How to live under Pressure

 Read James 5.

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle James wrote to Jewish believers who had to leave Jerusalem due to persecution.  They scattered throughout the Roman Empire only to discover that the government also persecuted Christians.

From the opening verses in chapter one, James encouraged these suffering believers to be steadfast during the trials of their faith.  Here in chapter five, he returned to that theme.  I borrowed the outline below (not the content) from the writings of J. Ronald Blue, professor at Dallas Theological Seminary.  It was just too good and simple not to use.

1. The Essence of Patience.
Repeatedly, in this paragraph, patience is urged.  It is a different Greek word but essentially the same message of James 1:3.  We are to be faithful and steadfast during the trials of our faith, so that we build up our endurance.  All trials and times of suffering are temporal.  Waiting for relief from the stress, pressures and pain that come in every person's life is difficult and may seem that if will never end.

The hope that is expressed by James is the imminent return of Christ.  Our hope is not in this life.  If it is, disappointment, disillusionment, and depression will be our lot.  A follower of Jesus understands that we are only here for a few years at best.  Our goal is to be good managers of these days and use every opportunity for God's glory.  When we see Jesus, either by death or rapture, it will be worth it all.  

2. The Examples of Patience. 
Everyone waits.  But when we are experiencing tough times, we may feel like we are the only ones.  James provided some practical and Biblical examples of those who depend on God while they wait.
-The farmer (v.7) prepares the soil, plants the seed, and tends the field, working hard as if the crop depends solely on him.  All the while, the farmer is dependent also on weather conditions beyond his control.  He works and then waits to see what God will do.  The harvest is worth the endurance.
-The prophets (v.10) faithfully preached what God gave them to say.  Yet, they were often abused, rejected, and some were killed.  Hebrews 11 states, "...so they might rise again to a better life."
-Job (v.11) was the most upright man Satan could find.  Overarching were all of the hardships he suffered.  Yet, Job endured declaring, "the LORD is compassionate and merciful."  God gave him a double reward in the end.

3. The Evidence of Patience.
Our behavior during trials proves the validity of our faith.  This is not referring to "grit your teeth," "grin and bear it," "tough it out," and "suck it up."  No, this is the "calm and cheerful delight" that comes from the Holy Spirit ministering to us while we trust God for the outcome.  "The Judge is standing at the door." (v.9)  In other words, not only is the return of Christ imminent but He is listening to every word.  Therefore, we are not to grumble against others, nor are we to swear.  James previously lectured on bridling our tongues.  We can make matters worse by not watching our words.  Keep the communication simple.

Are you suffering?  Pray.
Are you cheerful?  Sing.
Are you sick?  Ask others to pray for you.

 

Understanding and dealing with Conflict

 Read James 4.

In contrast to the peaceful words of wisdom at the end of chapter 3, the Apostle James turned to explain the causes and effects of "bitter jealousy and selfish ambition" (3:14).

1. The source of conflicts. (vv.1-6)
With people. 
Sensual pleasures and personal desires to obtain more for oneself will produce rivalry, the wrong sort of competition, and arguments with others.  Such inner feelings are based on the sin of covetousness.  It is a jealous longing and frustration regarding something unfulfilled.  The world's definition of success is achievement of a personal want at any price.

With God. 
This was written to followers of Jesus.  So, James touches on another common inner frustration, that of unanswered prayer.  How often has a Christian prayed and if their prayer was not answered when and how they wanted, they decided to take matters into their own hands?  They gave in to sin or gave up on God.  The problem was not with the Lord.  The conflict was the selfish reasons for prayer as opposed to God's glory.  A broken fellowship with the Lord places the believer in a losing position.  Instead, God is eager ("yearns", v.5) to administer His all sufficient grace to every situation, not our selfish desires.

So, how are we to face and maintain right relationships with God and with people?  How do we get to enjoy more of the sustaining favor of God?  "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."  God hates pride, arrogance, and hubris.  So, what are we to do?

