The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Grace

  • Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs

    “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord”

    Ephesians 5:19

    There are many old hymns that we may have forgotten. Today’s music seems to call our attention to things other than the great Scriptural truths that can be found in some of those great, old hymns. There is one that I was reminded of the other day. Once I read the words again, many Scriptures came to my heart and mind. It reminded me again of the importance of praising and singing of God’s grace. However, there are many other things that the following song brings to mind. Read the words of the song “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”.

    Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

    Author: Robert Robinson (1758)

    1. Come, Thou Fount of every blessing;
    Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
    Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
    Call for songs of loudest praise.
    Teach me some melodious sonnet,
    Sung by flaming tongues above;
    Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
    Mount of Thy redeeming love!

    2. Here I raise mine Ebenezer;
    Hither by Thy help I’m come;
    And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
    Safely to arrive at home.
    Jesus sought me when a stranger,
    Wandering from the fold of God;
    He, to rescue me from danger,
    Interposed His precious blood.

    3. O to grace how great a debtor
    Daily I’m constrained to be!
    Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
    Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
    Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
    Prone to leave the God I love;
    Here’s my heart; O take and seal it;
    Seal it for Thy courts above.

    Consider just a few of the following verses this song brings to mind:

    “1. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1-2).

    “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17).

    “19. Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:19-20).

    “Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12).

    “4.What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?5.And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing” (Luke 15:4-5).

    “9. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? 10. I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings” (Jeremiah 17:9-10).

    “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed” (James 1:14).

    Read Romans 7:15-25.

    “12. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:12-14).

    “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11).

    “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (Isaiah 26:3).

    “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (2 Timothy 2:19).

    “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:” (1 Peter 2:9).

    The entire chapter of Isaiah 25 is good to ponder upon. It is a great example for us to remember to offer God praises for what He has done.

    “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11).

    “With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments” (Psalm 119:10).

    This is just a sampling of the verses that this song brings to mind – and there are many more. The greatest hymns will bring God’s Word to one’s heart and mind. It will help keep those Scriptures and principles they teach to remain in the heart and mind. One of the best ways to remember things – music. “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19).

    Do you speak to yourself in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs remembering and praising the Lord?

  • Lesson 8: Growing in Grace: 2 Peter

    Key Verse

    But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

    —2 Peter 3:18

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. Do you realize what it means to grow (examples may be: to become stronger, taller, bigger, smarter, better at something, etc.)? It is important to recognize that one grows in more ways that just physically. In this lesson, we will learn the importance of growing in our Christian life – spiritually. It is important for Christians to grow in their Christian life – just as in the physical life.

    Emphasis: We are to understand the importance of continually growing in the Christian life, watching and waiting for Jesus to return. Christians are to remember that when one grows in the Christian life, the relationship with Jesus grows as well. But especially: if Christians are not growing, they are digressing in that Christian life, becoming ineffective Christians.

    Lesson Summary: The book of 2 Peter is the fourth book in the fifth division of the New Testament: Nine Letters to the Jewish Church. The Apostle Peter wrote it to Christians, encouraging them to grow in their Christian life. It is relevant to Christians today, just as it was to the Jewish Christians during the New Testament period.

    Peter began by reminding them of their like faith in Jesus. He then taught them the importance of growing in that Christian faith. We will learn that as we grow in the knowledge of Jesus, our relationship with Him grows as well. There is also a warning for one who lacks the qualities of a growing, Christian life: he is compared to one who is blind and cannot see afar off.

    As always, there is a warning of false teachers. Peter then cites examples of angels, and even some from the Old Testament, of those whom God “spared not.” Peter included a warning of those who had a “knowledge of the Lord”, who after they knew, turned from it, whose “latter end is worse with them than the beginning.”

    Before Peter closed, he reminded the Christians not to forget that the Day of the Lord would come as a thief in the night for those who were not watching for His return. However, before that day came, Christians had much to do: live a holy and godly life, look for Jesus’ return, hasting the return of Jesus by winning others to the Lord (remembering that Jesus is longsuffering, not willing that any perish), and so much more. Most importantly, Christians are to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 8 Questions

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 8 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to younger children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We colored and cut out a flower and flower pot. We then cut a slit in the construction paper where we glued the pot. We entered the flower stem into that slit, enabling us to cause the flower to “grow”. We included the verse 2 Peter 3:18.

