-18).
1. A believer now has a new nature (2 Cor. 5:17) which desires the things of God(Eph. 4:23, 24; 5:8-10) as well as a remnant of the old self called the flesh(vs 18; Rom 8:1,4; Gal. 5:16-18).
2. The flesh is our leftover sinful tendencies and is sometimes called ethical flesh(better named unethical) by theologians. It is different from our physical or mortal bodies (Rom. 16:12, 13; 18:11).
3. The flesh seeks to reign (vs 15-20), practice evil (vs 19,21) and wage war against the new nature in order to take it captive (vs 23).
4. In Paul’s theology, a believer’s new nature desires to do what is good(vs 15, 18, 21), delights in God’s Law (vs 22) and operates to its full extent in a Spirit controlled mind (vs 23,25).
Thought: Flesh(sin) + Law = death; New nature + Spirit = life; the choice is yours. Is the thing which concerns you most leading you toward death or life?
Friday, July 16, 2010
Romans 6:1-23
WHAT BELIEVERS ENTER INTO BECAUSE OF UNION WITH CHRIST
Romans 6:1-23
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. As justified believers, we are now united with Christ in his death(vs 1-7). As such we should:
A. realize tat we have dies with Christ and therefore are free to not live in sin(vs 1-5; Col. 3:3,4).
1. We now have the ability to sin less often. The outward act of water baptism is a symbol of the inward reality (vs 1-3; Col. 2:20).
2. We now have the ability to please God and live righteously (Eph. 5:8-10). Paul calls this walking in newness of life (vs. 4,5). The theological term for this is sanctification (set apart to holiness and used in vs 19,22).
B. realize that our old self (before justification) was crucified so that the body of sin (our sinful tendencies, not our physical body, Rom. 7; Gal. 5:17, Col. 2:11) might be destroyed (vs 6, 7; Eph. 4:22; 25-31; Col. 3:5-9).
Thought: How does dying with Christ free you from sinning?
II. As justified believers, we are now united with Christ in his resurrected life (vs 8-14). As such we should:
A. realize we have been raised with Christ and therefore live with him now and in the future (vs 8, Col. 3:1,2).
B. Realize that Christ (as our redeemer and example) died to sin once, now lives to please God and at the core of our being this is also true with us (vs 9-11; 2 Cor. 5:14-21; I Peter 3:18).
C. Not let sin reign (basilueto- “to be king”, a present, imperative) in our mortal (thnatos- “subject to death”) bodies (vs 12).
D. Not offer (“place at ones disposal”, a present, imperative) the parts of our bodies as tools or weapons (hopla) of unrighteousness for the purpose of sinning. Rather we are to realize we have already offered (aorist, imperative) our body parts to God as tools or weapons of righteousness (vs 13.14).
Thought: Which body part do you need to place at God’s disposal today?
III. As justified believers who are united with Christ, you have a moment by moment choice of whether to serve sin or righteousness (vs 15-23; Gal. 5:13-26).
A. The principle is this: we become servants to whatever we choose to obey (vs 15,16). Obedience to sin takes us away from God’s desired pathway for us (encompassed in the word death)(vs 16; 1 Cor. 11:27-32) and obedience to God moves us closer into His fellowship and righteousness (vs 16; I John 1:3-7).
B. By being heart-obedient to this form of teaching which has been handed over to us (“paradidomai”- as to a new slave master), we can make true progress in righteousness (vs 17, 18).
C. Like we used to offer our bodies for impurity (immoral sexual activity) and wickedness (lawlessness), we now are to offer our body parts to righteousness and sanctification (vs 19, 20; Eph. 4:23, 24; Col. 3:10-17).
D. The wages for choosing to be a servant of sin is shame and death (separated fellowship, discipline, etc.). Choosing to live as a servant of righteousness brings the gift of God’s full salvation (fellowship, blessing, reward, etc.) and eventually fullness of true life forever (including a new glorified body) (vs 21-23; Matt 19:29; I Cor. 3:11-15; 2 Cor. 5:10).
Romans 6:1-23
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. As justified believers, we are now united with Christ in his death(vs 1-7). As such we should:
A. realize tat we have dies with Christ and therefore are free to not live in sin(vs 1-5; Col. 3:3,4).
1. We now have the ability to sin less often. The outward act of water baptism is a symbol of the inward reality (vs 1-3; Col. 2:20).
2. We now have the ability to please God and live righteously (Eph. 5:8-10). Paul calls this walking in newness of life (vs. 4,5). The theological term for this is sanctification (set apart to holiness and used in vs 19,22).
B. realize that our old self (before justification) was crucified so that the body of sin (our sinful tendencies, not our physical body, Rom. 7; Gal. 5:17, Col. 2:11) might be destroyed (vs 6, 7; Eph. 4:22; 25-31; Col. 3:5-9).
Thought: How does dying with Christ free you from sinning?
II. As justified believers, we are now united with Christ in his resurrected life (vs 8-14). As such we should:
A. realize we have been raised with Christ and therefore live with him now and in the future (vs 8, Col. 3:1,2).
B. Realize that Christ (as our redeemer and example) died to sin once, now lives to please God and at the core of our being this is also true with us (vs 9-11; 2 Cor. 5:14-21; I Peter 3:18).
C. Not let sin reign (basilueto- “to be king”, a present, imperative) in our mortal (thnatos- “subject to death”) bodies (vs 12).
D. Not offer (“place at ones disposal”, a present, imperative) the parts of our bodies as tools or weapons (hopla) of unrighteousness for the purpose of sinning. Rather we are to realize we have already offered (aorist, imperative) our body parts to God as tools or weapons of righteousness (vs 13.14).
Thought: Which body part do you need to place at God’s disposal today?
III. As justified believers who are united with Christ, you have a moment by moment choice of whether to serve sin or righteousness (vs 15-23; Gal. 5:13-26).
A. The principle is this: we become servants to whatever we choose to obey (vs 15,16). Obedience to sin takes us away from God’s desired pathway for us (encompassed in the word death)(vs 16; 1 Cor. 11:27-32) and obedience to God moves us closer into His fellowship and righteousness (vs 16; I John 1:3-7).
B. By being heart-obedient to this form of teaching which has been handed over to us (“paradidomai”- as to a new slave master), we can make true progress in righteousness (vs 17, 18).
C. Like we used to offer our bodies for impurity (immoral sexual activity) and wickedness (lawlessness), we now are to offer our body parts to righteousness and sanctification (vs 19, 20; Eph. 4:23, 24; Col. 3:10-17).
D. The wages for choosing to be a servant of sin is shame and death (separated fellowship, discipline, etc.). Choosing to live as a servant of righteousness brings the gift of God’s full salvation (fellowship, blessing, reward, etc.) and eventually fullness of true life forever (including a new glorified body) (vs 21-23; Matt 19:29; I Cor. 3:11-15; 2 Cor. 5:10).
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Romans 5:1-21
WHAT BELIEVERS ENTER INTO BECAUSE OF JUSTIFICATION
Romans 5:1-21
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Those who have been justified (declared righteous) by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ now have these amazing benefits (vs 1-5):
A. Present and lasting peace with God. Peace is the Greek word "eirena" and comes from the Hebrew word "shalom" which means to be complete, sound, safe, free from fault, healthy and prosperous (vs 1; Col. 1:20; Eph. 2:14).
B. Access into the grace (unmerited favor) of God. The Greek word for access is the word for introducing someone into the presence of a ruler (vs 2; Eph. 1:3; Heb. 4:16; 2 Peter 1:3).
C. The ability to rejoice (boast in God; Gal. 6:14) in afflictions, tribulations or sufferings. The justified believer's peace is with God but not necessarily the things or people in this world (James 1:2-5).
1. Sufferings produce steadfast endurance (hupomonan-remain under) to bear up under the pressure of the difficulty (vs 3; 1 Cor. 10:13).
2. Steadfast endurance produces proof of approved character like gold from the furnace which has been purified and tested (vs 4; Job 23:10).
3. Approved character produces hopeful expectation in God and His promises (vs 4; 1 Tim. 3:13; James 1:4).
4. Hopeful expectation produces confidence before God (instead of shame) and a deep understanding that his Holy Spirit lives in us, helping and loving us (vs 5).
Thought: What benefit of being justified has meant the most to you this week?
II. Justified believers should be amazed at the full extent of God's love (vs 6-11).
A. Christ died for the powerless (inability because of sickness and weakness), the ungodly, sinners and enemies (vs 6, 8, 10). In other words, all of us.
B. Rarely will a person die for a righteous person (one who upholds right) although for a good person (someone who does good to others), a person might die. However, God's amazing love is shown in Christ's death for sinners (vs 7,8).
C. We have been justified (declared righteous, past tense salvation) through Christ's death. We are being and will be sanctified (made holy, present tense salvation) and glorified (future) through his life (vs 9-11).
III. Paul answers a few questions on sin and the Law (vs 12-21).
A. Sin and death came into all of the human race through the breaking of God's verbal command to Adam (v 12; Gen 3:1-19).
B. The giving of the Law by Moses was not the start of sin and death because physical death and sin was already present (vs 13,14).
C. Jesus' gift is not like Adam's trespass because Adam's trespass brought death but Jesus' gift brings life (vs 15,16).
D. Jesus' gift is like Adam's trespass in that it was by one man doing one act bringing one certain result (vs 17-19).
E. The purpose of the Law in justification was to show people that they were not able to live up to it. Therefore it was meant to lead sinners to God's grace and mercy (vs 20,21; Rom. 3:20; Gal. 13:24).
Thought: Romans 5:12-21 is a key text in the study of the Biblical concepts of original and inherited sin. For deeper and further study, I recommend "Christian Theology" by Millard J. Erickson, "Basic Theology" by Charles C. Ryrie, or Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem.
Romans 5:1-21
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Those who have been justified (declared righteous) by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ now have these amazing benefits (vs 1-5):
A. Present and lasting peace with God. Peace is the Greek word "eirena" and comes from the Hebrew word "shalom" which means to be complete, sound, safe, free from fault, healthy and prosperous (vs 1; Col. 1:20; Eph. 2:14).
