The next course I selected as part of my Unschooled Master of Theology program was the KI course, Book of James, which covers the letter from James to Jewish believers. Here are the Discussion Questions for the entire course along with my responses.
As a reminder, you can all of my course assignments for the uThM here.
So, let’s get started….
KWL – What I Knew Before Starting This Study?
I don’t know a whole lot about this book or about the author. I know he is said to be the half brother of Jesus. He is said to be an apostle, but if he didn’t believe until after the resurrection, how is it possible that he was an apostle?
I think there was an ossuary discovered with James’ name on it, but I could be mistaken.
I do know James is particularly harsh with wealthy people in this letter, as well as those who do not exhibit works with their faith, or who boast in having faith without works.
This is about all I can think concerning the book of James.
KWL – What I Want to Find Out in This Study?
1. I would like to get a clearer picture of his theology concerning grace and works.
2. I would like to be able to use this course as a blueprint for teaching this class in Sunday school at our church in Nov-Dec.
3. I would like to get a clearer picture of the overall argument in James like I did for Jude.
Lecture 1 Discussion Questions
How many kinds of people do you think are being discussed in James 1:5-8? What are the implications of your answer?
In this passage, there are those who ask for things from God and have confidence that God will answer their prayers. There are also those who ask of god but waver in their conviction that God can or will answer their requests.
James says the latter are like a “wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.” He is considered to be double-minded, unstable in everything he does.
This means that Ro 14:23 is correct, “whatever is not from faith is sin.” We can ask, and I would venture to say, we can ask for ANYTHING. But, if we ask for it, we need to be fully convinced that God will answer our prayers.
Now, this is not to say that God is some kind of magical slot machine or genie. And it does not mean that he will answer every request we make with an affirmative – granting us the whims of our flesh. But it does mean that God will resolve all the issues that produced the prayer request in the first place.
But, this passage is stating that we need to be people of faith, we need to trust in God, that he not only hears our prayers, but that he will answer our prayers as it aligns with his will and purpose.
List the four James found in the New Testament and discuss why we believe that the writer of the Book of James was our Lord’s brother. Include scriptural references.
James the brother of Jesus (Mark 6:3; 15:40; Matt 13:55; 27:56; Lu 24:10; 1 Co 15:7; Jude 1:1)
James the son of Alphaeus (less, just, disciple) (Matt 10:3)
James son of Zebedee (Matt 4:21)
James the father of Judas (Luke 6:16)
Despite the Catholic insistence that Mary remained a virgin after Jesus’ birth, it is clear from the Scriptures listed above that she had other children with Joseph afterward. Both Jerome and Augustine considered him to be so. It couldn’t have been the James who was executed early on in Church History if written late (66-70 AD). Josephus also mentions James as “the brother of Jesus who is called Christ.”
Many people believe that James wrote his Epistle in opposition to Paul’s writings. Discuss your view of this controversy and defend your view with scripture.
I would argue that James was not arguing in opposition of Paul’s writings but arguing the same thing from a different perspective. While Paul taught that we are free from the Law and that works cannot bring us into a right standing with God (only by grace through faith), James is teaching that a genuine faith will naturally, consequentially, and inevitably produce good works. Paul says this in Ephesians 2:8, “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
James elaborates on this very thing, “what does it profit….if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?….you say you have faith, and I have works. Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. Show me your faith without works and I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:14, 17-18).
This argument is due to the reality that sanctification (i.e. good works) is inevitable in the genuine believer’s life. If we are genuinely, authentically born again, the Holy Spirit having truly taken up residence within our soul, then we will at some point in our Christian walk produce fruit (He 10:14; 12:2; Phil 1:6; 1 Co 1:7-8).
Dr. Missler suggests that receiving salvation through Christ Jesus is not the climax, but the beginning. Now that you have salvation, discuss with this class: What have you done for “Christ’s sake”?
Personally, I would argue that there is nothing we need to “do” or have “done” for Christ. I’m fully convinced that the “good works” in which God has prepared for me were so prepared before the foundation of the world. They were created and recorded in God’s book of my deeds before any of my days or I even existed (Psalm 139:16).
Even Dr. Missler admitted this in the Romans 19 lecture at 40:20 min, “Why have you been saved? To bring good works to the Kingdom. Not “good works” you create. The works the Holy Spirit does through you. The ones you do are for nothing: wood, hay, stubble. The only works that count are the ones that you allow the Holy Spirit to do through you.”
This is a perfect summation of my argument. There is actually nothing we need to do in this life after we are saved. I’m not saying that there is nothing we will do. Rather, the Spirit dwelling within us, will guide and direct us as the Lord wills. It would be inevitable, the works created for us to walk in, whether we went out and tried to do all these good works or we tried to run away from doing them. God will present our works to us, will prick our heart, will convict us. Sometimes he prepares us. Sometimes he just throws us into the deep end and tells us to start swimming. Regardless of the circumstances, we are to, as James said, “count it all joy.”
Discuss what James meant when he said, “Count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations.”
This was discussed in the previous question. This is the idea that, regardless of our circumstances, regardless of any positive or negative incidents, occurrences, or befallings in our life, we are to be thankful to God for it all. This is because, as believers, everything that happens to us – the good, the bad, and the ugly – happen for our ultimate benefit. It is all father filtered.
Because we experience trials, this means that there is something God is trying to teach us. There is something he is trying to show us. There is something he is trying to correct in us because he loves us and wants the best for us. It could be that he brings us through a trial so that, once we have endured, life afterward could be appreciated. It is also possible that he is bringing us through a trial or temptation so that we could be personally tuned to help someone else in the future. This is one of the purposes of the entire Bible and especially the Old Testament, for us to learn by the mistake of others.
What does it mean to “ask in faith” for something you do not have? Is this what the “name it and claim it” crowd are telling us to do? What is the difference?
It means to ask in full assurance and being completely convinced that God can fulfill your request but that he will do so. There are some prerequisites, of course. We must not be asking for something that we know is outside of God’s will. We must not ask for something that we desire to use for our own pleasures.
In my life, I’ve seen God answer my prayers in unbelievable ways. To such a degree, that sometimes I regret not taking my request more seriously, or not dialing down my request as if in a way a false humility in that God might more readily answer this prayer (60% of what I want) because I am not asking for as much, but if I ask for 100% of want, there is less a chance he will answer it because it is simply too astronomically impossible. What I really want couldn’t possibly come true so I will ask a more reasonable request. Once God has fulfilled my request down to the very letter, I’ve looked back with some regret and said to my soul, “I wish I would have asked for more.”
It has been for me a tremendous lesson in supplication and prayer and requesting things from God.
The Charismatic Movement, or the Word-Faith movement tends to operate in the realm of God’s law binds God to his word, that if it says “Ask me anything and I will give it to you” means literally “anything” (John 14:14). But, if we are to accept all of Scripture, that does not fit with either Paul or with James. Likewise, the Word-Faith idea is predominately focused on pleasure. It is so often about money or gaining wealth, or about living a life without any kind of sickness or trouble or trial. They claim if you suffer any of these things then you have unconfessed sin or God hates you for a particular reason. This, too, is objected to by both Paul and James.
K-W-L Self Assessment: L- Describe what you LEARNED from this session.
I did not know there were so many James’ in the Bible. It makes me want to dig more into how we know it is James, Jesus’ brother who wrote this epistle and that he was the James who was a leader in the Jerusalem church, and was the speaker at the Jerusalem Council. It appears that James was concerned the Lord’s brother and the speaker in Jerusalem by Eusebius, who was the first to call him so. Jerome, though, thought it was James, the son of Alphaeus. There appears to be some correlation between the writing in James and the speech given in Acts, but what to make of this I do not know.
I did not know that James was a disputed book, and until the 4th century. I find this quite intriguing, since we are to take almost blindly that the corpus of the canon is set and fixed and rigid and it had been handed down from on high in complete form. This is simply not true, and there were times in the history of the church when they did not have all of Scripture. This would indicate the possibility at least that there will be a time in the future when we find additional documents that are inspired by the Holy Spirit beyond the 66 books. There could also be a time when the church adopts more of the existing documents that we have, such as the book of Enoch. The canon is not as fixed as we might presume.
I was not aware there had been a persecution after Stephen’s martyrdom and a subsequent scattering of believers throughout the regions outside of Jerusalem. I would disagree with the argument that James is writing to non-believers throughout the Jewish world, in an attempt to evangelize them. This book clearly has the presumption that its reader is a believer. He calls them, right off, “brethren.” By chapter 2, he is clearly talking to those who hold a faith in Jesus as the Messiah, for we read, “do not hold the faith of OUR Lord Jesus Christ…with partiality.”
So far, we are talking about Trials and Temptations, about being welcoming to the development of patience, because it will perfect us, as is God’s intention while we are on earth, through the Holy Spirit. It is an interesting idea in the day and age in which the church predominately wants to downplay trials and temptations, and wants to paint the picture that accepting Jesus makes our life wholly and completely better in all areas of life. We will become wealthy, we will grow in wisdom, we will become more confident, we will have an abundant life. This is not the experience of the majority of Christianity around the world. It is also a rudderless faith.
We are also chided concerning the possible flippancy of our prayers and requests. Do we really believe God will answer us? Or do we pray because it is something we do, something our parents did? If we subscribe to a deterministic view of freewill and election, then we know that God already knows what we need before we ask him for it (Matt 6:8). But God is focused entirely upon faith in at least this iteration if not in every, so it would not be surprising that when we come before him, we must do it in complete faith. I would argue that we doubt because we genuinely, deep down, doubt the existence of God or doubt his willingness to help us or give us what we ask for.
This was my struggle when God told me I needed to prepare for a wife. The deck was so stacked against me, I had no possible way of comprehending a path in which God could bring this reality about. In my mind there simply were no biblical women in this world any longer who would take me on, in mid-life, with no real prospects, no fiscal affluence, and also not involved in the church. It was not that I did not believe God could do this. I was convinced that God could do anything if he so chose. My struggle was that I didn’t believe God was actually telling me this. I doubted that God would actually do this for me. I was convinced I would be alone for the rest of my life. I was wrong. God did it.
It is the enduring man who is blessed. Our testing produces perseverance (or endurance), and this character, and that hope. It sanctifies us, and this is the desire of God and should be our desire as well.
Lecture 2 Discussion Questions
This session suggests that the thief on the cross may have the greatest testimony of all time. How is your testimony for Jesus Christ? What are you doing to let people know that you are a totally devoted follower of Christ?
I don’t think there is anything I can do to let people know that I am devoted to Jesus or that he is my Lord other than what the Lord convicts me of doing. I think “effecting” Christianity is in vain. The only thing we can do (if there is anything for us to do) is to surrender whenever the Holy Spirit requests that we do. We go about our daily lives. We leave at peace with all men. And we allow God to mold us, to change us, to equip us, and to send us. And when that happens, we go. This is our reasonable service. To sacrifice on the altar any and all of our own desires about this life. Maybe I want to be a hermit and live the rest of my life in the woods, close to nature, spending my days exploring the deep things of God’s word. This is fine and acceptable if God does allow me to do this. And, God did allow me to do this for 8+ years. But then, God said, your time in the woods is up and it is time for you to move on to the next step. The next step in my own sanctification. The next step in my service to the body of Christ. Is it up to me? If I have any choice it all I would say it is at this moment, to choose to go, to say, “Here I am, Lord.” Or to remain where I am. Or even to go back to some point where I came from.
God does not want my works. He does not want the things I would produce, otherwise he would have asked for me to do the things I desired to do. Instead, he asks for things he has predestined me to do. These things I do not come to naturally. They are a product, an outpouring of the gift of faith that he has given me, which produces my sanctification and the works predestined are the final product.
Amplify Dr. Missler’s statement that “the real dangers in my life are not those things done to me but, rather, by me.” Under what circumstances is this statement true? Hint: Jesus said to pray: “lead us not into temptation.”
If we begin with the presupposition that everything that happens “to me” is “father filtered” and approved by his will, then nothing matters when it comes to what people do to me or what occurs in my life. Come what may, it is all intended for my good (Ro 8:28). Even the very worst circumstance, even the most horrific event is examined and categorized as being “in the Father’s perfect will.” Our personal reckoning, our personal opinions, feelings, emotional responses, do not matter whatsoever and are not taken into consideration. It is what it is. It is fact. God had chosen this to occur to me, either by his own inspiration or by his allowance nonetheless. This includes what happens by happenstance and all that transpires at the hands of others. So there is actually no wrong being committed by anyone as it pertains to us.
God is the one doing whatever is or has been done.
The jeopardy before us, though, especially and singularly, as believers, is what we do to others. There is the argument that if we are all predestined to do what we are destined to do then we will ultimately do whatever it is we are destined to do (and have no choice). But, we must recognize, we are held accountable for what we choose, regardless whether or not we actually have the independent volition from how everything has been written (preordained). We will be held account. We each will be held responsible for our choice of following or rejecting the Lord. We all will be held responsible for how we maintain our relationships with our spouses, with our children, with other brethren, with the world around us. We each are held to account for our deeds while alive on this earth. This is a promise from the Word itself.
Now, if there is no validity to the Word of God (the Bible), then there is no God and there is no Messiah, and subsequently there will be no future judgment and nothing matters and we can do as we see fit for we are the ultimate and final volitional assessment under which we are examined. But if the Word be accurate and true. If we all will stand before God at the judgment seat of Christ and give an account for our deeds on this earth, then we will, ultimately, give an account and be held accountable.
So, what we do “to others” is of greater significance to us, because this is for what we will give an accounting in the judgment. Any sin that has been levied against or inflicted upon us, it not only has not happened to us (for it has been a sin not against us but against God).
