S254: The Shoes of Peace

Ephesians 6:13-15

1. God gives peace...

Isaiah 32:17-18
“And this righteousness will bring peace.
   Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever.
18 My people will live in safety, quietly at home.
    They will be at rest.”
(and all the introverts in the room said AMEN)

Philippians 4:6-7
”6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

2. But we maintain it.

Some of these spiritual concepts have very real effects on our BODIES.  Physical health.  Couldn’t be more apparent than this one.  The way that we REST is important to God. Remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy #4!!!!! Commandment.

Ezekiel 13:18, 20-21 NIV
"This is what the Sovereign Lord says: 'Woe to the women who sew magic charms on all their wrists and make veils of various lengths for their heads in order to ensnare people. Will you ensnare the lives of my people but preserve your own? I am against your magic charms with which you ensnare people like birds, and I will tear them from your arms; I will set free the people that you ensnare like birds. I will tear off your veils and save my people from your hands, and they will no longer fall prey to your power.' "

1 Peter 3:8-12
”8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For,

“Whoever would love life
    and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
    and their lips from deceitful speech.
11 They must turn from evil and do good;
    they must seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
    and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Practical Tips for Walking in Peace:

• We live like HE is our provider.

  • Stop going to other things for your peace.  Stop anchoring your soul in anything else.  Stop using crystals and counterfeit things for your peace! 

  • Tithe. Cast your worries on HIM. Pray about things that bother you. 

  • Think of it like…you treat your job with respect because it pays your bills right?  And to lose it would throw your world into chaos….you show up on time, you respect your boss, do what they say, right?  Why treat God any differently?  When he says church is important, you show up.  When he says tithing is important, you tithe…or your world gets thrown into chaos.

  • A lot of us Christians out here SAYING we believe these things, but our lives don’t actually reflect that. 

    • Are you lacking in peace?  GO TO HIM.

    • Are you lacking in joy? GO TO HIM.

    • Are you lacking in love? GO TO HIM.

    • Lonely? Afraid? Depressed? Anxious? 

  We are properly practicing Sabbath rest. 

• There’s a difference between just resting, and resting IN HIM.  I am actually trusting that He has my back.  Actually trusting that I don’t have to do it all, be it all, be productive ALL of the time…that worshipping God can also look like just enjoying my life sometimes…enjoying the gifts and things and people that He’s given me, and thanking Him for those. 

• There’s a line between work and worshipping work.  

• Work is not my provider.  God is.

• The Sabbath isn’t just about resting, but resting IN HIM.  Knowing that HE provides, not me, not the ground, not the earth, not the workplace, the office, the job, whatever…HE provides.

• We are properly dealing with conflict

1. Most of us grew up in one of two kinds of families…talk about EVERYTHING, no one’s feelings are hidden…OR hide everything, but be passive aggressive about it.  On the surface, that LOOKS more peaceful…but either way, it can be really destructive and harmful if we’re not dealing with conflict WELL.  Right? We all have trauma in our past from not dealing with conflict well, and I have to say, there actually AREN’T many adults who do this well…like, 90% of church-hurt could be avoided if people would just communicate better, but we don’t…we gossip, we guess, we assume, we judge too quickly, and we leave without telling a soul, and then the pastor gets hurt…

1. And unfortunately, the person who is hurt the most is the one NOT communicating! But we’re so fearful. 

2. Just because things are quiet, doesn’t mean they’re at peace.  REAL peace takes a willingness to put yourself out there a bit…it takes a willingness to confront 

2. Matthew 18

3. “Creating circumstances you can walk together on”

• When we feel fear or anxiety, we’re taking authority and casting it out.

1. You are NOT a victim.

2. 40 I Am’s

1. I am a child of God

2. I am redeemed from the hand of the enemy

3. I am more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus

4. I am forgiven not forsaken

5. I am a new creature in Christ, you can’t condemn me Satan!

6. I am strong in the Lord and in the Power of His Might

7. I am Kept in safety

8. I am blessed coming in and going out

9. RIGHT??? Luke 10:19 says “Look, I Have given you authority over all the power of the enemy”....so EXERCISE THAT POWER!

10. You are NOT a victim! 

11. Speak up, don’t hide under your covers and be silent! Seriously, and this is practical…if you feel a presence in your house, a fear that wants to come on you when you lay down in bed at night, like there’s a monster under you bed…come on, get up out of bed, and march around your house LIKE YOU OWN THE PLACE! YOU HAVE AUTHORITY given by JESUS CHRIST! Claim it! Walk in it! God gives peace, but you have to maintain it. 

• We are spreading the GOOD news, not the bad. 

• We are one unified CHURCH.

1. A unified church is so powerful.  And there are sooo many verses in the Bible about living in peace with one another.  OUR love will show the world HIS love. The way that we love each other…when we lay down our selfishness, our fear, our doubts, our gossip, our judgments with each other…

1. “There’s no hate like Christian love.”

2. Let’s love and serve each other WELL…that’s spiritual warfare right there.  We can carry each other’s burdens, break down walls, encourage each other, call each other out when necessary too! 

3. I’ve been declaring for months now, this is a house of FREEDOM and of PEACE.  That’s what a healthy home should be.  No underlying tension or fear…freedom and peace. 

1. Read the above scriptures.

2. Think about the following questions:

   1. What brings me the most stress? What is the fear behind that stressor? How can you give that to God?

S253: The Breastplate of Righteousness

Ignorance is expensive.  Hosea, “My people are destroyed by lack of knowledge.”

Ephesians 6:11-14

Google defines righteousness as: “the quality of being morally right or justifiable.”

Bible Definition: acting in accord with divine moral law : free from guilt or sin.

DIVINE law.  Meaning YOU don’t define what is morally right…GOD does. 
We go to HIM for our information of how to live our lives, because He is the AUTHOR of life!

Psalm 34:19-22

1. God redeems us.

2. We must participate in our own redemption (but maybe not in the way you’d think!).

1 Corinthians 10:13

2 Corinthians 2:11

Proverbs 4:20-27

1. Read the above scriptures and articles.

2. Do a 24-hour or 48-hour fast!

3. Try a new spiritual discipline from the list.

S252: The Belt of Truth

We are all in a war facing an invisible adversary who is aggressively attempting to inhibit us from experiencing life as God intended for us. Most believers don’t even know they’re in it.