B. Access into the grace (unmerited favor) of God. The Greek word for access is the word for introducing someone into the presence of a ruler (vs 2; Eph. 1:3; Heb. 4:16; 2 Peter 1:3).
C. The ability to rejoice (boast in God; Gal. 6:14) in afflictions, tribulations or sufferings. The justified believer's peace is with God but not necessarily the things or people in this world (James 1:2-5).
1. Sufferings produce steadfast endurance (hupomonan-remain under) to bear up under the pressure of the difficulty (vs 3; 1 Cor. 10:13).
2. Steadfast endurance produces proof of approved character like gold from the furnace which has been purified and tested (vs 4; Job 23:10).
3. Approved character produces hopeful expectation in God and His promises (vs 4; 1 Tim. 3:13; James 1:4).
4. Hopeful expectation produces confidence before God (instead of shame) and a deep understanding that his Holy Spirit lives in us, helping and loving us (vs 5).
Thought: What benefit of being justified has meant the most to you this week?
II. Justified believers should be amazed at the full extent of God's love (vs 6-11).
A. Christ died for the powerless (inability because of sickness and weakness), the ungodly, sinners and enemies (vs 6, 8, 10). In other words, all of us.
B. Rarely will a person die for a righteous person (one who upholds right) although for a good person (someone who does good to others), a person might die. However, God's amazing love is shown in Christ's death for sinners (vs 7,8).
C. We have been justified (declared righteous, past tense salvation) through Christ's death. We are being and will be sanctified (made holy, present tense salvation) and glorified (future) through his life (vs 9-11).
III. Paul answers a few questions on sin and the Law (vs 12-21).
A. Sin and death came into all of the human race through the breaking of God's verbal command to Adam (v 12; Gen 3:1-19).
B. The giving of the Law by Moses was not the start of sin and death because physical death and sin was already present (vs 13,14).
C. Jesus' gift is not like Adam's trespass because Adam's trespass brought death but Jesus' gift brings life (vs 15,16).
D. Jesus' gift is like Adam's trespass in that it was by one man doing one act bringing one certain result (vs 17-19).
E. The purpose of the Law in justification was to show people that they were not able to live up to it. Therefore it was meant to lead sinners to God's grace and mercy (vs 20,21; Rom. 3:20; Gal. 13:24).
Thought: Romans 5:12-21 is a key text in the study of the Biblical concepts of original and inherited sin. For deeper and further study, I recommend "Christian Theology" by Millard J. Erickson, "Basic Theology" by Charles C. Ryrie, or Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Romans 3:21- 4:25
HOW PEOPLE ARE JUSTIFIED IN THE SIGHT OF GOD
Romans 3:21- 4:25
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Since the time of Christ's death, burial and resurrection, the ability of God to declare a sinner righteous is being made known (Rom. 3:21-31).
A. This righteousness of God is apart from obedience to the Mosaic or Old Testament Law (vs. 21-23).
1. The Law and Prophets have testified to this (vs 21; 3:10-18).
2. It comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe (vs 22).
3. Everyone has sinned ("hamarton"- missed the mark) and come up short of God's power, Godness and reflection (vs 23; 1:20,23; Gen. 1:26).
B. This righteousness of God justifies (declares righteous) believers through the work of Christ Jesus (vs 24-31).
1. This is given freely (like an unpaid for gift) by God's grace (unmerited favor) to believers (vs 24).
2. Christ's work redeemed "apolutroseos" or ransomed believers by the payment of a price (vs 24; Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45; Rom. 8:23; Eph. 1:7; Titus 2:14).
3. Christ's work propitiated "ilastarion" or satisfied the wrath of God concerning the believer's unrighteousness and sins. This word is connected to the mercy seat or covering of the ark of the covenant in the most holy place (Lev. 16:14, Heb. 9:5; I John 2:2).
a. Before the cross, God was righteous in patiently passing by past sins because of the person's belief in God's ability to forgive (vs 25).
b. Since the time of Christ, God's pinnacle of full justice has been met and, therefore, now God has a way of declaring believers righteous and the world and unbelievers guilty (vs 26; Acts 17:31; I John 1:3-2:2).
4. Christ's work eliminates the possibility of human self-righteous boasting (vs 27-34).
Thought: What would you say to someone who said that, "God will let me be with him because I have done more good things than bad"?
II. In chapter 4, Paul proves from Old Testament Scriptures his previous points (Rom. 4:1-25).
A. Abraham was declared righteous by God on account of his faith apart from his works (vs 1-5; Gen. 15:6).
B. David has faith in Yahweh's righteousness by forgiving his sins apart from works (vs 6-8; Psalms 32:1,2; 2 Sam. 12:13).
C. Abraham's faith and justification was before both circumcision and the Law (vs 9-25).
1. Abraham was declared righteous at least 14 years before he was circumcised (vs 9-12; Gen 15:6, Gen. 17:10-13).
2. Circumcision was a sign and seal of Abraham's justification by faith (vs 11).
3. Abraham received the promise through faith, not through the Law (vs 13; Gal. 3:16-19).
4. Therefore, God made Abraham the father of all believers of every nation (vs 13-17a; Gen. 12:3 Gen 17:5).
5. Abraham still believed God's promise that a son (an heir) would be born even though he was close to 100 years old and Sarah was around 90 years old (vs 17b-19; Gen. 21:1-7).
6. The record of Abraham's justification through faith in Genesis 15:6 was written for all who would believe in Jesus (vs 20-25).
Romans 3:21- 4:25
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Since the time of Christ's death, burial and resurrection, the ability of God to declare a sinner righteous is being made known (Rom. 3:21-31).
A. This righteousness of God is apart from obedience to the Mosaic or Old Testament Law (vs. 21-23).
1. The Law and Prophets have testified to this (vs 21; 3:10-18).
2. It comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe (vs 22).
3. Everyone has sinned ("hamarton"- missed the mark) and come up short of God's power, Godness and reflection (vs 23; 1:20,23; Gen. 1:26).
B. This righteousness of God justifies (declares righteous) believers through the work of Christ Jesus (vs 24-31).
1. This is given freely (like an unpaid for gift) by God's grace (unmerited favor) to believers (vs 24).
2. Christ's work redeemed "apolutroseos" or ransomed believers by the payment of a price (vs 24; Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45; Rom. 8:23; Eph. 1:7; Titus 2:14).
3. Christ's work propitiated "ilastarion" or satisfied the wrath of God concerning the believer's unrighteousness and sins. This word is connected to the mercy seat or covering of the ark of the covenant in the most holy place (Lev. 16:14, Heb. 9:5; I John 2:2).
a. Before the cross, God was righteous in patiently passing by past sins because of the person's belief in God's ability to forgive (vs 25).
b. Since the time of Christ, God's pinnacle of full justice has been met and, therefore, now God has a way of declaring believers righteous and the world and unbelievers guilty (vs 26; Acts 17:31; I John 1:3-2:2).
4. Christ's work eliminates the possibility of human self-righteous boasting (vs 27-34).
Thought: What would you say to someone who said that, "God will let me be with him because I have done more good things than bad"?
II. In chapter 4, Paul proves from Old Testament Scriptures his previous points (Rom. 4:1-25).
A. Abraham was declared righteous by God on account of his faith apart from his works (vs 1-5; Gen. 15:6).
B. David has faith in Yahweh's righteousness by forgiving his sins apart from works (vs 6-8; Psalms 32:1,2; 2 Sam. 12:13).
C. Abraham's faith and justification was before both circumcision and the Law (vs 9-25).
1. Abraham was declared righteous at least 14 years before he was circumcised (vs 9-12; Gen 15:6, Gen. 17:10-13).
2. Circumcision was a sign and seal of Abraham's justification by faith (vs 11).
3. Abraham received the promise through faith, not through the Law (vs 13; Gal. 3:16-19).
4. Therefore, God made Abraham the father of all believers of every nation (vs 13-17a; Gen. 12:3 Gen 17:5).
5. Abraham still believed God's promise that a son (an heir) would be born even though he was close to 100 years old and Sarah was around 90 years old (vs 17b-19; Gen. 21:1-7).
6. The record of Abraham's justification through faith in Genesis 15:6 was written for all who would believe in Jesus (vs 20-25).
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Romans 2:17-3:20
ALL PEOPLE NEED SALVATION, Part II:
Jews Should Not Rely On Their History Or Their Law
Romans 2:17-3:20
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. The Jews need to watch out for boastful pride which will keep them from Christ (2:17-29).
A. In this verse, Paul definitely directly addresses the Jews (vs 17).
B. They were confident of their standing before God and viewed themselves as guides, lights, instructors, and teachers to the Gentile believers (vs 19,20).
1.The stumbling block to God's Law is humanity getting a hold of it and creating easier man-made laws that make it doable. Therefore, humans create their own system to be declared righteous in God's eyes (vs 21-23; Matt. 5:27,28).
2. Because of this type of thinking, God is blasphemed among the Gentiles (vs 24; Isa. 52:5; Ezek. 36:22).
3. Circumcision (peritoma- cut around) was meant by God to be an outward representation of an inward act of believing in God's promise and covenant (Gen. 17). Rather than being a symbol of God's work in the heart, it had become for many, man's work for the flesh to boast about (vs 25-29; Phil. 3:1-3).
Thought: Can it be harder for someone brought up in a works oriented religious environment to accept the Gospel?
II. The advantages the Jews have (Rom. 3:1-20).
A. They have been given the words of God (vs 2). This includes the entire 39 Books of the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible). Paul believed in the inspiration of the Hebrew Bible (Rom. 9:3-6).
1. Some who know the Law still do not believe what it says but God will still be true to His word (vs 3,4; Ps. 51:4; Ps. 89:30-37).