2. The solutions to conflicts. (vv.7-12)   
Submit yourself to God.
Bowing one's will to trust the sovereign will of the Lord to take care of us is step one.  Without doing this first, nothing else will matter.

Resist the devil.
Satan's schemes are always in conflict with God.  Recognize the spiritual war that is at work.

Draw near to God.
Intentionally increase time invested in reading the Scriptures and prayer.

Cleanse your hands. 
Has the Holy Spirit revealed areas that need repentance?  Grieve over the sin.  Confess it and receive His cleansing (1 John 1:9)

Do not speak evil against others. 
Words of slander and condemnation of other people are forbidden.  Of course, we may observe wrongdoing in others and many are in positions of authority to take necessary actions.  But, this exhortation has to do with how we speak about others.  Without authority, we need to let God be the ultimate Judge.

But what about me and my genuine needs?  Jesus said, "...your heavenly Father knows..." (Matthew 6:32)  "Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you." (v.10)

 

5 truths about our Words

 Read James 3.

The book of James is one of the most practical of all the books in the Bible.  His instructions penetrate our daily behaviors and provide some specific corrections.  Nothing betrays our true commitments like our daily communications.

1. All words have meaning.  
One of the satanic schemes in this generation has been to speak words that do not match the dictionary's definition and, then, to seek to redefine words in order to allow for evil behaviors.

2. Words have influence.  
It is for this reason the chapter begins with a caution about being a teacher.  Everyone teaches those around them all the time.  But one who has a position of influence intentionally communicates to help others learn.  With this warning comes the reality.  No teacher, or preacher, is perfect (v.2).  Those who listen need to keep that in mind.  Therefore, self-control of one's life and words are crucial.  With this greater influence comes greater accountability to God for what we say and how we say it.

3. Our words reveal what is in our hearts.
Jesus said, "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." (Matthew 12:34)
An uncontrolled tongue is called "a restless evil, full of deadly poison" (v.8).

4. Our words are to be marked by the meekness of wisdom. (vv.13-16)
Pride is condemned in both the Old and New Testaments.  "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6b)  The opposite of self-promotion for earthly success is to serve others with a sincere heart.  Leading with meekness appears to be an oxymoron.  Jesus was meek but not weak.  He demonstrated that one's personal power may be voluntarily kept under control to meet the needs of others. (Philippians 2:5-8)

5. Our words are being measured by wisdom. (vv.17-18)
Many have speculated on what Solomon meant in Proverbs 9:1 regarding the seven pillars of wisdom.  James 3:17 may well be the Bible's answer.  This list of seven characterizes what God means by wisdom.  It is well-worth our time to regularly use this for self-examination.  Do these seven match my words during each day?  What is missing?  What needs to change?

 

 

Is belief in God Enough?

 Read James 2.

Occasionally, someone with no religious affiliation or practice at all may say, "Yes, I believe there is a God" or even, "I believe in God."   But if that is all the person has they are in bad company.

James 2:19: "You believe that God is one; you do well.  Even the demons believe--and shudder!"

To shudder in the original language has to do with getting chills, trembling in fear, or to be horrified.  It is the only time in the New Testament where this Greek word is used.  The demons of hell know more about the living God of heaven than any human on earth.  They already know God's eternal power and have experienced some of His judgment.  They also are keenly aware that their eternal fate is only a matter of time.   

Belief in the existence of God is insufficient.  The unfolding story of the Bible reveals how God wants individuals to deal with their personal sin.  That is why Jesus came.  "Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God." (John 3:18)

And, there is more.  Our eternal faith in Jesus will be evidenced by how we serve God and serve others.  Clearly, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he wrote this to "brothers" (2:1 and 14), fellow believers.  Without the intentional practice of our faith, verse 20 calls that kind of belief "useless"; of no value.

