Many people have said something to this effect when they come to James 2:14-26, “This paragraph is the most theologically significant, as well as the most controversial, in the letter of James.” In fact this is one of the most difficult passages in the New Testament. Interpreting the section and then teaching it is a sizeable and significant task.
One of the major issues is the relationship of James' teaching with that of the Apostle Paul. Many ask whether they contradict each other or if there is any way to harmonize the two. I have decided to show you Paul’s teaching with an explanation then James teaching with an explanation with the hopes that I can demonstrate that Paul and James were writing against different problems to different audiences in different settings and therefore are not contradicting one another. Finally, I will try to be sum up some things from James 2 as simple as possible so that I can be as clear as possible.
Point 1: Apostle Paul
Text: Romans 3:27-4:5
A. Problem: Legalism
People are saved by doing certain things and abstaining from other things.
Works = Justification, Righteousness, Salvation
B. Audience: Predominately Gentile Christians
C. Setting: Churches All Over the Roman Empire
Now let’s turn our attention to what James teaches.
Point 2: Elder James
READ Scripture- This is the Word of God
A. Problem: Torah Minimalists
People are saved by only believing. Doing the least amount required.
Intellectual Faith = Justification, Righteousness, Salvation
B. Audience: Predominately Jewish Christians
C. Setting: Jewish Christians Meeting in Synagogues Outside Palestine
And so we now see that James and Paul are not standing face to face in a confrontation but they're standing back to back fighting two common enemies. Paul is fighting those people who want salvation to be by works. James is fighting those people who want a salvation that doesn't demand anything.
Point 3: Main ContextThere are three ways in this passage that James talks about faith to show that the faith he says cannot justify is a faith that Paul would agree cannot justify- dead faith (v17), devil faith (v19), and useless faith (v20 alternate trans).
James has already taught in 1:22, “Be doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” There are two types of faith that James is dealing with:
1. Intellectual Agreement that simply believes the facts and history- Dead
2. Intellectual Agreement that becomes Spiritual Reality- Saving
Valid, saving faith has always been verified by fruit. And a false, dead faith is indicated by the absence of righteous actions. Many examples could be given, but let me just quote a few:
1. Hebrews 12:14 “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord”
2. John 8:30-31 “As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.”
3. John 2:23-25 “Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.”
4. Paul says the same as what James says here when he states in Ephesians 2, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
Both agree that there is a faith that does not save.
James gives two examples of Faith/Action people from the OT- Abraham and Rahab. These two are an interesting combination. One is a patriarch, the other is a prostitute, but both are people who believed and went to action. Both were hospitable.
Salvation < Faith < Works
Faith is the buffer between works and salvation. Works can never directly ensure salvation, but they can add to a believers faith. Faith is what saves a person. If your faith fades away, if your faith died, then salvation will be forfeited. So the question is- Do you only believe the facts or is your faith a spiritual reality?
As we begin to conclude, let me bring all of this home in simple terms.
Some of you may have friends that have urged you and urged you to come to church. Others of you have had your parents and grandparents urge you and urge you to be here. Why do they do that? Is it because being in this building will save you? Just because you go to a church building every week and put on your Sunday clothes, does that save you? Of course not, but they know that there is something special that happens when we meet together. The Word of God is proclaimed and you all know that faith comes by hearing. The Spirit of God moves in the hearts of His people so that we are renewed and transformed. These are the things that will save you.
Why do Christian parents teach their kids to come to church each week? So that they may learn commitment. Why do they teach their kids to dress in their best when they come? So that they may learn reverence. Why do they teach their kids to give of their resources? So that they may learn that God supplies needs. Why do they have their children attend classes? So that they may learn that the Word of God is living and powerful. These things will not save a person, but they go a long way to cultivating faith in Christ. You see, these things are beneficial to our faith, not harmful. These are the natural out-workings of a Christian.
When God instructs us that these things are what flow from the heart of a believer then I believe it. James tells us that saving faith will produce certain works. Therefore we know that the one who simply says, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled” to a cold and hungry person cannot be a true believer. They may say that they believe, but God has not worked in their hearts. The Spirit is not active in them. The Word has not transformed their mind. The type of faith that saves a person is active because the Holy Spirit is at work. Faith without efforts of compassion is foolish, useless, demonic, dead...
Jesus said your belief is not sufficient unless it involves a new birth, a transformation which leads to a life of obedience. He told Nicodemus, “You must be born again.” Saving faith includes a new birth and James does teach this in 1:18, “Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.” And then there is the tendency to want glory for ourselves, but the truth is that even when we do “good works” it is because God has renewed us and continues to work in us. All of the glory goes to Him.
