VoM - Entries from May 2009 James 4:17 - 5:6 on T.A.P.
TEXT: James 4:17 - 5:6
Theology
- In James 4:17, James is telling us that if we sit under teaching and we hear the truth then do not do it we are in sin.
- James 5:1 tells us that we need to pay attention to our lives and what judgment is coming in our lives. We need to realize what we are doing that abuses the grace of God. Once we realize it we need to return and repent from sin This is the second time James is exhorting us to weep over sin [James 4:9]
- James moves on to tell us that our works/lives on earth are storing up judgment for us on the day of judgment. He tells us that our works, if not for God, will be destroyed and that our works that are not for God will have become an idol to us. [James 5:3]
- In James 5:4, he gives us a practical example of what this looks like. If you are doing everything in your life, ignoring the Grace of God for your earthly possessions/desires; this will ultimately be destroyed and then God is going to be very angry with you because you have withheld what is owed to God.
- All because you want this life of luxury and selfish desires to “have it all” and “take advantage” of everything apart from God’s will. So you have turned against those who want to lead you to Jesus and true joy.
Application
- We have all been enriched by the Grace of God (believers and unbelievers) and have abused the Grace God has given us. How have you abused the grace God has given you?
- And as we do this we are going to be just adding up the judgment that will come to us on judgment day. Unless we realize, repent, return and regenerate our hearts for the Love of God through the Son Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. What are some areas in your life you need to realize you need to repent of?
- For the purpose of putting God first, destroying our idols and love one another. What idols in your life are you putting before God?
- Look at your life this week. Check out what people do for you (i.e. Boss, Pastor, Parents etc) and give back to them this week
Prayer
- Praise God for the life you have to lead, praise Him for His mercy and grace.
- Confess to God those areas in your life that you have put before Him and agree with Him that you need to change.
- Thank God for repentance and his Grace
- Ask God to grant you a heart’s desire for Him.
 James 4:11-16 On T.A.P.
TEXT: James 4:11-16
Theology
- In James 4:11, James is telling us that we should not speak evil against other Christians (specifically, but this application must be spread to all people) because our speaking evil is our evil attempt to infect other people with our heart’s judgment.
- Ultimately your hearts desire and motivation is to infect others and influence others with your heart’s judgment because you are motivated to get others to have the same evil feelings toward someone as you do. God says that judgment is evil.
- This creates confusion among believers because we are slandering God’s word and translating it in a way that is not God’s word. That is why we must take our influence seriously because God’s word is at stake. James 3:6
- James also tells us that we are able to save nor destroy; therefore, only He who is able to do those things should judge Matthew 10:28.
- Finally James tells us that we must acknowledge God in our decision making because to do otherwise is to make God jealous by not involving Him; which ultimately is not giving Him glory. To boast about something without God is evil.
Application
- Think of those you have spoken bad about. Are they Christians or not? How does this text fit your understanding of “why” you do this?
- Do you try to justify your slandering/speaking evil of others using the Bible? If so, how?
- Do you translate Biblical text in such a way to “do what you want to do” or do you translate only part of the Bible and forget other parts?
- When you have made a decision about someone, have you attempted Galatians 6:1?
Prayer
- Praise God for your salvation and praise Him for the word that is able to save your soul.
- Confess to God your unbiblical judgments and slander toward other Christians
- Thank God for repentance.
- Ask God to give you wisdom and Grace to follow through with Galatians 6:1.
 James 4:6-10 on T.A.P.
TEXT: James 4:5-10
Theology
- There is a very strong desire to ruin the spirit that is habituating in you [James 4:5]. This strong desire belongs to God because you are an enemy of His, loves and is a friend of the World [James 4:4]; which its wisdom is demonic [James 3:15] and results in confusion, discord and every evil thing [James 3:16].
- However, God’s Grace is greater than his strong desire to destroy you and gives this Grace to you [James 4:5] and this is the Gospel. Jesus died, bore your sins, God took out His strong desire to ruin you on Jesus [1 Peter 2:24].
- Therefore, you must not be proud, have coveting, evil desires, selfish ambition in your hear but be humble in heart to receive this Grace [James 1:21, 4:6]. God’s Grace is bigger than you.
- You can only resist the devil, sin and evil if you submit, humble yourself & draw near to God through the name of Jesus [James 4:7-10]
Application
- Why & how does someone “move away” from God? Is there a part of your life that you have pushed God out of? Perhaps, in your singleness, relationships, parents, work or education? Do you glorify God in all those aspects, sincerely or do you just “say it”?
- James says our hands are dirty, how did we “dirty” our hands? What does it mean to have “blood on your hands” and does that apply to the Gospel?
- James tells us our hearts need to be purified. What got in our hearts that made them unclean? Think about a time something crept into your heart and analyze how that affected your life, decisions and relationships.
- James commands us to be “miserable, mourn, weep” and turn our “joy to gloom”. How is that going help you love Jesus? What is James ask you to realize about your sin? How does it look in the eyes of Jesus?
Prayer
- Read Exodus 20:5; 1 Corinthians10:13; James 1:2-5; and 1 Peter 5:6-7 and adore/praise God for His care and concern for your soul.
- Confess any sin in your life that you need to return and repent from. Realize your hearts status and receive His reward.
- Thank God for the scriptures you can read and have Grace administered to you.
- Ask God to use the Holy Spirit this week to seek and analyze your heart for any sins of covetousness, evil desires, selfish ambition, lack of response to God’s work, God’s word and God’s people.
Grace & Peace, You Are Loved,
Judson
    
|
Search
VoM by
Here you will find Vessels of Mercy (VoM) Posts.
Vessels of Mercy is a cooperative blogging effort between three young men: Brandon Melton, Robbie Melton, and Judson. Being bound together by our love for God, our commitment to His truth, and our passion for His glory, we seek to magnify God’s worth by discussing cultural/doctrinal issues as they relate to the Body of Christ. It is our prayer that through this ministry you will grow in your love and understanding of God and His Word. Most of
|