Ephesians 6:11-18

1. Put it on

God supplies, we apply. 

2. Put on the full armor

Not some of it, all of it. Wherever you’re unclothed, you’re uncovered.

So the enemy isn’t looking for you to everything on, he’s just looking for the one place, you’re uncovered.

Genesis 3:1-7

John 8:31-32

If you don’t have truth–none of the other weapons work. Prayer is a weapon, praise is a weapon, binding & loosing is a weapon, but if you don’t know the truth about those things–it won’t work.  This is why the devil does want to keep you out of the house of truth.  

Stay rooted in truth with: The Word

You can’t know what God WOULD say, if you don’t know what He HAS said.

Stay rooted in truth with: Discernment from the Holy Spirit

“Discernment isn’t knowing the difference between right and wrong. Discernment is knowing the difference between right and almost right.” -Charles Spurgeon

Matthew 18:15-17, “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. 16 But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. 17 If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.

Exodus 12:12, “On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn son and firstborn male animal in the land of Egypt. I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt, for I am the Lord!”

Matthew 4:1-11

Read:

• Psalm 34:19-22

• Mark 10:18

• 1 Corinthians 10:13

• Proverbs 4:20-27

• Psalm 34:22

S251: Suit Up!

We’ve got to master spiritual warfare.

You may not be fighting [Satan], but he’s fighting you!

Just because ALL of it isn’t the devil, doesn’t mean SOME of it isn’t the devil. This is why we need discernment.

1.Evil often looks like good. We need God to help us discern which is which.

Ezekiel 28:12-16

John 10:10

Satan has 3 objectives, and ONLY 3.  To KILL, STEAL, AND DESTROY.    He is a thief!  He wanted to steal God’s throne, and because he can’t, he wants to steal God’s prized possessions, created in His image, instead. 

Ephesians 6:12

2. The supernatural world is real and complex.

1 Samuel 28:4-19

Deuteronomy 18:10-12

Daniel 10:12-14

Isaiah 6 (Isaiah 6:1-7) describes “seraphim” which have 6 wings, two coverings their faces…two covering their feet, and two that they flew with. 

Genesis 3:23, 24 describe cherubim on the east side of the Garden of Eden.

Revelation 10:1-3 describes a mighty angel coming down from heaven who is clothed in a cloud, rainbow above his head, face like the sun, and legs like fiery pillars. He roared like a lion and stood with one foot on the sea and one on land.

Colossians 1:15-16

Jude 1:9

3.There are guidelines–God-appointed guidelines of dealing with the supernatural world.

Acts 19:13-16

4. There is hope!

• Repentance.

• Forgiveness.

• Obedience.

JESUS is your hope!

2 Timothy 2:25-26

Read Ephesians 6:11-18

W259: Matthew 7

Read Matthew 7:

• This chapter continues to reveal the attitudes and actions kingdom people are to have. In Jesus’ day, who were the “pigs” and “dogs”? What are the “pearls”? What is the difference between the type of judgement Jesus forbids (v 1-2), and the implied evaluation required (v6)?

• What is the point of the two gates, roads, destinies, and crowds? How might verses 13 define what Jesus means by the “narrow gate”? Why is that road less traveled?

• How would you sum up the attitudes Jesus is encouraging in this chapter? Why are these requried for “kingdom people”?

Use the next month to study a book of the Bible in depth, and slowly, like we have been this semester, and come ready next semester with questions!

W258: Matthew 6

Matthew 7

verses 1-6:

verses 7-11:

verse 12:

verses 13-14:

verses 15-20:

verses 21-23:

verses 24-29:

• In Jesus’ model prayer, what 3 concerns related to God did he pray about first? What personal concerns follow? What is the relationship between forgiveness & prayer?

• If our Father knows what we need before we ask, why pray? How is fasting of Jesus’ disciples to contrast with that of the religious leaders? Why? What is the purpose behind fasting for each group?

• What are some of the “religious disciplines” valued in your circles? IN what way can they be misused as a way to impress others? When have you given in to that temptation? Why?

• What bad habits have you picked up in prayer? What do you want to do to grow past this habit?

Read Matthew 7:

• This chapter continues to reveal the attitudes and actions kingdom people are to have. In Jesus’ day, who were the “pigs” and “dogs”? What are the “pearls”? What is the difference between the type of judgement Jesus forbids (v 1-2), and the implied evaluation required (v6)?

• What is the point of the two gates, roads, destinies, and crowds? How might verses 13 define what Jesus means by the “narrow gate”? Why is that road less traveled?

• How would you sum up the attitudes Jesus is encouraging in this chapter? Why are these requried for “kingdom people”?

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LOOKING INTO THE SCRIPTURE/20 minutes

• PERSONAL WEATHER REPORT: Today’s forecast in my life is for:

  • clear

  • partly cloudy

  • overcast

  • scattered showers

  • rain

  • thunder storms

  • hurricane

• Who is Jesus describing in this passage?

  • housing developers

  • people with hearing problems

  • a crowd faced with a big decision

  • nobody I know

• The rock Jesus recommends as a strong foundation is:

  • the truth of the Gospel

  • faith in Jesus

  • faith expressed in action

  • blind obedience

  • Jesus himself

• The sand Jesus refers to is:

  • agnosticism

  • wishy-washy commitment

  • weak doctrine

  • the world’s values

• The point of this story is that:

  • everybody builds a house somewhere

  • everybody will experience storms

  • survival depends on the kind of house you build

  • survival depends on choosing the right foundation

  • if you don’t follow Jesus, the spiritual disaster will follow

MY OWN STORY/25 minutes:

• The theme song at my “house” these days is:

  • “What Kind of Fool Am I?”