Maturity in Jesus Christ means much more than how long we have been saved. Please list at least three measures of spiritual maturity talked about in this session. Give examples of this maturity in your life.
To be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to wrath. This is, as Dr. Missler states, the measure of maturity.
To be quick to listen is to always be in a mode of open reception. Always taking in more information about a situation, always learning more, never assuming that we have an accurate picture of any circumstance, but giving the benefit of the doubt. It is based upon the fundamental reality that we do not know what we do not know.
To be slow to speak is a sign of maturity because it is the wise man who bridles the tongue (James 1:26; 3:5-8; 1 Co 14:19). It allows ample opportunity to listen, to receive information, to make assessments based on facts and rational thinking rather than emotionally charged sentiment or immediate reaction.
To be slow to wrath is the man whose maturity exhibits that which the Lord desires from us. For God desires not only for us to live at peace with everyone (Ro 12:18), but he also desires to take upon himself the task of vengeance and justice on our behalf (Ro 12:19; He 10:30). To such a degree, we are tasked to be wronged rather than take matters into our own hands (1 Co 6:7-11).
James 1:19 may be the theme verse for this letter. Discuss each aspect of this verse and how you have applied them to your life.
This was discussed at length in the previous question, but I will address how it is applied to my own life. I have lived by this rule throughout much of my life, but less so purposefully or intentionally and more so organically as a natural consequence of a few decisions I made several years ago.
First was my decision on how I was going to handle money and my decision to handle material goods as a tool rather than as a possession, with the idea that possessions are not actually possessed by us but we are possessed by them. I did not buy an expensive house, but purchased within my means, at the right time, and for the right purposes. I purchased my car the same way. I also purchased the lake property this way.
The second thing I did was work extra to pay all of these possessions off before I spent money on anything else. Then, once all my possessions were paid for, I started saving money rather than finding ways to spend it.
This produced a kind of lifestyle in which I did not overly indulge in people or things, did not overextend, and remained unattached to social engagement for the majority of my time alone and on the coast.
This lifestyle provided ample time to study God’s Word, to pursue formal and informal education, and ultimately become intimately familiar with the Bible in the process. I grew to recognize the importance of living at peace with everyone, with being quick to listen and take in information. I also recognized early on how necessary it was to be slow to speak, because many words might equal knowledge but it does not equal wisdom. Lastly, I learned to let go of wrongs (perceived or justifiable) because I recognized that God was in control of my life, and he would expose me only to what he desired for me. I need to trust my God entirely with everything, even the hard and painful stuff.
James says that we must be doers of the Word and not hearers only. How have you been able to apply this command in your life. This session lists at least four steps of becoming a doer of the Word. Do they have application in your life?
Dr. Missler mentioned four steps to becoming a “doer” of the Word.
1. Searching Scriptures.
2. Regular, Habitual Study.
3. Repeated Review of the Bible.
4. Genuine application of the Word
How have I applied the “becoming a doer of the word” to my life? I would say I have not. I do not have to do this. I see what James is saying here is not something we are to engage our flesh or our own personal wills in “trying to do things” for Christ. Rather, we are to recognize that a genuine faith, a genuine spirituality, will entail “good works.” It is the natural consequence and byproduct of a transformational life in Christ. If we claim to be Christians, followers of Jesus, believe we are indwelled by the Holy Spirit, but do not have a different life from our past (before we were saved) there is something amiss.
Too often, though, the issue is that works of our own volition matter very little, mean very little. They do very little for us as well. It is only the works of the spirit that pour out of us as a consequence of our surrendering to God in our interior life that makes the difference. The very act of trying to intentionally do anything “religious” serves itself to the limited extent by the nature of itself. You receive whatever it is you have done. If you feed a child then all you have done is feed a child. If you give money to the poor, you have given money to the poor. Maybe you receive satisfaction in believing or being told you are a good person for whatever it is you’ve done. But this is it. It is all this act will merit.
But, the maturity that comes from continued and persistent surrender to the spirit that has indwelled you, this is true knowledge, it is true wisdom. It pays a hefty dividend.
Personally, I would not suggest that the four markers Dr. Missler pointed to are actually indicative of Christian spiritual maturity. These activities: searching scriptures, regularly and habitually studying Scriptures, repeatedly pursuing and reviewing Scriptures, and genuinely and actively applying Scriptures are, in and of themselves, good and lofty pursuits. But they are not in any way evocative of spiritual maturity, or genuine maturity in Christ.
True, genuine maturity in Christ is marked by a distinct and efficacious move toward the image of Christ. This is the epitome of our Christian walk: to grow in the likeness of Christ (Ro 8:29). This is the result of that work. It is not work that we do (Eph 2:9). It is not actually any kind of “activity” in which we do or involve ourselves in. We can run soup kitchens and feed 5000, but if we are not conformed to the image of the son of God, then these things, in the grand scope of all things, are useless (Isa 64:6).
The perfect example is this: I spent the better part of thirty years studying the Bible in varying stages and degrees of isolation. My pursuit culminated in me living as an Idiorrhythmic hermit monastic at my own hermitage, where I devoted my time to study and prayer and contemplation. But, if I had chosen to spend the rest of my life there (though I do not necessarily believe it was ever my choice) this would have been an immature pursuit in and of itself simply because it would not reflect the image of Christ in self-sacrifice for the good of the other. It would have been fine if I was operating out of a true and clear conviction or had received no conviction at all toward anything else. If left with the choice there is no other choice I would have made but to continue to live the life I was living.
But, God then pronounced one day, that I should prepare for a future wife. The choice was not whether or not I would be married in the future. It did not matter if I wanted a wife or did not want a wife. God was simply stating a fact to me. He was giving me the heads up that this would come to pass. It was a matter of record already settled in heaven since before the foundation of the world. Since before my very existence.
But, the choice was to surrender or to rebel. Surrender is the quintessential characteristic of Jesus. To surrender and abide, to forgo our own natures, our own will, our own opinions, our own aspirations for the sake of the other – this is Christian maturity. It is not necessarily any aspect of Bible study (though this could be a result of such maturity).
K-W-L Self Assessment: L- Describe what you LEARNED from this session.
This word, ἐξέλκω (exelko) is said to be indicative of being “drawn away” by a predator. This would be reasonable, as this is what happens to us when we are tempted by his own desires. We are subsequently δελεαζόμενος (deleazomenos) enticed or “lured.”
Dr. Missler’s point concerning Ro 6:11-13 is valid, that we need to λογίζομαι (lagizomai) “keep account” or reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to God. This is what has occurred and has not yet been fully realized. Sin still reigns over us. We are still tempted by sin and under the sway of our sin nature (2 Co 11:12). But, we have the opportunity and the possibility to account, consider ourselves “dead to sin.” This would indicate that we share in Christ’s death because his death was the payment for our sin. We reside in a peculiar state as a purchased possession, no longer held by the power of death.
Dr. Missler makes a striking point about temptation and sin. He uses the example of the man who sees a beautiful woman from afar. It is not the viewing of the woman itself that is sinful. It is not seeing or even recognizing beauty that is illicit. It is what occurs immediately after the seeing. It is “lust dwelt upon.” Looking at a beautiful woman and being attracted to her is not sinful it is natural. The angels did this as well (Ge 6:2; 2 Pe 2:4; Jude 1:6). It was the act of “abandoning their abode” that caused their infraction and sentenced them to the rest of human history in Tartarus. It is the same for us. There is nothing wrong about admiring a woman from afar. It is sinful to subsequently dwell upon her beauty and then to lust after her.
Dr. Missler states that we do not fear sin enough and that this is a major point in James.
One issue that I found quite pertinent was the issue that “justifiable” wrongs are worse than perceived wrongs. Received wrongs might be imaginary, in that we never actually were slighted by another. But, justified wrongs, those wrongs that are objectively seen as a wrong (by most if not all) would be more difficult for us because we are “justified” in holding a grudge and in not forgiving our brother or neighbor.
Dr. Missler brings up an important question. What do we do when: 1. Things are going wrong? 2. When people are hurting us? 3. When there is adversity? The answer he gives is: “flee to Christ in everything.” We need but to return again and again to the feet of Christ, throw ourselves at the mercy of his will and his grace. In everything we are promised that God will “guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6). It is in this place, in our direct, intimate communion with him, the we can 1. Let him know how you feel 2. Take issue with him concerning everything. He will deal with you on anything you have to say, and there is nothing you cannot say to him or share with him.
It is the “implanted word” that saves our soul (James 1:21), for it establishes us on the sure foundation stone that is unshakable in any adversity. I’ve experienced this firsthand in several situations and can attest. We are told we should “build [ourselves] on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone.” These are the Bible, the prophets (OT) and the apostles (NT). By doing so, we are “being fitted together, growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom we are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit” (Eph 2:20).
Dr. Missler made the statement that we should be saying, “God I do not want to be like this anymore” rather than “God, please don’t let this happen to me anymore.” It is not the adversity that is the issue, but our response to it.
Dr. Missler lays out the idea of being “hearers only” verses “doers” of the Word. The ways in which we become “headers only) are:
1. Being relativistic (comparing, reasoning yourself out of obligation)
2. Being superstitious (relying on the mystical value of things; belief is not all that is needed – James 2:19).
3. Being emotional (heartfelt emotion is not enough; zeal for God is not enough. You must also have understanding).
4. Being theoretical (rather than obedient; operating from intellect rather than commitment; intellectual assent is not all that is required).
If we hear the Word of God but do not do it, if we know there is some good to be done and do not do it, then it is sin to us. We are deceiving ourselves if we think God will reward this kind of behavior. “…to whom much is given, from him much will be required” (Lu 12:48). The Law of Liberty must be handled carefully (John 8:36. Matt 7:21-24; ps 19:7-11; 119:85).
Dr. Missler asks three important questions concerning the Law of Liberty. How does it keep us from snares? How does it keep us from bondage? How does it illuminate our path?
The Law of Liberty, while a great responsibility, is profound in its simplicity. There is simply nothing required of us but our surrender to God’s ultimate will. By repeatedly and continually returning to the foot of the Cross, we intentionally and instinctively find refuge from the snares and temptations of life. He will provide us a means of escape that we will be able to “endure it” (1 Co 10:13). He will “guard our hearts and mind in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7).
The Law of Liberty keeps us from bondage by freeing us ultimately from the Law of Death, the Mosaic Law, and the Law of Sin. These are all one in the same in that they all lead to the penalty of sin which is death. The imprisnmcnt of the human being in Hades until the Judgment and then passes sentence upon the soul, condemning them to the Lake of Fire. But the Law of Christ (which is Liberty in the flesh) frees us from the conscription of religious ritual, obligation, and prescription. There is no festival month or day or new moon to keep. There is no obligatory provision that hems us in and chains us. The Law of Liberty frees us, but also indwells us with a deposit of surety: the Holy Spirit, who is our seal and guarantee (Eph 1:14).
It is the Holy Spirit, our comforter, our teacher, the one who brings us into remembrance of all of Jesus’ teachings, the one who convicts us, who gives us spiritual discernment of spiritual things, that is our elemental light illuminating our path before us. This is because our “good works” have been preordained before we ever existed and we are simply walking them out into existence (Eph 2:10; Ps 139:16). He guides our steps, he directs our paths (Pro 16:9).
There are defining terms in this section of the text. Religious, θρῆσκος (threskos), is a term used to denote “outward observance.” Notice that James makes the connection of this word to “appears to be” or “thinks he is.” This is an opinion of ourselves and of others concerning ourselves. James is getting underneath the surface and pointing out the fact that if there is no direct, causal, measurable action behind activity, then that activity is superfluous and “one’s religion becomes useless.” A genuine religion, a perfect religion (as opposed to the superficial practice of piety), is that which serves the greatest good. It is also twofold. 1. Doing genuine work among those who need it the most (orphans and widows) 2. Doing genuine interior work in the soul (not just outward work as window dressing) in keeping oneself “unspotted” from the world.
James is teaching that the outward manifestation must accompany the inward transformation and will be a natural byproduct of regeneration and sanctification. If you truly have been saved, changed, altered, and born again by God, you will exhibit “good works.” This is the natural outpouring of your faith, if you have faith, if your faith is genuine and from God.
The last question Dr. Missler asks: Is there anyone in your life who knows you who questions or doubts your commitment to Christ? Why do they question it?
Of course, there is no real objective way of answering this question. It is a tool of introspection to dig deeper into our behaviors and the motivations behind them, to determine for ourselves if we are on the right track. I would wonder the opinion of my children, though I do not think I would get an honest answer if I would ask them the question. My wife has told me several times now that I live my life in such a way where I genuinely gauge everything against the Word of God, to the point, even, that it can be annoying.
Of course, I am human, and it does not take long before I remind her by my inconsiderate nature just how short I fall from the Word or from the image of Christ. But, as Paul resolved, “forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:14).
Lecture 3 Discussion Questions
James tells us that our behavior demonstrates what we really believe. What are some of the behaviors one would expect to see in a person who is truly saved?
This is difficult since people are saved in all sorts of ways and their walk and sanctification is as unique as they are. There are some commonalities that seem to accompany a genuine transformation (as much as this can be determined by our limited observations).
1. There will typically be a turning away, especially initially, from whatever sin is present in the person’s life at the time of their conversion and going forward into their new life. Depending on the individual, though, it could take a very long time, maybe even a lifetime before there is distinct and detectable changes.
2. Typically, but not always, God will bring the individual into some kind of walk or fellowship with other believers. This might be for a time, or it might be a permanent planting, but there seems to be a universal draw to fellowship. I’m not here advocating or claiming that to be a genuine believer one must attend Sunday worship or meetings at an organized, corporate institution. Rather, it is a draw to a genuine fellowship, which can take a myriad of forms.
