Living From Biblical Theology
Great Passage: Theology & Application. James was guided by God to write this to people he cared for, so he encourages them to think rightly about God and then act from there. James first shares biblical theology on important topics: Our Sin, God’s Essence, God’s Grace, The use of God’s Word. Then he gives us an overview of how we are to live in response to God’s Revelation. As followers of Christ this is our lifelong pursuit: Application of Scripture!
Pt. 2 James 1:12-25
12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
- The blessings are the intimacy that happens when you trust God in faith
- ‘Crown of Life’ = eternity with God…we can only give our life to Him out of love
13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else.
- Temptation has 3 sources as revealed in Scripture (Our Flesh / Satan / World)
- None of the sources are God, yet HE allows them
14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. 16 So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters.
- Our desires, NOT God’s…
- Acting on our desires is when it moves from temptation to sin
- When that sin action is not repented of & renounced it becomes open rebellion
- James wants everyone to be clear: Don’t let sin have a place, don’t let it grow
17 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. 18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.
- God is Unchanging Good; Author of all Creation
- This birth He chooses us for is ‘Eternal Birth’ a gift that is personal in Christ
- The gift of salvation thru His True Word (Christ)
19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. 21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.
- We need to understand how important what we do is (Matthew 15: 18-20)
- The heart of who we are is reflected by our life-style
- We must let our transformed heart lead our actions to renounce old lifestyle
- What will save our souls is nothing short of total surrender to the Gospel
22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.
- A difference between acknowledging Scripture & crafting a life based upon it
- Constant reference and adjustments: Active Ownership of Your Discipleship
25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.
- James comes from a perspective of ‘The Law ‘ being God’s revelation
- God’s revelation has now been perfected in Christ Jesus
- The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the perfect Law that sets you free!
- So we are to Know it well and consistently apply it to real life (ritual & habit)
- The blessing again is the intimacy of God’s presence and communion with Him!
Application Questions:
Why is it important to know where God is in the process of temptation and sin?
How can you create a truly ‘Biblical’ view of who God is & how He interacts with you?
What influences can you reduce in your life to allow the righteousness God desires?
What are aspects of your lifestyle that enable or hinder application of God’s Word?