Lesson
21 July 7
James Chapter One
Review:
Dealing with Temptation or what we should learn from
the context
1. First we must
not blame God for our temptations or sinful desires and actions. As we have noted God is not the source but
the sin nature is and we must assume responsibility for our decisions.
2. We must
recognize the reality of having two potential rulers which really goes to the
ongoing spiritual battle we're in.
3. One of the
most difficult areas to deal with is the fact that often we reap what others
sow in our lives.
4. Knowing our own lust patterns
we must learn to avoid situations and circumstances that stir up one's lust pattern
and weakness.
5. The Word of God must be the
means used to resist temptation. Psalm
1:2-3
6. This is only way that provides
what we need in order to be alert and on guard and not letting our defenses down
against temptation. 1 Pet 1:13f
Every good thing
given and every perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the
Father of lights,
with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
OBSERVATIONS
1. GOD
showers grace benefits to believers constantly.
[always there, always available]
2. The believers' adjustment or maladjustment to God determines whether
they are receiving the light, and the grace gifts from God.
3. The only thing that can block God's light, the flow of His goodness
and put us in a shadow so that we are out of reach, the reach of His radiance
is our own neg volition.
4. For these believers here most are maladjusted at the point of the
test or temptation and are blaming God for their situation, for failing
them. (James is pointing out their
error)
5. As believers with doctrine we are to reflect the light in the
darkness of world.
Jn
In the exercise of
His will He brought us forth by the word of truth,
exercise of His will bou,lomai to decide after
counsel, to will; it is in the emphatic
position and is strong and intensive
It points to a decision being made after definite
reflection, thinking;
one gets the facts, evaluates the situation and then makes a
decision.
He brought us forth (aor act
- the birth in view is our
spiritual birth, regeneration, the basis for our new life in Christ!
James next gives us the mechanics, the how of this new
birth.
by the word of truth,
- no definite articles
with either so that the emphasis is on the character that is a message that
consists of truth or a message which proclaims truth.
- This message of truth is a very powerful one and
it is through this message that the power of God is realized. Rom