God desires a merciful attitude and acts of kindness. We are free in Christ from the works of the Law which cannot save, thus our freedom is a license to help our brethren so that others may be encouraged and so that needs may be met. And maybe, just maybe, an outsider may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.
James 2:8-13 Fulfilling the Royal Law
James will soon get to the famous text where he says, "Faith without works is dead," but the text that we will cover today leads into it. In James 2:8-13 the phrase "Royal Law" is introduced. Now the Apostle Paul has already said elsewhere that we, as Christians, are not under law but under grace. So why is James talking about a royal law or what he also calls the "Law of Liberty" which we will be judged by? Well Paul will go as far as to say that we do not make void the Law through faith in Christ but that we establish the Law. Jesus Himself said that He did not come to destroy the Law, but to fulfill the Law.
What we will soon see is that we are still under a Law, but it is not the OT laws such as food regulations or sabbath rules. The Law we are under is Jesus instruction concerning life in light of the OT. Remember that Jesus said time and again, "You heard that it was said...but I say..." I would like to discuss this subject which James calls the Royal Law and how it should govern our lives today. Also keep in mind what we learned the last time we were in James. He told his readers to not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with partiality. In 2:8-13 there will be two propositions:
1) IF you really fulfill the royal law 2) IF you show partiality
The first proposition ends with you do well while the second ends with you commit sin.
READ Scripture- This is the Word of God
Point 1: The Royal Law, Leviticus 19:18
This could be THE royal law, but most likely is a premeire verse for the Biblical principle. This verse stands in place of the law that is found all over Scripture, most clearly in the New Testament as Jesus so forcefully teaches it.
I like the idea that the word "royal" could mean that it is "from the king." And it could mean that this law belongs to Him, comes from Him, and leads to Him.
There is a connection that could be made between "royal law" here in v8 and "kingdom" back in v5. A kingdom is guided by royal decrees passed down from the king. Just as an aside, let me say that many of you may not know but I took two classes at another Bible college other than the one I earned my degree from. I took a class on the Holy Spirit and I took a Hebrew class. My Hebrew professor got on his hobby-horse one night and said that as for Gentile Christians, Jesus is not our King. He said that Jesus is Israel's king and simply our Savior. I thought to myself, whoa whoa whoa. I have been told by Jesus Himself that I am part of a kingdom; the Kingdom of heaven, the kingdom of God. And a kingdom must have a king! So let me tell you this morning that Jesus is our King, He has a kingdom of which we are citizens, and this kingdom is ruled by one, royal law- the Law of Love, which I we will discuss more throughout this sermon.
In the verse that James quotes, Leviticus 19:18, God follows the command with "I am the LORD." Now that may seem like an insignificant statement, but I think that it has great importance. If this law is good enough for Yahweh God, then surely it is good enough for His people. Wouldn't you agree?
Remember that when a Jewish teacher referred to a certain verse of a text, often he was referring to the entire context or atleast more than the one verse. Two points can be made from chapter 19 in Leviticus. I will make one of those points here and another later. In v34 of Lev 19 this love command is extended past simply Israelites loving Israelites to lovingly receiving foreigners into the community. They were to love outsiders as they love other Israelites, and truly as they love themselves.
The greatest parable that Jesus ever taught on this subject was of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10:25-37. The trap that the lawyer fell into was that the Scripture said that a foreigner was his neighbor. Even a despised Samaritan was this Jewish lawyer's neighbor. Jesus didn't reinterpret the OT law, but clearly taught what the text says, "The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself."
The Leviticus 19 reference also works well in this context because it has a prohibition of partiality. Lev 19:15 says, "You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor."
(Matthew 22:34-40) "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
Point 2: Speak and Do as those who will be Judged by the Law of Liberty
The royal law is now called the law of liberty. This gives us an understanding that love leads to freedom, but the question is how do we respond to the freedom we are given in Christ? This is the question which will govern our judgment. The Scripture says that we will be judged by the law of liberty. Thus we are warned to so speak and so do as those who will be judged not by the OT law, but by the royal law (the law of liberty).
Jesus told a parable about how the Heavenly Father will judge in terms of mercy when Peter asked how many times he should forgive his brother. See Matthew 18:21-35.
Conclusion
When we were in James last we discussed the sin of partiality. Now we see another reason why it is sinful: "Partiality is sinful because it violates the love command."
James does not end the section on a gloomy note of judgment. After all, we are Christians and our hope is in Christ. The section ends with a positive, exciting statement, "Mercy triumphs over judgment." God said in Hosea 6:6 "For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings." In Micah 6:8 the question is asked, "And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?" Mercy must drive the relationships with our spouses, children, parents, family, friends, foreigners, and enemies.