  • “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head”

  • “Rock of Ages”

  • “Stormy Weather”

  • “Bridge Over Troubled Water”

• When it comes to house-building, I am:

  • getting ready to settle down

  • pouring the foundation

  • building the house

  • throwing a house-warming party

  • enjoying the security of a well-built home

  • thinking about moving

• The “foundation” of my “house” is made up of:

  • sand & water

  • cinderblocks without mortar

  • different materials that don’t fit together

  • miscellaneous rocks thrown in a pile

  • reinforced poured cement

  • top-of-the-line, steel-reinforced concrete blocks with mortar

• I would describe my life to be a house that:

  • is steady on a solid foundation

  • settles occasionally (cracks around my doors)

  • has serious roof leaks and broken pipes

  • won’t make it through the next storm

  • is destroyed and I’m trying to rebuild

• In order for me to build my house on a firm foundation, I need:

  • a barn-raising party (support from my friends)

  • instruction on the right foundation

  • a desire to move

  • strength for the heavy labor

  • a good set of drawings

  • continued encouragement as I make renovations

  • to turn the project over to the Master Builder

W257: Matthew 5

The Sermon On The Mount
(Matthew 5-7)

This week: Read Matthew 5

• How would you describe the opposite of each quality listed in verses 3-10?

• Is Jesus describing who his followers are? Or prescribing what they must do?

• How do these promised blessings compare with what most people in the world prize? Would kingdom people be admired in your society? In your social circles? Why or why not?

• How does the righteousness of the Pharisees contrast with that described in verses 3-11?

Read Matthew 6

• In Jesus’ model prayer, what 3 concerns related to God did he pray about first? What personal concerns follow? What is the relationship between forgiveness & prayer?

• If our Father knows what we need before we ask, why pray? How is fasting of Jesus’ disciples to contrast with that of the religious leaders? Why? What is the purpose behind fasting for each group?

• What are some of the “religious disciplines” valued in your circles? IN what way can they be misused as a way to impress others? When have you given in to that temptation? Why?

• What bad habits have you picked up in prayer? What do you want to do to grow past this habit?

---

MY OWN STORY/20 minutes

1. Code the list of concerns below with these symbols in the margin.

P-my parents biggest concern
-5 = my biggest concern 5 years ago
+5 my biggest concern 5 years from now
X=something I can do nothing about
✝=something I can give to God and forget about
*=my biggest concern right now

___children: doing okay in school
___parents: getting old
___job: finding it or losing it
___money: not having enough
___advancement: getting ahead
___older children: not making ends meet
___transition: starting over
___midlife: failing my expectations
___health: can’t work/pay bills
___retirement: feeling useless
___future: being left alone
___accidents: loved one getting hurt

2. If you were to take seriously Matthew 6:25-34, how would it affect your list above?

• it would change everything

• it would change a few things

• it would change the way I view things

• it wouldn’t change a thing

3. How do you feel after taking this personal inventory?

• relieved

• angry, because these concerns do not go away

• frustrated, because I know I should not be this way

• I’ll have to think about this.

W256: James 5

JAMES 5:

verses 1-4:

verses 5-6:

• Read James 5:1-6

  • When have you experienced a lack of rain? Of too much rain?

  • Instead of retaliation or vengence what are the poor to do? Why?

  • What lesson are provided by the farmer? By the returning Judge? By the prophets? By Job? By the call to integrity (v12)?

verses 7-8:

verse 9:

verses 10-11:

verses 12:

verses 13-15:

verses 16-18:

verses 19-20:

• Read James 5:7-20

  • As a child, what did you pray before you went to bed at night?

  • What lessons about prayer is James highlighting in verses 13-18? How is the example of Elijah meant as an encouragement to those addressed in verses 13-16?

  • From this book, what are some ways “wandering from the faith” has been demonstrated in this community? What has James done to try to bring them back?

  • When you experience hardship, what helps you to be patient and wait for God? What has really tested that? When have you come the closest to wandering from the faith? Who helped bring you back? How would you help someone else come back to the faith?

Overall:

• The book of James can polarize those who grapple with it. Which way do you find yourself leaning: Guilty or inspired? Resistant or repentant? Passing the buck to the rich, or passing out bucks to the poor?

• How do you want to be a “doer” of the truth you have heard in James?

• What is your biggest takeaway from James? What is your biggest takeaway from studying the Word in this particular way?

The Sermon On The Mount
(Matthew 5-7)

This week: Read Matthew 5

• How would you describe the opposite of each quality listed in verses 3-10?

• Is Jesus describing who his followers are? Or prescribing what they must do?

• How do these promised blessings compare with what most people in the world prize? Would kingdom people be admired in your society? In your social circles? Why or why not?

• How does the righteousness of the Pharisees contrast with that described in verses 3-11?

---

Measure yourself on these mental attitudes—1 being LOW and 4 being HIGH

POOR IN SPIRIT: I have come to the place where I feel accepted by God when I feel most unacceptable to myself. I recognize my need for God and know that I do not have to earn His love with wealth, status, or spiritual sophistication.
LOW 1 2 3 4 HIGH

MOURN: I have come to the place where I can really feel the empty places in my life. I can let others know when I am hurting and share the grief of others without embarrassment. I can weep like Jesus did.
LOW 1 2 3 4 HIGH

MEEK: I have come to the place where I don’t have to be the strong one all the time. I can be tender and gentle with people. I’ve given the control of my life to God and I don’t have to “win” all the time.
LOW 1 2 3 4 HIGH

SPIRITUAL HUNGER: I have come to the place where I want to know God and His will for my life more than anything. I am more excited about God’s will for the world than my own financial gain, success in my career, or acceptance by my peers. I long for God’s perspective in my decision-making.
LOW 1 2 3 4 HIGH

MERCIFUL: I have come to the place where I can enter into the feelings of someone who is hurting, lonely, or distressed and feel alongside them in their pain. God has given me a senstivitiy for the suffering of others.
LOW 1 2 3 4 HIGH

PURE IN HEART: I have come to the place where I can be completely open and honest with God and others—transparent because I have nothing to hide. I don’t have to put on “airs” or pretend to be what I’m not.
LOW 1 2 3 4 HIGH

PEACEMAKER: I have come to the place where I really work at keeping the channels of communication open between me and those around me. I deal with anger and disagreements immediately and don’t allow them to fester. I encourage those around me to work out their differences without hurting one another.
LOW 1 2 3 4 HIGH

PERSECUTION: I have come to the place where I know what I am living for, and for this cause I am not afraid to suffer and, if need be, die. I am willing to “take the heat” and stand alone for what is right. I can take criticism without feeling self-pity or self-righteousness.
LOW 1 2 3 4 HIGH

W255: James 4

JAMES 4:

verses 1-3:

verses 4-6:

verses 7-10:

verses 11-12:

• Read James 4:1-12

  • James prescribes 10 “antidotes” in verses 7-10. How are they effective?

