Main Scripture passage: James 1:19-25

Regarding the word of God, James tells us firstly that we are to hear the word, secondly to receive it, and thirdly to be doers of the word. When James tell us to be hearers of the word, he means just that–we are to listen to the word being preached or spoken. And not just listen to the spoken word; we are to read the word, study it, meditate upon it, know it, and understand it. How do we do this? James tells us two things. (1) We are to be “swift to hear” (v. 19)–that is, to be eager, to be willing, to pay attention, to concentrate. In addition, we are to be slow to speak and slow to anger. Consider and ponder what is spoken, not objecting to the word or responding in anger. (2) We are to listen to the word purely. Verse 21 says, “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” The reason James tell us to lay aside our sin is because the presence of sin hardens the heart. And when the heart is hardened, it is like the rocky soil on which the seed that is sown cannot grow. You see, sin causes our hearts to be prejudiced against God’s word. And when we are in love with sin we can’t be in love with God’s word because they are at enmity with each another. Therefore, in order to receive the word, we have to lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness. This requires an attitude of meekness and humility. Secondly, James tells us to receive the word. This means to allow the word to enter–not just the ear, but the mind, the heart, the conscience, the will, and the affections. That is, we are to allow the word of God to shape us. This entails embracing the word and cherishing the word. There is a profound difference between loving the word and just knowing the word. God wants us to fully embrace and cherish His word, allowing it to transform our lives. Thirdly, James tells us to be doers of the word. This is really the test of the things already mentioned. It is the test of whether we have heard and received the word. Because if we’ve received the word, we will do the word. This is in contrast with the hearer only. The hearer hears, departs, and then forgets. But the doer hears, receives, and then does. Therefore obedience to God is an indicator of genuine faith. That is, the only way to know if we are receiving the word is if we are bearing fruit in our lives. James’s challenge for us is to show that we’ve received the word by how we live.

Main Scripture passage: James 1:2-18

When we fall into various trials, James tells us how we ought to respond. First, we are to “count it all joy” (v. 2). This does not mean that we are to be happy or giddy at all times, as if nothing were wrong. Rather, James is saying that it is reasonable to be thankful for trials when we know and understand their purpose. If you do not know the purpose of the trial, you will not be thankful for the grief. What then is the purpose? James tells us in verse 4: “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” That is, the goal of our trials is that the glory of God might be reflected in our nature–that we might be spiritually and morally perfect. Therefore, it is reasonable to be grateful for the trial because we know God is working in us to conform us to the image of His Son, with the capacity to experience divine glory, bliss, and happiness. Secondly, we are to endure through the trial. James tells us to let patience have its perfect work. Do not abort the process. If we flee from the trial, God will continue to bring it back until we pass the test. Just as God was faithful to Israel in the wilderness, he will also be faithful to us. Thirdly, in our response to trials, James tell us to pray. Verse 5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” When we are in the midst of a trial, we may not know what God is specifically trying to teach us. We know the general truth–that God is using the trial to conform us to His image–but we may not know the specific thing God is working to perfect. This is when it is appropriate to ask God for wisdom–so that we might know what He is teaching us. To put it another way, it is okay to ask God “why” when it is done in the right spirit. Fourthly, James tells us to boast or to glory in our trials (vv. 9-10). Trials are a mark of God’s profound love for us, and thus we are to glory in the trials. Because God loves us, he proves us, and because God cherishes us, he chastens us. This is something to boast about. Fifthly, we are to continually look to eternity. Verse 12 says, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” By looking to heaven, we are reminded of our future reward. Thus we will not complain and grumble. Lastly, James tells us not to be deceived. Although God tests us, He does not tempt us. The temptation to sin when we experience trials comes from our own heart. God is not leading us into sin; He is leading us unto maturity. And when we respond to trials in the wrong way, we want to blame God because we don’t want to be responsible. But James tells us that God does not tempt us. The temptation comes from our own heart. In conclusion, the appropriate response to trials consists in this: we are to “count it all joy”; go through the trial; pray for wisdom, glory in the trial; look to eternity; and not be deceived.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4).

Main Scripture passage: James 1:1-12

There are three components to the nature of tests: 1) tests are inevitable and will occur repeatedly throughout our lives, 2) tests are mysterious, meaning we may not always know when we are being tested, and 3) tests are universal–every Christian will be tested. The purpose of tests and testing through trials is to refine that thing which is being tested. That is, the purpose of testing is to perfect our faith and character. Lastly, our response to tests ought to be to endure them (not to abort the process). The only way to get past the test is to go through it. And not only are we supposed to endure them, we should not take matters into our own hands. This means we should not try to smooth things over when God is doing a deeper work in our lives. As James says, “Let patience have its perfect work.” Then, after we have been approved, we will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him (v. 12).

Romans 12:9-21

“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality” (Romans 12:9-13).

Hospitality is important for several reasons. First, hospitality is important because it is commanded. There are no trivial commands when it comes to God’s Word, because God is the author of the command (Matthew 5:17-20). Secondly, hospitality is important because it is part of the church’s mission. The church is to be a people eager for good works (Titus 2:11-14; Ephesians 2:10). That is what makes the church different from the world. The church is not only performing good works but is zealous for them. In addition, hospitality as a good work brings glory to God (1 Peter 2:11-12). This is yet another reason for hospitality’s importance. Thirdly, hospitality is important because it is a means of evangelism and proclamation. The demonstration of hospitality proclaims that people really matter. Although the image of God has been marred by the fall, we still bear that image. Therefore, humans are valuable and thus ought to be treated with respect, honor, dignity, and even love. Not only does the demonstration of hospitality proclaim that people matter; it also proclaims the love of God. By showing people the love of God in a concrete way, we are proclaiming the gospel. Lastly, hospitality is important because by engaging in it, we become imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1-2). Hospitality incarnates the message of God’s redemption–that throughout the history of the world God has sought out the outcasts, the strangers, and invited them into His family (Ephesians 2:11-19). Therefore, we are saved by God’s hospitality. And because we are called to be imitators of God, we ought also to demonstrate hospitality to others.

Psalm 127-128

“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate” (Psalm 127:3-5).

God loves children. He sees them as highly valuable. The reason for their value is seen throughout Scripture. Firstly, children are valuable because they are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). They are His own special creations, created with an immortal soul. They will live forever somewhere, and thus have eternal value. Secondly, children are valuable because God encourages the reproductive process (1:28). He desires His image to be spread across the face of the earth. Thirdly, children are precious because God is the protector of life. He desires to protect human life and the nursery of life–the family. This is seen by commands not to murder and commands against things that would erode the family, such as adultery and covetousness. Lastly, and most importantly, children are valuable because God sent His only begotten Son to die for them on the cross (John 3:16). God loves children so much that He would sacrifice Himself to save them. Children are as precious as the blood of the Lamb. Without a doubt, God loves children.

How one lives is an expression of his values. Therefore, when people pursue hospitality toward strangers, they are demonstrating the values that cause them to be hospitable. Specifically, three values are expressed by the practice of hospitality. These are 1) the priority of the person, 2) the supremacy of love, and 3) the gospel.

Romans 12:9-13

Christians are called to be hospitable. Hospitality is simply the love of strangers. We can express our love for strangers by simply introducing ourselves and getting to know them. Although hospitality sometimes comes at a cost, it has many benefits. Specifically, hospitality affords for unity and fellowship among the body and for the exercise of spiritual gifts. In addition, hospitality towards those who don’t know Christ is a great opportunity for evangelism.

Romans 12:9-21

“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality” (Romans 12:10-13).