There is no way to get around quoting a wonderful Scripture like Zecariah 7:9-10 so let me read it and then we will stand for our hymn of response:
"Thus says the LORD of hosts:
'Execute true justice,
Show mercy and compassion
Everyone to his brother.
Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless,
The alien or the poor.
Let none of you plan evil in his heart
Against his brother.'"
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."
What we will soon see is that we are still under a Law, but it is not the OT laws such as food regulations or sabbath rules. The Law we are under is Jesus instruction concerning life in light of the OT. Remember that Jesus said time and again, "You heard that it was said...but I say..." I would like to discuss this subject which James calls the Royal Law and how it should govern our lives today. Also keep in mind what we learned the last time we were in James. He told his readers to not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with partiality. In 2:8-13 there will be two propositions:
1) IF you really fulfill the royal law 2) IF you show partiality
The first proposition ends with you do well while the second ends with you commit sin.
READ Scripture- This is the Word of God
Point 1: The Royal Law, Leviticus 19:18
This could be THE royal law, but most likely is a premeire verse for the Biblical principle. This verse stands in place of the law that is found all over Scripture, most clearly in the New Testament as Jesus so forcefully teaches it.
I like the idea that the word "royal" could mean that it is "from the king." And it could mean that this law belongs to Him, comes from Him, and leads to Him.
There is a connection that could be made between "royal law" here in v8 and "kingdom" back in v5. A kingdom is guided by royal decrees passed down from the king. Just as an aside, let me say that many of you may not know but I took two classes at another Bible college other than the one I earned my degree from. I took a class on the Holy Spirit and I took a Hebrew class. My Hebrew professor got on his hobby-horse one night and said that as for Gentile Christians, Jesus is not our King. He said that Jesus is Israel's king and simply our Savior. I thought to myself, whoa whoa whoa. I have been told by Jesus Himself that I am part of a kingdom; the Kingdom of heaven, the kingdom of God. And a kingdom must have a king! So let me tell you this morning that Jesus is our King, He has a kingdom of which we are citizens, and this kingdom is ruled by one, royal law- the Law of Love, which I we will discuss more throughout this sermon.
In the verse that James quotes, Leviticus 19:18, God follows the command with "I am the LORD." Now that may seem like an insignificant statement, but I think that it has great importance. If this law is good enough for Yahweh God, then surely it is good enough for His people. Wouldn't you agree?
Remember that when a Jewish teacher referred to a certain verse of a text, often he was referring to the entire context or atleast more than the one verse. Two points can be made from chapter 19 in Leviticus. I will make one of those points here and another later. In v34 of Lev 19 this love command is extended past simply Israelites loving Israelites to lovingly receiving foreigners into the community. They were to love outsiders as they love other Israelites, and truly as they love themselves.
The greatest parable that Jesus ever taught on this subject was of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10:25-37. The trap that the lawyer fell into was that the Scripture said that a foreigner was his neighbor. Even a despised Samaritan was this Jewish lawyer's neighbor. Jesus didn't reinterpret the OT law, but clearly taught what the text says, "The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself."
The Leviticus 19 reference also works well in this context because it has a prohibition of partiality. Lev 19:15 says, "You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor."
(Matthew 22:34-40) "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
Point 2: Speak and Do as those who will be Judged by the Law of Liberty
The royal law is now called the law of liberty. This gives us an understanding that love leads to freedom, but the question is how do we respond to the freedom we are given in Christ? This is the question which will govern our judgment. The Scripture says that we will be judged by the law of liberty. Thus we are warned to so speak and so do as those who will be judged not by the OT law, but by the royal law (the law of liberty).
Jesus told a parable about how the Heavenly Father will judge in terms of mercy when Peter asked how many times he should forgive his brother. See Matthew 18:21-35.
Conclusion
When we were in James last we discussed the sin of partiality. Now we see another reason why it is sinful: "Partiality is sinful because it violates the love command."
James does not end the section on a gloomy note of judgment. After all, we are Christians and our hope is in Christ. The section ends with a positive, exciting statement, "Mercy triumphs over judgment." God said in Hosea 6:6 "For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings." In Micah 6:8 the question is asked, "And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?" Mercy must drive the relationships with our spouses, children, parents, family, friends, foreigners, and enemies.
There is no way to get around quoting a wonderful Scripture like Zecariah 7:9-10 so let me read it and then we will stand for our hymn of response:
"Thus says the LORD of hosts:
'Execute true justice,
Show mercy and compassion
Everyone to his brother.
Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless,
The alien or the poor.
Let none of you plan evil in his heart
Against his brother.'"
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."
Luke 9:51-56 Lord, Do You Want Us to Command Fire to Come Down?
As Christians we walk a fine line between spiritual realities that we have found by faith in Jesus Christ and the physical realities of this present age. In John C17 Jesus is praying for His disciples and I believe He was praying for all His future disciples including us. In one place He says, “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.” Christ said that He sends His disciples “into” the world, but that they are not “of” the world. This is a key Christian principle to which the Apostle Peter also writes and calls Christians “sojourners” and “pilgrims” in 1 Peter C2.
When we become committed believers in Jesus Christ we remain in the world and, though many would think that we should then hide in a corner, we are told to interact with the world that we live in. How else will others be saved by the name of Jesus if people like us are not telling them the good news of salvation? Not only do we interact with this world by evangelizing, but we also interact with the world in many other ways. We live here, work here, go to school here, eat here, shop here, and the list goes on. Our home is being prepared in a heavenly place, yet we are here for the present time.
I would like to continue the conversation that I began Wednesday concerning national events. I do not do a good job of keeping up with local or national news, but the important stuff always makes it to me. I recently heard about and then did some reading on the issue of the church burning Qurans in Florida. As small as that church is it is causing a disturbance all over the world which tells us that there are grave consequences for our actions. Do we want other religions to spread? Certainly not. Do we want non-Biblical political agendas to dominate? Certainly not. So what course of action should we take when we face opposition from non-believers? This is of utmost importance at a time like this. What does the Bible say concerning this subject?
Just as we have opposition in our spiritual lives, daily ministries, and in general from around the world so also did our Lord while walking the long dusty roads of Israel. His inaugurator, John the Baptizer, was murdered, the Pharisees and Scribes were breathing down His neck from the onset of His ministry, and He was ultimately murdered at the hands of the Jewish ruling elite. And everywhere in between Jesus was frequently opposed. There is a specific text that will serve as an example of one of those times of opposition and will help us greatly with our current situation. In Luke C9 we find a brief account illustrating for us how Jesus and His disciples dealt with opposition. Let us take note of how our Lord handles opposition.
READ Scripture- This is the Word of God
Background: Jesus sets out for Jerusalem because the time had come for Him to be “received up” meaing His crucifixion, resurrection, and ultimately His ascension. He sends messengers ahead of Him to prepare for His arrival in the area. It was necessary to send them ahead of the group because these small villages of about 40-50 people would not necessarily be able to accomodate Jesus and His disciples.
The messengers entered a Samaritan village, but the people would not receive Him because He was journeying to Jerusalem. They wanted no part of Jesus being in their village. Why would they not receive Him? There are many possibilities:
1. Samaritans hated Jews and vice-versa
2. They veiwed it as a rejection of their religion and temple
3. They denied Jesus' Messiaship (though many Samaritans believed previously)
It doesn't matter whether this opposition was because of Samaritans hatred for Jews or whether it is a more personal rejection of Jesus as the Messiah. What matters is that Jesus is already being rejected on His way to the cross.
Then the focus shifts to the disciple’s response to this opposition, specifically the response of James and John.
Point 1: The Disciple’s Reaction to Opposition: Command Fire to Come DownJesus has already instructed His disciples on the issue of a town rejecting them. He actually did in this same chapter, V5. “And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” It seems reasonable that this should have been their response. Yet they respond by wanting to call down divine judgment by fire. One writer said, “Notice that James and John were eager to strike a match and conduct their own vengeful bonfire. In their immaturity they thought they could advance Christ's kingdom by fighting fire with fire.” It is almost surprising that they thought that they had this kind of divine authority, but after all Jesus did call James and John the “Sons of Thunder” in Mark 3:17. They must have had Elijah in mind:
1. Elijah called down fire to consume two units of troops sent against him by King Ahaziah of Samaria in 2 Kings 1:1-17.
2. Elijah also called down fire to consume a sacrifice when competing with the priests of the false god Baal on Mt. Carmel in 1 Kings 18:38.
What can we say of this response? James and John, the Sons of Thunder, were utterly and miserably wrong. Their response was non-loving, non-merciful, and imperfect to say the least.
What is of greatest significance is Jesus’ response to this opposition and His reaction to the disciples.
Point 2: Jesus’ Reaction to Opposition: He Rebuked ThemOnce again Christ displays for us a life of humility and peace. Instead of rebuking the unhospitable Samaritans, He rebukes His disciples who should have known better.
