Devotional Thoughts

As we continue to look at the letter James wrote to the Early Church, let me remind you of the contextual setting as is recorded in the Book of Acts. Following the birth of the church there was a period of explosive growth with thousands coming to faith. The followers of Christ were still living and worshipping in Jerusalem. James, the author of this letter was the leader of the Jerusalem church. Following the stoning of Stephan, one of the first deacons of the church, and the first martyr, there arose persecution of the church resulting in many believers fleeing Jerusalem to the surrounding regions and nations. As the pastor of the Jerusalem church, James had a burden for those who fled the persecution and wrote this letter of encouragement.

With that background, let's now consider the encouragement and instruction given to these early members of the church. As we do so, let's glean truths which are applicable for the believers today as we begin chapter 2 of this epistle.

James 2:1-13 My brothers and sisters, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. 2 For if a man comes into your [a]assembly with a gold ring and is dressed in bright clothes, and a poor man in dirty clothes also comes in, 3 and you [b]pay special attention to the one who is wearing the bright clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil [c]motives? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters: did God not choose the poor [d]of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and [e]personally drag you into [f]court? 7 Do they not blaspheme the good name [g]by which you have been called?

8 If, however, you are fulfilling the [h]royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the Law as violators. 10 For whoever keeps the whole Law, yet stumbles in one point, has become guilty of all. 11 For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but do murder, you have become a violator of the Law. 12 So speak, and so act, as those who are to be judged by the law of freedom. 13 For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy [i]triumphs over judgment.

James identifies the recipients of the letter as he addresses himself to both the men and the women who were part of the early church. In this segment of his letter, he speaks to an issue which has been a problem in society for ages, the problem of favoritism. The favoritism he addresses is based on one’s appearance and perceived social standing. This was an issue which Jesus also faced as people took him to task for associating with people of “low reputation.”

Matthew 9:10-13 10 Then it happened that as [e]Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and [f]sinners came and began dining with Jesus and His disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Now go and learn [g]what this means: ‘I desire [h]compassion, [i]rather than sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Luke 7:36-39 36 Now one of the Pharisees was requesting Him to eat with him, and He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 And there was a woman in the city who was a [w]sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume, 38 and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head, and began kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a [x]sinner!”

Luke 15:1-2 Now all the tax collectors and [a]sinners were coming near [b]Jesus to listen to Him. 2 And both the Pharisees and the scribes began to complain, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

Luke 19:5-7  5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 And he hurried and came down, and received Him [c]joyfully. 7 When the people saw this, they all began to complain, saying, “He has gone in [d]to be the guest of a man who is a sinner!”

As James points out in this passage, the favoritism was based on “judgement” based on appearance. Too often the attention one receives is based on the outward appearance. People are drawn to those they perceive can elevate their “social standing,” or open the door of opportunity to a different group of associates.

I would love to tell you that everyone who comes to church has a genuine desire to find love, acceptance and forgiveness in the fellowship of the Body of Christ. Unfortunately, I have witnessed over the years, those who looked at the Body of Christ as an opportunity to conduct business, with the congregation being a pool of potential customers. Sadly, I have witnessed, as James warned the early church, those who came in with great flourish and fanfare, turn on the very people they exploited once they could no longer benefit from the association.

Conversely, some of the most wise, compassionate, Christlike people I’ve met in the church were those who did not attract attention to themselves by their dress and social status. They may not have been rich in the wealth of the world, but were rich in the knowledge, and application of the word, and practical wisdom for daily living. The love they had for people was not based on a desire to climb the social ladder, rather it was based on their desire to elevate the lives of others through the transforming grace of God.

One of the men who had a profound impact on me as I was growing up was a man I knew as Brother Smiley. He was the church custodian and was often found in the church doing the routine custodial work, sweeping and mopping the floors, vacuuming the sanctuary, straightening out the hymnals in the pews, picking up the bulletins and papers which were left behind after the service, emptying the waste baskets, Etc. He was a humble man who loved Jesus with all his heart and loved the Scriptures. There was nothing about him which would draw the attention of others. He was also my 5th grade Sunday School teacher. His love of the Scriptures, and ability to teach the lessons, captured the hearts and minds, of a room full of 5th grade boys. He was one of the most influential people in my spiritual journey.