    The Biblical Path of Life Year Three – Quarter Four is available through Amazon.

  • Live a New Life

    “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”

    Romans 8:8

    All of mankind is sinful and guilty before God (see Romans 3:23). However, Jesus can take that sin away by His grace for those who have faith in Him. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). After this, Christians are to understand that we have been purchased (see 1 Peter 1:18-19). “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20). We belong to God, and we are to live for Him. However, we still live here on earth where sin reigns. What are Christians to do?

    We are to remember that God’s Law not only reveals the knowledge of sin (see Romans 3:20), but reveals our sin to us (see Romans 7:7). By knowing what God’s Word says, we learn how God expects Christians to live. Nevertheless, it can be difficult. Paul explained this. “For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin” (Romans 7:14). Paul wrote about his struggle to do right (see Romans 7:14-24). Because the new spiritual man and the old carnal man (carnal means “under the influence of the desires of things pertaining to the flesh or body”) are of opposite natures, they fight against each other. The old nature is comfortable in its sinfulness, but the new nature of Christ within hates that sin – causing conflict. Paul understood that as long as he physically lived on this earth, although in his heart and spirit he would be obeying God’s law, in his flesh he would never be perfect. Nevertheless, Paul made a choice to follow the Spirit and obey God’s Word. Paul understood it was an issue of the heart.

    A Christian should never consider himself perfect, without sin, – only forgiven by Jesus.

    Read what happens once we submit to and obey God’s Word. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1). When we decide to walk after the Spirit, it means we choose to oppose the flesh, not indulging in the affections and lusts of the physical nature, but instead determine to follow God’s Spirit. We are to live our lives to the best of our ability, walking in the spirit (see Romans 8:2-4).

    We can better understand this in the following verses. “5. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:5-8). We understand that the description “flesh” and “carnally minded” represents someone who allows sin to rule in the heart and cannot please God (“enmity against God”). On the converse, “Spirit” and “spiritually minded” represents someone who allows Jesus (who is Life) to rule in that heart. In Romans 8:9-11, we understand more about this difference, reminding us that God’s Spirit lives within us, helping us. (Especially note, “… Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his” Romans 8:9b. It is important to make sure one truly belongs to Jesus. The Spirit will make that known.) With this new nature, the Spirit of God living within, Christians live differently.

    Paul encourages people who have given their hearts and lives to Jesus to understand the importance of living those lives in a pleasing manner.“1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2). Just as Jesus willingly died for each Christian, each Christian is then to willingly present that life to Jesus as a “living sacrifice”. What does this mean? Living sacrifice means “the physical life and existence … always with some duration as a living and constant sacrifice.” God expects His people to live a life, always, as if they belong to Him – acceptable to Him. That is the very least we can do (“reasonable service”). Paul went on to remind us that because we are now spiritual creatures, we are to not be “conformed” to this world. Conformed means “to be fashioned alike; one is not to be molded by the external and fleeting manners or ways of this period of time, but to undergo a deep inner transformation that can only be brought by the Holy Spirit.” Instead, a Christian is to be transformed. Transformed means “that invisible process that begins to take place in a Christian during their life here on earth.” How are Christians transformed? By renewing one’s mind. Renewing means “a renovation which makes a person different than in the past.” One does this by reading and living according to God’s Word. Prove means “to put to the proof or examine; the notion of proving a thing whether it is worthy or not.” Once Christians know how to live, they are to implement those things into their lives.

    A Christian is to live a life, not like the rest of the world, but different from the world!

    Have you believed by faith, received God’s grace, and now live a transformed life, pleasing to God?

    Find out how to Receive God’s Grace.

  • Barnabas

    “For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.”