Why did Jesus rebuke James/John? Mainly because His Face was Set for Jerusalem. Jesus came the first time to save men’s souls. He was on a life-giving mission, not a life-destroying mission. He simply rebuked the disciples and went to the next village. Even today we are under this age that Jesus introduced. What is it the Apostle says in Romans? You are not under law, but under grace. Now is a time for salvation. Jesus left the door open for the Samaritans because it was not the time to condemn: Since Jesus did not allow the disciples to react the way that they planned it left the door open for Samaritans to come to faith in Christ and receive salvation. In Acts C8 Philip went down to Samaria and preached Christ to them and multitudes listened to what he had to say and there was great joy. Jesus did not have a sensitive trigger finger did He?
1. Nehemiah 9:17 “You are God, Ready to pardon, Gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, Abundant in kindness.”
2. Psalm 103:8 “The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.”
3. Psalm 145:8 “The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy.”
There is no doubt- Jesus practiced what He preached and showed His divine nature by being slow to anger.
As long as you are alive, there's a chance. Though the Samaritans were not repentant or inviting, Jesus was still going to Jerusalem to atone for sin, and He was going to be patient with them just as He's patient with you, as He's patient with me, and as He was patient with His own disciples, James and John. He is patient with us. What that means is that as long as we are breathing, it's not yet time for condemnation. Once somebody dies, there is fire from heaven. Hebrews 9:27 says, "it is appointed once for a man to die, then judgment." When you die it’s over, but as long as you're alive salvation is available. There's still the invitation to salvation by turning to Jesus Christ.
One major phrase that should be given some attention is that Jesus’ face was set for Jerusalem. This phrase drives the entire context and should drive our lives.
Point 3: His Face was Set for Jerusalem
Another pastor has said, “The answer of the whole New Testament is this: the surprise about Jesus the Messiah is that He came to live a life of sacrificial, dying service before He comes a second time to reign in glory. And the surprise about discipleship is that it demands a life of sacrificial, dying service before we can reign with Christ in glory. What James and John had to learn—what we all must learn—is that Jesus' journey to Jerusalem is our journey, and if He set His face to go there and die, we must set our face to die with Him.” His face was set for Jerusalem because that is where He was going to fulfill His Messianic obligations (Matt 16:21). The first account after this decision is opposition. Jesus did not send fire, judge, condemn, put on a t-shirt that said Samaritans are evil, or any of the like. Jesus continued on despite opposition. He had no time to stop and deal with these unrepentant people. He had single-minded devotion to the Father’s plan for Him. Now the question is- do we have single-minded devotion to the Father’s plan for us? Is Fort Trial Christian Church focused on the mission? Is your family focused on the mission? Are you focused on the mission?
The Father’s plan and mission for us is a life of sacrificial love for others.
Conclusion: It has been said that "There is no passage in which Jesus so directly teaches the duty of tolerance as in this."
We know “that our Christian warfare—our invisible struggle with sin, deception and false gods—is not according to the flesh. Rather, it involves humble acts like prayer and friendship evangelism.” It requires that we move ahead despite opposition, but leave the door open for repentance/salvation to those who presently supress the grace of God.
One fantastic Christian brother said many years ago, “Even if a man be utterly mistaken we must never regard him as an enemy to be destroyed, but as a strayed friend to be recovered by love." It can’t be said much better than that.
Peter gives us words that are fitting as a conclusion. In 1 Peter 2 we are told to have our conduct honorable among outsiders, that when they speak against us as evildoers, they may, by our good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. May people see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven! (Not see us wear shirts that condemn others, not see us launch out with violence toward those who have differing world views, not condemn others, but that they may see our GOOD WORKS).
When we become committed believers in Jesus Christ we remain in the world and, though many would think that we should then hide in a corner, we are told to interact with the world that we live in. How else will others be saved by the name of Jesus if people like us are not telling them the good news of salvation? Not only do we interact with this world by evangelizing, but we also interact with the world in many other ways. We live here, work here, go to school here, eat here, shop here, and the list goes on. Our home is being prepared in a heavenly place, yet we are here for the present time.
I would like to continue the conversation that I began Wednesday concerning national events. I do not do a good job of keeping up with local or national news, but the important stuff always makes it to me. I recently heard about and then did some reading on the issue of the church burning Qurans in Florida. As small as that church is it is causing a disturbance all over the world which tells us that there are grave consequences for our actions. Do we want other religions to spread? Certainly not. Do we want non-Biblical political agendas to dominate? Certainly not. So what course of action should we take when we face opposition from non-believers? This is of utmost importance at a time like this. What does the Bible say concerning this subject?