  • What are some outward signs of this inner submission to God?

  • What is your usual response when your desires are frustrated?

  • How is the “world” trying to get you to be its friend now? How is that related to your faithfulness to God?

  • How is James’ cure applicable to you as you struggle with the world’s seduction?

verses 13-16:

verses 17:

• Read James 4:13-17

  • Regarding “tomorrows” what’s wrong with the type of planning here? With “boasting”? With “profit-making”?

  • How does this relate to your plans for the future?

  • What does James imply about our use of wealth and power?

JAMES 5:

• Read James 5:1-6

  • When have you experienced a lack of rain? Of too much rain?

  • Instead of retaliation or vengence what are the poor to do? Why?

  • What lesson are provided by the farmer? By the returning Judge? By the prophets? By Job? By the call to integrity (v12)?

• Read James 5:7-20

  • As a child, what did you pray before you went to bed at night?

  • What lessons about prayer is James highlighting in verses 13-18? How is the example of Elijah meant as an encouragement to those addressed in verses 13-16?

  • From this book, what are some ways “wandering from the faith” has been demonstrated in this community? What has James done to try to bring them back?

  • When you experience hardship, what helps you to be patient and wait for God? What has really tested that? When have you come the closest to wandering from the faith? Who helped bring you back? How would you help someone else come back to the faith?

Overall:

• The book of James can polarize those who grapple with it. Which way do you find yourself leaning: Guilty or inspired? Resistant or repentant? Passing the buck to the rich, or passing out bucks to the poor?

• How do you want to be a “doer” of the truth you have heard in James?

• What is your biggest takeaway from James? What is your biggest takeaway from studying the Word in this particular way?

W254: James 3

JAMES 3: “Just shut up”

verses 1-2: we must be careful what we teach / don’t allow emotions to control / descriptive, not prescriptive

verses 3-5a:

verses 5b-6:

verses 7-12: pick a lane! James is highlighting the hypocrisy of allowing our mouth to spew poison. We can’t do it without God’s help!

Read James 3:1-12

• Why is a more strict judgement placed upon teachers? How does this warning relate to taming the tongue?

• What do the three illustrations here (horses’ bit, ship’s rudder, fire’s spark) each reveal about the tongue’s power?

• Judging from the next set of illustrations (v11-12), how is it possible for human beings to both curse others and praise God? What does this say about the tongue? About human nature? About hope for change?

• When do you feel like your tongue is “set on fire by hell”? What have you found helpful in controlling your tongue? In changing the source of its spring (v11)?

verses 13-16: what do you want wisdom for? for selfish reasons or for good?

verses 17-18:

Read James 3:13-18

• How do these two kinds of wisdom differ as to their source? Their symptoms? Their results?

• Where do you need heaven’s wisdom? How is “earthly wisdom” hurting you? What cultivates heavenly wisdom?

JAMES 4:

• Read James 4:1-12

  • James prescribes 10 “antidotes” in verses 7-10. How are they effective?

  • What are some outward signs of this inner submission to God?

  • What is your usual response when your desires are frustrated?

  • How is the “world” trying to get you to be its friend now? How is that related to your faithfulness to God?

  • How is James’ cure applicable to you as you struggle with the world’s seduction?

• Read James 4:13-17

  • Regarding “tomorrows” what’s wrong with the type of planning here? With “boasting”? With “profit-making”?

  • How does this relate to your plans for the future?

  • What does James imply about our use of wealth and power?

W253: James 2

JAMES 2:

verse 1: 1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Interesting that he equates having favorites to faith!

verses 2-4: judgements guided by evil motives vs judgements guided by? / spiritual abuse issues, we’re representing God, when WE judge, people feel judged by God, when we judge them

verses 5-7: The rich young ruler

verses 8-9: our heart is shown that we favor the most, the things that mean the least.

verses 10-11: all sin is sin. we all have something!

verses 12-13: mercy triumphs over judgement! but the person who shows mercy can stand without fear of judgement. Matthew 18:21-35

1. Read James 2:1-13

   1. James is writing to an economically depressed community. Why would favoritism be a problem in this setting?

   2. For what reasons does James oppose favoritism? What is the “law” It’s purpose? Its consequences?

   3. Who are the people with “gold rings” for you? The rich? Powerful? Athletic?

   4. Who are “the poor”? The uneducated? Those of another race? What would change if you applied the “royal law” with them? If society as a whole did?

   5. How has favoritism in Christian circles affected you?

verses 14-16: don’t just TALK about God, and don’t act like God! don’t be a hypocrite. Luke 10 Good Samaritan passage.

verse 17: belief + action = faith

verse 18:

verses 19-20:

verses 21-24:

verses 25-26:

1. Read James 2:14-26

   1. Pretend the scene in verses 15-17 happened in your church this Sunday. Role play how a “faith wihtout works” approach differs from a “faith with works” one. What is the underlying problem here? The solution?

   2. How do Abraham and Raha prove Jame’s point?

   3. How is Paul’s argument in Romans 3:28 different from James’ point in 2:24?

   4. If you were arrested for being a Christian, what evidence could be used to prove the point? From 1:22-27, and 2:14-17, what further evidence do you want to provide this week?

JAMES 3:

• Read James 3:1-12

  • Why is a more strict judgement placed upon teachers? How does this warning relate to taming the tongue?

  • What do the three illustrations here (horses’ bit, ship’s rudder, fire’s spark) each reveal about the tongue’s power?

