Pondering Scripture with Jeremiah Cox

Spiritual observations of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Spiritual observations of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The teacher of God's word must be speaking the wisdom from above. His life will manifest which wisdom he possesses. Those who possess wisdom from the earth are not fit to teach, and must not boast and lie against the truth.

The reason James warned about becoming teachers is further elaborated. The tongue (used for speech by metonymy) has great potential. While it is not in any way inherently evil, its potential for evil is immense. The teacher must understand that their teaching holds much power - for good or bad. The understanding of this is essential before one proceeds to teach. 

James continues his epistle with a discussion of the tongue as it especially pertains to the office of teaching. He warns that teachers will receive a stricter, or greater judgment. Those who teach must understand the weight of teaching God's word. They must understand they will give an answer in judgment for every word they speak. Therefore, it is required in teachers that they, being mature in Christ, are able to control their speech.

Paul and the apostles were appointed to a task which naturally led to going without in many respects. Yet, their task was to enrich the lives of those to whom they spoke. The gospel was the treasure they carried about in earthen vessels. Still today, whether a disciple of Christ is rich, or dirt poor, they have much to share with others. We should never be discouraged about how little we may have in the flesh. The child of God is an heir of immense wealth.

Part of the pain and anguish a Christian must experience and endure may rightly be described as the chastening of the Lord. It does not necessarily imply wrong doing on the part of the disciple, but it is God's use of what is bad for our good, and His glory. We can be stronger in Christ when in our weakness we turn to Him for strength. Also, this struggle may bring about sorrow. Christians are not people who always have a smile on their face. Suffering, anguish, and sorrow are a part fo the human experience. However, they are certainly people that constantly have cause for rejoicing, and therefore should never let themselves be swallowed up with sorrow.

Christians are not called to a life of fame. Rather, they answer a humble calling. They may not be known abroad, but what is important is that they are known by God. Also, the life of discipleship is not one exempt from suffering. The "gospel of health and wealth" is a lie. Jesus suffered, and promised we will too. However, we are being transformed daily into the glory of Christ.

Even though we are living a godly life in Christ Jesus our good may be spoken of as evil. Whether the report is entirely fabricated, or the truth is put in a negative light, the world will speak evil of God's children. But other Christians will recognize the good, and God certainly will. The world will also accuse the Christian who teaches truth as being a deceiver. Jesus was accused of the same. However, God's truth stands, and so will we if we proclaim it and live in it.

This is episode 1 of 5 of the topical study, "Profitable Paradoxes." In defending his ministry, the apostle Paul listed several paradoxes which were true for him (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:8-10). These are no doubt true for all Christians in the context of their own discipleship. Paul's first paradox - "By honor and dishonor." Christians will no doubt receive honor from God for doing His will. However, Christians will also receive dishonor from the world in doing so.