The comparison of this truth is found in chapter one.  If a person looks in the mirror and sees something that needs attention, yet does nothing about it, what good is that?  Spiritually, it is willful disobedience.  The only ones being deceived is ourselves.

Jesus told His followers in John 15:8, "By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples."  Yes, Jesus has expectations of those who claim to know Him.  He expects His followers to put their faith into practice.  He wants to see the proof.

If the body is alive, it will show some sign of life.  If it does not respond (there is no breath, no heartbeat, no evidence at all), the Coroner will pronounce the body dead.  "For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead." (v.26)

 

“So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:11

Is your religion True?

 Read James 1.

The Greek word translated "religion" here refers to ceremonial observances.  To many, religion is defined by a building and, particularly, the architecture of the facility.  Secular universities have long relegated the study of religion to the philosophy department.  Untold numbers of people claim a religious affiliation without any real evidence of such.  Millions go through regular rituals and routines at their religious building but remain unchanged once they leave.  Even Evangelicals have their routines of songs, announcements, offerings, and sermons.  None of these is true religion as defined by this passage in the Bible.

It is quickly obvious that the Holy Spirit desired to communicate something far more than rituals and ceremonial observances.  "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (v.22)  This verse raises three questions about the validity of our "religion".

1. How are we being deceived?
Verses 23 and 24 explain it.  Attending a church service and feeling inspired in the moment can cause a misdirection and result in a delusion.  The deception is that we had our dose of religion and now we are okay.  The proof of whether we are deceiving ourselves is seen in what happens next.  Is there any change in our relationship with God, in our personal behaviors, and in our treatment of others?  If not, that religion is empty and we have, in fact, been misdirected away from God.

2. What is true religion?
It is not found in a religious service but in practical service.  It is not the inspiration of the moment but the perspiration all week long.  Doing, not merely hearing, makes the difference.  Learning is important but unless it is translated into life action that religion is worthless.

3. What are we to be doing?
First, James is not referring to busyness.  Most work-a-holics lead empty personal lives.  This is very specific: "Be doers of the word."  If one's religion is based on ceremonial rituals and not upon the teaching of the word of God, it is a false religion.  If one's religion is not equipping people to implement the word of God during the week, it is a deceptive religion.  All of us need to know the Bible in order to understand how to please God in real life.

The Apostle James provided three examples of "religion that is pure and undefiled."
       A. Controlling our speech.
Jesus said in Luke 6:45 that what we say comes out of our hearts.  Offensive language only reveals the sin that is being kept inside a person's heart.  Gossip, slander, being argumentative, and speaking unkind words are all condemned in the Scriptures.  Jesus also said that we will be held accountable at the Judgment for every word (Matthew 12:36).
       B. Visiting orphans and widows.
The point here is to encourage and be of service to those in need and, especially, those who cannot return the favor.
       C. Keeping oneself morally pure.
Evidence of a pure religion is a life of purity.  Piety, or godliness, is a good thing according to the Bible.  It means we respect and revere God's name and His presence all the time.  Therefore, we live each moment to please Him.

 

5 ways to practice our Faith

 Read Hebrews 13.

The writer of Hebrews has invested twelve chapters encouraging these stressed and persecuted Jewish believers.  He told them to hold on to their faith, to maintain their confidence, to keep their eyes on Jesus and the promise of eternity with Him.  Now, the book closes with a rapid fire list of ways to put faith into practice.

The list actually begins at 12:28 with the word "Therefore".
1. Worship God with thanksgiving. (12:28-29)
In the midst of adversity, He is our hope.  Thank Him for what He has already done.  Worship Him "with reverence and awe".  Those two characteristics appear to be lost among many churches today.

2. Demonstrate love for people. (13:1)
The verse uses the word "continue".  There is an assumption that hospitality is already being practiced.  Hospitality is an act of generosity in hosting or entertaining guests.  Jesus mentioned that this is especially commendable when hospitality is shown to those who cannot return the favor (Matthew 25:37-40).  Three of those possible opportunities are mentioned here: strangers, prisoners, and the mistreated.