When I think of what James is teaching here it comes down to a simple point, favoritism is sin. Therefore, it is unacceptable in the Body of Christ.

Hearing and Doing the Word

As we continue to look at the letter James wrote to the Early Church, let me remind you of the contextual setting as is recorded in the Book of Acts. Following the birth of the church there was a period of explosive growth with thousands coming to faith. The followers of Christ were still living and worshipping in Jerusalem. James, the author of this letter was the leader of the Jerusalem church. Following the stoning of Stephen, one of the first deacons of the church, and the first martyr, there arose persecution of the church resulting in many believers fleeing Jerusalem to the surrounding regions and nations. As the pastor of the Jerusalem church, James had a burden for those who fled the persecution and wrote this letter of encouragement.

With that background, let's now consider the encouragement and instruction given to these early members of the church. As we do so, let's glean truths which are applicable for the believers today.

I hope these devotional studies have been helpful to the listener as we have opened up this epistle. As I stated in the introductory podcast, the Epistle of James is called the Proverbs of the New Testament, as James communicated the practical application of faith to the early church.  I especially like the instruction contained in the passage at which we are looking today.

James 1:19-27 (NASB)

19  This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;  20  for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. 21  Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. 22  But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. 23  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror;

24  for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. 25  But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.

26  If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless. 27  Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

This passage is not a new truth James was teaching; rather it is a reminder of a known truth. A truth we also know, but is often difficult to apply to our lives.

Good communication is essential to good relationships. This is true of relationships in the church, as well as in the community and in our families. One of the biggest hindrances to good communication is the neglect of the first principle James states in verse 19...everyone must be quick to hear. Just think about how many times in your life the failure to hear what was being said led to conflict.

Early in my ministry I had a gentleman in the congregation who took it upon himself to be my antagonist. It didn't matter what I did or said, it seemed he took the opposing position to my leadership, only to come back later to agree with me. (One day I asked him why he did this and he said; "I want you to work for everything you want as pastor." ) During one of these episodes of opposition, we attended a Valentines Banquet, and happened to meet at the dessert table following the main course. I asked him how he was doing and was shocked by what I heard as his response which was, "I would feel a lot better if I could belt ya." As I returned to my table I could barely contain my anger. Frankly I was totally fed up with him and his behavior and decided as soon as the banquet was over I was going to invite him to take his best shot at belting me. As my anger continued to rise I began to fantasize how good it was going to be to give this man the beat down of his life, and by the time the banquet was over I was primed and ready to go. Following the banquet, I pushed through the crowd to this man, and said to him; "What exactly do you mean, you would feel a lot better if you could belt me?" He looked at me with bewilderment on his face and said, "I didn't say I would feel better if I could belt ya, I said I would feel better if I could belch." Needless to say, I was embarrassed beyond words at my misunderstanding of what was said, as well as my angry response.

Be quick to hear...listen with the ears, the heart, and the spirit.

Be slow to speak...focus on what is being said, rather than on what you are going to say. Once you begin to formulate your response you stop listening.

Be slow to anger... too often the angry reply is a reaction instead of a response. In verse 20 James declares the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

James calls the believers to put off filthiness and wickedness and in humility receive the implanted word which is able to save your souls. However, he admonishes the early believers, not just to hear the word, but to do the word as well. It is the demonstration of the authenticity of the faith which is professed. And it is a call to establish the word in your heart and life.

Studies have been done regarding teaching and retention rates and the Learning Pyramid was created by the National Training Laboratories. It examined the 7 common methods of teaching and found the follow:

5% - Lecture

10% - Reading

20% - Audio-Visual

30% - Demonstration

50% - Discussion

75% - Practice Doing

90% - Teaching others.

Apply this to what James says to the early church. It is a powerful truth. We must guard against being a "spectator" church; rather we must be doers and teachers of the Word of God.

James closes out chapter one with instruction for practical application. Watch what you say, you can't talk your way into the kingdom of God. Rather, walk your talk.