Just as we have opposition in our spiritual lives, daily ministries, and in general from around the world so also did our Lord while walking the long dusty roads of Israel. His inaugurator, John the Baptizer, was murdered, the Pharisees and Scribes were breathing down His neck from the onset of His ministry, and He was ultimately murdered at the hands of the Jewish ruling elite. And everywhere in between Jesus was frequently opposed. There is a specific text that will serve as an example of one of those times of opposition and will help us greatly with our current situation. In Luke C9 we find a brief account illustrating for us how Jesus and His disciples dealt with opposition. Let us take note of how our Lord handles opposition.
READ Scripture- This is the Word of God
Background: Jesus sets out for Jerusalem because the time had come for Him to be “received up” meaing His crucifixion, resurrection, and ultimately His ascension. He sends messengers ahead of Him to prepare for His arrival in the area. It was necessary to send them ahead of the group because these small villages of about 40-50 people would not necessarily be able to accomodate Jesus and His disciples.
The messengers entered a Samaritan village, but the people would not receive Him because He was journeying to Jerusalem. They wanted no part of Jesus being in their village. Why would they not receive Him? There are many possibilities:
1. Samaritans hated Jews and vice-versa
2. They veiwed it as a rejection of their religion and temple
3. They denied Jesus' Messiaship (though many Samaritans believed previously)
It doesn't matter whether this opposition was because of Samaritans hatred for Jews or whether it is a more personal rejection of Jesus as the Messiah. What matters is that Jesus is already being rejected on His way to the cross.
Then the focus shifts to the disciple’s response to this opposition, specifically the response of James and John.
Point 1: The Disciple’s Reaction to Opposition: Command Fire to Come DownJesus has already instructed His disciples on the issue of a town rejecting them. He actually did in this same chapter, V5. “And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” It seems reasonable that this should have been their response. Yet they respond by wanting to call down divine judgment by fire. One writer said, “Notice that James and John were eager to strike a match and conduct their own vengeful bonfire. In their immaturity they thought they could advance Christ's kingdom by fighting fire with fire.” It is almost surprising that they thought that they had this kind of divine authority, but after all Jesus did call James and John the “Sons of Thunder” in Mark 3:17. They must have had Elijah in mind:
1. Elijah called down fire to consume two units of troops sent against him by King Ahaziah of Samaria in 2 Kings 1:1-17.
2. Elijah also called down fire to consume a sacrifice when competing with the priests of the false god Baal on Mt. Carmel in 1 Kings 18:38.
What can we say of this response? James and John, the Sons of Thunder, were utterly and miserably wrong. Their response was non-loving, non-merciful, and imperfect to say the least.
What is of greatest significance is Jesus’ response to this opposition and His reaction to the disciples.
Point 2: Jesus’ Reaction to Opposition: He Rebuked ThemOnce again Christ displays for us a life of humility and peace. Instead of rebuking the unhospitable Samaritans, He rebukes His disciples who should have known better.
Why did Jesus rebuke James/John? Mainly because His Face was Set for Jerusalem. Jesus came the first time to save men’s souls. He was on a life-giving mission, not a life-destroying mission. He simply rebuked the disciples and went to the next village. Even today we are under this age that Jesus introduced. What is it the Apostle says in Romans? You are not under law, but under grace. Now is a time for salvation. Jesus left the door open for the Samaritans because it was not the time to condemn: Since Jesus did not allow the disciples to react the way that they planned it left the door open for Samaritans to come to faith in Christ and receive salvation. In Acts C8 Philip went down to Samaria and preached Christ to them and multitudes listened to what he had to say and there was great joy. Jesus did not have a sensitive trigger finger did He?
1. Nehemiah 9:17 “You are God, Ready to pardon, Gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, Abundant in kindness.”
2. Psalm 103:8 “The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.”
3. Psalm 145:8 “The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy.”
There is no doubt- Jesus practiced what He preached and showed His divine nature by being slow to anger.
As long as you are alive, there's a chance. Though the Samaritans were not repentant or inviting, Jesus was still going to Jerusalem to atone for sin, and He was going to be patient with them just as He's patient with you, as He's patient with me, and as He was patient with His own disciples, James and John. He is patient with us. What that means is that as long as we are breathing, it's not yet time for condemnation. Once somebody dies, there is fire from heaven. Hebrews 9:27 says, "it is appointed once for a man to die, then judgment." When you die it’s over, but as long as you're alive salvation is available. There's still the invitation to salvation by turning to Jesus Christ.
One major phrase that should be given some attention is that Jesus’ face was set for Jerusalem. This phrase drives the entire context and should drive our lives.