  • Judging from the next set of illustrations (v11-12), how is it possible for human beings to both curse others and praise God? What does this say about the tongue? About human nature? About hope for change?

  • When do you feel like your tongue is “set on fire by hell”? What have you found helpful in controlling your tongue? In changing the source of its spring (v11)?

• Read James 3:13-18

  • How do these two kinds of wisdom differ as to their source? Their symptoms? Their results?

  • Where do you need heaven’s wisdom? How is “earthly wisdom” hurting you? What cultivates heavenly wisdom?

W252: James 1

JAMES 1:

verse 1: think about who we know James to be. He’s the leader of Jerusalem church…the “prime minister” if you will…but he doesn’t list that as his qualifications. He’s also the brother of Jesus Himself, and yet, we don’t see that listed here either. “Those who are highest in office or attainments in the church of Christ are but servants. They should not therefore act as masters, but as ministers.”

Though His people are scattered…they are still HIS. He will still look after them. So whether you feel lost or found today, He still sees you.

verses 2-4: WHEN troubles come, not IF. LET endurance grow. It will happen naturally as we stay in the moment, and stay joyful. The word opportunity helps us see the hope in it.

verses 5-8: “We should not pray so much for the removal of an affliction as for wisdom to make a right use of it.” God always gives wisdom when asked. GOD’S wisdom, not everyone else’s wisdom.

verses 9-11: “Both these are allowed to rejoice. No condition of lie puts us out of a capacity of rejoicing in God. If we do not rejoice in him always, it is our own fault….Worldly wealth is a withering thing. Riches are too uncertain, too inconsiderable things to make any great or just alteration in our minds.”

verses 12-15: “Afflictions cannot make us miserable, if it be not our own fault. A blessing may arise from them, and we may be blessed in them” Dokimos meaning.“ We only bear the cross for a while, but we shall wear the crown to eternity.” The Word gives us no excuses!

verses 16-18: He never changes. Everything good we have comes from Him. Casts a shifting shadow = wishy washy, shadows can be frightening, He’s not manipulating and tricking We are His prized possession!

1. Read James 1:1-18 / Trials and Temptations / and consider the following:

   1. How does James view hardships? How do you view them?

   2. How is “wisdom” needed in those times? What are the conditions for receiving wisdom? Why?

   3. What would a person in humble circumstances have to take pride in? What is “low” about a rich person position?

   4. What is the practical difference between trials and temptations? How would you illustrate the process in verses 14-15? How is this related to the gifts from God?

verses 19-21: Less reacting, and more thinking. Slow to speak. “Practice the pause.” What does God get made about? Faithlessness and fruitlessness.

verses 22-25: We can forget and let it go in one ear and out the other, or we can meditate on, dissect it, dig into it.

verses 26-27:

1. Read James 1:19-27 / Listening and Doing / and consider the following:

   1. Illustrate what it means to be “quick to listen”. How does this produce the “righteous life that God desires”?

   2. What is the point of the mirror image? How is this point reflected in worthless or pure religion?

   3. Think of one significant relationship you have. What would change if you had applied verses 19-20 with that person this week?

   4. What aspect of God’s Word here will you put into action this week?

JAMES 2:

1. Read James 2:1-13

   1. James is writing to an economically depressed community. Why would favoritism be a problem in this setting?

   2. For what reasons does James oppose favoritism? What is the “law” It’s purpose? Its consequences?

   3. Who are the people with “gold rings” for you? The rich? Powerful? Athletic?

   4. Who are “the poor”? The uneducated? Those of another race? What would change if you applied the “royal law” with them? If society as a whole did?

   5. How has favoritism in Christian circles affected you?

2. Read James 2:14-26

   1. Pretend the scene in verses 15-17 happened in your church this Sunday. Role play how a “faith wihtout works” approach differs from a “faith with works” one. What is the underlying problem here? The solution?

   2. How do Abraham and Raha prove Jame’s point?

   3. How is Paul’s argument in Romans 3:28 different from James’ point in 2:24?

   4. If you were arrested for being a Christian, what evidence could be used to prove the point? From 1:22-27, and 2:14-17, what further evidence do you want to provide this week?

W251: James

THE LETTER OF James

How can we be faithful friends of God like Abraham? Can we resist the pressures of the world, our rebellious human impulses, and the influence of the devil? Can Christians live together in peace as we seek solutions to life’s problems?

James addresses these issues in his letter as he seeks to motivate Christians to develop a mature and consistent faith and to show how Christians can have loyal friendship with God and with one another.

SETTING James, Jesus’ brother, writes as the leader of the Jerusalem church to Jewish Christians who have been scattered by persecution. He encourages them to endure their trials with Christian fortitude and to exhibit consistent Christian character. The recipients of this letter were Jewish Christians (1:1; 2:1) who had been scattered by the persecutions which began with the stoning of Stephen (Acts 8:1; 11:19). They lived among the Jews who had been “scattered abroad” in the Diaspora (1:1; John 7:35), which had its origins in the Assyrian dispersion of Israel (the northern kingdom) in 722–721 bc and in the Babylonian exile of Judah (the southern kingdom) in 586 bc. This dispersion later included many Jews who traveled extensively during the Greek and Roman empires (4:13; Acts 13:14; 17:1). By the middle of the first century, there were Jewish communities all over the Greco-Roman world. The Setting of James, about ad 46. James, one of Jesus’ brothers, was a leader of the church in Jerusalem. The believers from Jerusalem had been scattered in the early 40s ad as a result of persecution (see Acts 8:1–3; 12:1–4). The scattered believers traveled throughout Judea, Samaria, and Phoenicia, and to Antioch in Syria and Cyprus (see Acts 11:19).

SUMMARY The letter of James is written with a pastor’s perspective, and it focuses more on ethics than any other book of the NT. The letter contains teachings based on the law as understood through the life and teaching of Jesus (1:25; 2:8). James also reflects Jesus’ own teachings, especially as later recorded in Matthew’s “Sermon on the Mount” (Matt 5–7) and Luke’s “Sermon on the Plain” (Luke 6:20–49).

