1. I often times find myself building a "spiritual resume" instead of serving God from my heart. What makes this dangerous is when I have more on my "list" than someone else I look down on them. I'm the one trying to put on the goodly apparel to be respected. I have to shed comparison and what people think and have faith with no respect of persons. 2. We give way too much attention and worship to people who don't deserve it. Many celebrities, athletes, and politicians (or anyone that can make their way onto a screen) get worshipped by the world around us even though they are just as wicked as anyone else (blaspheming that worthy name...). Pastors, bible teachers, and strong men of God deserve way more respect that we give them. Often they are the poor man that chose God's riches over man's. 3. Once I am saved, God expects more from me then just not to be bad. I find myself putting on cruise control spiritually when I need to be actively showing Christ's love everyday in one way or another. That's the only way people will know I have his love.
1. vs.8: the "royal law" is literally the "law of love". Here, we are told that if we follow this law (which is kind of like the Golden Rule) to love thy neighbor as thyself, we will do well. Imagine if we lived in a world where everyone tried to love each other! That will never happen, but we can make it a reality in our own lives. I need to work on loving others and not getting so caught up in myself!
2. vs.19: "the devils also believe, and tremble". We hear this a lot, but to me it's terrifying. I don't want to believe like the devils. Satan SAW God and KNEW Him and yet still thought he was better. I get this mentality sometimes when I ignore God and focus more on myself. This is a humbling verse for sure.
3. vs.18&20: Faith without works is dead. We say we have faith, but where is the fruit? First and second Timothy talked about this a lot too. Again, I think God is really trying to teach me that I can't walk through and just profess to be a Christian. I need to really know what I believe for myself, and then live it. I don't want to be a double-minded man (woman)!
James 2. 1. vs. 1-5. I think this how many people think. We judge other by just how they look. We think as the world thinks. We consider people ugly and judge that we are better than them instead of thinking how God thinks. 2. vs. 8. We need to truly love God and others. Much of my own sinfulness is from lack of love. If we can just work on how to love others more and love God, not only will we offend God less, but we will find more peace. 3. vs. 26. "For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead." This speaks for itself. We need to not just say we believe in God and his commandments but Actually show we do! We need to set an example for others to follow while strengthening our own faith through good works of faith.
James 2 1. V. 1-9 Real faith doesn't discriminate...because of race, position, or class. People are not the motivation. Who they are or what they do is not a factor. The motivation is out of love for God. It is the driving force to put others above self. He served all people. So should we, regardless of who they are. Show your love through me God!
2. V. 14 Real faith demands works. Works don't save me but they are the evidence that I have been saved. We shouldn't stop seeking to do "good works". We just need to do them out of love for God rather than doing them to try to save ourselves.
3. V. 19 Real faith is not just head knowledge of God. Real faith is knowing and trusting in Him in our hearts.
1. V. 1-6 True love looks past differences. If Christ loved everyone, then why do we pick and choose those who are more comfortable or convenient to serve and love?
2. V 18 Don't just say you believe, but live it out. Put your believe in action and show others your faith through your works.
3. V. 10 I might not have done something as "horrible" as so-in-so did..but if broke God's law in some way at all, then i'm just as guilty. If we could stop looking at our sin with others sin in mind, but rather look at our sin next to God's righteousness..we would see we fall SO short of being a good or even an okay
1. We judge people way to quickly because of their lifestyle, race,or stability. If we truly love God this shouldn't be an issue in ones life.
2. V.21 "Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?" Thinking of this and Abraham's ridiculous faith that he had for God blows my mind. If someone asked me to give up my most prized possession, I wouldn't have been as easily persuaded. His faith in God was mighty and I am envious and determined to be able to say mine is just as strong.
3.V.24 "by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." You might say you are a Christian, but how is someone to know if you don't present yourself as one? You have to walk just as much as you talk.
V 5 God's economy is the complete opposite of the world's, and unfortunately, mine so many times. God chooses children as examples of the faith we must have to receive his Salvation, the poor as being more able to enter the kingdom of God, and those who would give their lives for him as the ones who have saved their lives. I needed this reminder!
V 10 A nice little "slap in the face" that sin is SIN, no matter the sin. God doesn't have a grading scale and neither should I.