Trials and Temptations

As we continue to look at the letter James wrote to the Early Church, let me remind you of the contextual setting as is recorded in the Book of Acts. Following the birth of the church there was a period of explosive growth with thousands coming to faith. The followers of Christ were still living and worshipping in Jerusalem. James, the author of this letter was the leader of the Jerusalem church. Following the stoning of Stephen, one of the first deacons of the church, and the first martyr, there arose persecution of the church resulting in many believers fleeing Jerusalem to the surrounding regions and nations. As the pastor of the Jerusalem church, James had a burden for those who fled the persecution and wrote this letter of encouragement.

With that background, let's now consider the encouragement and instruction given to these early members of the church. As we do so, let's glean truths which are applicable for the believers today.

James 1:12-18 (NASB)

12  Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13  Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14  But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.

15  Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. 16  Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17  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. 18  In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.

As we begin this week’s devotion, we find ourselves returning to the theme of trials James addressed in verses 2 - 5. The fact is all of us endure seasons of trials and temptations in this life. It is important that we understand the fact that we experience trials or temptations does not indicate there is a flaw or defect in our faith. The Apostle Paul said - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NASB)

13  No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

Since God, our Father knows our frame, remembering that we are dust, Psalm 103, and since trials are to be endured, and overcome, and since the Crown of Life is awarded those who pass the trials, let us remember, God is the One who gives us strength, and is our Deliverer from the trials of life.

We of course want to know why we are tried or tempted. Some have said the Lord sent the trial or the temptation their way to "test" them. However, that is contrary to what the Scripture teaches. James reminds the church which was scattered among the nations that God cannot be tempted by evil, and that He does not tempt anyone. We need to remind ourselves of this today, as we are inundated with temptations everyday.

If God is not the source of the temptation, then where does it originate? First, I would remind the listener Satan is the tempter. He tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, and he tempted Jesus in the wilderness. However, we must take responsibility for ourselves regarding the matter of temptation. According to James, each one, (not just a few but all), is carried away and enticed by his own lust.

Temptation begins as a thought, when the thought is allowed to grow in our mind and heart, it moves from being a thought to an action which is sin, which then leads to death.

Illustration: David and Bathsheba -

One of my college professors illustrated this passage from James by saying: "You can't keep a bird from flying over your head, but you can stop it from building a nest in your hair.

James warns the believer not to be deceived. The Apostle Paul used the same words as he instructed the believers in Galatians 6:7 (NASB) 7  Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.

 In James 1:17-18 James affirms some wonderful truths for the early church, truths we can hold onto today.

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. God has a plan for the believers of the early church. Even though the way for them was difficult, his plan was realized. As a result we are here today, and the plan continues to unfold, as we join the multitude of believers who stand in faith.

Rich and Poor

As we continue to look at the letter James wrote to the Early Church, let me remind you of the contextual setting as is recorded in the Book of Acts. Following the birth of the church there was a period of explosive growth with thousands coming to faith. The followers of Christ were still living and worshipping in Jerusalem. James, the author of this letter was the leader of the Jerusalem church. Following the stoning of Stephen, one of the first deacons of the church, and the first martyr, there arose persecution of the church resulting in many believers fleeing Jerusalem to the surrounding regions and nations. As the pastor of the Jerusalem church, James had a burden for those who fled the persecution and wrote this letter of encouragement.

With that background, let's now consider the encouragement and instruction given to these early members of the church. As we do so, let's glean truths which are applicable for the believers today.

James 1:9-11 (NASB)

9  But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; 10  and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. 11  For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.

As we journey through life, many people experience opportunities to change their circumstances. We are inspired by the stories of individuals who have gone from rags to riches. No doubt we have all dreamed how much different life would be, or might have been, if only we had the resources. At the same time we have been repulsed by privilege afforded those in high positions who have broken the law or flaunted it with seeming impunity because of their wealth.

Today’s devotion provides the listener with a valuable lesson for living, and reminds us death is a great leveler.

In my career as a pastor I had the opportunity to live in several communities around the nation. Each community had its customs, traditions and influencers. Each congregation I served also had its customs, traditions and influencers. No doubt, the early church, as it was dispersed among the nations found the same to be true, and James addressed this in these verses. It was my experience that it was important to identify the influencers in a congregation and community, realizing they were either going to be an asset or liability. The danger is to assume that wealth is power and to think the level of influence one has is relative to their financial status. Nothing could be further from the truth, and James reminds the church of this truth..