Point 3: His Face was Set for Jerusalem
Another pastor has said, “The answer of the whole New Testament is this: the surprise about Jesus the Messiah is that He came to live a life of sacrificial, dying service before He comes a second time to reign in glory. And the surprise about discipleship is that it demands a life of sacrificial, dying service before we can reign with Christ in glory. What James and John had to learn—what we all must learn—is that Jesus' journey to Jerusalem is our journey, and if He set His face to go there and die, we must set our face to die with Him.” His face was set for Jerusalem because that is where He was going to fulfill His Messianic obligations (Matt 16:21). The first account after this decision is opposition. Jesus did not send fire, judge, condemn, put on a t-shirt that said Samaritans are evil, or any of the like. Jesus continued on despite opposition. He had no time to stop and deal with these unrepentant people. He had single-minded devotion to the Father’s plan for Him. Now the question is- do we have single-minded devotion to the Father’s plan for us? Is Fort Trial Christian Church focused on the mission? Is your family focused on the mission? Are you focused on the mission?
The Father’s plan and mission for us is a life of sacrificial love for others.
Conclusion: It has been said that "There is no passage in which Jesus so directly teaches the duty of tolerance as in this."
We know “that our Christian warfare—our invisible struggle with sin, deception and false gods—is not according to the flesh. Rather, it involves humble acts like prayer and friendship evangelism.” It requires that we move ahead despite opposition, but leave the door open for repentance/salvation to those who presently supress the grace of God.
One fantastic Christian brother said many years ago, “Even if a man be utterly mistaken we must never regard him as an enemy to be destroyed, but as a strayed friend to be recovered by love." It can’t be said much better than that.
Peter gives us words that are fitting as a conclusion. In 1 Peter 2 we are told to have our conduct honorable among outsiders, that when they speak against us as evildoers, they may, by our good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. May people see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven! (Not see us wear shirts that condemn others, not see us launch out with violence toward those who have differing world views, not condemn others, but that they may see our GOOD WORKS).
James 2:1-7 Blasphemy
James has already said something in chapter one that I did not mention in previous weeks. In 1:27 James says that pure religion that the Father accepts is “to look after orphans and widows in their distress.” What did the Lord Jesus say is the summation of the Law? We are to love God with all that we are and to love our neighbors as ourself. Loving your neighbor is a hallmark of Christianity, yet how many Christians use and abuse others? How many even do it on Sunday morning? This was a major concern in the early church and it continues to be a chief matter to be addressed in the modern church. James gives us instruction on this subject as he begins chapter two, by inspiration of God. There is vital teaching from the Lord, so let us hear what he has to say.
READ Scripture- This is the Word of God
The issue is how we view other people, especially Christians. When you look at someone what agenda do you have? Are you asking yourself if they are worthy of your engagement or are you asking yourself how you can love them?
Spiritual and Scriptural truth must be put to practice. James wants to stress this point. If we believe what the Bible says about the Gospel and the Grace of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ then we can not exercise partiality. 1 John 2:2 says that Jesus Christ died for our sins, yet not only ours but for the sins of the world!
The recipients of this original letter must have been guilty for this thinking and behavior. Partiality is inconsistent with faith in Christ. Just as light has no fellowship with darkness, neither does the Gospel with favoritism.
Verse two begins a hypothetical situation that illustrates this major point of the section. It is given of a rich man and a poor man. Now this is an obvious example, but the scenario could be written in many others ways. Think to yourself some other comparisons that would illustrate this point. Aren’t there plenty of types of people that are treated with great worth while others are considered rubbish? This is a shame, but you get James’ point.
The description is “fine” clothes vs. “shabby” clothes (dirty/filthy). The discrimination that this illustration paints is far more than just a look one way or the other. The discrimination extends to the treatment of the two individuals. One is told to have a nice seat, most likely in a prominent place in the assembly, while the other is told to stand, most likely out of the way in the back or in a corner with his other option being to sit on the floor. The language is that of the rich man having a comfortable seat with a foot stool while the poor man is told to sit by the foot stool or possibly “below the footstool.” We understand what is meant.
James then gives the reader the opportunity to decide for themselves what type of behavior this is. He poses the question to them, but we already hear the hint of condemnation in the words from verse four such as partiality, judges, and evil. Where does discriminating behavior like this come from? Evil Thoughts!
This conduct has softly been condemned as ungodly, hypocritical, and down-right evil. Now the conversation turns to an intimate statement- “My Beloved Brethren…” In verse five James allows the readers to once again answer a question for themselves, but the answer is also implied again- God has chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world.