V 16 How often do my actions towards those with a need that I could feasibly meet indicate a "be ye warmed and filled" attitude? Lord help me to keep an open hand and an open heart.
V 2-3) This is a reminder that we need to treat everyone the same. No matter the clothes, the race, the gender. We are all created by a perfect God, and must treat EVERYONE like we would want ourselves treated. If we don't we are dishonoring our God. V 10) We cannot fail at one part of the law, and uphold the other and say that I am only partially sinful because we kept up part of the law. If we fail at one part of the law, we fail at the whole thing. Therefore we are all sinful. V14) We simply cannot ask for forgiveness from God for our sins, and then not follow the law. We must ask for forgiveness and then try the best we can to uphold it. We must ALWAYS try to act in a christian manner not matter what the situation.
1. Vs 11-13: When we make stupid, idiotic mistakes in our lives God isn't sitting there anticipating it so that he can point his finger at us and judge us; instead, he allows us to be forgiven, even though we'll probably do it again, and he shows us mercy. So, if one who is so loving, just and pure can show us kindness and mercy when we sin, why can we not do that for others?
2. Vs 19: If the devil and his demons fear God why shouldn't I? Me personally I know there have been times when I have sinned and I knew it but, I did it anyways. Thankfully the Lord forgives! This verse should teach all of us that if the devil who has no love for God or any affection for him at all can know his power then, we Christians should as well! We should want to serve God and spread his word, and speaking of myself as well, shouldn't get prideful or feel like we have one up on unbelievers because we have the Lord.
3. Vs 26: Knowing about Christ is not enough we should share him with others! We should be willing to go out of our way to reach people, not for our sake but for the Lords. This verse for me is very humbling because I know that I don't take enough risks for Christ. This verse reminds of the song "Dangerous" by Group 1 Crew "I want to live dangerous, risk it all for YOU Lord, whatever it takes." Something to think about. It would be nice to be able one day to have no fears of the people of this world because I choose to live for Christ.
Verse 3-4 we should not judge others on their outlook. It becomes so easy for me to judge people. If we judge others outwardly we stand a very good chance of them not being able to see Christ in us. We instantly become stumbling blocks for lost people that are trying to get to The Lord. Verse 10-11 God wants the honest truth and ultimately, He knows when we are going around a lie. God is always watching and He knows our thoughts afar off. Lying is pointless because of that. If we speak true words, but don't have love then we are nothing. Verse 21 God told Isaac to sacrifice his son on an alter. I wish I had the kind of faith and trust that Isaac had with God. I have a hard time trusting God with everyday things. This passage just shows me how self centered I can be in life. I pray that I could be more like Isaac one day.
1. V 1-13) To God we are all of equal worth whether we are rich or poor. Those who love God must show respect for all of His people.
2 V 10) there is no small sins nor big sins. I think we often forget this and try to justify a small sin in comparison to a "big sin". To God a SIN, is a SIN, is a SIN. "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
3 V 14-17) We should not think of 'faith' and 'deeds' or 'works' as separate things. Works are the certain result of real faith. Where there is no active love there is no real faith.
1.) We are often way too quick to judge others by their outward appearances. This is sin and it does not please God. We are to show the love of Christ to other people. Your thoughts eventually come out of your mouth and when they do, all the judgmental thoughts that you just shared show what is really inside your heart. Vs. 10) For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. No matter how good I am, God says that when I break one command, I am guilty of all. You can also relate this back to having a judgmental spirit. Often, we see a Christian friend slipping away from God and we are so quick to judge them rather than help pick them back up. But here God says when one person breaks a commandment, he is guilty of breaking them all. This is not directed just towards that other person but to you too. Vs. 26) For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. Just getting Saved isn't enough. After we accept our new life in Christ, we are supposed to grow to be more and more like him each day. Bible reading and verse memorization are things that are necessary for growth, but works also help you grow. Works help to perfect your faith in Jesus.
1. I often times find myself building a "spiritual resume" instead of serving God from my heart. What makes this dangerous is when I have more on my "list" than someone else I look down on them. I'm the one trying to put on the goodly apparel to be respected. I have to shed comparison and what people think and have faith with no respect of persons.