3. I would have to say unanimously, if a person has been internally transformed by the Holy Spirit, if he had professed and believes, then at some point there will be a draw, a desire to study God’s Word. This has looked different at different time periods in human history. OT saints looked to the Law and the Prophets and other writings. The first century church looked to the OT and to the teachings and subsequent writings of the apostles. It was not until the fourth century that all 66 books of the Bible became canonized. But shortly after this, the formation of the Catholic Church obscured the Bible, and the plunging headlong into the Medieval period reduced the access people had to the word itself. This required people to receive the word from the lips of the priest and the monk rather than read it for themselves. This changed again during the Reformation, when the invention of the printing press allowed the mass production of the Bible as well as proliferation of documents and research. Since then, a new emphasis has been placed on the study of the Bible, especially in the post-modern age, where technology has outpaced our ability to handle it. We now have access at our fingertips the whole of all collective human knowledge and more biblical data and documentation than at any other time in human history. So, we naturally, once again, look to studying the Bible, reading the Scriptures, as an activity that “should” be required of genuinely saved people. Though, it has not always been such a requirement or even a possibility.
There are, of course, a multitude of other activities and behaviors that might accompany someone when they become a genuine believer. There is, again, no way to determine save for whatever it is, does it benefit in some way the Body of Christ? If so, then they are to be blessed.
Dr. Missler suggested that being a hearer of the Word only leads to a relativistic view of Scripture and Christian life. What are some of the things one would see in the life of one who is not just a hearer only, but a doer also?
I would say we would see persistent (but not necessarily consistent) growth in the individual’s spiritual life. This would be an individual that is, in some sense, actively or maybe in some way directly or indirectly, building up the body of Christ. A doer is one who puts theology into action and renders it practical for the individual and for his or her neighbor.
Of course, we must be cautious that we are not attempting to form our religion on activities and forsake the beginning and continual internal transformation of the soul. For, if there is no spirit indwelling the individual, then there is limited they will get out of activities. They can do all the good works of Mother Teresa, but it will result in nothing. No transformation. No regeneration. No resurrection to eternal life, but resurrection into eternal condemnation.
Good works should be a natural outpouring of the internal transformation occurring in the soul. We cannot put the cart before the horse.
Gossip is among the most damaging of sins. Contrast the attributes of a “talebearer” versus a true friend. Are you fortunate enough to have a true friend in your life?
A gossip is one who does not give the benefit of the doubt, but assumes the worst based on no or limited information. They are quick to sell you out or join in ridicule when it is expedient. They are not one to whom you can depend on in a crisis.
A true friend is one who will die for you. One who considers you above their own wellness, their own gain, and their own concern. A true friend is deeply entangled into your life and shares in your joys, your anguish, and you struggles. They would rather die than betray your confidence. They can be depended on, regardless of what is happening in their own life.
I would like to say one thing here: For the last 8 years of my life, I knew of no true or genuine friends. I had concluded that there was actually no such thing in the world at all or at least anymore or at least with me. I had Christ. Jesus was my true friend. He would never betray me. He would never forsake me. And he had not over the last 30 years of my life. He has given me such a rewarding and joyful interior life.
But, the last year, I’ve discovered that God had determined for me to be married to a woman who I consider to be a true and genuine friend. She is everything that I asked God for when he told me I would be getting married again. More so, even. So much more. I cannot imagine my life without her now that I know she actually exists and that she knows me better than anyone else in this god forsaken world. She is the most devoted, most giving, most loving person I know and I’m humbled by the reality that God has given her to me as a great and good gift.
I no longer can say there are no genuine friends in this world. For I know I now have at least one.
Dr. Missler suggested that if the United States of America is in Scripture, he sees it illustrated in Isaiah 5 et al. List the attributes of the people in Isaiah 5 and give examples of how these attributes reflect our culture today.
So, I dislike assignments like this, where we are interpreting an obscure, OT passage, and trying to apply to relevant aspects of today’s culture. This never ends well and is typically for naught. Most of the OT is so cryptic, so generalized, that there is really no way to accurately apply it ahead of time. It is only after the fact, sometimes centuries passing before we can see the fulfillment of prophecy on it.
Verse 11 states, “Woe to those who rise early in the morning, That they may follow intoxicating drink Who continue until night, till wine inflames them!”
This is general. It is not special to the United States. It does speak of our culture today, but it is no different a culture than any other place on earth of lost people. Everything seems to do this in some way or another.
Verse 12 states, “The harp and the strings,
The tambourine and flute,
And wine are in their feasts;
But they do not regard the work of the Lord,
Nor consider the operation of His hands.”
Again, this speaks to how our culture is today but it is like every culture that has forsaken God or has never actually acknowledged him. America has never really “regarded” the work of the Lord. They have never really considered what he does or how he does it. But this is not unique to any one culture.
Verse 18 says, “Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of vanity, And sin as if with a cart rope; That say, “Let Him make speed and hasten His work,
That we may see it;
And let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come,
That we may know it.”
Cords of vanity, a cart rope. These are interesting illusions to the PRIDE parades that go on now. Is it really talking about this, though, or are we projecting this passage onto our culture?
Verses 20-21 states, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!”
Yes, indeed. This could easily fit in the Critical Race Theory, Woke culture that we see around us in the last ten years. They are very much calling what is evil as good and light they are concluding is evil and dark and sinister. They are those who are wise in their own eyes, and think they are above those who are limited by their affirmations. But, again, this could be about many cultures in human history, and may also represent countless number of cultures in the future.
Verses 22-23 states, “Woe to men mighty at drinking wine, Woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink, 23Who justify the wicked for a bribe, And take away justice from the righteous man!”
This is a general statement about alcohol and possibly a statement about politics and corruption. It can be linked to our modern American governmental system and its overreach as it become more and more infected by Woke ideology. But, corrupt politicians are not a new thing in America. They will exist long after I am dead and gone. So I”m not certain I understand how it applies.
Verse 24 states, “Therefore, as the fire devours the stubble, And the flame consumes the chaff,
So their root will be as rottenness,
And their blossom will ascend like dust;
Because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, And despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.”
This is interesting because, despite wanting to apply this to our culture today, we do not see this verse actually happening in any way. Their roots has not become rottenness. They blossom has not descended to dust. There are countless people in the America who forsake the Law, even Jewish people, and yet nothing happens to them. Christianity and Christians are the butt of jokes and are often a laughing stock. Nothing happens to those who make fun and gawk. So, Isaiah 5 could not apply to today, at least not yet. For there has been no restitution.
“ For all this His anger is not turned away,
But His hand is stretched out still.”
I find it interesting, if it does apply to our modern age, there is still a testimony to God’s eternal patience and long suffering as he waits for all those who are called to be part of the Church to come into it. Despite America’s descent and inevitable fall, God is still alive and awake and interceding for us.
This session mentions that a statement about the return of Christ and final judgment follows every orthodox statement of faith found in Scripture closely. List three such statements in Scripture using scriptural references and how they reflect the above statement.
I remember Dr. Missler making this statement in the lecture but I cannot find any examples in the Bible or in the notes that accompany the study.
There is John 14:16–18, which states that Jesus will send us the Holy Spirit as our helper, and that the helper would be with us forever. He stated that the world would not be able to receive the Spirit, but we could. He would not leave us as orphans, but he would return for us.
In John 16:7–11 we are told that it is to our advantage that Jesus go away. If he never left then the Holy Spirit could not come to earth, and his coming will be the convicting of the entire world of sin. Jesus would be going to the Father and we would see him no more, but a time would come when the ruler of this world would be judged.
In Titus 3:4–7 we find Paul discussing the kindness and love of God toward man, not by works but by mercy, saving us. He washed us with the regeneration of the Holy Spirit, where we become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Discuss the role of James’ teaching on impartiality as it relates to raising children.
I do not recall this being discussed in the lecture. His teaching on impartiality was focused on how individuals were to be treated in the church, during the assemblies, and just amongst one another in general. Too often, so goes the example, there are wealthy people who come into the assembly and are given preferential treatment. At the same church, there are the poor people among the congregation that are treated terribly.
To apply this to children: I’m not certain it can be done. Children within the church should be treated fairly and equally. They should all be viewed as having worth and possibility. They should always be given the opportunity to grow and spread and learn and enjoy. We should not give preferential treatment to one child over another. We should not treat the pastor’s son with any different set of rules than we do with Sally’s son who is a delinquent, who’s mother is dirt poor, and who routinely comes to church in dirty clothes and smelling poorly because he did not have access to a shower.
K-W-L Self Assessment: L- Describe what you LEARNED from this session.
There was really nothing else to add in this lecture. There was not much to it.
Lecture 4 Discussion Questions
The Pauline epistles focus on life before salvation and James focuses on life after salvation. Demonstrate by Scripture how this statement is true.
I would not claim this to be the case. Paul certainly does not talk only about life before salvation. We see many examples of him talking about life after saving grace: Phil 3:14-16; 2 Ti 4:7; He 6:1 to make such assumptions. I would argue that Paul talks about one aspect of salvation, while James talks about another aspect. Paul talks at length about justification and sanctification. James talks about the “good works” we have been predestined to walk in (Eph 2:10). These are not opposed, but complimentary to one another. For, we do not have a genuine faith if that faith does not manifest itself at some point in good works. At the same time, good works in and of themselves merit us nothing but continual debt (Ro 4:4).
Using scriptural references, describe what you believe true faith is and how it is revealed to others through your life.
True faith is a bit of an enigma. Especially today, with the myriad and endless patterings of all the other religions in the fallen and debased world, all trying to vie for the attention of the corrupted and lost masses. But, at the same time, it is a universal convolution, since even Pilate asked this question, “What is truth?”
True faith for the believer is simply expressed by 1 Co 1:30 – a process by which Jesus “becomes for us wisdom from God – and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” This is what we access by possessing “true faith.” Though I would personally not say “true” as much as “genuine,” since all faith is true if genuine but all the true faith in the world for the wrong thing or person leads to only to condemnation. But, nonetheless, this is the complete process (minus glorification per se), but we are declared “righteous” by Jesus work on the cross (not by anything we have done). We are then “sanctified” by the continual process of the Holy Spirit who indwells us as we grow closer toward Christ-likeness. Lastly, we are “redeemed” by the power of God, as he will quicken to life our mortal bodies (however this is done) and will replace us (soul and spirit) into the vessel we were originally meant to inhabit – immortality.
But, what James is dealing with, and what this question is focusing on, is the “sanctification” process during our life on earth. We are told this, “the will of God [is] your sanctification” (1 Th 4:3). Likewise, Jesus is pretty clear about how we are to be examined in life (maybe not by each other, but possibly) as he states, “you will know them by their fruits” (Matt 7:16-21). Again, we see in Luke 10:25-37 in the Samaritan story, showing mercy was the neighbor to the injured man.
John tells us that by our deeds we know that we are of the truth (1 John 3:17-19).
For me, personally, I would argue (and have always argued) salvation and redemption and even sanctification are the entire process of being returned to our place in right standing with God. We are being returned to our status as “Sons of God,” returned to our place in the garden of God.
But, a saving faith, one that is genuine and legitimate before God, is one that naturally, instinctively, and willfully will manifest good works. These “good works” that we were destined to walk in before the world was formed (Eph 2:10) are the reason we were created. That we “should walk in them.” We were created “for good works.” Paul tells Titus to that believers are to be “zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14).
But, it MUST be said, works in and of themselves mean nothing. Humanitarianism credits us nothing in the eyes of God. Doing works of our own volition, of our own will, in and of themselves contribute nothing. But, the good works that manifest from our continual surrendering of our will to the will of God through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, this is what we were predestined for and it is this kind of fruit that God desires to see blossom in us and through us.
List the three “D’s of faith” spoken about in this session. Give examples of how these three kinds of faith are lived out. Can you think of any other derivations of faith?
1. Dead Faith. This is a faith that is all flash and no fire. These types of people know the vocabulary but have nothing to back it up with. They exchange empty words for authenticating deeds and cheapen the words they use by using them again and again. This kind of faith James spoke about in James 2:26 “Faith without works is dead.” It is a surface, superficial faith that has shallow roots and quickly withers (Matt 13:3-9). This is not a saving faith, which surprises some, that we can have faith, profess faith, and yet not be saved.
2. Demonic Faith. This is a faith exhibited by demons in the Bible (Matt 8:28-29; Lu 4:31-34). It is a genuine and accurate faith, in that it understands and acknowledges Jesus as Lord, as the Son of God, as the creator and ruler of the earth. Dr. Missler makes the comment that he seriously doubts if there is a single demon on earth that is an atheist. This is because they are “in the know” much more so than humanity is, especially in this age given that the majority of people are under the sway of the evil one (1 John 5:19). We are told in James 2:19 states, “Even the demons believe, and tremble.” It is often the case that Christians have an “intellectual,” a remote, academic understanding of Jesus, of salvation, of the faith itself, while demons simply know better. Too often, demonic identity is viewed as a fuzzy darkness, an ethereal force in the world. It is not viewed as evil personified, as sentient, resourceful, malicious, malefic adversaries in a war against God. Too many identify the paranormal with intrinsic goodness rather than the reality. They view aliens and paranormal as something helpful, believing that they could save us. This is what Paul was warning us about in Eph 6:11-13, that we are fighting a war against “principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
3. Authentic Faith. Dr. Missler calls this “dynamic faith” but I’m not certain I understand why, save for making it the third “d” in the question. I don’t think dynamic is an appropriate or accurate word to use here. Authentic is a better faith, in that it describes what a genuine faith in Christ, one that brings regeneration to the soul and to the individual who is first lost and forsaken. An authentic faith includes the whole person (the intellect, the emotions, and the will). T is a mind that understands the truth, it is a heart that desires the truths and the will that acts upon the truth to bring about what was predestined for it to accomplish.