AUTHORSHIP The letter of James was written by one of Jesus’ brothers (see further “James, the Brother of Jesus” at Acts 15:13–21, p. 1858). Like the other sons of Joseph and Mary (Matt 13:55), James (Greek Iakōbos) bore the name of an Israelite hero: Jacob (Hebrew Yaʿaqob; Greek Iakōb). After Jesus’ resurrection, James became a believer (cp. 1 Cor 15:7) and rose to a position of leadership in the Jerusalem church (see Acts 15:13–22). During Jesus’ public ministry, neither James nor the other siblings were followers of Jesus. They had even tried to end his ministry and bring him home to his responsibilities as eldest son (Mark 3:31–35; cp. John 7:3–5).

A personal resurrection appearance convinced James that Jesus was the Christ (1 Cor 15:7), and he was with the others in the upper room when the Spirit was given on Pentecost (Acts 1:14; 2:1–3). James became the leader of the Jerusalem church after Peter’s arrest and departure from Jerusalem (Acts 12:1–3; 15:13–21; 21:18; Gal 1:19; 2:9).

DATE AND LOCATION OF WRITING The letter of James is one of the earliest books in the NT, written after the persecution under Herod Agrippa (ad 44, Acts 12:1–5), yet prior to Galatians (ad 48~49) and the council in Jerusalem (ad 49~50). It reflects an early period prior to the conflict over circumcising Gentile converts and before the development of false teachings in other Christian communities. It was a time when synagogue (”meeting,” 2:2) and church (5:14) were interchangeable terms, as were law and word (1:23, 25). That this letter was written from Jerusalem is deduced from information in Acts and Galatians about James’s location (Acts 15:13–22; 21:18; Gal 1:18–19; 2:9, 12). The book contains allusions appropriate to Palestine, including references to the scorching heat (1:11); salty water springs (3:11); the cultivation of figs, olives, and grapevines (3:12); the imagery of the sea (1:6; 3:4); and the early and later rains (5:7).

LITERARY CHARACTER The letter of James is written in good Koiné Greek, the common Greek of the Greco-Roman world. It reflects the Hellenistic influences on Galilee and Palestine, as well as the enculturation of Jewish readers in the Diaspora. James writes with grammatical accuracy, has a wide vocabulary, and has an elegant feel for the rhythms and sounds of words. There are clear allusions to the Greek translation of the OT (e.g., 4:6), with some imagery from the Hellenistic world. James distinctively emphasizes friendship as the ideal relationship with God.

James is closer in style to the Book of Provers than it is to any NT book. It uses questions to introduce new topics, there are frequent commands (over half of the verses in James are imperatives!), and it proves points by quotes and examples. This diversity may be evidence that James ia collection of short sermons on different topics. Although Jesus is seldom referred to or quoted, his teaching on the Sermon on the Mount underlies much of this letter.

MEANING AND MESSAGE James’s primary concern is for his readers to maintain undivided faith and loyalty toward God (1:6). They were under pressure from a society that oppressed them economically (2:6) and abused them for their faith in Jesus Christ (2:7). James recommends patient endurance (1:3), submission to God (4:7), and sharing in the ministries of the church (5:13–20). These will result in perfection (1:4), honor (4:10), and a glorious life (1:12) at the coming of Jesus Christ (5:8). [James] takes us … back to the infancy of the Christian Church, to the purple dawn of Christian enthusiasm and the first glow of Christian love. As leader of the Jerusalem church, James maintained proper respect for the law of Moses and for Jewish traditions, such as the purification ceremonies after a vow (Acts 21:18–25). James also expressed a sympathetic understanding of the Gentile mission when he concluded that Gentiles could be recognized as Christians without first becoming proselytes to Judaism. He based this on God’s covenant with Noah (Acts 15:19–22; see Gen 9:1–17). In his letter, we find James both upholding the law (1:25) and at the same time hinting at its reinterpretation through Jesus the Messiah (2:8–11). Jewishness. This is one of the most Jewish letters in the NT. James uses the symbols of Judaism with little criticism (contrast Matt 5:21–22) and uses the primary identity markers of Judaism without redefinition (contrast Rom 2:29). James addresses the readers as the “twelve tribes” (1:1) and identifies their church gathering as a synagogue (2:2) with its elders (5:14) and teachers (3:1). He refers to the law of Moses repeatedly (1:25; 2:8–12; 4:11), cites the foundational creed of Israel (the Shema, 2:19), and names God as “the Lord of Heaven’s Armies” (5:4), a common OT title for God. James also uses the literary elements of OT wisdom literature (1:5; 3:13, 17) and prophetic exhortations (4:13; 5:1). He appeals to Israel’s heroes (Abraham, 2:21, 23; Rahab, 2:25; Job, 5:11; Elijah, 5:17). He does not, however, explicitly mention the ceremonial elements of Judaism, such as the Sabbath, circumcision, or food laws.

The apparent differences between James and Paul regarding “good works” must be understood in their differing historical and theological contexts. Paul emphasized that people could not get right with God by “obeying the law” (Rom 3:20, 28; Gal 2:16) or, indeed by anything that they might do (Rom 4:3–5). Only God, through his initiative of grace, could overcome the problem of human sin; a person must respond to him by faith. Both Paul and James believed this, but they differed in their emphasis. Paul emphasized that works of the law do not produce salvation (Eph 2:8–9), and so he opposed circumcision of Gentiles (Rom 4:5; Gal 2:11–12; 5:2–6). James, however, was addressing Jewish Christian communities. He speaks of “good works” as charitable deeds (2:14–18, 21–24). Good deeds are faithful obedience; they are the evidence of a genuine relationship with God based on faith. True biblical faith will always produce good deeds pleasing to God. James emphasizes that faith cannot be reduced to a mere affirmation of truth (2:19), and faithfulness does not allow for divided allegiance between God and the world (1:8; 4:4, 7). The letter of James gives us insight into very early communities of Christian Jews. It also helps us understand how Christians should live when they are a minority group in the midst of an oppressive, non-Christian society. It is alive with godly counsel for us today.