ReplyDelete2. We give way too much attention and worship to people who don't deserve it. Many celebrities, athletes, and politicians (or anyone that can make their way onto a screen) get worshipped by the world around us even though they are just as wicked as anyone else (blaspheming that worthy name...). Pastors, bible teachers, and strong men of God deserve way more respect that we give them. Often they are the poor man that chose God's riches over man's.
3. Once I am saved, God expects more from me then just not to be bad. I find myself putting on cruise control spiritually when I need to be actively showing Christ's love everyday in one way or another. That's the only way people will know I have his love.
James 2
ReplyDelete1. vs.8: the "royal law" is literally the "law of love". Here, we are told that if we follow this law (which is kind of like the Golden Rule) to love thy neighbor as thyself, we will do well. Imagine if we lived in a world where everyone tried to love each other! That will never happen, but we can make it a reality in our own lives. I need to work on loving others and not getting so caught up in myself!
2. vs.19: "the devils also believe, and tremble". We hear this a lot, but to me it's terrifying. I don't want to believe like the devils. Satan SAW God and KNEW Him and yet still thought he was better. I get this mentality sometimes when I ignore God and focus more on myself. This is a humbling verse for sure.
3. vs.18&20: Faith without works is dead. We say we have faith, but where is the fruit? First and second Timothy talked about this a lot too. Again, I think God is really trying to teach me that I can't walk through and just profess to be a Christian. I need to really know what I believe for myself, and then live it. I don't want to be a double-minded man (woman)!
Love your second point! What separates us from the demons? He loves us and died for us. And we love him back or at least we should.
ReplyDeleteJames 2.
ReplyDelete1. vs. 1-5. I think this how many people think. We judge other by just how they look. We think as the world thinks. We consider people ugly and judge that we are better than them instead of thinking how God thinks.
2. vs. 8. We need to truly love God and others. Much of my own sinfulness is from lack of love. If we can just work on how to love others more and love God, not only will we offend God less, but we will find more peace.
3. vs. 26. "For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead." This speaks for itself. We need to not just say we believe in God and his commandments but Actually show we do! We need to set an example for others to follow while strengthening our own faith through good works of faith.
Spot on! Show our faith, not just speak it. So true. I like it
DeleteJames 2
ReplyDelete1. V. 1-9 Real faith doesn't discriminate...because of race, position, or class. People are not the motivation. Who they are or what they do is not a factor. The motivation is out of love for God. It is the driving force to put others above self. He served all people. So should we, regardless of who they are. Show your love through me God!
2. V. 14 Real faith demands works. Works don't save me but they are the evidence that I have been saved. We shouldn't stop seeking to do "good works". We just need to do them out of love for God rather than doing them to try to save ourselves.
3. V. 19 Real faith is not just head knowledge of God. Real faith is knowing and trusting in Him in our hearts.
James 2
ReplyDelete1. V. 1-6 True love looks past differences. If Christ loved everyone, then why do we pick and choose those who are more comfortable or convenient to serve and love?
2. V 18 Don't just say you believe, but live it out. Put your believe in action and show others your faith through your works.
3. V. 10 I might not have done something as "horrible" as so-in-so did..but if broke God's law in some way at all, then i'm just as guilty. If we could stop looking at our sin with others sin in mind, but rather look at our sin next to God's righteousness..we would see we fall SO short of being a good or even an okay
1. We judge people way to quickly because of their lifestyle, race,or stability. If we truly love God this shouldn't be an issue in ones life.
ReplyDelete2. V.21 "Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?" Thinking of this and Abraham's ridiculous faith that he had for God blows my mind. If someone asked me to give up my most prized possession, I wouldn't have been as easily persuaded. His faith in God was mighty and I am envious and determined to be able to say mine is just as strong.
3.V.24 "by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." You might say you are a Christian, but how is someone to know if you don't present yourself as one? You have to walk just as much as you talk.
Awesome points Nikki! Thanks for your comments!
DeleteI love your points, Nikki! Especially 2.
DeleteV 5 God's economy is the complete opposite of the world's, and unfortunately, mine so many times. God chooses children as examples of the faith we must have to receive his Salvation, the poor as being more able to enter the kingdom of God, and those who would give their lives for him as the ones who have saved their lives. I needed this reminder!
ReplyDeleteV 10 A nice little "slap in the face" that sin is SIN, no matter the sin. God doesn't have a grading scale and neither should I.