It is a heavy realization that faith is no better than its object. If the object is mute and dumb and incapable of bringing about regeneration, so too is the faith one has in it. It is a myth to believe that any faith will do or that faith itself is the object of importance. Faith is indiscriminate. It is no respecters of persons. It is empowered only by the object from which it worships.
Can a person do the works for God and those works are not of God? What makes the difference?
Yes. An individual can teach a Sunday school class. They can do it for 40 years. But, if they are not called to do this, if teaching is not a byproduct or the fruit of a transformational inner change, then the teaching of Sunday school accredits them nothing, for it is not being done in faith.
For the genuine believer, he operates only in surrendering to the will of the Father through the conviction of the Holy Spirit. It is a mystery. But the individual does not do things of his own accord, of his own volition. He operates solely in the space of God’s will for his life. It may or may not be in the things he desires to do. Lucky is the man who desires the call of God, to whatever service he has been called. But, regardless of desire, our response is to be, “Here I am, Lord.”
Anything else is a counterfeit and worthless.
Make a list of the “Faithful” persons of Hebrews 11. How was their faith demonstrated?
Of all the names on this list I find Jephthah the most bizarre and difficult to explain. That is, if the accounts are as people often interpret, that he made a hasty vow before God and then when he returned home thinking a cow or some other animal would come out of the door he would sacrifice it – but was destitute when he found it was his daughter that came through the door first to greet him. Subsequently, she was burned alive. I don’t see this being an example of faith at all. But if the story is that she became a virgin and did not know of a man the rest of her life, it explains just about everything. Though, still, I struggle to find a possible aspect of this in faith.
I also find it quite fascinating that Enoch is said here to have “pleased God.” This is not from the later Masoretic Hebrew, which states that Enoch “walked with God.” It is from the LXX, which states that he “pleased God.” Though, despite this, either way, we are not told how he walked with God or how he might have pleased him. Though, we do not he walked or pleased God for a long time before he was raptured from earth.
Abel – more excellent sacrifice
Enoch – he pleased God
Noah – believed in the flood
Abraham – obeyed to go somewhere new
Isaac – by faith blessed his children
Sarah – to believe in having a child
Jacob – by faith blessed his grandsons
Joseph – by faith mentioned the exodus
Moses – by faith refused to be called son of Pharaoh
Jericho – the walls fell down
Rahab – received the spies with peace
Gideon – not said
Jephthah – not said
David – not said
Samuel – not said
The Prophets – not said
All of these obtained a good testimony through faith, though none received the promises promised.
It is suggested that 2 Cor. 13:5 calls us to a “mid-term” exam. How should we examine ourselves to be sure of our salvation?
This passage states, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.”
1. Determine if. You are in the faith.
2. Test yourselves.
3. Is Jesus in you?
4. Are you disqualified?
“Be even more diligent to make your call and election sure” (2 Pe 1:10).
How are we to do this? We must examine our own soul, search out the heart, test ourselves to see if what we claim, what is claimed in the Bible, is actually happening to us. Do we think that the Spirit actually indwells us? How do we know? Do we think that we live a life with Jesus as Lord? Have we truly surrendered to him? One of the greatest litmus tests I can see is by asking this very question to begin with. If you were to fail this test, if you were to be found disqualified, you would not be questioning it to begin with. You would be deluded and simply assume you were saved, or consider the idea of being “saved” a little overly simplistic.
The best way I can test to see if I am truly a believer is to look back over my life after it has already occurred and find where God has directed me, protected me, and provided for me. Of course, we are going to attribute these things to God because of our belief in God when others would attribute them to change or happenstance.
K-W-L Self Assessment: L- Describe what you LEARNED from this session.
James tells us in 2:26 that faith without works is dead. The word here for dead is νεκρός (nekros) or “dead, lifeless.” This is not as Dr. Missler stated meaning “useless.” Virtually every English Bible translates this word as dead. It insinuates the body being without the spirit, without the spark that quickens it to life.
Dr. Missler makes an important point in this lecture: any declaration of faith that does not ultimately result in a changed life and practical works following it is a false declaration. Mere intellectual assent is inadequate for a genuine believer. In fact, a person can be “enlightened” in his mind and stirred in his heart and yet still be lost forever. Emotion is not equivalent to authenticity. There are different sources of power, if not entirely deluded to begin with.
I think it’s an interesting point that God has made an investment in each one of us and he expects a return on his investment. He expects the tree to bear fruit and fruit that is the kind expected from that particular tree, the fruit intended when the tree was created, before it was created.
This is likened to a portfolio investment where the investor will weed out the losers in the portfolio for the sake of the portfolio’s health. Whatever the reason is for the failures of individual stocks, the investor knows this is the best for the portfolio as a whole (Matt 13 – Four Soils).
I found it interesting that works can be categorized from the Bible:
1. Works of the Law (Ga 2:16)
2. Works of the Flesh (Ga 5:19)
3. Wicked Works (Col 1:21)
4. Dead Works (He 9:14)
5. Good Works (Eph 2:10)
Dr. Missler stated that Abraham was spiritually bankrupt before he sacrificed Isaac on the mountain, that by the time he was tested by God, God had invested in him and prepared him. The problem with this is it doesn’t actually fit the Biblical accounting of Abraham.
When he went out and rescued Lot, on his return, he gave an offering to Melchizedek, a tithe, 1/10th of everything he had from the spoils of victory (Ge 14:18-20). It was in Genesis 17:5 that God renamed Abram to Abraham. It was at that moment that he was placed under the promise of the Abrahamic Covenant. He was then told that Sarah would give birth and Abraham fell down and laughed because he was old. He prayed that God would continue to bless his actual son, Ishmael. But God did not relent.
In Genesis 18 we see a very attentive servant in Abraham, one who apparently recognized God or the Lord (or even possibly a reincarnate Jesus) in the third person of the three persons that came to his camp and shared a meal with him. The two, we know, despite their appearances as men, were angels soon to be sent to Sodom and Gomorrah. The third was the Lord. This time, he appears to have faith, but it is Sarah who had none. By Chapter 20 we see Abraham up to his same antics, portraying his wife as his sister for his own protection. Then in Genesis 21 we find Sarah having a child in her old age, and they name him Isaac.
The Greek word πειράζω (peirazo) “tested or tempted” is found in the LXX for Gen 22:1 when God “tests” Abraham by commanding that he offer him as a burnt offering on the mountain. It is the same word that we find in James 1:13, in that “no one should say, ‘I am tempted by God.’” I’m not certain how to rectify this, since God is specifically said to be tempting or testing Abraham in this circumstance.
But, at no point do we see Abraham being a shining light of character or worth. He believed and it was credited to him for righteousness. It was the moment in which God brought Abraham outside and told him to look at all the stars in the sky, that Abraham’s descendants would be as many as the stars overhead. To this we are told that Abraham believed. He believed this. And because of that believe, it was credited to him for righteousness (Ge 15:6). He was never bankrupt and then transformed. He remained the same as he always was.
I do like what Dr. Missler said about faith: Faith is obedience in spite of the apparent consequences. Not in spite of evidence.
Paul states in Titus 1:16 that there are people who profess to know God yet they deny him by their works and are, instead, abominable, disobedient, and utterly disqualified for every good work.
I think this is a good discussion question: Was there a specific time when you realized you were a sinner and admitted this to yourself and to your God? Was there a time in your life when your heart was stirred to flee from the wrath to come?
I also like the saying: If you are driving a ship and you acknowledge that up ahead is a rocky shore, this is good. You have acknowledged the danger ahead. But, if you do not actually turn from that danger, even though you have acknowledged it, you will still suffer the same consequences as if you were completely ignorant of it. You must acknowledge and you must also turn from your sin.
Dr. Missler asked the question: has there been a demonstrable change in your life? Do you maintain good works or are they occasional and only weak? So, I would disagree with this characterization, in that we can “maintain” our good works. We do not effort from our own volition the works to be done by us. We are simply “walking in them.” These good works have been prepared before we even existed, prepared by God for us to fulfill. It is the sole work of God in and through Christ, by aid and power of the Holy Spirit, to bring forth good works into the Kingdom of God. So, in this sense, we cannot maintain good works. We simply fulfill what has already been prearranged for us.
One interesting set of questions I think are good: Are you ready for his return? Do you desire it? Do you actively work to hasten it? If not, why not? Will you be ashamed when he returns? Is this why you do not desire his second coming?
I find the term in this lecture, “a professional religionist” describes much of the clergy today in evangelical Christianity. It is a Nicolaitan concoction, where the clergy lord it over the congregants, having full authority to abuse, to mishandle, mistreat, and irreparably damage congregants. I pray I am never called by God to fill this role.
Lecture 5 Discussion Questions
What are the 12 words that can transform a life and which of these have transformed your life?
Please
Thank You
I’m Sorry
I Love You
I’m Praying For You
I find this quite an interesting idea. It’s kitschy. I’m not sure it is biblical in any real way, but the spirit behind it is certainly biblical. It is forgiveness. It is putting others before ourselves. It is considering the best interest of the other before our own interest. I’m not sure if I’m going to be using this in the Sunday school lesson, but we will see.
I’ve had to use several of these over the years. “I’m praying for you” I’ve always found to be a little cliche. I would argue that most people do not actually pray for other people when they use these words, at least, not in any meaningful way. I could be wrong.
Please and Thank You I use frequently, simply out of politeness and to use manners. We are rather vigilant to teach our children to do likewise. I use I love you with my wife, but for few others. Mostly because I don’t want to lessen the importance of that phrase or use it flippantly. I’m sorry, this I had to use once when I was in my 30’s, with my brother in law. I had a secret blog that was anonymous, but he inadvertently found a link to it and discovered that I had been using the blog to vent about them living with us. For the sake of peace with my wife, I had to apologize for what I was not actually sorry for, mostly because everything I said was absolutely true. Harsh, but very true. I learned a hard lesson that day: do not let family move in with you it does not work well.
Do you have a daily quiet time with the Lord? If so, when do you spend this time and what have you found to be the daily result?
This is rather sporadic. When I was beginning to recognize that God was preparing me to be married once again, I spent quite a bit of time, daily, seeking God through prayer, through Scripture reading, and through simply sitting in stillness, listening for his direction, for his intervention, for his calming touch upon my soul.
I’ve had these times before, throughout my adult life, where I am able to draw closer to God, directly to God, savor in his presence, in his beauty, in how he speaks to me without words. I can’t really explain it. I experienced just the other day, in the morning while doing errands in town, driving from one place to another, listening to Crowder, it was quite poignant, quite existential, wholly spiritual – moving me to tears.
I would love to have a daily time in which I set aside to commune with God. With our schedule, though, I’m not certain I could do this on a regular basis. I do wish I could.
Dr. Missler has stated often that the book of James contains 60 imperatives in 108 verses. Then he suggests that this is not a book of do’s and don’ts, but a book of evidences. Do you agree with Dr. Missler’s assessment? Elaborate on your understanding of this position.
The major theme of this letter (it is a letter and not a book) is the idea of evidences. Our faith needs to be evidenced by works, good works, particular works that are manifested by the Holy Spirit through the process of sanctification.
It is not actually a letter of dos and don’ts because James is not talking about things we do in and of ourselves to be saved or that we are obligated to do or keep, like they were with the law. Rather, he is talking about the natural outpouring of a genuine faith, in which works are a natural by product. It cannot be faith, a genuine faith, if it does not have works.
So, in this sense, I do agree with Dr. Missler.
Share about a time in your life, when words brought great blessing or cursing.
I used to work at a call center where several employees started getting together for dinner after work once or twice a week. We were all Christians, or mostly, and we all seemed to really enjoy one another’s company and fellowship together. I never actually realized it until the employee at the restaurant that we always went to mentioned that if I’m there I always pay. He was paying me a compliment, at least I thought he was. But then I found out from one of the people meeting that she really didn’t like one of the other people that met with us. Then I found out that most of them did not like each other. It finally dawned on me: they were all feigning fellowship for the sake of free food. Shortly after we stopped meeting together. I have never had a group of “friends” like that again; I do not put myself out for others to take advantage of me in this way anymore. Finding out that who I thought were dear friends with me and with each other were actually strangers, it shook me to the core. It convinced me that I could not trust other people or anything they say. This put me on a trajectory toward isolation and solitude, of which I am both supremely grateful, but I wonder if they had genuinely embraced our presumed friendships, how our lives would have been different?
In this session, James illustrates three powers of the tongue. What are they and how has each of these powers been demonstrated in your life?
Power to direct, destroy, delight.
Direct (teaching) – I am experiencing this right now, actually, as I have started teaching Sunday school at our local church and also took a position a year ago at FTS, the seminary I graduated from. It is not a position I wanted, or really like. But it is given me experience and credentials for whatever it is God has planned next. I’m actually learning quite a bit. I’m not certain if it is the writing ministry (hopeful), or a pastorate of my own. If it is, my hope is that we go far from here, that we end up in a holler somewhere in Kentucky or Tennessee, serving a tiny church of about 50 people. I would be just as happy if we could both work at the books, the workbooks, and the live classes in the community, get a publishing deal, and be able to write full time, allowing our current caretaking job to be farmed out to other caretakers. Live on the boast, enjoy the rest of our lives together with each other.
Destroy (gossip, slander, etc) – I watched a congregation fall apart, the church I was baptized in, after the founding pastor left and the new pastor came without any real qualifications, only to find out he was charismatic. His words, and the words of others, were devastating to the congregation and the church eventually split apart and was dismantled. My wife wants to go to Germany to see the places I lived and visited, but I am a little hesitant to see what that little church looks like today. All because of the vertical word of charismania.