OUTLINE 1:1 Greetings from James 1:2–18 Faith and Endurance 1:19–27 Listening and Doing 2:1–26 Poverty and Generosity 3:1–4:3 Speech and Conflict 4:4–10 Drawing Close to God 4:11–5:6 Warnings 5:7–20 Final Exhortations TIMELINE Passover, ad 30 or 33 Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection Pentecost, ad 30 or 33 The birth of the church in Jerusalem ad 34~35 Saul’s conversion near Damascus ad 41~44 Persecution of Christians by Herod Agrippa I ad 44~49 James writes to the “twelve tribes” ad 47~48 Barnabas and Paul’s first missionary journey ad 49~50 The council in Jerusalem early 60s ad James, the brother of Jesus, is stoned to death in Jerusalem about ad 64~65? Paul is martyred in Rome ad 70 Jerusalem and the Temple are destroyed

STUDY

• Leaf through the book of James. Note captions and other clues about the book’s meaning.

• As a group make a list: what are the main issues in this book? What do you think we’ll learn?What are your first impressions? What are the key ideas?

• Looking at the issues that James addresses, which one strikes you as an area in which you would like to grow? Why?

• How do you expect this letter to challenge you the most?

• Some groups evaluate a person’s spiritual maturity by what that person believes while others do so by what that person does. What is the value and limits of each approach? Which do you tend to use? How do you feel about using the latter approach as a way to evaluate your life during the group study of James?

• To get the most out of James, what will you put into it? How will you apply yourself to the group disciplines (of study, prayer, shared leadership, outreach, confidentiality, accountability, etc)?

5 WEEK PLAN: One chapter a week! This week, James 1.

1. Read James 1:1-18 / Trials and Tempations / and consider the following:

   1. How does James view hardships? How do you view them?

   2. How is “wisdom” needed in those times? What are the conditions for receiving wisdom? Why?

   3. What would a person in humble circumstances have to take pride in? What is “low” about a rich person position?

   4. What is the practical different between trials and tempations? How would you illustrate the process in verses 14-15? How is this related to the gifts from God?

2. Read James 1:19-27 / Listening and Doing / and consider the following:

   1. Illustrate what it means to be “quick to listen”. How does this produce the “righteous life that God desires”?

   2. What is the point of the mirror image? How is this point reflected in worthless or pure religion?

   3. Think of one significant relationship you have. What would change if you had applied verses 19-20 with that person this week?

   4. What aspect of God’s Word here will you put into action this week?

F2411: Paul

Character Study - Paul

Elements:

• Name & scriptures

• Summary of their story (Background, when and where they lived, family, meaning of their name)

• What they are known for

• Strength & weaknesses (Characteristics)

• Victories & challenges

• How they point us to christ

• Lessons we can learn from them

• Questions you have from the story

Nov 13 - Paul
Paul (or Saul, as he is first called) is arguably the person most responsible for spreading Christianity throughout the Mediterranean region, on its way to becoming the religion of the Roman Empire. Paul's efforts to convert people to Christianity are all the more remarkable since, when we first meet Paul, he is vigorously attempting to stamp out this movement because he believes that its message contradicts the teachings of the Hebrew Bible.

Then, one day, while Paul is traveling to Damascus to arrest Christians, Jesus appears to him in a blinding flash of light and tells Paul his efforts against Christianity are what contradict the teachings of the Hebrew Bible, because Jesus is God's promised Messiah.

Paul spends the rest of his life spreading the "good news" about Jesus's life and teachings throughout the Roman world, suffering intensely for a movement he was once bent on destroying.

1. Find another character to do a study on. Maybe focus on someone from the Christmas story! Consider leading your family (or a friend) in doing this with you.

2. Come to the B&B Christmas Party!

F2410: Peter

Character Study - Peter

Elements:

• Name & scriptures

• Summary of their story (Background, when and where they lived, family, meaning of their name)

• What they are known for

• Strength & weaknesses (Characteristics)

• Victories & challenges

• How they point us to christ

• Lessons we can learn from them

• Questions you have from the story

Nov 6 - Peter
Jesus affectionately gives his closest friend, Simon, the nickname "Rocky," though the Greek form of the name is "Peter." Peter is a fisherman until Jesus calls him to be a disciple or "a fisher of men." Peter soon becomes the "rock" on which Jesus would build his church, even giving him the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, according to Catholic doctrine, Peter is the first Pope, the vicar (or substitute) of Christ.

But even Jesus's closest confidant betrays him, as on the eve of the crucifixion, Peter denies knowing Jesus three times. Following Jesus's death, Peter spreads Christianity abroad, and while in Rome, tradition holds that in 64 C.E., Nero has Peter crucified upside-down — a request Peter makes so as not to denigrate Jesus's death. His tomb is now encased within St. Peter's Basilica.

Next Character Study: Paul

Important Parts about Paul:

• Acts 7:58

• Acts 9:1-22

• Acts 15:36-16:10

• Acts 28:11-31

• Romans 8:28-30

• 2 Corinthians 5:10

• 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

• Galatians 1:13-21

• Galatians 2:1-10

• Philippians 3:4-6

• 2 Timothy 4:6-8

F249: Jesus

Character Study - Jesus

Elements:

• Name & scriptures

• Summary of their story (Background, when and where they lived, family, meaning of their name)

• What they are known for

• Strength & weaknesses (Characteristics)

• Victories & challenges

• How they point us to christ

• Lessons we can learn from them

• Questions you have from the story

Oct 30 - Jesus

The New Testament's story of Jesus is as fascinating as it is inspiring. Born and raised in the "backwaters" of the Roman Empire, Jesus begins a religious movement that eventually overtakes the Empire. According to the New Testament, Jesus is the Messiah ("anointed one," Greek "Christos"), the promised deliverer of Israel, whose death on the cross brings deliverance from sin, and whose eventual return to earth will bring deliverance from oppression by ushering in God's kingdom. Jesus's message of caring for the downtrodden, extending kindness to strangers, and loving one's enemies is still unrivaled for its profound insight and penetrating simplicity.

