Week 7 Day 1

The Daily Take 10

The Epistle of James

Week 7 Day 1

Introduction…Slander is when someone is not there to defend themselves. To speak slander according to God’s Word is wronging another and sinful before God.

Read James 4:11-12 “Stop speaking harshly about each other. He who speaks harshly of his brother, or who judges his brother, speaks harshly of the law and judges the law; and, if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. One is lawgiver and judge, He who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge your neighbor?”

Bible Study

• The word in Greek is katalia, or harsh, evil speaking and used by James here meaning to slander, to speak negatively about a person while they are not present. This word is also associated with gossip.
• Once again we are reminded of the evil, the sin, the destruction that can be done by the tongue, what we say about others.
• Understand that slander/gossip about another is wrong and destructive.
  • It displeases God and He will judge us. See Psalms 101:5
  • Damages another person. Wrong and negative words defame and wound.
  • Is incongruent with the place of a believer and the Royal Law, which says, love your neighbor as yourself.
  • Is ungodly since God loves, forgives and builds us up. And we unlovingly tear down another person. These things should not be among believers!
  • Destroys unity in the church, family or among friends. Slanderous words and gossip divides, splits, destroys and is sourced from the devil.
• When a person speaks evil of another without the intent of restoring the person, speaking behind their back, they make themselves a judge of the law.
  • This is the role of God the giver and judge of the law
  • Matthew 10:28 teaches, “do not fear man…fear God”
  • Do not judge others and you will not be judged
  • Romans 14:10 asks a question and teaches us the answer. “Why do you criticize and pass judgment on your brother? Or why do you look down upon or despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.”
  • Speaking evil of another is serious and sinful because it violates the royal law and infringes on the rights of God.

Application

• Instead of not judging, criticizing, slandering and gossiping…we as true believers should be building up, edifying, encouraging and blessing others. “We who are strong in the faith should bear with the failings, frailities and tender scruples of the weak. We ought to help carry the doubts and qualms of others and not please ourselves. Let each one of us make it a practice to please his neighbor for his good and for his true welfare, to edify him, to strengthen and build him up spiritually.” Romans 15:1-2

Any comments or questions?

Tags: Take 10

Week 7 Day 2

The Daily Take 10

The Epistle of James

Week 7 Day 2

Introduction…Living in this world without God is a sad tragedy of great proportions. The notion that you or I are in control of our life is a deceptive misread. Living in this world, knowing God created us, cares about us and wants a relationship with us and responding to His love is brings us salvation and abundant living in this world and for eternity.
Read James 4:13-17 “Come now, you who say, ‘Today, or tomorrow, we will go into this city and we will spend a year there, and we will trade and make a profit.’ People like you do not know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life like? You are like a mist which appears for a little time and then disappears. And yet you talk like that instead of saying, ‘if the Lord wills, we shall live, and we shall do this or that.’ As it is you make your arrogant claims in your braggart ways. All such arrogant claims are evil. So then, if a man knows what is good and does not do it, that to him is sin.”

Bible Study

• It is increasingly apparent that life in this world is unstable…the economy, governments, events, even the weather.
• We can not take anything in our world for granted.
• Confidence is good to have, but relying on shear determination and the mistaken idea that we are in control is foolish.
• It seems everyday we hear reports of tragedy. Someone was going great, headed in a direction, thinking all was okay when there is a turn of events.
• Once again we learn that ‘worldliness’ or worldly thinking declares there is no God. It is all about us. We are in charge. We control our destiny and give account to no one.
• Someone asked ‘what is the difference between ignorance and arrogance’. The response was quite accurate, ‘I don’t know and don’t care.’
• It is both ignorant and arrogant to live life in this world without our loving Creator God who wants to be connected in relationship with us.
• In the early 1900’s Freud came up with the term ego meaning a self confidence and pride in who you are. Ken Blanchard, author of the “1 Minute Manager” defines ego as Edging God Out.
• Psalms 14:1 reminds us, “The fool has said in his heart there is no God.” Living in rebellion to prove there is no God and living without God, only to come face to face with Him upon death is a sad tragedy of missed opportunity.
• Hebrews 9:27 teaches us when we die, there is no purgatory nor do we go into oblivion…“It is appointed unto men once to die and then the judgment.” Preparing for this life and not preparing for, or considering eternity, our life hereafter, is shortsighted and unwise.
• Jesus told the account in Luke 12:16-21 of a wealthy man who made big plans for the future and confidently thought they were as good as done, however that night his life was required of him.
• Proverbs 27:1 warns us, “do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.”
• In all honesty, none of us has a right nor is it wise to make plans for the future without consulting and considering God.
• James warns us that the truth has been placed before our eyes. Do  not continue in self confident living without considering God and His will.