2. Those that have reasoned that they can keep God's Law have a hard time not seeing God as unjust (vs 5-8).
B. Everybody is under sin whether Jew or Greek (vs 9-20).
1. Paul supports his claim by many texts in the Hebrew Scriptures (vs 10-18; Ps. 14:1-3, 53:1-3; Ecces. 7:20; Ps. 5:9; Ps. 140:3; Ps. 10:7; Isa. 59:7,8; Ps. 36:1).
2. The Law speaks to those under the Law (the Jews)(vs 19).
3. The purpose of the Law is to bring the knowledge of sin (vs 20; Gal. 3:19-25).
Thought: In what areas of life will a person struggle if they view God as unjust?
Jews Should Not Rely On Their History Or Their Law
Romans 2:17-3:20
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. The Jews need to watch out for boastful pride which will keep them from Christ (2:17-29).
A. In this verse, Paul definitely directly addresses the Jews (vs 17).
B. They were confident of their standing before God and viewed themselves as guides, lights, instructors, and teachers to the Gentile believers (vs 19,20).
1.The stumbling block to God's Law is humanity getting a hold of it and creating easier man-made laws that make it doable. Therefore, humans create their own system to be declared righteous in God's eyes (vs 21-23; Matt. 5:27,28).
2. Because of this type of thinking, God is blasphemed among the Gentiles (vs 24; Isa. 52:5; Ezek. 36:22).
3. Circumcision (peritoma- cut around) was meant by God to be an outward representation of an inward act of believing in God's promise and covenant (Gen. 17). Rather than being a symbol of God's work in the heart, it had become for many, man's work for the flesh to boast about (vs 25-29; Phil. 3:1-3).
Thought: Can it be harder for someone brought up in a works oriented religious environment to accept the Gospel?
II. The advantages the Jews have (Rom. 3:1-20).
A. They have been given the words of God (vs 2). This includes the entire 39 Books of the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible). Paul believed in the inspiration of the Hebrew Bible (Rom. 9:3-6).
1. Some who know the Law still do not believe what it says but God will still be true to His word (vs 3,4; Ps. 51:4; Ps. 89:30-37).
2. Those that have reasoned that they can keep God's Law have a hard time not seeing God as unjust (vs 5-8).
B. Everybody is under sin whether Jew or Greek (vs 9-20).
1. Paul supports his claim by many texts in the Hebrew Scriptures (vs 10-18; Ps. 14:1-3, 53:1-3; Ecces. 7:20; Ps. 5:9; Ps. 140:3; Ps. 10:7; Isa. 59:7,8; Ps. 36:1).
2. The Law speaks to those under the Law (the Jews)(vs 19).
3. The purpose of the Law is to bring the knowledge of sin (vs 20; Gal. 3:19-25).
Thought: In what areas of life will a person struggle if they view God as unjust?
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Romans 1:18-2:16
ALL PEOPLE NEED SALVATION: SUPPRESSING THE TRUTH REVEALS THE WRATH OF GOD
Romans 1:18-2:16
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. While the righteousness of God is being revealed in the Gospel, the wrath of God is being revealed in truth suppression (Rom. 1:18-32).
A. Created inside every person is a certain knowledge of God. In theology (the study of God), we call this general revelation (vs 19, 20: Ps. 19:1-6, Eccles. 3:11).
1. People should see all around them God’s eternal power.
2. People should see all around them God’s Godness “theotas”(many of his attributes).
B. Paul says that because of this people are without legal defense “anapologatos.”
Thought: How much understanding is God expecting from people around the world concerning Him? (Acts 17:24-28)
C. By not glorifying (assigning importance to) or thanking God, people who were created to do these things assign these traits to idols(vs 21-24).
Thought: What idols do we have in our world today?
D. Therefore (as a result, “dio”), God gave them over (vs 24-32, especially vs 24, 26,28).
1. God seems to increasingly remove his sin restraining power (2 Thes. 2:7).
2. The human tendency is toward more and more moral decay.
3. God does view homosexuality as moral perversion and sin in the Old Testament and the New Testament (vs 26, 27: Lev. 18:22; I Cor. 6:9; I Tim. 1:10; Rev. 22:15).
4. Paul lists 21 nouns and adjectives that people fill themselves up with (vs 29-31).
II. All unrighteous people are without excuse against God’s true righteous judgment (Rom. 2:1-16).
A. Thinking your self-righteousness will bring you right standing with God is ridiculous (vs 1-3). However, don’t confuse this and Matt. 7:1 for the same thing as true godly discernment (I Cor.5:12-6:6).
B. God is being patient “makrothumias” (which means long-suffering) toward humanity, leading people to repentance (a change of mind)(vs 4).
C. By not believing the Gospel of God’s righteousness, people store up God’s wrath for what they have believed and done. By believing the gospel and living in it, people receive eternal life and reward (vs 5_16; I Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:11-15).
Romans 1:18-2:16
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. While the righteousness of God is being revealed in the Gospel, the wrath of God is being revealed in truth suppression (Rom. 1:18-32).
A. Created inside every person is a certain knowledge of God. In theology (the study of God), we call this general revelation (vs 19, 20: Ps. 19:1-6, Eccles. 3:11).
1. People should see all around them God’s eternal power.
2. People should see all around them God’s Godness “theotas”(many of his attributes).
B. Paul says that because of this people are without legal defense “anapologatos.”
Thought: How much understanding is God expecting from people around the world concerning Him? (Acts 17:24-28)
C. By not glorifying (assigning importance to) or thanking God, people who were created to do these things assign these traits to idols(vs 21-24).
Thought: What idols do we have in our world today?
D. Therefore (as a result, “dio”), God gave them over (vs 24-32, especially vs 24, 26,28).
1. God seems to increasingly remove his sin restraining power (2 Thes. 2:7).
2. The human tendency is toward more and more moral decay.
3. God does view homosexuality as moral perversion and sin in the Old Testament and the New Testament (vs 26, 27: Lev. 18:22; I Cor. 6:9; I Tim. 1:10; Rev. 22:15).
4. Paul lists 21 nouns and adjectives that people fill themselves up with (vs 29-31).
II. All unrighteous people are without excuse against God’s true righteous judgment (Rom. 2:1-16).
A. Thinking your self-righteousness will bring you right standing with God is ridiculous (vs 1-3). However, don’t confuse this and Matt. 7:1 for the same thing as true godly discernment (I Cor.5:12-6:6).
B. God is being patient “makrothumias” (which means long-suffering) toward humanity, leading people to repentance (a change of mind)(vs 4).
C. By not believing the Gospel of God’s righteousness, people store up God’s wrath for what they have believed and done. By believing the gospel and living in it, people receive eternal life and reward (vs 5_16; I Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:11-15).
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Romans 1:1-17
BACKGROUND, THEME, AND ROMANS 1:1-17
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Background: The letter of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul. It was written probably in the spring of 57 AD from Corinth toward the end of his third missionary journey. We know these facts from both the Bible and history working together.
A. Known historical facts:
1. Emporer Claudius reigned in Rome from 41-54 AD.
a. He ordered the Jews to leave Rome due to trouble around 49 AD.
b. Historian Suetonious (69 to 140 AD) writes the Jews left because of “disturbances of the instigation of Chrestus (Christ).”
c. Ambrosiaster (4th Century) writes that the church of Rome was not established by an apostle but by unnamed Hebrew Christians.
B. Known Biblical facts:
1. The Bible outlines the movements of Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:1-4, 18, 26; I Cor. 16:19; Romans 16:3).
2. The Bible outlines the movements of the Apostle Paul (Acts 18:12; 19:8-10; Romans 15:23-25).
II. Theme and Purpose: The Apostle Paul writes Romans to a predominantly Gentile church (Rom. 1:13) for the purpose of making the gospel and salvation clear (Rom. 1:16-17). While accomplishing his main theme, he wants to explain how Israel fits into God’s plan and how believing Jews ad Gentiles should now understand the Law and the Spirit.
III. Exegeting (drawing the meaning out) Romans 1:1-17
A. What Paul was set apart to be and say (v.1-7).
1. He was a servant “doulos” who belonged to another and sent “apostolas” by another (v.1).
2. His gospel was the good news “euangelion” of God. This gospel:
a. fulfills the promises of the prophesied Messiah (v.2)
b. is about Jesus Christ our Lord. He is 100% man and 100% God (I Cor. 15:1-3).
B. Paul explains why it has taken awhile to see them and encourages them as the apostle to the Gentiles (v.8-15).
C. This true gospel is amazing! (v.16-17)
1. It is the power (strength, might, ability) of God.
2. For those who believe (have faith in, receive it) it brings salvation (deliverance). Slavation (sozo) involves past (Eph. 2:8), present (2 Cor. 2:15), and future (Rom. 13:11) aspects.
3. In it, God’s righteousness (upright character, impartial judgments) is revealed.
4. The righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ (Rom. 3:22).
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Background: The letter of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul. It was written probably in the spring of 57 AD from Corinth toward the end of his third missionary journey. We know these facts from both the Bible and history working together.
A. Known historical facts:
1. Emporer Claudius reigned in Rome from 41-54 AD.
a. He ordered the Jews to leave Rome due to trouble around 49 AD.
b. Historian Suetonious (69 to 140 AD) writes the Jews left because of “disturbances of the instigation of Chrestus (Christ).”
c. Ambrosiaster (4th Century) writes that the church of Rome was not established by an apostle but by unnamed Hebrew Christians.
B. Known Biblical facts:
1. The Bible outlines the movements of Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:1-4, 18, 26; I Cor. 16:19; Romans 16:3).
2. The Bible outlines the movements of the Apostle Paul (Acts 18:12; 19:8-10; Romans 15:23-25).
II. Theme and Purpose: The Apostle Paul writes Romans to a predominantly Gentile church (Rom. 1:13) for the purpose of making the gospel and salvation clear (Rom. 1:16-17). While accomplishing his main theme, he wants to explain how Israel fits into God’s plan and how believing Jews ad Gentiles should now understand the Law and the Spirit.