• Who is Jesus to you?

  • What does the word “Messiah” mean?

• How would you describe Jesus to a non-believer?

  • If you were to ask the average person where you work, “Who is Jesus Christ?” what would they say?

Next Character Study: Peter

Important Parts about Peter:

• Matthew 14:28-31

• Matthew 16:13-19

• Mark 8:27-33

• Luke 22:55-61

• John 6:66-69

• John 21:15-19

• Acts 4:8-21

F248: Mary

Character Study - Mary

Elements:

• Name & scriptures

• Summary of their story (Background, when and where they lived, family, meaning of their name)

• What they are known for

• Strength & weaknesses (Characteristics)

• Victories & challenges

• How they point us to christ

• Lessons we can learn from them

• Questions you have from the story

Oct 23 - Mary

Being Jesus's mom, as you might imagine, is bound to put you in the theological limelight, and Mary holds this office with dignity and grace.
Betrothed to Joseph at a young age, Mary becomes pregnant under mysterious circumstances. Two of the four gospels claim that God is the father of her baby, but because of the silence of the other two gospels, as well as the lack of this being mentioned by Peter and Paul, it seems the doctrine of Jesus's virgin birth wasn't emphasized in the early Church — though it certainly did dominate later. The picture of Mary in the gospels is one of a concerned and loving mother who doesn't fully understand her son at times, but supports him to the end, even painfully witnessing his execution at the foot of the cross.

Much of what Christians believe about Mary arose after her lifetime and highlights theological differences between Catholics and Protestants. For Catholics, Mary maintained her virginity throughout her life. Thus, Jesus's "brothers" and "sisters" were either children fathered by Joseph from previous marriages, or cousins. But for most Protestant groups, these were just what the text says: full siblings. Also in death, Catholics believe that Mary's assumption to heaven involved not only her soul, but her body as well. For all Christians, Mary becomes venerated more than any other woman in the Bible.

Next Character Study: Jesus

Important Parts about Jesus: (split up groups for reading)

• Matthew: Maggie, Theresa, Brittany

• Mark: Chelsea, Greta, Candace

• Luke: Lynsey, Denyse, Chaulin, Amanda, Vicki,

• John: Becky, Sara, Elizabeth, Michelle,

F247: Isaiah

Character Study - Isaiah

Elements:

• Name & scriptures

• Summary of their story (Background, when and where they lived, family, meaning of their name)

• What they are known for

• Strength & weaknesses (Characteristics)

• Victories & challenges

• How they point us to christ

• Lessons we can learn from them

• Questions you have from the story

Oct 16 - Isaiah

Isaiah is one of the most influential prophets in the Hebrew Bible. During his career, Isaiah advises several kings of Judah, helping them to avoid being destroyed by the mighty Assyrian Empire (around 700 B.C.E.).

Beyond Isaiah's political influence, he is a masterful poet, with many of his prophecies inspiring hope for eventual peace and righteousness on earth. Several of these prophecies were later understood by Christians to be predictions of Jesus, including the birth of Immanuel; the coming of the Prince of Peace, as quoted in Handel's Messiah; and the suffering of God's "Servant" for the sins of His people.

Next Character Study: Mary

Important Parts about Mary:

• Matthew 1-2

• Matthew 12:46-50/Mark 3:31

• Luke 1-2

• John 2

• John 19:25-27

• Acts 1:14

F246: Elijah

Character Study - Elijah

Elements:

• Name & scriptures

• Summary of their story (Background, when and where they lived, family, meaning of their name)

• What they are known for

• Strength & weaknesses (Characteristics)

• Victories & challenges

• How they point us to christ

• Lessons we can learn from them

• Questions you have from the story

Oct 9 - Elijah

Elijah is one of Israel's greatest prophets, as well as God's heavyweight champ in an epic bout against a deity named Baal (the Canaanite storm god). In order to prove to the Israelites that God is the only true God, Elijah gathers the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel, where for the main event each deity is given a pile of wood with a bull on it. The god who can produce fire and consume the sacrifice wins. Baal goes first, and for half the day his prophets dance, shout, sing, and even cut themselves in order to convince their god to answer Elijah's challenge. When their efforts fail, Elijah prays to God, who immediately sends fire down from the sky and consumes the sacrifice. The Israelites rededicate themselves to God, and they kill the prophets who deceived them into worshiping Baal.

Later, near the Jordan River, a fiery horse-drawn chariot descends from the sky and takes Elijah to heaven, but not before he appoints a successor named Elisha. Elijah's atypical departure influenced later biblical prophets, who predicted that Elijah would return as a precursor to the coming of the Messiah. Because of these prophecies, Jews invite Elijah every Passover to usher in the age of the Messiah, and the New Testament writers associate John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus's ministry, with Elijah.

Next Character Study: Isaiah (the book of Isaiah)

Important Parts about Isaiah:

• Isaiah 1, 6-9, 20, 30, 37-39

F245: David

Character Study - David

Elements:

• Name & scriptures

• Summary of their story (Background, when and where they lived, family, meaning of their name)

• What they are known for

• Strength & weaknesses (Characteristics)

• Victories & challenges

• How they point us to christ

• Lessons we can learn from them

• Questions you have from the story

Oct 2 - David

David is Israel's second and greatest king. As a boy, David courageously defeats a mighty enemy warrior named Goliath with only a sling and a stone. As a man, David conquers all Israel's enemies and begins a dynasty that would rule Jerusalem for nearly 500 years. But not all the news surrounding David is good. David perpetrates one of the Bible's most heinous crimes: He commits adultery with a woman named Bathsheba, who's the wife of one of David's most loyal soldiers, Uriah. Then, to cover up the crime, David has Uriah killed. In David's favor, when the prophet Samuel confronts David with his sin, David repents. Moreover, in God's favor, God forgives David for his sin, but not without punishing David for his crime.

Beyond David's royal exploits (and indiscretions), he's credited with writing many of ancient Israel's worship songs, which you can read in the Book of Psalms.

Next Character Study: Elijah

Important Parts about Elijah:

• 1 Kings 17-19

• 2 Kings 1-2