3. Honor the commitment of marriage. (13:4)
God instituted marriage, not a culture or government (Genesis 2).  Claiming otherwise is dishonorable to God and His word.
Any attempt to change God's definition of marriage from one man and one woman for life is sin against what God has clearly said.
Sexual practice outside of a marriage commitment is immoral, sin against God, and is shameful.

4. Learn to be content. (13:5-6)
Why?  Because the Lord is with us.  He will not forsake us.  He will provide our needs (Matthew 6:31-33).  "Contentment is not having what you want; it is wanting what you have." (Ray Steadman)

5. Imitate the faith of our spiritual leaders. (13:7-17)
All followers of Christ are to be actively involved in a local body of believers.  We are to learn from, follow, and obey our godly leaders.  We do so, not because they are perfect (no human leader is) but because of their calling and appointed leadership in our lives.  The Apostle Paul was not perfect, but he could clearly state: "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV) 

Verses 20-21 is arguably unmatched and a great summary of this encouraging book.  "Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.  Amen."

Examining our Endurance

 Read Hebrews 12.

Because of the plethora of godly examples in the past, now comes the admonition.  "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (v.1)  This life is like a timed race.  It has a starting line and a finishing line.  But here is the difference: It is not to the pace or the length of our race that counts.  It is how we ran the individualized course that God gave us.

In the English Standard Version, a form of the word endure appears five times in this chapter.  The King James translated verse 1 as "run with patience."  This is not referring to gritting one's teeth and just hanging on when the race gets tough.  In Hebrew it means to run with "cheerful endurance." Unless it is our sin that caused the hardship, we are to embrace the truths of God’s goodness as a loving Father.  He has a plan for our lives and He is working that plan for our good and His glory.

That does not diminish the pain.  

Our example of endurance. (v.2)
"...looking to Jesus...who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross..."
The pain and suffering was unimaginable.  But here we are told there was a commitment to endure.  This is a different Hebrew word that means "to stay under or remain."  Jesus finished the course set before Him.  The joy was not found in the moment but in the understanding of where the redemptive plan would lead.  Sin would be paid for once and for all.  And, after that momentary agony, He would be "seated at the right hand of the throne of God."  All pain here is temporary if we are a follower of Christ.  Our joy and hope in not in this life but in the one to come.

Our encouragement of endurance. (v.3)
"Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility..."
The pain and suffering of Jesus was much more than the crucifixion.  Isaiah called the Messiah "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." (Isaiah 53:3)  Being rejected by one's own kinsmen and by the very one's He came to rescue, being called names and having His character questioned was torment for the Son of God.  However, Jesus endured these things with humility while standing firm.  He looked beyond the human mistreatment in order to focus on the eternal plan.  There would be no resurrection and redemption without first enduring the crucifixion.  Remembering the example of the Lord Jesus encourages us to not "grow weary or fainthearted".

Our exhortation of endurance. (v7)
Under pressure, we have tendencies either to give up and quit running our race ("grow weary or fainthearted") or to give in.  A runner must discipline themselves and listen to their coach.  If we fail to discipline ourselves, God will.  Correction is one indicator of His love for us.  His desire is that we finish well may involve some time of discomfort so we will listen and get back on the right track.  The distraction of sin will take us off course.  God "disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness." (v.10)

Our enjoyment of endurance. (v.20)
Imagine standing at the base of Mt. Sinai, seeing the visible presence of God and hearing His voice.  Yet, it was too overpowering for the Israelites.  "For they could not endure..."  The different Hebrew word used means "to bear or to go on".  This is in stark contrast to the open invitation we have as believers in Jesus.  They could not enjoy the presence of God.  But, verses 22-24 explain that we have access to the very throne room of heaven.  "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)