    Acts 11:24

    In the early church, persecution came. When the persecution came, the new Believers scattered, taking the name of Jesus with them. As they told others about Jesus, more people became Believers. “And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord” (Acts 11:21). These new Believers turned unto the Lord. They changed the course of their lives to a direction that pleased the Lord. This is the message Jesus sent with Paul:“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:18). The people needed to know the importance of turning from darkness to the Light (Jesus – see John 8:12: “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”)

    Once the people turned to the Lord, one needed to teach them how to live this new life in Christ. Word reached Jerusalem of the many who had turned to Jesus. “Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch” (Acts 11:22). Barnabas was sent. He was a man who lived out in his life the faith he had placed in Jesus. Remember what faith in Jesus is: Faith means “faith in Christ; the means of appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life – also called Christian faith.” Barnabas was the kind of man who would be able to help the new Believers learn how to live this new way of life. “Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord” (Acts 11:23). Barnabas saw the grace of God in these new Believers. Grace means “especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life.” Remember what Jesus taught. “Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit” (Matthew 12:33). This “good fruit” was already being revealed in the people’s lives. Barnabas recognized in the Believer’s lives what had happened in their hearts. This greatly encouraged Barnabas!

    Barnabas also exhorted (encouraged) them. The new Believers must intentionally, with purpose of heart, cleave to the Lord. They would cleave unto means “to adhere to, persevere in: abide still, be with, cleave unto, continue in (with).” Barnabas taught them the importance of persevering and continuing to walk with Jesus.

    The next verse is pretty special. It tells us much about who Barnabas was and how God was so able to use him to help new Believers. “For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord” (Acts 11:24).

    • Barnabas was a good man:There are not many men called good in the Bible. Barnabas was one. Good means “good and benevolent, profitable, useful.” Remember what Jesus taught: “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh” (Luke 6:45). Whatever is in the heart is what comes forth. Barnabas obviously had good in his heart.
    • Barnabas was full of the Holy Ghost: When something is full, there isn’t room for other things. To be full of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) means one has emptied himself of the world and the things of the world and instead replaced them with the things of God. Christians are commanded to do this. “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). Most people tend to focus on the first part of that verse, but they forget the command of the second part. That is a pretty important thing to remember! Being filled with the Spirit will enable one to serve the Lord – much like Barnabas!
    • Barnabas was a man of faith: Remember that faith is “appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life.” Barnabas lived a transformed life. He had become more like Christ.

    Did you notice the result because of Barnabas’ life and conduct? We read that “much people was added unto the Lord”. What a statement! Because Barnabas chose to live a Christ-like life, being filled with the Holy Spirit, he was able to help many others come to know Jesus.

    Have you chosen to be good, emptied of self and filled with the Holy Spirit, and live a life of faith?

  • Seasoned with Salt

    “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

    Colossians 4:6

    Some people are born with a gift of having a ready answer for any question or comment. Often times that answer can encourage one. However, there are also times when the ready answer is not what one needs to hear at all. A Christian is to “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6). But what does that mean?

    The first part teaches us, “Let your speech be alway with grace”. Speech is easily understood as one’s conversations, and the words one speaks. This verse helps us understand what kind of speech we should use: “alway with grace”. What is grace? Grace means “the external form or manner of words or discourses as gratefulness, agreeableness, acceptableness.” Often times it is easy to speak in the heat of the moment, without this grace in our speech. This is one of the things Christians are to improve in their lives. Why is this so important? Remember how Paul encourages us with his example in Corinthians. “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place”(2 Corinthians 2:14). Savour means “a good odor as accompanying an acceptable sacrifice.” Knowledge means “spoken of what is known; doctrine.” Paul understood what God was able to do through his faithful testimony for Christ, portrayed in the way he lived and spoke. Everywhere Paul went he shared Jesus and the doctrine of salvation – making it known in “every place.” Wherever Paul went, the people were called to a time of decision – either accept Jesus, or reject Jesus. “15. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16. To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Corinthians 2:15-16). Paul understood the importance of his words and lifestyle. At all times, the world looks at Christians. Christians’ lives are either a savor of death unto death or savor of life unto life. This teaches that Christians are either a witness for the world, turning people from Christ because of their words and lives, or Christians are a witness for Christ in the way they respond correctly to the things in this life.