Application

• My humble prayer is:

Lord forgive me of any arrogant claims I may have made without considering you. Help me to consider my days. May I live them with the recognition that my days, plans and purposes are in your hands to bless. Regarding the future, I do not fear, for you are with me and hold the future. I commit my life and plans for the days ahead saying if the Lord wills and God willing, I will do this or that.

Any comments or questions?

Tags: Take 10

Week 7 Day 3

The Daily Take 10

The Epistle of James

Week 7 Day 4

Introduction…The recent headlines shouted out the latest insider-trading scandal – a complex scheme allegedly involving senior executives from several blue chip organizations. One alleged participant, perhaps the ringleader, is purported to be a billionaire. Dishonest dealings have been around a long time and God who sees and knows all says be sure your sins will find you out.

Read James 5: 4-6 “Look you, the pay of the reapers who reaped your estates, the pay kept back from them by you, cries against you, and the cries of those who reaped have come to the ears of the Lord of Hosts. On the earth you have lived in soft luxury and played the wanton; you have fattened your hearts for the day of slaughter. You condemned, you killed the righteous man and he does not resist you.”

Bible Study

• There is no other book in literature that speaks so explosively of social justice as the Bible.
• The Bible expresses the heart of God, it is full of passion for social justice condemning dishonesty and selfish wealth.
• The Bible does not condemn wealth, but insists on wealth’s responsibility along with the perils of focusing upon wealth as your primary aim in life.
• Proverbs 11:28 warns, “they that trust in riches will fall”. Note the emphasis here is not wealth, but trusting in wealth. Our aim, trust and commitment should be to our Creator God and God the Son our Savior.
• Here in James we see the distinction of focus ill gotten gain and the selfish rich, meaning those who have gained their wealth by injustice.  The Lord declares it is wrong; He sees and will not be silent. God will judge them in due time.
• The Bible repeatedly and clearly states that the person who labors is worthy of their pay. See Luke 10:7, 1 Timothy 5:18 and Deuteronomy 24:14-15.
• The Bible even instructs employers to pay employees on time and without delay. See Leviticus 19:13 and Proverbs 3:27-28
• There are warnings saying, “Woe unto him who builds his house by unrighteousness…makes his neighbor serve him…and does not give him his wages” Jeremiah 22: 13
• “Those that oppress the worker in his wages are under the judgment of God.” Malachi 3:5
• Those who have chosen this selfish pathway to riches with disregard for precious people and God have also chosen their end…the destruction of their soul.

Application

• We do not have to take revenge or judge these individuals who take advantage of people. Why? Because God says, “Judgment is mine says the Lord” and be certain that He will execute justice in this world.

Questions or comments?

Tags: Take 10

Week 7 Day 4

The Daily Take 10

The Epistle of James

Week 7 Day 4

Introduction…The recent headlines shouted out the latest insider-trading scandal – a complex scheme allegedly involving senior executives from several blue chip organizations. One alleged participant, perhaps the ringleader, is purported to be a billionaire. Dishonest dealings have been around a long time and God who sees and knows all says be sure your sins will find you out.

Read James 5: 4-6 “Look you, the pay of the reapers who reaped your estates, the pay kept back from them by you, cries against you, and the cries of those who reaped have come to the ears of the Lord of Hosts. On the earth you have lived in soft luxury and played the wanton; you have fattened your hearts for the day of slaughter. You condemned, you killed the righteous man and he does not resist you.”