Delight (words can give life if directed by the Holy Spirit) – I was working at a gas station on graveyard one night, around 2am, and a young woman, about 18 years old, pulled in and was noticeably in tears. She was on the phone and was intermittently talking to me and to someone on the phone at the same time. She told me that she needed about $.75 worth of gas because that was all she had and through her conversation on the phone she was trying to get home, which was across town, several miles away. I’m not sure why, but the conviction came over me to use my debit card and put $20 in her gas tank. She noticed what I was doing, and I told her not to worry about it. She then proceeded to tell me that the person on the phone wanted to talk to me. She handed me her cell phone and it was her father on the other end of the line. He profusely thanked me from the bottom of his heart, for he had been uncertain how he was going to get his daughter home safe, since he was in a different state than she was currently. This one thing, this act of kindness meant more to these two people than I could ever possibly imagine. She drove away that night, able to get home safe, and it gave her father a great deal of peace.
What has the Holy Spirit placed on your heart in this session to discuss concerning the power of the tongue?
I think what Dr. Missler summed up the epistle to James was perfect: You’re saved. That’s great. What have you done with it? Or, what has it produced? If it has produced nothing, then you were most likely never saved to begin with. It is certainly not a genuine faith and not a saving faith, for this kind of faith has Christ’s interests at the forefront. Not our own.
K-W-L Self Assessment: L- Describe what you LEARNED from this session.
I think it’s important to review: in the letter of James there are three kinds of faith: dead faith, demonic faiths and genuine faith. The mind understands truth, the heart desires truth, and the will acts upon truth.
I thought it was interesting that Dr. Missler stated that the readers of James were quite rough individuals, with many fighting among each other, screaming at each other, as is outlined in James 4:11-12. It gives a glimpse of what it must have been like in their eldership or deacon meetings.
I find it fascinating and intimidating that teachers are held to a higher standard that ordinary folks. They are accountable and responsible for the words they speak, the meaning they convey, and the teachings they perform. This is by both the spoken word as well as the pen (or the computer).
In fact, James 3:2 states that a person is basically known by his words. If he cannot control his tongue, it should be a cause for concern concerning the rest of his ethics and morality. This is because words turn into deeds. This occurs within ourselves as well as in others. Loose lips might just sink ships, but they definitely also wreck lives as well. They can affect the life of the accused, of a person’s family or friends. It can plunge a nation into war (maybe not so much anymore), but most important I thought was that a single word spoken to a child can change the course of his entire trajectory. This reminds me of Ted Buddy and the interview I read. He stated that he was raised in a Christian home as a child. That he had never been molested, abused, never been spanked or whipped as a child. In fact, he recounted that he had grown up in the perfect home, full of love and joy. It was a single pornographic magazine that he had found in the trash on the way to school, outside of a business, that sparked the trajectory toward him later becoming the most notorious and brutal serial killer ever known.
Dr. Missler stated that the bit and the rudder can overcome contrary forces. I saw in action my uncle maneuver horses with a bit and reign, or just with a word. I saw him turn a massive horse with just a certain word. He could make it turn to the left, to the right, and even stop on command. It was quite impressive.
Dr. Missler stated that when he was young boy, he found a book of matches and took it across the street to the abandoned lot, and with one match, lit the lot on fire. He tried to put it out, but to no avail, and before he knew it, there were sirens and firefighters everywhere. Neighbors were furious with him. And once his mother got a hold of him, she asked him what he was thinking. His response was, “But momma, it only took one match!” The reality is, words are more powerful than a nuclear bomb. The bomb is temporal, and natural, and is limited in what it can do. The tongue has both spiritual and eternal consequences. I thought it was fascinating that the numbers have been tallied: every word in Main Kampf cost 125 lives.
The real question is: can we tame our own heart? Animals every every species and walk of life have been tamed, but the tongue cannot. It is the amplifier of the heart, for Matthew 12:34 states, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”
We see that much of the book of Proverbs deals with the tongue and or speech (Pr 15:1; 12:22a; 10:19; 18:4; 10:11; 18:21; Psalm 141:3-4).
It is also quite amazing how much damage uncontrolled water can do. We’ve seen it with flash flooding, with moving water of all kinds. Lately we have been dealing with leaks in our trailer. The latest one was so bad that we got 10 gallons of water out of the roof. If left without intervention, the entire ceiling in the trailer would have collapsed in on us. Yet, simultaneously, water itself is a refreshment and is used to cleanse us. God’s word is the proverbial spiritual water that cleanses us. We are, in fact, washed by the blood of Jesus once for all, but daily we are encouraged to wash but the water of the word. Even Ezekiel 47 states that everything the water touched was brought to life. Just as Jesus’ words were both spirit and life (John 6:63).
James uses the analogy of the tree and the fountain. The tree must have a strong and deep root system in order to grow. It must be healthy. This is encapsulated for us in Psalm 1:1-3. At the same time, he tells us that a fountain does not bring forth two kinds of water, just as a tree cannot bear two kinds of fruit. The most important stewardship we have is that of our heart. It eclipses everything else, even our marriages or our children and families. Where is our heart? This can be determined by our words as our words will sprout forth and produce deeds. The root of the issue is the heart, even for those who believe.
Lastly, Paul talks about having faith. But James talks about what kind of faith we should have. They compliment each other, not oppose one another. Having a faith that does not produce or manifest fruit cannot save you, because it is not an authentic faith.
Lecture 6 Discussion Questions
What are the three enemies of man that were discussed in this session and which of these three affects you the most?
Dr. Missler stated that the three enemies of man are the world, the flesh, and the devil. Ephesians 2:1-3 states that before we were saved we walked according to the world, to the αἰῶνα (aiona) or era or unspecified amount of time of this world. Likewise, we know that the flesh is weak within us (Matt 26:41). It is a constant battle for us, as Paul described in Romans 7:15-20. Likewise is the devil or Satan, who is an enemy of humanity and who stands before God day and night accusing our brethren (Re 12:10).
Which affects me most? Of the three? I would order it: flesh, devil, world. I put them in this order because 1. I am constantly condemned by my flesh. Whether it is my own thoughts, my actions, my anger, my wrong thoughts, it doesn’t matter, I stand condemned. After this I would say it is the devil, only because I know he is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Pe 5:8). He is the accuser and he will do anything to mire us in sin or prove himself right and God wrong. Lastly I put the world because I have little to do with the world itself. I really don’t care what people have, what possessions are out there. I’m not interested in relationships or leaving behind something on earth after I’m gone. Over the years I’ve grown to hold a sojourner’s view of my life here on earth. I am passing through. I’m ready at a moment’s notice to leave and go.
Why is your attitude toward the Cross of Jesus Christ so important to your eternity?
1 Co 1:18-21 tells us that the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but that for those being saved is is the power of God. As Dr. Missler points out, there are only two options here: those perishing, those being saved.
As Paul states a little further, the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God (1 Co 2:14). The difference between the two is a simple decision, a simple draw, a call, a predestination. Our acceptance or rejection of the cross is what stands between us and salvation.
Proverbs 9:10 states that “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.” This study suggested that your fear of God is measurable. How is this measured and, given your answer, how are you doing?
I do not remember this being discussed in the lecture, but I will attempt to answer regardless. The idea that the fear of God is the beginning knowledge has been inset in my mind for many years. This is found in Pr 1:7. It is measurable by our actions, how we approach life. Do we really think God is one to be feared? Do we, like demons, know God and tremble? “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (He 10:31). If this be true, if we accept this as objective truth, then this will manifest through our lives in our actions. We will consider God before we act hastily or doing anything that concerns our life or choices, since God is ultimately in control of our life (James 4:13). As Dr. Missler stated how much do you really fear God? Do your actions back that up? If not, why not? Do you really think that the Scriptures are true? Will we not all stand before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Co 5:10)?
Contrast the evidences of true wisdom versus false wisdom. How do these evidences lead us down the road to “become like the gods we worship”?
Genuine wisdom is the essence of meekness. Meekness is the right use of power. Wisdom is the right use of knowledge and both of these seek only the glory of God rather than cater to the praises of men or the pride of the self.
False wisdom is wrong thinking which produces wrong living. It is wordy wisdom such as psychology which cannot solve the root problem of the human condition: guilt. It is ultimately deceit, deception, and through it we become like the god we worship (Ps 115:8; 135:18). This is the reason God does not desire us to worship other idols.
What is the foolishness of ignoring the Will of God? What does it mean to “prove” God’s will?
To ignore God’s will is to doubt that his interest is in your best interest. If we say we are a follower of Christ but in our life walk in darkness and in the lusts of our own flesh, then we are, in essence, saying that God is not a kind of deity that does what he says that he holds to the promises that he makes. It is a fundamental lack of trust in God. We are telegraphing to the world and to those around us that we do not really believe God is god or the judge or the savior. Additionally, by surrendering to God’s will daily is a sign of redemption within us. For if we are truly born again, if we truly have tasted the fruit of his spirit, if we are genuinely a new creature created in Christ Jesus for good works, then we will produce those works, not of ourselves or of our own efforts, but as a natural consequence of our conversion within.
Pick two of the following statements and comment on them. a. The secret to a happy life is to delight in duty. b. If God can’t rule in your life, He will over-rule. c. Seek the Lord’s will in everything. d. The question is not “what is God’s will for my life” but rather “What is God’s will that I may adjust my life to it.” e. The root problem to trouble is selfishness. The remedy is to “pray without covetousness.”
I would like to comment on all of these statements.
The secret to a happy life is to delight in duty. This is indeed the secret. They often say in the world that a happy wife is a happy life. While there is some truth to this, it misses the overall point. When presented with the truth about what would be coming in my future (a wife) I prayed not that I could make her happy, but that we would together serve God and have Christ at the center of our marriage. There were few other requirements or qualifications for whoever it was God would bring to me. I trusted that God had the very best for me in mind, so I did not really have to stipulate. But, I wanted her to be a genuine helpmate and not a burden, not a source of friction or drama in my life. Thankfully, God answered my prayers and we are both living and pursing a life of service together.
If God can’t rule in your life, He will over-rule it. I would wholehearted agree with this argument, to a point. I would stipulate that there is nothing God can’t do. There is nothing God can’t bring about if he chooses to do so. But I would say that we are driven either by desire or compulsion. Jonah is probably the best example of the latter with Job being also another example of implicit compulsory service to God. God will accomplish his will and purpose in us (Phil 1:6) and this can be with our consent and surrender or against it. God does not need our permission to do as he wishes with us and in our lives. The sun rises and sets and the rain falls on both the good and the evil alike (Matt 5:45).
Seek the Lord’s will in everything. This is the aspiration of the Christian (Phil 4:13-15). It is the litmus of those who claim to be in Christ. If you are truly born again, you will, inevitably, eventually, surrender to his will and will seek him first in all things.
What is God’s will that I may adjust my life to it? This is probably a very difficult reality for many people. The difference between God’s will for them and their own desires yet fulfilled. The reality that they will have to adjust to God’s plan comes often as a shock. But, it is a reward in and of itself to allow God to steer, as the proverb says, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” (Pr 16:9). This is genuine trust in a redeemer and a shepherd. This is our ultimate aim.
Root of the problem is selfishness, and this is apparent in the lives of us all. Selfishness tends to drive most of our actions, is derived from our base desires, and serves as the crux of most hostility in the world, in relationships, in life in general. It stems from the opposite of Christ, the law of self-sacrifice, of mercy, of holiness, of purity. It is that which derives from the devil and the lake of fire which is the outpouring of his consequence. Selfishness is the opposite of Christ, and yet few of us if any really can understand or emulate a purity performed in Jesus. It is only in God’s time, in his plan, in his purpose, that we might one day be revealed as Sons of God, and step into the glory was have been predestined for.
The remedy is praying without covetousness. Praying is our own panacea. There is nothing else by which we can elicit the help of our Creator, no avenue other than this by which we might invoke his mercy, petition his grace. Prayer without the aim of self is perfect prayer. It is the absence of pride and is emptied of pretense. It becomes a genuine beauty with Christ in the center and radiating through all and in all and for all and because of him all things derive and are sustained. Prayer is our answer. It is a wonder why there is so little left of it in the world.
K-W-L Self Assessment: L- Describe what you LEARNED from this session.
Dr. Missler points out that the first thing God created (or at least the thing before he created creation) was wisdom. In Pr 8:23-24 it shows wisdom being established before all other things, “from everlasting,” from the “beginning.” Wisdom was brought into existence before there was depths (of the seas, presumably), when there was yet no fountains in the waters. Before the mountains were settled. Before the hills (existed) wisdom was created. She was “birthed” and “writhed” in “labor.” This cannot be a reference to Jesus for wisdom is referred to as a “she.”
I find it fitting that Dr. Missler is quoting Thoreau. His loosely interpreted quote that I have cherished over the years is, “it is better to learn to live without something than to try and learn to afford it.” In the lecture, he is quoted as saying, “men have improved means to unimproved ends.” This, of course, would mean that the results of our progress, the outcome of our advancement is worse off than if we had never advanced at all. Advancement and progress in and of themselves is an evil to be shunned. For, no matter what we do, no matter what aim we strive for, no matter how lofty the goal might be, there is no good in human effort. While man’s wisdom will always lead to strife, competition, and ultimately war, it is God’s wisdom that is based on genuine peace and holiness. It does not compromise with mere men for relevance or status or fortune or fame.
This is talked about at length in James 4, how there was infighting among the brethren and inside the church assembly. There were wars with others, wars with ourselves, and war with God. This plays out in our own modern world, with class warfare meted out by our politicians to seize and maintain a strangle hold on illicit power. But, as we can see from Pr 6:16-19, God hates the sowing of discord among his own.