    Once Christians understand the importance of their speech, they need to understand: seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6b). Seasoned with salt means “a word or discourse that is appropriate or proper.” Back in the old days, most people knew all of the purposes of salt; for it was a necessity of life. Consider three of the most important uses for salt. These are still useful for today.

    First, salt is often used to season food, giving it taste. Many foods would be tasteless without salt. It is important for Christians to have the Bible hidden in their hearts, allowing His Word to come out in their conversations and answers in life. Psalm 119 is all about the importance of having God’s Word in one’s heart. Christians should read it often, and put much of it into their hearts. What is placed in the heart will come out in one’s speech and lifestyle (see Proverbs 4:23).

    Second, salt is used to prevent corruption and instead be used to preserve. Christians’ lives should be a constant rebuke to the corruption of sin, and an encouragement to choose life. Remember: “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6).

    Finally, consider that salt creates one to be thirsty. One of the greatest things Christian’s lives should do is to cause others to want what they have – Jesus Christ.

    How are Christians able to do these things? Right before this, Paul encouraged Christians what to do to help them to become more like Christ: “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2). Continue means “steadfastness and faithfulness in the outgoings of the Christian life, especially in prayer.” Paul then gave instructions as to how to “continue” that Christian walk. “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time” (Colossians 4:5). Wisdom means “the skill in the affairs of life; practical wisdom; wise management as shown in forming the best plans; sound judgment and good sense.” Them that are without means “those not belonging to church; not Christians.” This helps us understand the importance of living a faithful Christian life. Christians’ lives are to be lived consistently, so that anyone who sees them (especially the lost: those without Christ) will know, with certainty, that they are Christians. Remember the important way we have now learned to do this. “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6). What Christians say and the way they respond to situations must be Christ-like. Having God’s Word hidden in the heart will enable one to “know how ye ought to answer every man.” Each Christian is to live every aspect of his or her life so that at any point someone sees them, that person will see Jesus in the Christian’s life.

    Is your speech seasoned with salt, knowing how to answer those without Christ, teaching them how they can know Him?

    How to know Jesus

  • Grace, Unearned and Unmerited Favor

    “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God”

    Luke 1:30

    Every Christmas, we remember “The Christmas Story” of Jesus birth. Have you ever considered the amazing events that took place only nine months earlier?

    We are introduced to a remarkable young woman in the book of Luke. God sent an angel to give her a special message. “28. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God” (Luke 1:28-30). There are a few interesting things to consider. The words “highly favoured” mean “to be acceptable, favored, highly favored as in Luke 1:28 meaning to bestow grace upon … It really does not mean to show favor to, but to give grace to, since Mary was to bear Jesus Christ, the whole treasure of God’s grace, in her womb.” God found Mary as one acceptable upon whom He could bestow His grace. Did you note that God was placing “Jesus Christ, the whole treasure of God’s grace, in her womb”? She could not possibly have understood the actual implications of these words. God saw her character, describing her in this manner, and found in her one to shed his grace.

    God had not only taken notice of Mary, but the Lord would be with her. Notice her reaction to the understanding that God saw her, took note of her, and that she would be given grace (highly favoured) from God: “she was troubled at his saying”. The words she was troubled mean “to disturb wholly, that is, agitate (with alarm): trouble”. This thought disturbed her a bit. Consider for a minute that we know God sees and knows all. However, most people would be a bit troubled at the thought that God was watching, recognized, and set you apart (in particular) to send you a special message from an angel. That would be unnerving enough! When the implications of this reached Mary, the angel told her to “Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.” The word favour means “favor, acceptance, grace … unearned and unmerited favor.” Take note that This “grace” would enable her to perform the task that God was placing before her. The words favour and grace are often interchangeable in the Bible.

    What was the message from the angel? “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS” (Luke 1:31). God was sending the One promised from the beginning of time. Mary did not understand how this could happen, so she asked a question. “34. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35. And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God… 37. For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:34-35, 37). Mary would have to do nothing except believe that God would do what God said He would do. Her response is quite famous: “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her” (Luke 1:38). Her answer portrayed the character that God saw in her. She responded in the affirmative to God.