Bible Study

• There is no other book in literature that speaks so explosively of social justice as the Bible.
• The Bible expresses the heart of God, it is full of passion for social justice condemning dishonesty and selfish wealth.
• The Bible does not condemn wealth, but insists on wealth’s responsibility along with the perils of focusing upon wealth as your primary aim in life.
• Proverbs 11:28 warns, “they that trust in riches will fall”. Note the emphasis here is not wealth, but trusting in wealth. Our aim, trust and commitment should be to our Creator God and God the Son our Savior.
• Here in James we see the distinction of focus ill gotten gain and the selfish rich, meaning those who have gained their wealth by injustice.  The Lord declares it is wrong; He sees and will not be silent. God will judge them in due time.
• The Bible repeatedly and clearly states that the person who labors is worthy of their pay. See Luke 10:7, 1 Timothy 5:18 and Deuteronomy 24:14-15.
• The Bible even instructs employers to pay employees on time and without delay. See Leviticus 19:13 and Proverbs 3:27-28
• There are warnings saying, “Woe unto him who builds his house by unrighteousness…makes his neighbor serve him…and does not give him his wages” Jeremiah 22: 13
• “Those that oppress the worker in his wages are under the judgment of God.” Malachi 3:5
• Those who have chosen this selfish pathway to riches with disregard for precious people and God have also chosen their end…the destruction of their soul.

Application

• We do not have to take revenge or judge these individuals who take advantage of people. Why? Because God says, “Judgment is mine says the Lord” and be certain that He will execute justice in this world.

Questions or comments?

Tags: Take 10

Week 7 Day 5

The Daily Take 10

The Epistle of James

Week 7 Day 5

Introduction…instant gratification. Many of us have bought into the fast food industries value proposition. Their business model is all about being ‘fast, cheap and easy’. Like magic, what would normally take an hour to prepare a meal, we can order and get our food in just minutes. Why wait? We want things now…that’s America today. But in God’s Kingdom, waiting has its place and is essential to spiritual growth. Like a diamond that is formed over time and under certain conditions, so our faith is perfected as we trust and serve God throughout our lives.

Read James 5:7-9 “Be patient then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The judge is standing at the door.” New International Version

Bible Study

• Earlier in James the first chapter we studied the teaching lesson of enduring trials with a joyful trust in the Lord. We learned the truth that the testing of our faith develops patience. And patient faith in Him develops a steadfastness, which perfects our faith and pleases God.
• Isaiah 40:31 teaches God’s truth and the principle of waiting on Him, “they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
• Remember, He is working on preparing and perfecting us for His Kingdom and His Kingdom is without end. It starts here and now and continues through eternity. Our God reigns! He rules and reigns!
• The time for us to exercise our faith is now while we are on earth as disciples of Christ. Living in this world and pleasing God requires faith and trust in Him.
• When Christ returns our faith will turn to sight. “Every eye shall see and every knee is going to bow before Jesus and know He is the Savior.” Philippians 2:11 There will be no need for faith then because we will be with Him.
• Whether Christ returns during our lifetime or whether our life ends and we go to be with the Lord, time is short, we must anticipate and look forward to that glorious day. This blessed hope should keep us encouraged and faithful until then.
  • No one knows when the day or time the return will be. See Matthew 24:36
  • The return will come sudden and unexpected. See Matthew 24: 27, 37, 39.
  • We must watch and be ready. See Matthew 24: 36-51
  • God’s delay is no reason for despair. See 2 Peter 3:4
  • We must prepare ourselves. See 1 Peter 4:7; 1 Thessalonians 3:13 & 5:23
  • We must be found in fellowship. See 1 Peter 4:8-9 & 1 Corinthians 16:14
  • We must abide in Christ. See 1 John 2:28
• Since time is short, we must not get entangled with this world, or the distractions that can easily beset us. We are children of God. Family. Joint heirs with Jesus Christ. Let’s live in this assurance.
• Remember, He comes as a rewarder and judge. “He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him” Hebrews 11:6.  And He says in Matthew 7:1 “judge not that you be not judged.”

Application

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.

Any comments or questions?

Tags: Take 10