Dr. Missler talked at length about those who are too close to the world will likely become like the world (James 4:4). He becomes an enemy of God and we learn that friendship with the world equates to being condemned with the world (1 Jo 2:15-17; Ro 12:2; 1 Co 11:32). It is spoken of in James 4:1, that hedonism is the deriving of the pleasures of life; it is the belief that pleasure is the chief good. It is this kind of friendship with the world that is likened to adultery in Scripture (Ro 7:4; Jer 3:1-5; Ezekiel 23; Hos 1-2). In the end, there are three enemies of God: the world (the cosmos or the satanic order of this existence); the flesh (our old nature as it writhes against the new spirit within us); and the devil (who introduced pride and sin for untold reasons).
But, as Dr. Missler points out, we as Christians have a fiduciary responsibility to our King, to other believers, to the world, to our enemies, to work to their good on their behalf, even if it is a burden on ourselves. We must put the interests of others ahead of our own.
As already stated, we must surrender and submit ourselves, or fall into the proper rank as intended. I enjoyed Dr. Missler’s quip: “Why do Christians always form their firing squads in circles?” Yet we see that in the heat of persecution, idle theological disputes fade away when there is a knock on the door. And we find that the reality of our entire life and purpose and position in Christ is this: that the safest place in this world for a believer, right at this present moment and in every present moment going forward is to be wherever it is God wants us to be (Ro 8:28; Phil 3:14). For, does not God say, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future and a hope” (Jer 29:11)?
This is in response to his counsel, which derives from God’s own heart (Ps 33:11). To be honest, I never considered that God also has a heart, a soul. But why wouldn’t he? Are we not in his likeness? Was not man originally made in his image? If he has a body and has arms and legs and eyes, which the Scriptures all claim he does, why would the inner being not be consistently familiar, too? But, the difference between the two – our heart and his heart – is a vast chasm of poison. And it is not exact enough to say that it is the flesh entirely that condemns us, that entices us, that drives us, for Jesus said that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matt 12:34) and “the heart is deceitful above all things, and Jeremiah desperately wicked, who can know it?” (Jer 17:9).
There is an issue that Dr. Missler brings up in the lecture that I thought was very telling and somewhat accurate. He stated that there was foolishness in ignoring the will of God, and this is fine and good. I would agree with it. But, his reasons for it I am not so certain, but possibly.
-Brevity of Life (Job 7:6-9; 8:9; 9:25). He states that we never grow old but rather we simply wake up suddenly one day and find that we are. We are told to “count our days” and not our years (Ps 90:12). According to his actuarial assessment, I have 1144 weekends remaining. Now, this does not mean the same to me as it does to the man in Dr. Missler’s example. This man was very busy with work and labor. I, on the other hand, have not only weekends but I also have the entire workweek. I can do whatever it is I desire with the time I have. And this is a heavy responsibility because I know this is time God has provisioned for me and I need not squander it.
-Complexities of Life – Dr. Missler does not elaborate on this point, but it is truly a difficult that we suffer with on a daily basis. Life is complicated. I spent much of my adult life, especially the last 13 years, and most specifically the last 8 years, building a life that was void of complication, void of emotion, void of relationships, all in an attempt or at least partially in an attempt to avoid complexity and the vagaries of life. I was my risk management approach – an ultra low-risk tolerance. But, God told me at one point, no longer. You are now to get muddy and your life is to get complicated. Now I have children of just about all ages from 2 years old to 20 years old. They all want and need things. I want and need things for them. They are all trying desperately to grow up and learn to make their way in this world and it is difficult and messy and brutal and full of a lot of laughter and a lot of confusion and a lot of correction (for us all). I now have extended relatives that I DO NOT LIKE, who bring added and unnecessary complication to our world. Before this new life of mine, I would simply have scalpeled them out of existence because I do not suffer well the fools of this world, nor do I tolerate drama or dissection or takers or those who take advantage. But, I cannot do this any longer. It would deeply hurt my wife if no other. The rift between me and her family (even her perceived family) already has.
-Uncertainties of Life – We do not know tomorrow. This is simply a fact. We cannot predict what will come. We do not know who in our family or among our friends will get sick, or who will succumb to an accident while driving, or will have a heart attack and one day simply drop dead. There is no guarantee in life, other than the promises God has given to us. So, we are instructed to not boast about tomorrow, simply because we have no idea what is coming next (Pr 27:1; 16:33; Luke 12:16-21). I certainly had no idea what was coming around the corner when I found myself sitting down on our sofa, when my first wife said to me, “we need to talk.” Not only did I not know I had “done something wrong” that day that was the “final straw” but I had been completely oblivious to the fact that my wife had been unhappy for most if not our entire marriage. Not only this, but she had lied from the very beginning of our marriage, stating that she was committed to working through our problems. In reality, she was not. In reality, she believed that marriage should not actually be a whole lot of work, and if it ever became actual work or struggle, that she would simply call it quits. But, she knew enough not to tell me this in the beginning, because there was a very good chance I would not have married her at all.
Uncertainty is baked into a fallen existence and there is no escaping it, save death or rapture. Again, all the more reason for us to again and again throw ourselves on the mercy of God our Father and on Jesus, his Christ and our Redeemer. For he has promised nothing that is not for our own good. We are, as Dr. Missler states, Father filtered. We are sifted by God and tested and corrected and set upon a high hill a better model than what we once were or what we even deserve.
-Frailty of Man. Lastly, it is the very fallen nature itself that drives us back to our creator and sustainer. We, in ourselves, cannot do what needs to be done. We do not have the capacity to produce a righteousness that exceeds the scribes or Pharisees. Only in Jesus Christ can this be accomplished in us and through us and for our benefit. The only solution is a life in submission and surrender to our kind.
Now, Dr. Missler does point out in his caveat: there is a temptation to use these realities as justification to “opt-out” of the responsibilities of life. As he puts it, this reality of our poor circumstance is not an excuse for a flight from prudence. We must plan. We must be reasonable, logical, rational, and not foolish (Pr 22:3; 27:12; Lu 4:28). We must “prove” his will (Ro 12:2) and we wee this word for “prove” is the Greek equivalent of “prove by experience.” It is the learning the genuineness of something through examination and testing, through actual use.
Lastly, Dr. Missler poses the question, maybe rhetorical, but I will attempt to answer it: Why do people deliberately disobey God? The best answer I have found in all these years of study the Bible is found in Romans 1. They have been given over to do so. It is, according to verse 18, part and parcel with the “wrath of God” which has been revealed against all ungodliness. Those who disobey God (in whatever capacity or to whatever extent that might be) have become “futile” in their thinking and their hearts (that are already foolish) have further been “darkened” (unable to perceive or understand any longer). This is why people disobey God. Because he has “given them over” to uncleanness. He has given them the desires of their heart. He has turned them loose and let them go.
Lecture 7 Discussion Questions
What are the hazards of being wealthy and living your life in luxury and self-indulgence? How can one be wealthy and avoid these hazards?
Being wealthy is not a sin in and of itself. But, riches have their own unique hazards, and being wealthy could possibly be a test from God, or possibly even a curse or condemnation: a sealing of our fate, the final nail in our coffin. It often proves to be a spiritual handicap, as material possessions focus the thoughts and interests toward the world and away from God.
Money itself is neutral. So are assets like houses and cars and club memberships and court-side seats. None of these are good or evil in and of themselves. The problem is, as Dr. Missler states, not in the currency but in the heart. It is the “love” of money that is the root of all kinds of evil, not money itself.
The biggest obstacle that wealth generates is selfishness or self-sufficiency. Selfishness is the obsession toward gratifying our pleasures and self-sufficiency is reliance upon ourselves (our wealth, our skills and abilities) rather than on God. This quickly becomes a form of idolatry, and the coveting of things is idolatry.
Of course, the Bible does not prohibit the acquiring of earthly wealth. It does discourage, though, the pursuit of it. It prohibits the acquiring of wealth through illicit means. It prohibits the inappropriate uses of wealth as well (see Amos, Isaiah, and Jeremiah). All of these individuals wrote about and condemned the “stealing” of wealth and the selfish luxury and abuse of poor in the process.
Abraham was one of the wealthiest men on the earth at that time, so was Job, David, Josiah, Philemon, Joseph of Arimathea, and Lydia also. The Bible actually encourages saving our resources and provisions, actually demands its wise and profitable investment. Yet, there is a biblical argument to say it is wrong to store up money for its own sake, if you owe money to another, or to guard it for your own security or to spend it on your own pleasures.
Hoarding, but definition, is the acquisition of something when it wrongfully denies that thing to someone else. The process of simply setting up a store in anticipation of a future need is neither wrong nor constitutes hoarding. A prime example of this is Joseph in Genesis 41, who answered Pharaoh’s dream and then saved for seven years for the upcoming seven years of famine in the land. Another example is Matthew 25:14-30, where Jesus actually instructs us to make a profit with the gifts and possessions and resources we have been given.
Dr. Missler points out that the issue James has with money is not money itself but the way in which money is often acquired (Deut 24:14-15; Lev 19:13). It is embedded in the Ten Commandments (Ex 20:15), and God declares that all material resource belongs to him (Ps 50:10). The fundamental issue is again not wealth but the desire to spend that resource on our selfish pleasures to the point of being found wanton. We want to nourish our hearts with it, and this is troublesome because of Jeremiah 17:9. Luxury and self-indulgence has a way of ruining good character. It also quickly reaches a level of diminishing returns. Wealth and the ability to spend it, and more so the ability to receive genuine satisfaction from it, is non-linear. Twice as much is not twice as good. I like Dr. Missler’s quip, “A little bit’s good, a whole lot is a whole lot better.” But he is correct. This is not true. Once you have your basic needs met, then you satisfy a certain level of wants in life. You upgrade things like houses, cars, and services. Once you have the best foods, you cannot get better foods with more money. Once you have a big enough house, a bigger house will not be even more effective. It will actually be more of a strain, a burden, and will feel less like a home. Once you have your general transportation needs met, another new car will mean less than the first five cars you purchased. The more you have of a particular thing, the cheaper those things become to you.
I used to often pray to win Publisher’s Clearing House, and would submit my entry every single day without fail. I convinced myself that if I had won, if God would just bring Ed McMan to my door with a big check, then I could do all these wonderful things with that money.
Looking at it honestly, though, I can say God protected me by not giving me such a great wealth. He knows that I most likely would have rationalized little things at first, then bigger things. I would have compromised once on this thing or that, would have probably been led down some dark roads toward sin and destruction. Who knows where I could have ended up. Instead, God gave me a provision that I could handle. He gave me first enough to cover my basic needs. I have been comfortable my entire life. I’ve never gone without a meal, never slept without a roof over my head, never been cold against my will, and I’ve never truly wanted for anything. Second, he then gave me the desire to get out of debt (a few times) and then gave me a certain amount above my needs while I faithfully managed what he had given me (by reducing my overall expenditures). He then gave me to save the difference, to pay off my house and my property and my car. When I was presented a wife this last year, we were able to pay for our wedding and our honeymoon with cash and we have been able to use my car, my house in town, and we will use my property on the lake in the future to live on, for not only us but most likely – hopefully – our children and their children as well.
Likewise, we are instructed by Paul that we are to take responsibly and take care of those in our immediate family first (and probably extended, and probably neighbor alike), before we take care of ourselves (1 Ti 5:8). We are not to be selfish or self obsessed or preoccupied with our own affairs. We are called to do estate planning and to make a provision from the things we have been given (Matt 25:27).
The bottom line is the issue of investment. Are we investing in the short-term or the long term. We know that this life is fleeting. That there is no material possessions that we can take from this earth with us when we die or when we are raptured. So, as a Christian, we should be investing instead in things that are not destroyed by moth or rust (Matt 6:19). This would be other people. This would be our own sanctification (in becoming more Christlike ourselves). We have each been given an investment and we are not to squander it. We have all been given something by God. We should nourish it, and use it for the glory of the Kingdom and to the glory of our King.
I liked the quote Dr. Missler used from the Quakers, “tell me what you need and I will tell you how to get along without it.” This is reminds me of Thoreau quote in How I Should Live, where he says, “It is better to learn to live without something than it is to learn a way to afford it.”
Like Dr. Missler stated, most of us grew up in an optimistic, opportunistic culture. Our social and economic status is most often based on merit. The better we do, the more we are rewarded. Too many, though, simply assume that their children will be better off than they were. They take it as fact. But, this is not necessarily a guarantee. Tell the adults who had children in Ukraine. Tell that to parents of children in Gaza or Israel. The American dream, if it was ever a reality to begin with, is now deteriorating and coming apart at the seams. We need to prepare our children for what possibly awaits them in the future. We need to instruct them in the ways of the Lord “while he may be found” (Isaiah 55:6). There may come a time in the future, in our children’ future, in our grandchildren’s future where it is impossible to find God save for in the failing memories of the elderly.
It is good to have the things money can buy, but only to the degree that we already have ascertained that which money cannot obtain. This is the paradox of the wealthy, and we see it all the time on the news and in the tabloids. What good is a million dollar house if it doesn’t feel like home? What good is a million dollar ring if you have no one to give it to who genuinely loves you? My daughter told me the other day that home is simply wherever family is. It is not in a particular house or in a particular geographic location. It is where our people are. Whoever they might be.
The question arises: are we buying things we don’t need, with money we don’t have, to impress people we don’t even like?
His practical advice is: streamline, lower ones cost of living, get out of debt.. resolve an ability to be mobile both financially as well as geographically. And be on the guard against every form of greed (Luke 12:15) because it is deceptive. But if we draw close to the Word of God, if we meditate on it, we will learn the truth, “life does not consist in the abundance of man’s possessions” (Ps 62:10b; Pr 22:1)
Explain “opportunity costs” and how this concept can be applied to our everyday living and our eternity.