    We find that when Jesus was born, grace had come, and He is now available to anyone who will believe. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). It is revealed in “the Word” which is Jesus. “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17).

    Today, God still calls people in His grace (“unearned and unmerited favor.”). “8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9. Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). The word grace in this verse means the same as the word favour in Luke 1:30: “unearned and unmerited favor.” One is saved by grace: unearned and unmerited favor. God provides the grace, we believe by faith. We can do nothing else but believe upon the one that God sent: His only Son, Jesus. “16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16).

    When God called Mary, she responded in the affirmative to God. When God calls individuals today to give to them “unearned and unmerited favor”, each one should respond in the affirmative to that call. It is only then that one can be saved through faith in Jesus. No one can do anything to be saved, one must just believe and receive.

    Have you heard the invitation from God to receive His grace, only available by faith in Jesus?

    What to do when you hear the invitation to receive His grace: How to be saved.

  • A Servant who Lives a Life that is True

    “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

    Titus 2:14

    There are a whole host of people in this world who claim to be Christians. However, there are even fewer who actually attain to live a Christ-like life. If each Christian would remember that Christ gave His life to redeem us, it should make a difference. But more than that, we are to become the “peculiar people, zealous of good works” that He has called us to be. “11. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:11-14).

    The following hymn is a beautiful rendering of one’s heart. He obviously understood what is is like to not only desire to live a Christ-like life, but to acknowledge what it takes to do it. A full commitment from the heart.

    Living for Jesus a Life That is True

    Author: Thomas O. Chisholm (1917)

    Tune: C. Harold Lowden

    1. Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
    Striving to please Him in all that I do;
    Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
    This is the pathway of blessing for me.

    Refrain:
    O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
    For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;
    I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne;
    My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.

    2. Living for Jesus Who died in my place,
    Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace;
    Such love constrains me to answer His call,
    Follow His leading and give Him my all.

    3. Living for Jesus, wherever I am,
    Doing each duty in His holy Name;
    Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
    Deeming each trial a part of my cross.

    4. Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
    My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
    Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
    Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.

    The writer of this hymn understood that Jesus gave His life for him, thus making Christ his master. He recognized the importance of living a life pleasing to Jesus in all he did, willingly, wherever he was and in whatever he did, no matter what the cost. The author of this song was in good company. We can read of men in the Bible who declared themselves servants of Jesus Christ.

    • “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ …” (Romans 1:1a).
    • “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ …” (James 1:1a).
    • “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ …” (2 Peter 1:1a).
    • “Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ …” (Jude 1:1a).

    Many others’ lives recorded in the Bible revealed that they were servants of Jesus, living lives that pleased Him in what they did. They were recorded as examples for us to follow. Some of the most amazing lives were recorded in Hebrews chapter 11. All of those looked forward to Jesus’ coming because of God’s promise. That kind of faith is difficult to understand, yet those listed lived lives pleasing to God understanding that He would send Jesus. Today, we know Jesus came, revealing God’s grace. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11). He then told us how to live for Him. “12. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:12-13). Knowing how to live in this present world, we must remember why. “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14). Jesus gave Himself for us so that we could be a “peculiar people, zealous of good works.” We are to live lives revealing Jesus in this world.

    Have you decided to not only claim to be a Christian, but become a servant of Jesus Christ, living a life that is true for Him?

  • Stand Fast

    “2. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

    James 1:2-3

    James did not become a Christian until after Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. He finally understood that one must trust in Jesus by faith. “8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9. Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8-10).

    Once James became a Christian, he taught practical ways to live a Christian life. He began by teaching how to understand the importance of temptations (trials). “2. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:2-3).

    • Temptations means “trials; a state of trial in which God brings His people through adversity and affliction in order to encourage and prove their faith and confidence in Him.”
    • Trying means “approved; tried; the means of proving; a criterion or test by which anything is proved or tried; as in faith by afflictions.”
    • Worketh means “to work out; bring about; accomplish; to carry out a task until it is finished; to effect; to produce.”