Note James's assessment of the poor and wealthy.

The brother of humble circumstances has the high position

The rich man has humiliation.

That flies in the face of our conventional wisdom doesn't it? Our society would say the rich man has the high position and the brother of humble circumstances is the one with humiliation. However, in the economy of Heaven, earthly wealth is of no importance. Jesus died for both the poor and the rich. Faith in Christ is what secures our hope in Heaven. According to the Apostle Paul, in Colossians 3:11 Christ has broken down the dividing walls which separate us in society. The wealth of this world can be lost as quickly as the beauty of the flower in a scorching wind.

The day will come when we all pass away. When we stand before the Lord, his question will not be whether you were rich or poor, rather it will be did you put your faith in Jesus Christ, His Son, our Lord?

Faith & Trials

As we begin to look at the letter James wrote to the Early Church, let me remind you of the contextual setting as is recorded in the Book of Acts. Following the birth of the church there was a period of explosive growth with thousands coming to faith. The followers of Christ were still living and worshipping in Jerusalem. James, the author of this letter was the leader of the Jerusalem church. Following the stoning of Stephen, one of the first deacons of the church, and the first martyr, there arose persecution of the church resulting in many believers fleeing Jerusalem to the surrounding regions and nations. As the pastor of the Jerusalem church, James had a burden for those who fled the persecution and wrote this letter of encouragement.

With that background, let's now consider the encouragement and instruction given to these early members of the church. As we do so, let's glean truths which are applicable for the believers today.

James 1:2-8  (NASB)

2  Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3  knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

4  And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

5  But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

6  But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

7  For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8  being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Imagine, if you can, what it was like for the early believers to try and integrate into a different society.  Can you imagine what it would be like to learn a new culture and customs, perhaps learning a new language or dialect? Can you fathom what it would have been like practicing a faith or belief system which may have stood in radical opposition to the religious practices of the communities where they settled?

In my mind, the early believers faced many challenges and hardships. Apparently, James also understood this and begins this letter with words of encouragement and a call to faith. Perspective is encouraged - Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials... another translation says, Consider it great joy... the fact is we don't usually recognize hardship or trials as occasions for joy. We reserve joyous expressions for weddings, the birth of a baby, reunions of families and friends, etc. However, James in establishing perspective called for a big picture view rather than allowing for a myopic or short sighted view of the various trials of life.

Note: What was being tested? Their faith. Ask yourself, what is being tested in your life when you face hardship or trials? Is it not your faith too?

In calling the believer to maintain a big picture perspective, James also reminds them they are going through a process. While it is possible to gain some knowledge through study, there are some things in life which are known only by going through the process of doing. Unfortunately, in our instant gratification society we often feel the inconvenience, or the uncomfortableness of our situation and look for a shortcut out of our trials. While it may seem like the best option, too often, we are depriving ourselves of an opportunity of building endurance in the process of life by short cycling the trial.  

One thing which is necessary as we navigate the trials of life is wisdom. It is essential we discern when we are going through a trial which is working for our benefit, or when it is a situation to be avoided. Frankly this can be challenging and leads us to the practical solution of asking God for wisdom. Note: we ask in faith, without doubting, with the full expectation that God who is generous will give the wisdom needed.

In the big picture view, encouraged by James, the cause for great joy is the perfection or completeness of faith which is the result of the trial. This truth is also echoed by the Apostle Peter in chapter 1 of his letter to the early church.

1 Peter 1:3-9 (NASB)

3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4  to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5  who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6  In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7  so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

I love the book of James as it provides a practical guide to living a godly life. It draws a distinct line between talking about being a Christ follower and being a Christ follower. As a young Christian, I found this letter to be a source of great encouragement and strength. In the next few months, we will be working our way through the great truths recorded in this epistle.

Whenever one studies any of the epistles in the Bible, it is important to remember, we are reading someone else’s mail. This establishes the context of what was written. It provides us with a basis for understanding the truths which are applicable for us today.

The letter was written between AD 48-62, by James, who identifies himself as a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ and is addressed to the twelve tribes which were scattered abroad. Tradition identifies James as the brother of Jesus, who became the leader of the church in Jerusalem at an early date.