Opportunity cost is simply the difference in cost between two outcomes. If we have a set of possible investment options: A, B, C, D, and want to invest in A, we need to first consider what the cost would be not investing in B, C, or D. If the opportunity cost is greater than the profit of investing in A, it is a negative OC.
This can be applied to every day life in simply assigning cost to everything we do, every decision we make. This is the approach in the book Your Money or Your Life, except they do not assign a “cost” as in money or financial value, but they assign a satisfaction value, or what value do I derive from doing A, B, C, D? When I choose to spend money on A, what level of satisfaction do I receive from doing so? This way our our options do not compete against each other (zero sum) but operate independently. If doing A, B, C, D altogether is high in satisfaction, then I can work toward being able to afford all four activities or expenditures. With typical OC, we are limited in choosing only one option.
This can further be applied to our eternity by extending the concept of OC and investments toward the Kingdom of God. If we cannot “take it with us,” then we need to invest in a vehicle that can. What is this? Well, if we are Christians, then we believe that we will benefit (in some unknown way) when others are saved. Thus, by helping people into the Kingdom, by helping people enter into the church (these are two different things), we are storing up for ourselves joy in heaven (however that might be meted out once there). So, an example would be: I have $1000 of disposable income this year. I can purchase a 4-wheeler and take it out onto the dunes and drive it around, invite people to join me, have a party on the beach, and just have great fun all summer long. Or, I can instead invest that money into a program that prints Bibles and distributes them to teenagers. Even if just one teenage boy or girl receive that Bible and are saved because of it, in heaven, we would suggest that the reward (I use this term loosely) we receive would be much greater than the joy and pleasure we would have received from the 4-wheeler and the summer parties. Why? Because the endless summer would actually end on August 31st, and those memories would be fleeting and would die with us. But, salvation is eternal and our reward in heaven does not rust and is not eaten by moths. Likewise, this is what we have been instructed to do by Jesus, who is our King. If we are truly saved, if Jesus is truly our Lord, then we will receive a joy inexpressible in doing the work he has called us to. To love and care for one another. To spread the word, for the time is short and the days, they are evil (Eph 5:16).
Bil Keane, the cartoonist of the Family Circus, said, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.”
The reality is, what we keep, we lose. What we give to God, we keep, but we receive a return on that investment (Matt 10:39; 16:25; Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24; 17:33; John 12:25; Phil 1:21; 2 Ti 4:6-8).
I gave God much if not most of my life 30+ years ago. The portion increased over time, until about 5 years ago I surrendered all to him. I devoted myself to his word (not out of effort on my part but out of obedience to the conviction he put on me to do so), I abandoned many of my own earthly, worldly aspirations, and thought I had no idea why I was doing it, I went back to school and finished my degrees in theology and Christian Philosophy.
During all this time, I have experienced a great joy in life. Yes, there was periods of confusion and concern, distress, and chaos. But these were my own doing. I am convinced if I had simply trusted in the Lord with everything, none of these stresses would have materialized. But, God blessed me financially, giving me more disposable income than I could even use (so I saved it, which he also used for my benefit in the future), as well as an incredible and indescribable interior life, spiritual life. That abundance of time I was able to spend with God, soaking in his Word, comforted all those years by the reality that people might hurt me or leave me, but God never world. I look back now on my life and I can see God’s fingerprints all over it. Maneuvering me. Providing for me. Protecting me.
What is an evidence of spiritual maturity and what should be our focus as we mature each day?
Psalm 141:3-4 is an example of spiritual maturity in a believer. It is the express point that James tries to make in James 1:26, “if a man seems religious but does not bridle his tongue he deceives himself, his religion is useless.”
Maturity is patience and placing complete trust in our God. James uses the farmer as an analogy in James 5:7. Strategic patience is the same as the one who expectantly waits and watches for the crop to grow: in that our focus is on the 2nd coming of Christ. We are admonished to not only be sober and watchful, but to be eager for, even hastening God’s return (1 Th 5:6; 2 Pe 3:11-12). Patience is two-fold. It is long-suffering, which is patience with respect to people, and endurance, which is patience with respect to our particular circumstances. Both are required to successfully navigate this world of ours, the plight we find ourselves in. This is difficult because we often do not know what we don’t know, and what we do know or think we know is not actually what is true (Lu 21:8; 1 Co 6:9; 13:9-12; Gal 6:7; James 1:16; ).
We are not to concern ourselves with the world or their failings. We are not to be anxious about what is to come, because we know we have a God who is powerful and wise and will protect us (Psalm 37:7; Jer 12:1-2; Job 21:7). Rather, we must instead seek out our own sanctification, make our calling and election sure.
According to this study, there is only one certainty. Discuss what this certainty is and what will happen depending on a person’s relationship with Jesus Christ.
The answer to this question would depend based on the definition of certainty. They claim that there are only two certainties in life: death and taxes. But, as Dr. Missler points out, death is not a certainty for the Christian since we know there is a elect group of believers who will be alive when the rapture occurs and, thus, they will not taste death like the rest. Taxes are also not a certainty in that we do not have to work, we do not have to make as much money as we make. We can choose to make less or to retire and then we will not pay taxes. We could also homestead and live off the land (not realistically but still possible) and thus avoid taxes as well. I can live in Oregon where there is no sales tax. I can live in a hammock, not own or drive a car, not pay for identification, and would thus essentially have no taxes to pay. I could be on food stamps or make just enough to feed myself and spend the rest of my time in a library or laying in a hammock studying or watching television and have no taxes whatsoever.
What Dr. Missler is getting at in the lecture is that the only things that is certain is judgment. As Paul states in Hebrews 9:27, “it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” the judgment awaits us all. We see this also in Re 20:11ff, Ro 14:10; 2 Co 5:10. Wealth is the same in that, while it can aid in being a provision for us, it also comes with a myriad of uncertainties.
But, I would argue that judgment is only certainty to the degree in which we believe that judgment is impending. The atheist does not believe in a judgment (he hopes and prays that there isn’t one). In this life, in our condition in which we find ourselves, all we can be “certain of” is that something “happens” once we die. We do not know what it is. We have theories. It could be that we go to Hades and await the resurrection and the judgment. It could be that we are recycled into the universal consciousness and then thrown back into life through reincarnation. It could be that we simply die and cease to exist, never to experience consciousness or life again. If any of the latter are true, then there is no judgment to come. It is only if judgment is an under-riding, fundamental truth of reality. We can only be certain of judgment if, in fact, judgment is real and there is a day in which we will all be judged.
Certainty can be wrong. We can be “certain” of a myriad of things that are not actually true. They were certain the earth was flat, that the sun moved around the earth, that demons could possibly possess a person after they sneezed, and on and on the list goes of certainties that were later disproved.
The only real certainty in this life is our uncertainty.
Dr. Missler stated that the “impatient Christian is a weapon in Satan’s hands.” Discuss how this could be a true statement and what kinds of injury might be inflicted.
Impatience is a sign of selfishness, a sign of a lack of faith, and spiritual immaturity. When one is impatient, they often act hastily, and without thinking. We see this again and again throughout the Bible (Moses, Abraham, Peter). Even Paul asked again and again for the “thorn in his flesh” to be removed. But, God’s response was clear: this was given for Paul’s benefit, to keep him from being exalted. God replied, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Co 12:7-9).
Dr. Missler suggested some “Final Exam” questions we might ask ourselves. Pick two of the following statements and comment on them.
I would like to answer all of these questions posed as the final exam in life.
a. Am I becoming more patient in the testings of life? – I would say I am becoming more patient in testing. I have recognized for awhile now that God has my best interest and that I should just let go and let him have complete control over my life. I also realized finally in my late 30s early 40s that the things I had been striving for were not going to make me happy or accomplish my goals. Interestingly enough, once I let go of everything, knowing that God was in control, and I put my complete trust in him, he gave me all that I had previously desired and so much more! I’m not, of course, saying that God is in some way obligated to do this for everyone or even for myself. I did not in any way “earn” such provision. It was just as possible and deserveable that I would surrender to him and he provide me nothing of what he actually provided me with. Just as in the three friends of Daniel, “our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up” (Daniel 3:17-18). God can do anything, but regardless, we, as servants of the Most High God and the savior of the world, we are called to obey him in everything. What he choses to do with us is his prerogative. As Jesus said, “He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” and we are to take Paul’s perspective, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:11-13).
b. Do I play with temptation or resist it from the start? – I do often play with fire. There are things I could do to avoid possible contamination with the world, but I do not do it because, deep down, my flesh does crave the wickedness of sin. There is a reason why we are tempted to do so – sin is pleasurable. To counter this, I need to devote myself more to prayer, daily, and resolve within myself to seek after God and not after my own fleshly desires.
c. Do I find joy in obeying the Word or merely study and learn it? – There is a difference between studying or learning it and applying it to our lives. Too often I find myself in a place where I know I am doing something wrong but I want to do it anyway. the Bible can convict me in the worst times. But, I keep a tight grip on Phil 3:12-14: “I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
d. Do I have prejudices that shackle me? – I have objections to people in general. People typically suck and I would much rather live the remainder of my life without them and without interacting with them. I am not racist, agist, sexist, or discriminatory to people because of class or economic status. There are stereotypes that we all hold to one degree or another. But, that being said, I AM a believer. I do hold the Bible above every other authority on this earth and throughout this created universe. I hold God supreme both in my life and in the world and in heaven. There are activities, behaviors, predilections that God simply has forbidden. It is not discriminatory to not condone what God finds abhorrent. I do not go out of my way to punish people for their sins. This is not my job. But I am also instructed to now fellowship with individuals who claim to be Christians and yet they are mired in sin or act no different than the world. If anyone thinks this is discriminatory or prejudice, they can take it up with my King. He is the one to whom my allegiance lies, and it is of whom you will have a grievance.
e. Am I a peacemaker or troublemaker? – I would argue that I am a peacemaker, and especially a trouble avoider. I do not like conflict and I would rather not engage with someone at all than to engage knowing there is going to be strife. I don’t believe I gossip, but that is really for the Lord to determine. And I try my best to live a sacrificial life toward my wife and children, toward the church in which I serve, and toward my Lord and King.
f. Do people come to me for spiritual wisdom? – I wouldn’t say people come to me as in actively. I think my wife does. I think my kids would possibly. My kids have been placed under my care and rearing, so in this sense, they don’t really have a choice. They will receive my spiritual guidance whether they want it or not. They will learn the Bible, be well acquainted with it. This is what God has determined by placing me in the family as their father and as their mother’s husband. I would certainly say my wife has a high opinion of my ethics and morality (though I’m not sure I would agree with her).
g. Am I a friend of God or of the world? – I don’t care much for the world, for material possessions, or for our culture in which we find ourselves. I long for the end of this creation, for a new heaven and a new earth, for judgment day, for the division of wheat from chaff. So, with this, I would argue that I am a friend of God. I do actively pursue God in my life. It is not simply an academic pursuit. It is a spiritual one. It is a communal experience. But, this being said, I do very much enjoy the pleasures of this life. The technological advancements. I love having a computer with the Logos Bible Software. I love books. I mean, I LOVE BOOKS! I would be perfectly happy and content if I could lounge around all day and night and simply enjoy reading books, and studying the Bible. I did this for many years while single. I am enjoying sharing my love of books now with my children. I am taking the opportunity to buy books for Christmas. I do not particularly like the holidays, but this is starting to be a tradition that I get everyone a personally selected book each year as their one present from me. It is really exciting and I get a lot of joy out of doing it. I also am excited to be building a digital library in Logos, first of course for myself to use and have as a reference tool for learning, teaching, etc. But also as an inheritance for my children and grandchildren to use in the future. As long as Logos is maintained by the company and as long as my descendants have the login information, they will be able to (theoretically) use the software and all the books I have purchased over the years. It is something we have started discussing, creating a library in our bedroom on the boats we are building. I think my wife and I would both really enjoy being surrounded by books on all walls save for our port window that will be as tall as the back wall looking out onto the lake and the field in the distance, where the newfound rays of sun will pour through each morning as we wake to a new day. I do enjoy the movies, the connectivity we have in this world, the ability to do most things remotely (because I do not like dealing directly with people) and the ability to learn and have all of human knowledge literally at my fingertips. I do use the world, but I don’t think I love the world. And, I am most certainly ready to go home because I am convinced that whatever is waiting for us is so much better than the very best we have here on earth today.
h. Do I make plans without considering the Will of God? – No. At least, I do not try to. Sometimes we still do. But, for the most part, we do consider what God is calling my wife and I to. What is being impressed on our hearts at the time. We also want to be serving our God and King in the position in which he would have us, knowing that whatever God has prepared for us is so much better than whatever we might come up with ourselves.
i. Am I selfish when it comes to money? – I wouldn’t say I’m selfish, but I am very frugal, to the point that I do not like buying superfluous things. I don’t see this as a problem. I also do not have an unhealthy attachment to money or please some intrinsic value in it that does not exist. Money is a tool in which we can use to procure our daily needs and our daily wants. It is a provision given to us from God. It is also a stewardship given to us by God to which we will be held accountable for how we have used it.
j. Do I naturally depend on prayer? – I try to. I do pray often every day. I do pray in the moments of weakness, in the moments of doubt, in the moments of confusion. What I desire to do is develop a more consistent prayer life, where I have a set time set aside to devote to prayer in my closet. I had this those first few months before I met my wife, when I was struggling with the changes taking place in my life. I do miss that intimate connection I had with him then. It has been crowded out by activities and a busy life.
k. Do others seek my prayer support? – They do. I’m not certain I agree with this. I am convinced that the predominate amount of our prayer life should be in secret. We are not predisposed or required to pray “a lot” together. But, we are instructed in the Bible to pray for one another, and to seek out prayer from each other.
l. What is my attitude toward my wandering brother? – As long as he is alive, as long as he is drawing breath, I have hope for him or her. I will encourage them. I will try to persuade them with all the tools and arguments and discussions I have at my disposal. But, at the end of the day, it is their decision, as it is the decision that they were made for that was given to them by God to make. We simply walk in the lives we have been given. It is all preordained. So I am not overly concerned about other peoples’ salvations. I am not an evangelical. But I do believe we are to be in support of the body of Christ and to aid and help those who are being added to that body (by Jesus). We are to do our part, whatever that part is.