III. Exegeting (drawing the meaning out) Romans 1:1-17
A. What Paul was set apart to be and say (v.1-7).
1. He was a servant “doulos” who belonged to another and sent “apostolas” by another (v.1).
2. His gospel was the good news “euangelion” of God. This gospel:
a. fulfills the promises of the prophesied Messiah (v.2)
b. is about Jesus Christ our Lord. He is 100% man and 100% God (I Cor. 15:1-3).
B. Paul explains why it has taken awhile to see them and encourages them as the apostle to the Gentiles (v.8-15).
C. This true gospel is amazing! (v.16-17)
1. It is the power (strength, might, ability) of God.
2. For those who believe (have faith in, receive it) it brings salvation (deliverance). Slavation (sozo) involves past (Eph. 2:8), present (2 Cor. 2:15), and future (Rom. 13:11) aspects.
3. In it, God’s righteousness (upright character, impartial judgments) is revealed.
4. The righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ (Rom. 3:22).
Thursday, March 11, 2010
James 5:7-20
BELIEVERS UNDER TRIAL SHOULD PATIENTLY
PERSEVERE AND PRAY
James 5:7-20
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Believers under trial should patiently persevere (James 5:7-11).
A. The Greek word for patience is “makrothymesate” which means to be long- suffering. As believers we are encouraged (commanded) to take the long view concerning the things we experience and suffer in this world (James 5:7,8).
1. The people around the Mediterranean Sea had their rainy seasons in the late autumn (after planting) early spring (before harvest). The farmers patiently planted and patiently cared for their crops relying totally on the predictability of these rains (James 5:7b).
2. As believers we are planting the things of our lives and making Christ-honoring choices because of our hope of Christ’s return (James 5:8).
3. The coming (“parousia”) of Christ will involve the rapture (catching-up) of the believers and the start of the Millennial reign (1,000 years) of Christ on this earth. Before this time begins, believers will come before the Bema or Judgment-seat of Christ where He examines our lives in this mortal body for the purpose of our reward as co-heirs with Him (I Thes. 4:13-18; 2 Thes. 2:1; Matt. 24:27-31; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14:10-12; Matt. 25:31-34; Rom. 8:17; I Cor. 3:5-15; Rev. 19:6 - 20:6).
B. Believers under pressure and trials need to rely on the Lord rather than grumbling (to groan or sigh) against each other (James 5:9).
C. As examples of patiently persevering believers we should think of the Old Testament prophets (i.e. David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel) and Job. We need to remember that, “Yahweh blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the first (Job 42:12; James 5:10,11).
II. Believers under trial should pray (James 5:12-20).
A. Believers under pressure and trial need to be completely honest rather than trying to out-maneuver their situation before other peoples eyes by taking oaths (James 5:12).
1. Our Lord Jesus and the Apostle Paul expounded on this subject as well (Matt. 5:33-37; Matt. 7:6-13 is a similar idea; 2 Cor. 1:17-21). The main issue that is taught is honesty and integrity in the speech of believers in their daily lives and their prayer lives.
2. Taking an oath in the name of Yahweh or God does not seem to be prohibited but should not be taken lightly or done rashly (Lev. 19:2; Psalms 24:4; Isaiah 45:23; I Thes. 2:5).
B. The believer who is under the trial should pray and can ask the church for their prayers as well (James 5:13-20).
1. Sufferers should pray and cheerful people should sing praises (James 5:13).
2. Weak and sickly sufferers can receive extra help from the prayers of their local congregation (James 5:14-20).
a. This kind of suffering Christian can ask their elders of the church (I Tim. 3:1) for special prayer using anointing oil which symbolizes the power of the Holy Spirit (James 5:14; I Sam. 10:1; 16:13; I Kings 1:34).
b. Not all sickness is the result of a persons sin (John 9:1-3) but some of it is (Matt. 9:2; I Cor. 11:30). The sickly believer should be willing to examine himself/herself, confess any sin, and humble himself/herself before the Lord. If the believer is sick because of sin, he/she will be forgiven and their body healed through this prayer of faith (James 5:15-18; I John 5:16,17).
c. As believers walk with Christ, they are given the privilege and awesome responsibility to help their fellow believers walk in the truth and therefore avoid extra destructive ramifications for them (James 5:19,20; I John 5:14-17).
PERSEVERE AND PRAY
James 5:7-20
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Believers under trial should patiently persevere (James 5:7-11).
A. The Greek word for patience is “makrothymesate” which means to be long- suffering. As believers we are encouraged (commanded) to take the long view concerning the things we experience and suffer in this world (James 5:7,8).
1. The people around the Mediterranean Sea had their rainy seasons in the late autumn (after planting) early spring (before harvest). The farmers patiently planted and patiently cared for their crops relying totally on the predictability of these rains (James 5:7b).
2. As believers we are planting the things of our lives and making Christ-honoring choices because of our hope of Christ’s return (James 5:8).
3. The coming (“parousia”) of Christ will involve the rapture (catching-up) of the believers and the start of the Millennial reign (1,000 years) of Christ on this earth. Before this time begins, believers will come before the Bema or Judgment-seat of Christ where He examines our lives in this mortal body for the purpose of our reward as co-heirs with Him (I Thes. 4:13-18; 2 Thes. 2:1; Matt. 24:27-31; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14:10-12; Matt. 25:31-34; Rom. 8:17; I Cor. 3:5-15; Rev. 19:6 - 20:6).
B. Believers under pressure and trials need to rely on the Lord rather than grumbling (to groan or sigh) against each other (James 5:9).
C. As examples of patiently persevering believers we should think of the Old Testament prophets (i.e. David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel) and Job. We need to remember that, “Yahweh blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the first (Job 42:12; James 5:10,11).
II. Believers under trial should pray (James 5:12-20).
A. Believers under pressure and trial need to be completely honest rather than trying to out-maneuver their situation before other peoples eyes by taking oaths (James 5:12).
1. Our Lord Jesus and the Apostle Paul expounded on this subject as well (Matt. 5:33-37; Matt. 7:6-13 is a similar idea; 2 Cor. 1:17-21). The main issue that is taught is honesty and integrity in the speech of believers in their daily lives and their prayer lives.
2. Taking an oath in the name of Yahweh or God does not seem to be prohibited but should not be taken lightly or done rashly (Lev. 19:2; Psalms 24:4; Isaiah 45:23; I Thes. 2:5).
B. The believer who is under the trial should pray and can ask the church for their prayers as well (James 5:13-20).
1. Sufferers should pray and cheerful people should sing praises (James 5:13).
2. Weak and sickly sufferers can receive extra help from the prayers of their local congregation (James 5:14-20).
a. This kind of suffering Christian can ask their elders of the church (I Tim. 3:1) for special prayer using anointing oil which symbolizes the power of the Holy Spirit (James 5:14; I Sam. 10:1; 16:13; I Kings 1:34).
b. Not all sickness is the result of a persons sin (John 9:1-3) but some of it is (Matt. 9:2; I Cor. 11:30). The sickly believer should be willing to examine himself/herself, confess any sin, and humble himself/herself before the Lord. If the believer is sick because of sin, he/she will be forgiven and their body healed through this prayer of faith (James 5:15-18; I John 5:16,17).
c. As believers walk with Christ, they are given the privilege and awesome responsibility to help their fellow believers walk in the truth and therefore avoid extra destructive ramifications for them (James 5:19,20; I John 5:14-17).
James 4:1 - 5:6
A BELIEVER WHO IS “SLOW TO ANGER” WILL BE BLESSED
AND BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS
James 4:1 - 5:6
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. James completes the main body of his letter to the scattered Jewish Christian churches in James 4:1 - 5:6. His desire has been to instruct these believers in the way of the engrafted word (James 1:21) which can bring the righteousness of God (James 1:20) and blessing to their lives (James 1:25). He desires for these believers to live out three sanctifying principles in their life (James 1:19) to be:
A. “quick to hear” (James 1:21 - 2:26) - by this believers should be work-doers, serving and caring for others as God directs them. This will help them not to listen to their sinful flesh.
B. “slow to speak” (James 3:1-18) - by this believers should restrain their speaking by leading a life of gentleness and meekness. This will help them not to speak with sinful words which steers their lives off course.
C. “slow to anger” (James 4:1 - 5:6) - by this believers should lead a life of humility and total dependence on God. This will help them to not deceive themselves by their sinful motives.
II. Fleshly anger comes from worldly thinking and self-centered motives and therefore cannot be used to bring about God’s righteousness (James 4:1-5; James 1:20).
A. Some of these believers were having wars and fights among themselves in their churches (James 4:1,2).
B. All believers have new natures (2 Cor. 5:17) as well as remnant’s of old flesh (Rom. 7:23) are a war zone until our final glorification. James uses a word in verse one that describes a war campaign or military battle that is currently going on in the life of every believer (stratuomenon - present tense, middle voice,
participle).
C. Are we as believers choosing to live according to our old self-centered, pleasure grabbing ways or Christ’s way? The first way will exalt ourselves and be quickly used up and the second way will exalt Christ, express friendship with God and last forever (James 4:3-5, 2:23; Exodus 20:5, 24:14; Zech. 8:2; I John 2:15-17).
III. God’s solution and remedy for a believers self-centered, prideful anger is humility. Humility brings our life back under the control of the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit (James 4:6 - 5:6).
A. James quotes the Scripture verse of Proverbs 3:34 for the solution to fleshly anger and then properly exegetes it (James 4:6-10).
1. The Proverbs 3:34 verse translates out in Hebrew “Yahweh stands against the ones who think above (the proud) but gives His grace (unmerited favor) to the afflicted, low ones” (James 4:6).
2. James then uses ten command form words (imperatives) to describe the process for a prideful anger-filled believer’s repentance (submit, resist, come near, wash, purify, grieve, mourn, wail, change, and humble) (James 4:7-10).
3. Notice that James mentions nothing about receiving Christ by faith here as he is writing this to believers. Therefore, he is writing about repentance for believers who have erred from the way of Christ, not justification for unbelievers (similar to I John 1:8 - 2:2).