Following the stoning of Stephen in Acts 8, the church was greatly persecuted. As a result, the believers in Jerusalem scattered abroad. Nevertheless, James as the leader of the church had great concern for the wellbeing of those who had fled the persecution. Understanding their circumstances, James addresses some very practical issues in this letter to the church. In the upcoming devotions, we will discover how these truths apply to our lives:

Faith and Trials

Rich and Poor

Trials and Temptation

Hearing and Doing the Word

Favoritism Warning

Living Faith -vs- Dead Faith

Danger of the Untamed Tongue

Heavenly Wisdom -vs-Earthly Wisdom

Impact of Pride

Power of Humility

No Judgement Here

Put God in Charge of Your Plans

Rich Oppressors Beware

Patience and Perseverance

Meeting Specific Needs

In my study of this epistle and the historical background, an unnamed contributor summarized the letter in a simple but profound way stating: “The message of James speaks especially to those who are inclined to talk their way to heaven instead of walk their way there.”

My hope is these devotions will remind us works without faith, and faith without works are both useless. However, when faith and works are combined, we are compelled to move from a backside in the pew religion to a boots on the ground relationship with the Lord and the world in which we live. I’m really excited to share the journey of discovery with you.

Several weeks ago I mentioned I often read the hymns of the church devotionally. I find them to be a great source of inspiration as they extol the majesty and glory of the Lord, or as they affirm the faithfulness of the Lord as we face the challenges of life.

Today I want to share one of the many hymns which has spoken to me. O

WORSHIP THE KING. Lyrics by Robert Grant (1780 - 1838) This hymn is based

on a free paraphrase of Psalm 104:1-13, 24-33. As I read these lyrics listen

for...

The call to worship

The declaration of the attributes of the Lord

The affirmation of the care and provision the Lord lavishes on us

The dimensions of God’s relationship with his creation.

1. O worship the King, all glorious above,

O gratefully sing God's power and God's love;

our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days,

pavilioned in splendor, and girded with praise.

2. O tell of God's might, O sing of God's grace,

whose robe is the light, whose canopy space,

whose chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,

and dark is God's path on the wings of the storm.

3. The earth with its store of wonders untold,

Almighty, thy power hath founded of old;

hath stablished it fast by a changeless decree,

and round it hath cast, like a mantle, the sea.

4. Thy bountiful care, what tongue can recite?

It breathes in the air, it shines in the light;

it streams from the hills, it descends to the plain,

and sweetly distills in the dew and the rain.

5. Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,

in thee do we trust, nor find thee to fail;

thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end,

our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend.

I pray you are encouraged today by the lyrics of this beautiful hymn.

Finish this phrase with an adjective, Love is…

Motivational

1 Cor. 13:1-8 If I had the gift of being able to speak in other languages without learning them and could speak in every language there is in all of heaven and earth, but didn't love others, I would only be making noise. 2If I had the gift of prophecy and knew all about what is going to happen in the future, knew everything about everything, but didn't love others, what good would it do? Even if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, I would still be worth nothing at all without love. 3If I gave everything I have to poor people, and if I were burned alive for preaching the Gospel but didn't love others, it would be of no value whatever.

4Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, 5never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. 6It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. 7If you love someone, you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him.

8All the special gifts and powers from God will someday come to an end, but love goes on forever. Someday prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge--these gifts will disappear.  [Living]

Relational

Philip. 2:1-2 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.  [NKJV]

The fulfillment of the law Matthew 22:37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

The evidence you are a follower of God 1 John 3:16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 19 And by this we [d]know that we are of the truth, and shall [e]assure our hearts before Him. 20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. 22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave [f]us commandment.

Love is God. 1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

Love Is...

February is now here. Of course, when we think of February we also think of Valentine’s day, a day when romantic love walks onto center stage and is given full expression. Cards, love letters, poems, gifts of flowers, candy, intimate wear, will be given over fine meals, soft candlelight and music, passing from heart to hand as we celebrate “love.”

But in the midst of this hubbub, we need to know what we are celebrating? What is love? For most people it will be the celebration of a feeling. A good feeling, a warm fuzzy sentimental feeling that is elusive, difficult to find, and impossible to hold. At least that is what we are told, and if that feeling passes, oh well, we again begin the pursuit of love. 