K-W-L Self Assessment: L- Describe what you LEARNED from this session.
Dr. Missler talks about taking oaths because of James 5:12. We also see this in Matthew 5:34-35 as well as 26:63-64 where Jesus agrees with the oath put on him by the high priest. Paul himself calls upon God as a witness of his own oath (2 Co 1:23; Ro 1:9-10). But, we are to make oaths and vows sparingly nonetheless (Ecc 5:4). Otherwise we fall into the hands of the living God (He 10:31).
Another interesting point Dr. Missler made was that our prayer life should not be focused on escaping trials or difficult circumstances. This is James’ point in th every beginning of the letter, why he says we should “count it all joy when you fall into various trials” (James 1:2). We should not be focused on escape but on enduring through the trials at hand. I find it interesting that so often Americans are encouraged to pray for the Chinese who are under persecution to help alleviate that persecution. But, the Chinese Christian tends to pray that they would be effective in their witness through persecution. They do not want the persecution to stop because it brings glory to Christ for them to suffer. This is a theology of suffering and a theology of persecution and we have neither in the US.
I think its an important point that Dr. Missler makes when he says that God is not required nor does he heal people in every case or in every circumstance. Miracles are not the end to themselves. They are tools of authentication. Jesus used them, not necessarily to heal the sick or the broken-hearted, but to authenticate that he was truly from God the Father (2 Ti 4:20; Phil 2:27; 2 Co 12:7-10).
I also thought it was a good point that when we call for the elders to lay hands on us and to pray for us, for heeling, it is important to call for a plurality of elders, so as to avoid the cult of personality syndrome that so often accompanies this kind of activity.
I also found it interesting that James mentions the 3 1/2 years concerning the lack of rain but this is not actually found in the OT.
Lastly, James 5:16b is dear to my heart. “The effective, active prayer of the righteous man avails much.” First, for our prayers to produce much, they have to be “effective” meaning they have to be for a realistic and practical purpose. Two, they have to be “active” meaning that I actually have to get around to praying the prayer, asking for whatever it is I’m asking for. Lastly, the one who is praying must be “righteous.” The only righteous people on this earth is the genuinely transformed, born-again believer, because he has the righteousness of Christ. This is often my mantra, sparking me to develop a more robust prayer life, especially one of intercessory prayer for my wife and most certainly for my children and for the church at large. I just need to make it a priority and stop letting the world and our busy lives crowd it out.
Lecture 8 Discussion Questions
This study mentions that “Faith is not accepting something in spite of the evidence, but rather, obeying in spite of the consequences.” Discuss an area or circumstance in your life where this statement has manifested itself.
For several years I’ve had a nagging voice in the back of my head telling me that I needed to go back to school and finish my graduate degree. I had started by in the early 2000s but dropped out shortly after matriculating into the graduate program for history because one of the professors flunked one of my papers and gave me no options to make up the work simply and solely because I had quoted the Bible as a historical book rather than as a mythic book. At that point I recognized that history would not be a major in which I would be teaching. So I dropped out.
Fast forward to 2019 and I remember coming home one evening and sitting down and pulling up my computer and starting yet another futile search for a graduate program that would be a better fit. Any fit. I had this nagging voice in my head that I needed to go back to school, needed to finish my degrees, but I didn’t know why or how I was going to do that, or how it was even possible.
In the end, I was presented with the opportunity to go to my previous seminary. One that was only nationally accredited. But it was much less than Liberty. So I went. And it was a great experience. Then, just when I was going to give up on a doctorate program I was recommended Forge Theological Seminary. At the time, it was a completely free school, though, it was not at all accredited.
The consequences were: I could go and get my degree and never have the opportunity to actually use the degree, because it would be from a non-accredited school. But I was certain I was not going to go to Liberty. It simply cost too much and there was few prospects for teaching afterward. It also was not in a subject that I wanted to study. So, despite this glaring shortcoming, I applied and was accepted and I completed my doctorate degree. Afterward I applied to the one school that, by then, the only school I wanted to teach at. Redemption Seminary. I was denied without explanation. So that was that. I had my degrees but there was no particular purpose, other than having them and having the experiences and now the nagging voice was gone.
Within six months of this, maybe a year, I had met the woman God had arranged to be my wife, and as we were getting ready to leave one afternoon I got an email in my inbox. It was from Forge Seminary, my alma mater. They were inviting me to apply to a professorship at the school as they were restructuring and expanding. I applied, was accepted, and I now am a teacher there as an Associate Professor. It has been very rewarding. But, it does not in any way feel like this is the reason for all of it. Instead, it feels like this is all in preparation for something else. That, for whatever reason, I needed the credential for something that comes later.
So, God proved faithful to me. There was a purpose and a reason for the nagging voice after all. I had to step out in faith and accept what seemed impossible in my limited understanding and limited perspective, trusting that God knew what he was doing and that, regardless of the circumstances, he will do whatever is the very best for me because this is what he promised he would do.
How are the Shroud of Turin and the fiery serpent of Numbers 21 and 2 Kings 18 linked? How can they both be a hindrance to a person’s faith?
The greatest connection between the two is the propensity of humans to worship the thing that is held most important to them. Regardless of what it is, the longer an item is viewed as important, the more importance is gathered toward that thing, until, eventually, the item becomes an idol. This happened to the brass serpent that Moses lifted up in the desert to save Israel from the snakes. It remained with them and centuries later it was being worshiped as an icon. It was such an issue that King Hezekiah had the serpent destroyed.
This is the same for the Shroud of Turin. It is being worshiped as a relic, as an item in and of itself rather than pointing to Christ. Everything we do should point to Christ. If it does not, we should not do it. This is why I have a personal and biblical problem with the modern holidays. They are steeped and built upon commercialism and self-interest and greed. Their very inception originates from pagan worship and pagan gods and were introduced into the Christian faith as a way to make the religion more attractive to non-believers. It was compromise. We are not called to compromise with the world but to be separate from it (2 Co 6:17). Most people who protest to getting rid of the holidays is they have too much invested in them to let them go. They have created a patchwork of folk theologies on top of the actual essence of the festivities that they refuse to acknowledge the truth.
The Shroud of Turin may, indeed, be the wrapping cloth of Jesus. Who cares if it is? It doesn’t matter. It is not like it is imbued with special powers or the ability to heal or we are somehow made more holy by touching it or being in the same room with it. It is no different than the mud that Jesus used to heal the blind man. It is just mud. The power is with God. Not with a death cloth or a brass serpent or pagan holidays we prop up with Christian terminology and revisionism. We are to worship in spirit and in truth.
Does James contradict Paul’s writings or compliment them? Provide scriptural backup for you position.
Paul claims that we are saved by grace through faith and not of works lest any of us should boast (Eph 2:8). This means that we cannot be saved by works alone. We see this in Matthew 7:22-23 when they claimed they had done all these wonderful works in Jesus’ name, but his response was, “depart from me, you who practice lawlessness.”
Then James asks us, “what does it profit if someone has faith but does not have works?” (James 2:14). And, “faith without works is dead.” And, “You say you have faith and I have works. But I say I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18).
Paul is speaking about “what” it is we need to be saved. It must be faith. Faith is the mechanism that saves us. It operates through us, within us, to bring about regeneration, sanctifications and eventually glorification, all through the Holy Spirit. If we do not have faith, we have no saving grace. For it is through faith that the grace of God has its effectual power.
James, on the other hand, is talking about what KIND of faith we are to have in order to be saved. Not that we must have works in order to be saved in addition to our faith, but that we must have a particular kind of faith in order to be saved. There are different kinds of faith. All of them are ineffectual save for the genuine faith in Jesus who is the Christ. We must be willing to confess him as our Lord to others and believe that God raised him from the dead. Additionally, this faith we have will, eventually, at some point and in some way, produce fruit. It has to do so in order to be a genuine faith. It cannot be any other faith than one that produces good works. If it is, it is counterfeit and is worthless.
These two are not contradictory. They are actually complementary. Paul describes what we need for salvation and James qualifies what that thing is, what it is like, how it must be in order to be saved.
As Dr. Missler points out, intellectual assent does nothing to save us. We can understand and still not believe. We can know something without believing it or surrendering to it.
Discuss any additional information you have concerning the Masonic Lodge. Please provide references.
I heard many years ago how the Masonic Lodge and all the other fraternal organizations were simply a front for satanic worship. My grandfather was part of the Elks Lodge, but I doubt he was in it very far, and probably was a member simply for the business connections (and he and my grandmother enjoyed dancing – and drinking). But, to be honest, I don’t know a whole lot about them. They do not really hold my interest.
Jesus pointed to the brass serpent in Numbers 21 as a foreshadow of His death on the cross. Please explain the typology with scriptural references.
Niodemus, the Pharisee, came to Jesus in secret and told him that they knew he was from God because of the authentications (miracles) he was doing. No one could do these things unless they were from God. Jesus said that unless one be born again, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. In his confusion, Jesus remarked, “as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so too must the son of man be lifted up” (John 3:14).
It can be argued that the sole purpose of Moses doing this in the OT was so that God could later use it as a type for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. That the serpent represents sin, the brass represents judgment, and the cross represents death. The lifting up represents the sacrifice before God, and all these things were done centuries later in Jesus, who became sin for us and was sacrificed for our sins (2 Co 5:21). This is often how God works in our own lives. There have been many times in my past where God has led me into dire situations for the sole purpose of rescuing me form them, just to prove to me that he is the one and only one I can rely on and place my undivided trust in.
Discuss the Equidistant Letter Sequence codes of Isaiah 53. Who were the people mentioned? Who were the people not mentioned and why?
The apostles (those who were at the foot of the cross), the words nazarene, Galilee, Annas and Caiaphas. Also, Judas does not appear. There are over 40 relevant names in fifteen sentences.
K-W-L Self Assessment: L- Describe what you LEARNED from this session.
What kind of faith saves a person? Is it necessary to perform good works in order to be saved? How can a person tell whether or not he is exercising true saving faith?
Whenever a prophet interprets scripture it is always literal? I wonder if this is limited to the OT prophets and are Peter and Paul considered prophets? If they are, it would not work because Matthew at least interprets Hos. 11:1 as pesher; the interpretation does not match with the contextual, plain reading of the text.
I liked what Dr. Missler concluded in that the solution to heresies within the church is developing an intimacy with the Bible that precludes our being led astray by “every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting” (Eph 4:14). By immersing ourselves in the word, by gaining a firm grasp on that which has taken hold of us, we will be thoroughly equipped to know when we are presented genuineness that leads to edification and that which leads to confusion and condemnation.
Conclusion
This was a good study. I was teaching this letter during Sunday school at our local church, which at times was a little disconcerting, but at others, I was thankful that I was able to use KI as preparation beforehand. This book has several themes discussed. It is not like Jude which has a single theme running throughout the letter. Rather, this one focuses on the rich, on authentic faith, on the necessity of that faith producing good works, and about waiting on the Lord’s return. It’s a great little book that, despite its initial struggle to be included in the canon, certainly has its place in what we today call Scripture.
Until my next post……
Excerpt from The Light Aurora:
The door’s lock released and Dr. Lewis looked around at each of them.
“Stay close, and be ready for anything. I’m not sure if they’re all in the Command Center or if they are trying to secure Level 4. Hell, they could all be evacuating.”
He stared at Scott as he came up onto the landing.
“Let’s go,” Scott said.
Dr. Lewis pushed the door open and walked out into the hall, followed by the others – in ones and twos. Level 2 was similar to the other level, with a long corridor, doors on either side, all with security displays recessed into the wall next to them.
But, as they entered the corridor, Scott’s breath caught in his throat. As he stood there with the others, he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. In front of them, probably no more than a few yards away, were three bodies lying on the floor. One was sitting up against the wall, the side of his face melted, exposing his right eyeball and a good portion of his right skull. Another one was laying face down, his entire back opened up at the spine, as if his spinal cord had been ripped out of him from behind. The last one was a few more feet away from the others, on his back, his eyes seared from his head, black, burnt flesh where his eyes used to be.
The intercom came back to crackling life.
“Professor?” Derrick said over the intercom.
“Don’t worry. You can answer,” he said. “I can hear you.”
Scott looked up, then fixed his gaze on the security camera at the end of the corridor.
“Yes?” Scott finally asked.
There was a pause, static.
“What are you doing, Derrick?” he asked. “Did you do this?”
“Indeed,” Derrick said, coming back on.
“Why?”
“They refused to help me.”
“What are you trying to do, Derrick?” Scott asked.
There was another pause.
“I want to go home, Professor,” the boy said.
“Home?”
“Yes,” Derrick said, his tone soaked with some other-worldly confidence that did not belong in an innocent, ten year old boy.
“I want to go home, Professor,” he said again. “Would you be interested in coming home with me?”
Buy the entire story The Light Aurora today and get ready for the thrill ride of a lifetime! What is this foreign and hostile place these strangers find themselves in? What does it all mean? Will all of them survive?
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But, trust me when I say, reading this book will change your life forever.
What do you think?