    Not many people consider trying times as being joyful. Yet, James wrote to encourage Christians to understand that now that they had faith in Christ, it must be tried: put to the test. Once that faith is proved by being put to the test, that Christian will gain, or have, patience. Patience means “endurance; perseverance or constancy under suffering in faith and duty.” This patience enables one to persevere or remain constant. Think of this as learning to stand fast – being steadfast through trials. Remember many times in God’s Word where we learn that we are to “stand fast” (see a few of the following):

    • “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13);
    • “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1);
    • “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27);
    • “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved” (Philippians 4:1);
    • “For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 3:8);
    • “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle” (2 Thessalonians 2:15); etc.)?

    Christians are encouraged to understand that with faith in Christ comes trying times – but Christians are to persevere, consistently, with patience by standing fast. See what learning how to do this gives to Believers. “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:4). In order to be an effective witness in this world, Christians must stand fast in their Christian faith by living it consistently.

    James helped them understand what to do when Christians were faced with those trying times: “5. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed” (James 1:5-6). Wisdom means “in respect to divine things: deep knowledge; natural and moral insight; represented as a divine gift, and including the idea of practical application; as conjoined with purity of heart and life.” If a Christian does not know how to live right, or what to do in a specific situation, all one must do is to ask God – for He will show Christians how to live and what to do. However, one must remember that after asking God for wisdom in a situation, and then He tells that one what to do (according to God’s Word), it should be done: “nothing wavering.” Wavering means “to separate oneself from; to contend with; to be in strife with oneself; to doubt; hesitate; waver.” A Christian’s life should not be lived as a ship on a stormy sea – tossed about from highs and lows. Do not change your mind, or talk yourself out of doing what is right. Instead, a Christian is to stand fast, “nothing wavering,” and faithful. When one continually shifts from high to low, understand the following warning of a life lived like that. “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8). Double minded means “doubtful; a person who suffers from divided loyalties – such as one who wishes to maintain a religious confession, desiring the presence of God in his life, but on the other hand, he loves the ways of the world and prefers to live according to its mores and ethics.” When a Christian constantly wavers, or is “double minded,” never fully committing to the Christian life, they will be unstable in everything. That kind of life is not an effectual witness for Christ.

    Do you live a life where you are “double minded”, unstable in all your ways?

    Or

    Have you learned to stand fast upon God’s Word, living a consistent and faithful Christian life?

  • The Goal for this Life

    “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?”

    James 2:14

    As a Christian, the goal for this life is to be as Christ-like as one could possibly be. However, not many Christians understand what this means exactly, or even how to accomplish so great a task. Yet the answers are found in the Bible that most people own. James wanted to make a point. All Christians are saved by faith, but our actions (or works) reveal that faith to others. “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?” (James 2:14). We have already learned that salvation is by faith. We also understand that no one can do anything to earn salvation – for it came by the sacrifice of Jesus. “8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9. Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Then what is James trying to teach Christians? “17. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works” (James 2:17-18). Even something one would think to be minor is important to consider.

    James was teaching Christians that faith and works go hand in hand. Because faith is an issue of the heart (for one believes in the heart, then confesses with the mouth, see Romans 10:9-10), physical works are a necessity to show the world what has taken place in the heart. “19. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:19-20). James wrote, “that faith without works is dead.” This is an indication of one who has only confessed with the mouth that they believed, but never truly believed in the heart – much like the devils. There is no evidence of this faith in that life. Understand that unless it is a “saving faith”, it is counterfeit. This kind of faith lulls people into a false security of eternal life.

    How does one reveal faith in their life? “1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2). That faith is lived out in a Christian’s life. Remember that when one trusts in Jesus, there is a change in that life. To trust Christ means that you yield your life to Him, and you then follow Him and His Word (the teachings of the Bible). A Christian becomes Christ-like. “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10). When a Christian lives for Jesus by the principles of that faith, we will please Him. More than that, we will increase in our knowledge of God.

    James did not just teach that with faith comes works, he cited examples from the Old Testament that all would remember. See the example of Abraham. “21. Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22. Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23. And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:21-24). Recognize that James 2:23 was quoted from Genesis 15:6: “And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” This was recorded twenty years before God called Abraham to offer Isaac. Yet by Abraham’s act of offering his son, Isaac, it revealed the faith he had had in his heart for all of those years. Abraham’s faith was “justified by works,” revealing his heart to all of the world.