I’m convinced many people are hurting today because they have given this thing called love a whirl and have been hurt, even devastated by it. Today these people are as jaded or cynical about love as Ebenezer Scrooge was about Christmas. 

I believe this is due to the poverty of the English language when it comes to “Love.” We use the same word to express our feelings about many things. This leads to confusion and misunderstanding.

 Eros – sexual love, passion

Storge – love of kin

Philio – love of friends, brotherly love

Agapeo – love which seeks the highest good of another regardless of the personal cost. It is the highest expression of love. God’s love.

I believe when we make the highest expression of love our goal, then we excel in every area of love.

Finish this phrase with an adjective, Love is… (You cannot use the obvious answers of 1 Corinthians 13)

Intentional

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  [NKJV]

It is a decision, a choice.

Sacrificial

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.  [NKJV]

1 John 3:16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.  [NKJV]

Love gives and does not count the cost to be too great. If you are working an “angle” it isn’t love.

Unconditional

1 John 4:9-11 God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into this wicked world to bring to us eternal life through his death. 10In this act we see what real love is: it is not our love for God but his love for us when he sent his Son to satisfy God's anger against our sins.

11Dear friends, since God loved us as much as that, we surely ought to love each other too.  [Living]

Love isn’t based on performance, appearance.

Inseparable

Romans 8:35-39

Who then can ever keep Christ's love from us? When we have trouble or calamity, when we are hunted down or destroyed, is it because he doesn't love us anymore? And if we are hungry or penniless or in danger or threatened with death, has God deserted us?

36No, for the Scriptures tell us that for his sake we must be ready to face death at every moment of the day--we are like sheep awaiting slaughter; 37but despite all this, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us enough to die for us. 38For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels won't, and all the powers of hell itself cannot keep God's love away. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, 39or where we are--high above the sky, or in the deepest ocean--nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when he died for us.  [Living]

Looking at this list of life events, what can separate love.

When I say the word treasure, what comes to your mind?

Perhaps you think of a chest filled with gold, precious jewels. Perhaps you think of a priceless artifact retrieved from the bottom of the ocean. Perhaps you think of a family heirloom which you greatly prize or a prized possession of a loved one which has been passed on to you. The word Treasure is synonymous with resources, riches, reserves, materials, assets, possessions.

I love to watch the Antique Road Show, it is amazing the treasures people have and don't realize it. The other day I was watching, and a lady had a painting in her attic which had an estimated value of $300,000.00.

We all love treasure hunting, don't we? Whether it is the prize in a box of Cracker Jacks, or a safe deposit box filled with cash, stocks, and gold we look forward to the discovery of treasure. Illustration: Al Capone’s Vault

Read Text:Luke 6:45 (NKJV)  

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

1. What is "good treasure?"

We might say the good treasure is the fruit of the Holy Spirit resident in our heart. Galatians 5:22  Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, meekness, faithfulness, goodness, self – control.

2. What is "evil treasure?"

Paul on several occasions lists what I'm calling "evil treasure." These are the works of sin in our flesh. They stand as the antithesis of the good treasure. Galatians 5:19-21 (NLT)  

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, 20idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, 21envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

3. What are the treasures of your heart?

Listen to your words, they reveal the content of the heart.

What do you value most… replay your conversations of the past week and you will have a clear picture of your heart’s treasure. Look at your checkbook it will also give you a very clear picture of the treasures of your heart. Matthew 6:21 (NKJV)  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

I conclude today by calling each of you to do a heart check. Jesus calls us to live a Spirit filled life, to walk in the authority and power of His Word. He calls us to be overcomers not victims, to be people of faith, not fear. When we fill our heart with His treasure, we become just that, even in the midst of less than ideal circumstances. Let’s get the fear and anger out. Let’s stop blaming others for our “issues” and let’s fill our hearts with His treasure.

Col. 3:1-17 (Msg)  

So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. 2Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.

3Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. 4When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.

5And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That's a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God. 6It's because of this kind of thing that God is about to explode in anger. 7It wasn't long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better. 8But you know better now, so make sure it's all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk.

9Don't lie to one another. You're done with that old life. It's like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you've stripped off and put in the fire. 10Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. 11Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.

12So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. 13Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. 14And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

15Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. 16Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! 17Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.