B. Angry Christians speaking evil of each other bring problems on themselves and the church (James 4:11,12; Lev. 19:16).
1. Christians are not called to be the final judge for unbelievers or believers. Only Yahweh of Hosts, The Ancient of Days, Jesus the Messiah makes those calls (Dan. 7:9-14; Matt. 7:1, 25:31-46; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 19:11-20:15)
2. Christians are called to discern and exercise judgment on believers in the church for the purpose of warning, exhortation, discipline, and hopeful restoration from a church standpoint (Matt. 18:15-20; I Cor. 6:2-5; I Thes. 5:14; I Tim. 5:19,20).
C. Angry believers boast in themselves and humble believers boast in the Lord (James 4:13 - 5:6).
1. Humble believers submit their plans to the Lord’s will and have a spirit of thankfulness rather than bragging (James 4:13-17; I Thes. 5:18).
2. Angry believers are warned by James in the spirit of Zechariah the Prophet (Zech. 14:12-15) that living for material wealth now, not paying your workers on time, living for pleasure, and condemning righteous believers is a short-sighted and miserable way to live (James 5:1-6).
3. By deduction, the opposite of angry believers living this way would be the humble believers. Humble believers live for eternal purposes which gives a higher quality of life now and future eternal reward (Prov. 3:34; Matt. 5:5).
AND BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS
James 4:1 - 5:6
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. James completes the main body of his letter to the scattered Jewish Christian churches in James 4:1 - 5:6. His desire has been to instruct these believers in the way of the engrafted word (James 1:21) which can bring the righteousness of God (James 1:20) and blessing to their lives (James 1:25). He desires for these believers to live out three sanctifying principles in their life (James 1:19) to be:
A. “quick to hear” (James 1:21 - 2:26) - by this believers should be work-doers, serving and caring for others as God directs them. This will help them not to listen to their sinful flesh.
B. “slow to speak” (James 3:1-18) - by this believers should restrain their speaking by leading a life of gentleness and meekness. This will help them not to speak with sinful words which steers their lives off course.
C. “slow to anger” (James 4:1 - 5:6) - by this believers should lead a life of humility and total dependence on God. This will help them to not deceive themselves by their sinful motives.
II. Fleshly anger comes from worldly thinking and self-centered motives and therefore cannot be used to bring about God’s righteousness (James 4:1-5; James 1:20).
A. Some of these believers were having wars and fights among themselves in their churches (James 4:1,2).
B. All believers have new natures (2 Cor. 5:17) as well as remnant’s of old flesh (Rom. 7:23) are a war zone until our final glorification. James uses a word in verse one that describes a war campaign or military battle that is currently going on in the life of every believer (stratuomenon - present tense, middle voice,
participle).
C. Are we as believers choosing to live according to our old self-centered, pleasure grabbing ways or Christ’s way? The first way will exalt ourselves and be quickly used up and the second way will exalt Christ, express friendship with God and last forever (James 4:3-5, 2:23; Exodus 20:5, 24:14; Zech. 8:2; I John 2:15-17).
III. God’s solution and remedy for a believers self-centered, prideful anger is humility. Humility brings our life back under the control of the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit (James 4:6 - 5:6).
A. James quotes the Scripture verse of Proverbs 3:34 for the solution to fleshly anger and then properly exegetes it (James 4:6-10).
1. The Proverbs 3:34 verse translates out in Hebrew “Yahweh stands against the ones who think above (the proud) but gives His grace (unmerited favor) to the afflicted, low ones” (James 4:6).
2. James then uses ten command form words (imperatives) to describe the process for a prideful anger-filled believer’s repentance (submit, resist, come near, wash, purify, grieve, mourn, wail, change, and humble) (James 4:7-10).
3. Notice that James mentions nothing about receiving Christ by faith here as he is writing this to believers. Therefore, he is writing about repentance for believers who have erred from the way of Christ, not justification for unbelievers (similar to I John 1:8 - 2:2).
B. Angry Christians speaking evil of each other bring problems on themselves and the church (James 4:11,12; Lev. 19:16).
1. Christians are not called to be the final judge for unbelievers or believers. Only Yahweh of Hosts, The Ancient of Days, Jesus the Messiah makes those calls (Dan. 7:9-14; Matt. 7:1, 25:31-46; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 19:11-20:15)
2. Christians are called to discern and exercise judgment on believers in the church for the purpose of warning, exhortation, discipline, and hopeful restoration from a church standpoint (Matt. 18:15-20; I Cor. 6:2-5; I Thes. 5:14; I Tim. 5:19,20).
C. Angry believers boast in themselves and humble believers boast in the Lord (James 4:13 - 5:6).
1. Humble believers submit their plans to the Lord’s will and have a spirit of thankfulness rather than bragging (James 4:13-17; I Thes. 5:18).
2. Angry believers are warned by James in the spirit of Zechariah the Prophet (Zech. 14:12-15) that living for material wealth now, not paying your workers on time, living for pleasure, and condemning righteous believers is a short-sighted and miserable way to live (James 5:1-6).
3. By deduction, the opposite of angry believers living this way would be the humble believers. Humble believers live for eternal purposes which gives a higher quality of life now and future eternal reward (Prov. 3:34; Matt. 5:5).
James 3:1-18
WATCH YOUR MOUTH (or BEING SLOW TO SPEAK)
James 3:1-18
As taught by guest geek, Preston Hancock
I. vs. 1-2 Key Thought: the Goal of Maturity- Teaching?
A. This pursuit of being a teacher was common as the early church began (3:13; 1 Tim. 1:3-7).
B. Being a teacher is based on spiritual gifting (Rom. 12:7), is a role in the church (Eph. 4:11), and comes with a price tag (vs.1- "greater judgment". "krima"- value neutral word, good or bad.)
1. For we all sing (2:10), yet teachers are held to a higher standard because the tongue is extremely difficult to control. There is a direct link between our speech and our "whole body" involvement in sin (James 1:29; 2:12; Prov. 10:19; 13:3; 18:7).
C. Conclusion: Being mature in the faith doesn't necessarily mean being a teacher- it's godliness.
II. vs. 309 Key Thought: The Power Of Speech
A. vs. 3-5 Despite it's small size, the tongue can direct the course of a life (Ecc. 5:2-6; Rom. 16:17-18; 1Pet. 3:10)
B. vs. 6 Not only does the tongue direct a life, it can destroy it and others around (Ps. 55:21; 64:2-6; Prov. 26:23-28).
C. vs. 7-9 The tongue cannot be tamed by man, only by God's Spirit in the believer (Gal. 5:22-23; Tit. 2:11-14).
D. Conclusion: We must direct our speech towards godliness and lean on the power of the Spirit to do so!
III. vs. 10-12 Key Thought: The Source Of Our Troubles With Speech
A. The tongue is a mechanism for expressing the darkness in our hearts (Luke 6:34).
B. In a beliver's life, our speech is often inconsistent, "this should not be" (Matt. 10:18-20; Mk. 12:30-31; 2 Cor. 4:16; James 9-10).
C. Conclusion: We seek to allow the Lord to truly change us on the inside, while watching to see that we don't fight him on the outside!
IV. vs. 13-17 Key Thought: the Goal of Maturity- Godly Wisdom
A. To be a true influencer for Christ, we seek to apply what we teach before we teach it (Ez. 7:10; Prov. 27:2).
1. It is a life to be led in gentleness and humility- a willing submission of strength to the Lord's authority in our lives. Gentleness is the middle ground between stubborn defiance and spineless disengagement.
B. Christians may engage in earthly, fleshly wisdom which is born out of a selfish zeal or a posturing for personal power (Tit. 1:10-11).
1. This "wisdom" comes from holding onto envy and selfish ambition as a motivational force.
a.If you struggle with these feelings, do not brag about your "successes" or "triumphs" nor deny the selfishness of your motivations (the tongue leading in a wrong direction). In doing so you will deny the life-changing truth of the gospel and your growth in Christ will be stunted.
2. This "wisdom" has nothing to do with the Father, and in fact reflects the attitudes of demons. (Phil. 3:19; Tit. 3:9-11).
3. This "wisdom" always results in disorder and disruptions in personal relationships and in congregations (Luke 21:9).
C. The wisdom the Spirit leads us into is free from selfish motivation, being the right words for the moment. These words are conveyed so that your thoughts and feelings are expressed (genuine), yet others are respected (peace-loving, considerate, full of mercy), all options and perspectives are considered (impartial), and the proper order is maintained (submissive).
D. Conclusion: As we submit ourselves to the Spirit, watching our speech and depending on his power to change us, we guard our heart motivations and seek wisdom from above.
James 3:1-18
As taught by guest geek, Preston Hancock
I. vs. 1-2 Key Thought: the Goal of Maturity- Teaching?
A. This pursuit of being a teacher was common as the early church began (3:13; 1 Tim. 1:3-7).
B. Being a teacher is based on spiritual gifting (Rom. 12:7), is a role in the church (Eph. 4:11), and comes with a price tag (vs.1- "greater judgment". "krima"- value neutral word, good or bad.)
1. For we all sing (2:10), yet teachers are held to a higher standard because the tongue is extremely difficult to control. There is a direct link between our speech and our "whole body" involvement in sin (James 1:29; 2:12; Prov. 10:19; 13:3; 18:7).
C. Conclusion: Being mature in the faith doesn't necessarily mean being a teacher- it's godliness.
II. vs. 309 Key Thought: The Power Of Speech
A. vs. 3-5 Despite it's small size, the tongue can direct the course of a life (Ecc. 5:2-6; Rom. 16:17-18; 1Pet. 3:10)
B. vs. 6 Not only does the tongue direct a life, it can destroy it and others around (Ps. 55:21; 64:2-6; Prov. 26:23-28).