V 16 How often do my actions towards those with a need that I could feasibly meet indicate a "be ye warmed and filled" attitude? Lord help me to keep an open hand and an open heart.
V 2-3) This is a reminder that we need to treat everyone the same. No matter the clothes, the race, the gender. We are all created by a perfect God, and must treat EVERYONE like we would want ourselves treated. If we don't we are dishonoring our God.
ReplyDeleteV 10) We cannot fail at one part of the law, and uphold the other and say that I am only partially sinful because we kept up part of the law. If we fail at one part of the law, we fail at the whole thing. Therefore we are all sinful.
V14) We simply cannot ask for forgiveness from God for our sins, and then not follow the law. We must ask for forgiveness and then try the best we can to uphold it. We must ALWAYS try to act in a christian manner not matter what the situation.
James 2
ReplyDelete1. Vs 11-13: When we make stupid, idiotic mistakes in our lives God isn't sitting there anticipating it so that he can point his finger at us and judge us; instead, he allows us to be forgiven, even though we'll probably do it again, and he shows us mercy. So, if one who is so loving, just and pure can show us kindness and mercy when we sin, why can we not do that for others?
2. Vs 19: If the devil and his demons fear God why shouldn't I? Me personally I know there have been times when I have sinned and I knew it but, I did it anyways. Thankfully the Lord forgives! This verse should teach all of us that if the devil who has no love for God or any affection for him at all can know his power then, we Christians should as well! We should want to serve God and spread his word, and speaking of myself as well, shouldn't get prideful or feel like we have one up on unbelievers because we have the Lord.
3. Vs 26: Knowing about Christ is not enough we should share him with others! We should be willing to go out of our way to reach people, not for our sake but for the Lords. This verse for me is very humbling because I know that I don't take enough risks for Christ. This verse reminds of the song "Dangerous" by Group 1 Crew "I want to live dangerous, risk it all for YOU Lord, whatever it takes." Something to think about. It would be nice to be able one day to have no fears of the people of this world because I choose to live for Christ.
Wow Ashley! I was impacted just reading your notes.
DeleteVerse 3-4 we should not judge others on their outlook. It becomes so easy for me to judge people. If we judge others outwardly we stand a very good chance of them not being able to see Christ in us. We instantly become stumbling blocks for lost people that are trying to get to The Lord.
ReplyDeleteVerse 10-11 God wants the honest truth and ultimately, He knows when we are going around a lie. God is always watching and He knows our thoughts afar off. Lying is pointless because of that. If we speak true words, but don't have love then we are nothing.
Verse 21 God told Isaac to sacrifice his son on an alter. I wish I had the kind of faith and trust that Isaac had with God. I have a hard time trusting God with everyday things. This passage just shows me how self centered I can be in life. I pray that I could be more like Isaac one day.
"If we judge others, they can't see Christ in us." Love it!
Delete1. V 1-13) To God we are all of equal worth whether we are rich or poor. Those who love God must show respect for all of His people.
ReplyDelete2 V 10) there is no small sins nor big sins. I think we often forget this and try to justify a small sin in comparison to a "big sin". To God a SIN, is a SIN, is a SIN. "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
3 V 14-17) We should not think of 'faith' and 'deeds' or 'works' as separate things. Works are the certain result of real faith. Where there is no active love there is no real faith.
Great thoughts! Keep it up
Delete1.) We are often way too quick to judge others by their outward appearances. This is sin and it does not please God. We are to show the love of Christ to other people. Your thoughts eventually come out of your mouth and when they do, all the judgmental thoughts that you just shared show what is really inside your heart.
ReplyDeleteVs. 10) For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. No matter how good I am, God says that when I break one command, I am guilty of all. You can also relate this back to having a judgmental spirit. Often, we see a Christian friend slipping away from God and we are so quick to judge them rather than help pick them back up. But here God says when one person breaks a commandment, he is guilty of breaking them all. This is not directed just towards that other person but to you too.
Vs. 26) For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. Just getting Saved isn't enough. After we accept our new life in Christ, we are supposed to grow to be more and more like him each day. Bible reading and verse memorization are things that are necessary for growth, but works also help you grow. Works help to perfect your faith in Jesus.