    Read another example: Rahab. “Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?” (James 2:25). Remember that Rahab was the woman who lived within the walls of Jericho when the children of Israel sent the two spies into the city. Because she believed in God, she hid the two men, and then helped them escape, saving their lives. Because of her act of faith, she and her family were spared when the entire city of Jericho was destroyed. Her faith in God was revealed by her actions of saving the men of God. All could see her faith lived out in her life.

    Read James’ summary: “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26). A Christian must live a Christ-like life to reveal that one’s faith in Christ.

    Can anyone see Christ in you?

  • Betrayals

    “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”

    2 Corinthians 7:10

    Have you ever experienced the betrayal of a friend? Did you understand the reasoning behind that betrayal? I believe it hurts the most when one is betrayed by a trusted friend. In instances such as this, one must learn to trust God. Consider the thoughts recorded in Psalm chapter forty-one from which we should learn much.

    Most people recognize enemies; those who speak evil against them, often without cause. “5. Mine enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish? 6. And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it. 7. All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt” (Psalm 41:5-7). Matters are even worse when those “enemies” gather other people to join with them in “whispering” against a specific individual. It hurts all the more when they gather against you.

    However, there is something even worse. “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9). It always hurts the most when it is a close friend, one that you trusted, comes against you. Understanding that this is a Psalm of David, one cannot help but if he had his friend Ahithophel in mind as he wrote it. Ahithophel had been David’s friend, one of the trusted men in his kingdom in whom he relied upon when it came to dealing with his enemies. This man was one whom David had most likely eaten with often. Yet we find Ahithophel chose to side with David’s son, Absalom, when Absalom tried to steal the kingdom from his father (see 2 Samuel 15:12, 31). So how did David handle this situation? “10. But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them. 11. By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me” (Psalm 41:10-11). David prayed. David understood the importance of not stooping to their level by trying to get even. More than that, David trusted God knew what Ahithophel had done, and that God would deal with Ahithophel in His own timing. Remember another thing David wrote; something that he had learned long before. “In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me” (Psalm 56:11). Remember that Ahithophel betrayed David in order to help bring Absalom to the throne.

    These are interesting verses to learn, and even more interesting is the example we find in the New Testament. When Jesus was spending His last evening with his twelve disciples, He made an interesting statement. “I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me” (John 13:18). Jesus had just washed their feet and was teaching them. He quoted David from Psalm 41:9 as He taught them. Jesus knew the entire time that Judas would be the one to betray Him. Yet knowing this, Jesus loved Judas and taught him just as He did the other disciples. Shortly before this, Jesus had told them the following: “Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to washhisfeet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all” (John 13:13). Jesus had often disclosed to His disciples that He would be “delivered into the hands of men” (see Mark 9:31 and Luke 9:44). Because Jesus knew Judas’ heart, He knew Judas was a traitor. He was now revealing that one of them was going to lift up his heel against Jesus – if only they had had ears to hear what Jesus was teaching them. Remember that Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.

    Consider: Ahithophel was close to David, yet he betrayed David. Ahithophel chose to help a new man become the ruler.

    Also consider: Judas was close to Jesus (one of his closest followers, closer than Jesus’ family, and was one who was involved in some of Jesus’ most intimate teachings and conversations). Yet Judas chose to betray Jesus. Judas chose money over Jesus – the only One who could give him everything.

    Ahithophel went out and hanged himself when his counsel was overruled. “And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father” (2 Samuel 17:23). Instead of repenting, he ended his life.

    Judas went out and hanged himself after he betrayed Jesus. “And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself” (Matthew 27:5). Instead of repenting, he ended his life.

    “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death” (2 Corinthians 7:10). Because of God’s grace and mercy, anyone can be forgiven if true repentance is offered. However, sorrow of the world worketh death.

    Have you ever been betrayed by a close friend?

    Have you ever chosen things of this world and betrayed Jesus?