C. vs. 7-9 The tongue cannot be tamed by man, only by God's Spirit in the believer (Gal. 5:22-23; Tit. 2:11-14).
D. Conclusion: We must direct our speech towards godliness and lean on the power of the Spirit to do so!
III. vs. 10-12 Key Thought: The Source Of Our Troubles With Speech
A. The tongue is a mechanism for expressing the darkness in our hearts (Luke 6:34).
B. In a beliver's life, our speech is often inconsistent, "this should not be" (Matt. 10:18-20; Mk. 12:30-31; 2 Cor. 4:16; James 9-10).
C. Conclusion: We seek to allow the Lord to truly change us on the inside, while watching to see that we don't fight him on the outside!
IV. vs. 13-17 Key Thought: the Goal of Maturity- Godly Wisdom
A. To be a true influencer for Christ, we seek to apply what we teach before we teach it (Ez. 7:10; Prov. 27:2).
1. It is a life to be led in gentleness and humility- a willing submission of strength to the Lord's authority in our lives. Gentleness is the middle ground between stubborn defiance and spineless disengagement.
B. Christians may engage in earthly, fleshly wisdom which is born out of a selfish zeal or a posturing for personal power (Tit. 1:10-11).
1. This "wisdom" comes from holding onto envy and selfish ambition as a motivational force.
a.If you struggle with these feelings, do not brag about your "successes" or "triumphs" nor deny the selfishness of your motivations (the tongue leading in a wrong direction). In doing so you will deny the life-changing truth of the gospel and your growth in Christ will be stunted.
2. This "wisdom" has nothing to do with the Father, and in fact reflects the attitudes of demons. (Phil. 3:19; Tit. 3:9-11).
3. This "wisdom" always results in disorder and disruptions in personal relationships and in congregations (Luke 21:9).
C. The wisdom the Spirit leads us into is free from selfish motivation, being the right words for the moment. These words are conveyed so that your thoughts and feelings are expressed (genuine), yet others are respected (peace-loving, considerate, full of mercy), all options and perspectives are considered (impartial), and the proper order is maintained (submissive).
D. Conclusion: As we submit ourselves to the Spirit, watching our speech and depending on his power to change us, we guard our heart motivations and seek wisdom from above.
EXEGETING JAMES 2:14-26 IN CONTEXT
EXEGETING JAMES 2:14-26 IN CONTEXT:
SPENDING EXTRA TIME ON A DIFFICULT PASSAGE
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. What has been learned in the letter of James in regards to his audience so far:
Putting James 2:14-26 in context.
A. He refers to them as Christian brothers (James 1:2,9,16,19; 2:1).
B. He refers to them as the Father’s children (James 1:17,27).
C. He refers to them as people who pray because they already have true faith (James 1:3,5-8).
D. He refers to them as having received and able to receive the word of truth (James 1:18,21).
E. He refers to them as believers who can be rewarded at Christ’s judgment seat for loving Christ by obeying Him.
1. We will receive the crown of life for handling trials well (James 1:12).
2. We will receive mercy and favor by our obedience to His word and by doing His righteousness. James calls this being a works-doer (James 1:21,22; 2:13).
Conclusion: James is writing to Christian believers who have already placed their faith in Christ alone for their salvation.
II. What James, the other apostles, and Jesus understood about eternal salvation and being declared righteous (justified) before God.
A. James was a main leader in the Jerusalem church and had a firm grasp of being justified by faith (Acts 15:4-29).
B. Paul taught justification by faith (Rom. 4:1-12; Gal. 2:15,16; Eph. 2:8-10).
C. John taught justification by faith (John 1:12; 20:21), Jesus taught justification by faith (John 3:16), and Peter taught justification by faith (I Pet. 1:3-5).
Conclusion: The message of the New Testament is very consistent regarding justification by faith in Jesus Christ alone as accomplishing a believers standing before God.
III. A believer who has been justified by faith before God needs to learn to do works of faith in order to manifest Christ’s righteousness before men (James 2:14-26).
A. We are in the section of James, which is the main body of the letter, where he is explaining that being “quick to hear” means being obedient to Christ’s words and doing them (James 1:21 - 2:26).
B. James has already given several examples of being a work-doer or working out God’s righteousness in James 1:21 - 2:13. A works-doer includes obeying Christ’s word by controlling ones tongue, providing for those unable to care for themselves, keeping oneself from the false thinking and the lusts of this world, and treating others without bias and partiality.
C. James starts out his argument by pondering the profitability or the benefit of a believer who chooses to live his life out without being this previously described works-doer of James 1:21 - 2:13 (vs 14a).
D. Given the context of the letter, James reiterates the idea that God’s word heard, obeyed, and done is the process of saving (sanctifying) the believers life from the power of sin (James 1:21). A believer who does not live this way will not receive the benefit of the word in this way and will not be a blessing to others (vs 14b-17).
E. Faith without the kind of works coming from obedience to God’s word makes a believer’s mortal life dead, empty, and fruitless concerning his/her walk and witness (vs 17-20).
F. A believer operating with Christ’s Spirit and word should produce life, productivity, and fruitfulness rather than the demonic belief (that does not save) that produces trembling before Christ (vs 17-20).
G. James knew that the Scriptures said that Abraham was justified by faith (Gen. 15:6) just as Paul, Peter, John, and Jesus also knew this (Rom. 4:1-12; I Pet. 2:7; John 1:12; John 3:16).
H. James shows that justification by works is something that can happen after justification by faith through the examples of Abraham and Rahab (vs 21-26).
1. Justification by faith is being declared righteous before God. Justification by works is showing God’s righteousness to other people.
2. His doctrine of justification by works is the same as “working the righteousness of God (James 1:21),” “receiving with meekness the engrafted word which is able to save your lives (souls)(James 1:21),” “being a word-doer (James 1:22),’ and “being blessed in your work (James 1:25).”
3. Abraham and Rahab were already justified before God at the time of their belief before they were justified before other people at the time of their works of righteousness (Gen. 15:6; 22:1-12; Josh. 2:11-16; Heb. 11:31).
4. By justification by faith, we become children of God (Rom. 4:1-12). By James’ phrase of justification by works, we can become friends of God (James 2:23; 2 Chron. 20:7; Isa. 41:8) by understanding and doing what God desires in us (John 15:13-17).
SPENDING EXTRA TIME ON A DIFFICULT PASSAGE
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. What has been learned in the letter of James in regards to his audience so far:
Putting James 2:14-26 in context.
A. He refers to them as Christian brothers (James 1:2,9,16,19; 2:1).
B. He refers to them as the Father’s children (James 1:17,27).
C. He refers to them as people who pray because they already have true faith (James 1:3,5-8).
D. He refers to them as having received and able to receive the word of truth (James 1:18,21).
E. He refers to them as believers who can be rewarded at Christ’s judgment seat for loving Christ by obeying Him.
1. We will receive the crown of life for handling trials well (James 1:12).
2. We will receive mercy and favor by our obedience to His word and by doing His righteousness. James calls this being a works-doer (James 1:21,22; 2:13).
Conclusion: James is writing to Christian believers who have already placed their faith in Christ alone for their salvation.
II. What James, the other apostles, and Jesus understood about eternal salvation and being declared righteous (justified) before God.
A. James was a main leader in the Jerusalem church and had a firm grasp of being justified by faith (Acts 15:4-29).
B. Paul taught justification by faith (Rom. 4:1-12; Gal. 2:15,16; Eph. 2:8-10).
C. John taught justification by faith (John 1:12; 20:21), Jesus taught justification by faith (John 3:16), and Peter taught justification by faith (I Pet. 1:3-5).
Conclusion: The message of the New Testament is very consistent regarding justification by faith in Jesus Christ alone as accomplishing a believers standing before God.
III. A believer who has been justified by faith before God needs to learn to do works of faith in order to manifest Christ’s righteousness before men (James 2:14-26).
A. We are in the section of James, which is the main body of the letter, where he is explaining that being “quick to hear” means being obedient to Christ’s words and doing them (James 1:21 - 2:26).
B. James has already given several examples of being a work-doer or working out God’s righteousness in James 1:21 - 2:13. A works-doer includes obeying Christ’s word by controlling ones tongue, providing for those unable to care for themselves, keeping oneself from the false thinking and the lusts of this world, and treating others without bias and partiality.
C. James starts out his argument by pondering the profitability or the benefit of a believer who chooses to live his life out without being this previously described works-doer of James 1:21 - 2:13 (vs 14a).
D. Given the context of the letter, James reiterates the idea that God’s word heard, obeyed, and done is the process of saving (sanctifying) the believers life from the power of sin (James 1:21). A believer who does not live this way will not receive the benefit of the word in this way and will not be a blessing to others (vs 14b-17).
E. Faith without the kind of works coming from obedience to God’s word makes a believer’s mortal life dead, empty, and fruitless concerning his/her walk and witness (vs 17-20).
F. A believer operating with Christ’s Spirit and word should produce life, productivity, and fruitfulness rather than the demonic belief (that does not save) that produces trembling before Christ (vs 17-20).
G. James knew that the Scriptures said that Abraham was justified by faith (Gen. 15:6) just as Paul, Peter, John, and Jesus also knew this (Rom. 4:1-12; I Pet. 2:7; John 1:12; John 3:16).
H. James shows that justification by works is something that can happen after justification by faith through the examples of Abraham and Rahab (vs 21-26).
1. Justification by faith is being declared righteous before God. Justification by works is showing God’s righteousness to other people.
2. His doctrine of justification by works is the same as “working the righteousness of God (James 1:21),” “receiving with meekness the engrafted word which is able to save your lives (souls)(James 1:21),” “being a word-doer (James 1:22),’ and “being blessed in your work (James 1:25).”
3. Abraham and Rahab were already justified before God at the time of their belief before they were justified before other people at the time of their works of righteousness (Gen. 15:6; 22:1-12; Josh. 2:11-16; Heb. 11:31).
4. By justification by faith, we become children of God (Rom. 4:1-12). By James’ phrase of justification by works, we can become friends of God (James 2:23; 2 Chron. 20:7; Isa. 41:8) by understanding and doing what God desires in us (John 15:13-17).
James 1:21 - 2:26 (today through 2:13)
A BELIEVER WHO IS “QUICK TO HEAR” WILL BE BLESSED
AND BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS
James 1:21 - 2:26 (today through 2:13)
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. James has listed three Christian behaviors or works which specifically will help
believers in their time of trial and temptation in James 1:19,20.
A. We should be “quick to hear.” This includes listening to and obeying God’s
word, confessing our sins, being merciful and loving to others (James 1:21 -2:26).
B. We should be “slow to speak.” This includes taming our tongue, doing humble
works without selfish ambition and learning how to be Christ’s peacemaker
(James 3:1-17).
C. We should be “slow to anger.” This includes giving up worldly ambitions and humbly placing ourselves under Christ’s authority (James 4:1 - 5:6).
D. The outcome of handling our trials well and having victory over temptations is
the privilege and blessing of manifesting our new life in Christ which James calls
“God’s righteousness” (vs 20). John called this “matured love” (I John 2:28-4:19).
Thought: How have you seen these behaviors help you in your time of trial?
II. A believer who learns to hear God’s word on the inside, by obeying, will manifest
God’s righteousness (James 1:21 - 27).
A. Listening on the inside involves laying aside (like clothing) our old filth of the flesh
and worldly wickedness (vs 21) (I Peter 2:1-2).
B. Listening on the inside involves living out our lives from the standpoint of our new
natures and accepting or welcoming God’s word rather than resisting its direction
(vs 21) (I Peter 1:23-25; 2:1-2).
C. Listening on the inside can save your life. This is a Greek phrase which carried the
idea of saving your physical life from death (vs 21) (Mark 3:4; Matt. 16:24-28;
Gen. 19:17 (LXX); Prov. 11:19; James 5:20). For the believer, saving your soul or life involves the process of sanctification (becoming more set apart for Christ by being freed from sins power) and has great benefits now and at Christ’s judgment seat (James 2:13).
D. Listening on the inside involves using our mind attentively and doing Christ’s law
(James 1:22-25; Rom. 6:14; 2 Cor. 3:6; Gal. 6:2).
E. Listening on the inside involves using our words in a Christ-like way, giving mercy and help to the people that have the least but that God cares for the most, and keeping ourselves pure while living in this corrupt world (James 1:26,27).
III. A believer who treats other people with the love of Christ is truly listening on the
inside (James 2:1-13).
A. Our Yahweh Jesus Christ came from glory and treated people without partiality
(vs 1)(Phil. 2:4-10).
B. We need to view outward things like jewelry and clothing as God views them.
People are the items of value! (vs 2-4)
C. Believers that are poor in this worlds goods are many times the richest in faith
and will have great privileges as co-heirs with Christ at His kingdom (vs 5-7;
Rom. 8:17; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 2:26-28).
D. Believers will give an account to Christ at His judgment seat in the future. By
treating others with Christ’s love and manifesting His mercy, we will in turn
receive more of His mercy concerning our life as co-heirs with Him (vs 8-13;
2 Cor. 5:10; I Cor. 3:8-15; I John 4:17,18).
AND BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS
James 1:21 - 2:26 (today through 2:13)
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. James has listed three Christian behaviors or works which specifically will help
believers in their time of trial and temptation in James 1:19,20.
A. We should be “quick to hear.” This includes listening to and obeying God’s
word, confessing our sins, being merciful and loving to others (James 1:21 -2:26).
B. We should be “slow to speak.” This includes taming our tongue, doing humble
works without selfish ambition and learning how to be Christ’s peacemaker
(James 3:1-17).
C. We should be “slow to anger.” This includes giving up worldly ambitions and humbly placing ourselves under Christ’s authority (James 4:1 - 5:6).
D. The outcome of handling our trials well and having victory over temptations is
the privilege and blessing of manifesting our new life in Christ which James calls
“God’s righteousness” (vs 20). John called this “matured love” (I John 2:28-4:19).
Thought: How have you seen these behaviors help you in your time of trial?
II. A believer who learns to hear God’s word on the inside, by obeying, will manifest
God’s righteousness (James 1:21 - 27).
A. Listening on the inside involves laying aside (like clothing) our old filth of the flesh
and worldly wickedness (vs 21) (I Peter 2:1-2).
B. Listening on the inside involves living out our lives from the standpoint of our new
natures and accepting or welcoming God’s word rather than resisting its direction
(vs 21) (I Peter 1:23-25; 2:1-2).
C. Listening on the inside can save your life. This is a Greek phrase which carried the
idea of saving your physical life from death (vs 21) (Mark 3:4; Matt. 16:24-28;
Gen. 19:17 (LXX); Prov. 11:19; James 5:20). For the believer, saving your soul or life involves the process of sanctification (becoming more set apart for Christ by being freed from sins power) and has great benefits now and at Christ’s judgment seat (James 2:13).
D. Listening on the inside involves using our mind attentively and doing Christ’s law
(James 1:22-25; Rom. 6:14; 2 Cor. 3:6; Gal. 6:2).
E. Listening on the inside involves using our words in a Christ-like way, giving mercy and help to the people that have the least but that God cares for the most, and keeping ourselves pure while living in this corrupt world (James 1:26,27).
III. A believer who treats other people with the love of Christ is truly listening on the
inside (James 2:1-13).
A. Our Yahweh Jesus Christ came from glory and treated people without partiality
(vs 1)(Phil. 2:4-10).
B. We need to view outward things like jewelry and clothing as God views them.
People are the items of value! (vs 2-4)
C. Believers that are poor in this worlds goods are many times the richest in faith
and will have great privileges as co-heirs with Christ at His kingdom (vs 5-7;
Rom. 8:17; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 2:26-28).
D. Believers will give an account to Christ at His judgment seat in the future. By
treating others with Christ’s love and manifesting His mercy, we will in turn
receive more of His mercy concerning our life as co-heirs with Him (vs 8-13;
2 Cor. 5:10; I Cor. 3:8-15; I John 4:17,18).
James 1:13-20
HOW A PERSON SINS WHETHER A BELIEVER OR UNBELIEVER
AND HOW A BELIEVER CAN LIVE OUT TRUE LIFE
James 1:13-20
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Temptation toward evil desires come from ourselves and not from God
(James 1:13-18).
A. The Greek word “peirasmos” can be translated as the English word “trial” or as
the English word “temptation.”
1. The noun form of the word is usually, but not always, the idea of outer
difficulties where “trial” would be used (James 1:3,12).
2. The verb form of the word is usually, but not always, the idea of inner conflicts
that could lead us to sin. The word “temptation” would be used in these places (James 1:13,14).
3. The context of the sentence and paragraph many times give us clues, but it
sometimes takes extra work to figure out which word is best (Matt. 26:41;
Gal. 4:14; Heb. 11:37; Matt. 4:1; Matt. 6:13).
Thought: How are trials and temptations different and how are they the same as you
deal with them in your life?
B. The source of humanities desire to sin and do evil comes from something inside of
them (vs 13-16).
1. Scripture agrees with the Genesis account of the fall of humanity as found in
Genesis 3.
2. The Bible tells us that all humanity is depraved, wicked, and separated from
God’s ways (Ps. 14:1-3; Isa. 1:18, 64:6; Rom. 3:9-20).
3. Through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, believers have been given a
new birth and are newly created (Rom. 3:21-28; 2 Cor. 5:16-21).
4. Believers have the possibility to please God by living life in their new nature
under the power of Christ’s Spirit but can still sin. The believer sins by
choosing to follow the ways of sin which Scripturally is called the flesh or not
living according to the truth (Gal. 5:13 - 6:5; I John 1:5 - 2:6).
5. James describes our desire to sin with fishing and hunting metaphors where
prey is being lured out by bait. As Christians, we have certain tendencies in
our flesh which baits us and starts the sin process rolling! (vs 14)
6. The lustful bait will go through a “conceiving” process which will lead us to
sin (missing the mark) and death (broken fellowship, loss of true life for that
time period, unproductivity, loss of reward, possible early physical death)
(I Cor. 3:10-17; Rom. 5:1 - 6:23; James 5:19,20; I John 5:14-17).
C. Our Father of creation is 100% good, giving, and non-sinful (vs 17,18).
1. God’s creation in the heavens of stars, planets, and moons cast differing
shadows that can distort light, but God is above His creation.
2. Sin also is a distortion of the light or truth of God’s creation, but God, by His
word of truth, has redeemed His people to be a first fruit of a new creation.
3. The first fruit of the harvest in the Old Testament (Ex. 34:22; Lev. 23:10) was
the first pickings of the new crop dedicated to Yahweh. It was the promise
of the harvest and participation in Yahweh’s blessings to come.
II. As believers live out their new lives here on earth, they should learn to be “quick to
hear,” “slow to speak,” and “slow to anger,” which is also how James structures the
rest of his letter (James 1:19,20, 1:21-2:26, 3:1-18, 4:1-5:12).
AND HOW A BELIEVER CAN LIVE OUT TRUE LIFE
James 1:13-20
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Temptation toward evil desires come from ourselves and not from God
(James 1:13-18).
A. The Greek word “peirasmos” can be translated as the English word “trial” or as
the English word “temptation.”
1. The noun form of the word is usually, but not always, the idea of outer
difficulties where “trial” would be used (James 1:3,12).
2. The verb form of the word is usually, but not always, the idea of inner conflicts
that could lead us to sin. The word “temptation” would be used in these places (James 1:13,14).
3. The context of the sentence and paragraph many times give us clues, but it
sometimes takes extra work to figure out which word is best (Matt. 26:41;
Gal. 4:14; Heb. 11:37; Matt. 4:1; Matt. 6:13).
Thought: How are trials and temptations different and how are they the same as you
deal with them in your life?
B. The source of humanities desire to sin and do evil comes from something inside of
them (vs 13-16).
1. Scripture agrees with the Genesis account of the fall of humanity as found in
Genesis 3.
2. The Bible tells us that all humanity is depraved, wicked, and separated from
God’s ways (Ps. 14:1-3; Isa. 1:18, 64:6; Rom. 3:9-20).
3. Through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, believers have been given a
new birth and are newly created (Rom. 3:21-28; 2 Cor. 5:16-21).
4. Believers have the possibility to please God by living life in their new nature
under the power of Christ’s Spirit but can still sin. The believer sins by
choosing to follow the ways of sin which Scripturally is called the flesh or not
living according to the truth (Gal. 5:13 - 6:5; I John 1:5 - 2:6).
5. James describes our desire to sin with fishing and hunting metaphors where
prey is being lured out by bait. As Christians, we have certain tendencies in
our flesh which baits us and starts the sin process rolling! (vs 14)
6. The lustful bait will go through a “conceiving” process which will lead us to
sin (missing the mark) and death (broken fellowship, loss of true life for that
time period, unproductivity, loss of reward, possible early physical death)
(I Cor. 3:10-17; Rom. 5:1 - 6:23; James 5:19,20; I John 5:14-17).
C. Our Father of creation is 100% good, giving, and non-sinful (vs 17,18).
1. God’s creation in the heavens of stars, planets, and moons cast differing
shadows that can distort light, but God is above His creation.
2. Sin also is a distortion of the light or truth of God’s creation, but God, by His
word of truth, has redeemed His people to be a first fruit of a new creation.
3. The first fruit of the harvest in the Old Testament (Ex. 34:22; Lev. 23:10) was
the first pickings of the new crop dedicated to Yahweh. It was the promise
of the harvest and participation in Yahweh’s blessings to come.
II. As believers live out their new lives here on earth, they should learn to be “quick to
hear,” “slow to speak,” and “slow to anger,” which is also how James structures the
rest of his letter (James 1:19,20, 1:21-2:26, 3:1-18, 4:1-5:12).
James 1:1-12
INTRODUCTION AND
HOW A BELIEVER RECEIVES A HIGHER QUALITY OF LIFE
James 1:1-12
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. An introduction to the letter of James.
A. The author is James, the half-brother of Jesus Christ.
1. It was not James, the son of Zebedee, the apostle, the brother of John
(Matt. 4:18-22; Matt. 17:1-3). He was martyred in 44 A.D. which was too
early to have written this (Acts 12:1,2).
2. It was one of Jesus’ half-brothers who became the leading elder of the church
at Jerusalem (Mark 6:3; I Cor. 15:7; Gal. 2:12; Acts 15:13; Acts 21:17-25).
a. James had authority to make major decisions in his office in Jerusalem and
his speeches in Acts 15 and Acts 21 reveal this.
b. The letter of James uses similar Jewish and Old Testament phrasings and
quotes as the Acts passages. It also is written very authoritatively by using
46 imperatives or command-tenses.
c. Early church history confirms the description of “James the Just,” the half-
brother of Christ as the author (Hegisuppus, Eusebius, and others).
d. He was martyred according to Josephus in 62 A.D.
B. The letter was most likely written between 45 and 50 A.D.
1. This fits the persecution of Christians from the Jews and Roman Empire time
period (Acts 8:1-3; 12:1,2), and their Jerusalem church leader’s heart to
encourage the dispersed Jewish Christians (James 1:1).
2. This fits the Jewishness of the teachings from Old Testament writings
(ie. Proverbs, Isaiah) and Christ’s teachings (Sermon on the Mount).
3. This fits a simpler early church leadership of teachers (James 3:1) and elders
(James 5:14).
4. This fits a lack of discussion of Jewish legalizers which the Apostle Paul dealt
with after 50 A.D. (see Galatians, Acts 15 and 21).
C. The purpose and canonicity of the letter of James.
1. It was written to instruct, comfort, and encourage dispersed Jewish Christians
who had to leave Jerusalem because of Roman persecution (Acts 7:59 - 8:3;
Acts 12:2; James 1:1).
2. It was one of the letters that was scrutinized for two to three hundred years of
church history as whether it should be included in the New Testament Canon of
Scripture. The Church Council of Carthage finally settled the issue in 397 A.D.
II. How a believer receives a higher quality of life (James 1:1-12).
A. The writer of this letter identifies himself as a servant or slave (“doulos”) of God
and Yahweh Jesus the Christ (Messiah). He writes to the scattered, persecuted
Jewish Christians (James 1:1).
Thought: How does knowing that you are owned and directed by the God and Savior
of the universe help you?
B. Christians are instructed to look at trials and tests in a wise and scripturally
knowledgeable way (James 1:2-12).
1. Believers should look at the trial, which is something that tests how mature our
faith has become, as a source of joy and discipleship (James 1:2-4).
a. Through the trial we can grow up in our faith (vs 4; I John 4:12-18).
b. Through the trial, as we trust in God, we learn how to endure (“abide
under”)(vs 4).
c. Through the trial we can get out of our non-abiding state (not lacking
abiding)(vs 4).
2. Believers should realize that they are not in the trial alone (James 1:5-8).
a. God will supply for them His wisdom if they will ask in faith (vs 5,6;
I John 3:20-23; I John 5:14,15).
b. God desires to be with you in your trials in a generous and non-rebuking
way if you will believe. Don’t be a wavering, double thinking God
doubter! (vs 7,8; Heb. 13:5,6).
3. Believers should realize that this world’s trials can yield eternal reward
(James 1:9-12).
a. A Christian’s mortal life, whether with material wealth or material poverty,
is short compared to eternity. We need proper perspective (vs 9-11;
Isaiah 40:6-8).
b. The reward for enduring trial in faithful trust is not only a matured faith in
this life but eternal reward in the next life called the crown of life (vs 12;
I Cor. 9:25; I Thes. 2:19; 2 Tim. 4:8; I Peter 5:4).
HOW A BELIEVER RECEIVES A HIGHER QUALITY OF LIFE
James 1:1-12
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. An introduction to the letter of James.
A. The author is James, the half-brother of Jesus Christ.
1. It was not James, the son of Zebedee, the apostle, the brother of John
(Matt. 4:18-22; Matt. 17:1-3). He was martyred in 44 A.D. which was too
early to have written this (Acts 12:1,2).
2. It was one of Jesus’ half-brothers who became the leading elder of the church
at Jerusalem (Mark 6:3; I Cor. 15:7; Gal. 2:12; Acts 15:13; Acts 21:17-25).
a. James had authority to make major decisions in his office in Jerusalem and
his speeches in Acts 15 and Acts 21 reveal this.
b. The letter of James uses similar Jewish and Old Testament phrasings and
quotes as the Acts passages. It also is written very authoritatively by using
46 imperatives or command-tenses.
c. Early church history confirms the description of “James the Just,” the half-
brother of Christ as the author (Hegisuppus, Eusebius, and others).
d. He was martyred according to Josephus in 62 A.D.
B. The letter was most likely written between 45 and 50 A.D.
1. This fits the persecution of Christians from the Jews and Roman Empire time
period (Acts 8:1-3; 12:1,2), and their Jerusalem church leader’s heart to
encourage the dispersed Jewish Christians (James 1:1).
2. This fits the Jewishness of the teachings from Old Testament writings
(ie. Proverbs, Isaiah) and Christ’s teachings (Sermon on the Mount).
3. This fits a simpler early church leadership of teachers (James 3:1) and elders
(James 5:14).
4. This fits a lack of discussion of Jewish legalizers which the Apostle Paul dealt
with after 50 A.D. (see Galatians, Acts 15 and 21).
C. The purpose and canonicity of the letter of James.
1. It was written to instruct, comfort, and encourage dispersed Jewish Christians
who had to leave Jerusalem because of Roman persecution (Acts 7:59 - 8:3;
Acts 12:2; James 1:1).
2. It was one of the letters that was scrutinized for two to three hundred years of
church history as whether it should be included in the New Testament Canon of
Scripture. The Church Council of Carthage finally settled the issue in 397 A.D.
II. How a believer receives a higher quality of life (James 1:1-12).
A. The writer of this letter identifies himself as a servant or slave (“doulos”) of God
and Yahweh Jesus the Christ (Messiah). He writes to the scattered, persecuted
Jewish Christians (James 1:1).
Thought: How does knowing that you are owned and directed by the God and Savior
of the universe help you?
B. Christians are instructed to look at trials and tests in a wise and scripturally
knowledgeable way (James 1:2-12).
1. Believers should look at the trial, which is something that tests how mature our
faith has become, as a source of joy and discipleship (James 1:2-4).
a. Through the trial we can grow up in our faith (vs 4; I John 4:12-18).
b. Through the trial, as we trust in God, we learn how to endure (“abide
under”)(vs 4).
c. Through the trial we can get out of our non-abiding state (not lacking
abiding)(vs 4).
2. Believers should realize that they are not in the trial alone (James 1:5-8).
a. God will supply for them His wisdom if they will ask in faith (vs 5,6;
I John 3:20-23; I John 5:14,15).
b. God desires to be with you in your trials in a generous and non-rebuking
way if you will believe. Don’t be a wavering, double thinking God
doubter! (vs 7,8; Heb. 13:5,6).
3. Believers should realize that this world’s trials can yield eternal reward
(James 1:9-12).
a. A Christian’s mortal life, whether with material wealth or material poverty,
is short compared to eternity. We need proper perspective (vs 9-11;
Isaiah 40:6-8).
b. The reward for enduring trial in faithful trust is not only a matured faith in
this life but eternal reward in the next life called the crown of life (vs 12;
I Cor. 9:25; I Thes. 2:19; 2 Tim. 4:8; I Peter 5:4).
Oopsy!
Hey Folks,
I wanted to send out a BIG apology to you all. I only now realized that in January I started posting Dave's notes for the book of 1 John... for the second time! (I posted them the first time in 2009.)
Sorry!
I'm going to try and compensate by immediately posting all of the notes for the book of James.
Thanks for your patience!
-Paeter (blog admin)
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