God shows no favoritism, but He does have a special place in His heart for two groups of people: “Little Ones” and “Least of These.” He has an eye on the lowly of this world and has promised to make them rich in due time by faith. Our Heavenly Father truly wants all to assume this lowly role:
1. “Blessed are the poor in spirit…” (Spiritually Bankrupt)
2. “The First shall be Last and the Last shall be First…”
3. “Wash one another’s feet…”
4. Jesus said, “I am gentle and lowly in heart…”
5. Let us take a LOOK at Philippians 2:5-11.
That is the Biblical pattern- humility leads to exaltation, low to high, last to first.
It is important to note that we would be dead-wrong to read verse five as saying “God has chosen ONLY the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom.” That is not what the text says nor is it implied. Jesus said that it is difficult for a rich person to make it into the kingdom, but He did not say it was impossible. Actually, do you know what He told His disciples? He told them that it is impossible for man but all things are possible with God. Some Christians have been blessed with wealth so that they can bless the church and the world by it in the name of Jesus Christ. The key point is that God does not discriminate between rich and poor. He has not rejected either group, but wills that none would perish and that all would be saved by turning to Christ.
We know the recipients of this letter were guilty because James tells them point blank in verse six, “But you have dishonored the poor man.” The question is- are we guilty as they were? I don’t know the answer for each of you, but a text like this can prevent us from falling into an Evil trap like showing certain people partiality. It is Evil Thinking. When we behave this way we assume the role of judge, and the Father has already appointed a Judge, His Son Jesus Christ.
Finally, verse seven teaches that this discriminating behavior is blasphemy against our glorious Lord. The rich, young ruler said he wanted to be perfect, but could not part with his material wealth which no doubt gave him worldly confidence, power, authority, praise of men, and probably a prominent place in an assembly. What is the conclusion of that incident? He went away from the Lord miserable.
Two things can be said here for condemnation of favoritism:
1. (v5-6) This attitude contradicts God’s assessment. God honors the poor.
2. (v7) Showing favoritism betrays the name of Christ Jesus our Lord.
There are two types of faith in this context:
1. Faith in Partiality- that you can gain acceptance by appeasing the affluent
2. Faith is Christ- acceptance comes from assuming a lowly position
James pleads with his readers and us as this Scripture has come down through the centuries to choose the second. Do not put faith in partiality. It will not save you and it will honestly not help you in the immediate. James says that these arrogant, prominent people are oppressors and that they blaspheme the holy name of Christ by which we have been called by behaving this way. The Lord Jesus said at one time that the Gentile Rulers “lord it over” their people and he instructed His disciples to flee from the behavior. Prominent people, whether they be in a place of government or church leadership, very wealthy, or very successful should never lord it over others and they should assume the role of a servant just like the King of the universe did. The charge is to deny this conduct and put our faith in Christ, the servant, the sympathetic priest, the savior.
Once again, the fundamental issue is how we view other people, especially Christians. When you look at someone what agenda do you have? Are you asking yourself if they are worthy of your engagement or are you asking yourself how you can love them? We should be looking past clothes and jewelry by looking straight into the heart of another human being. What does their spirit tell you? Do they need a hug, do they need a smile, do they need some advice, are they hurting, do they need prayer, are they spiritually weak, or can they teach you something? These are Godly questions. Read a person’s spirit and not their shirt.
“My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.”
READ Scripture- This is the Word of God
The issue is how we view other people, especially Christians. When you look at someone what agenda do you have? Are you asking yourself if they are worthy of your engagement or are you asking yourself how you can love them?
Spiritual and Scriptural truth must be put to practice. James wants to stress this point. If we believe what the Bible says about the Gospel and the Grace of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ then we can not exercise partiality. 1 John 2:2 says that Jesus Christ died for our sins, yet not only ours but for the sins of the world!
The recipients of this original letter must have been guilty for this thinking and behavior. Partiality is inconsistent with faith in Christ. Just as light has no fellowship with darkness, neither does the Gospel with favoritism.
Verse two begins a hypothetical situation that illustrates this major point of the section. It is given of a rich man and a poor man. Now this is an obvious example, but the scenario could be written in many others ways. Think to yourself some other comparisons that would illustrate this point. Aren’t there plenty of types of people that are treated with great worth while others are considered rubbish? This is a shame, but you get James’ point.
The description is “fine” clothes vs. “shabby” clothes (dirty/filthy). The discrimination that this illustration paints is far more than just a look one way or the other. The discrimination extends to the treatment of the two individuals. One is told to have a nice seat, most likely in a prominent place in the assembly, while the other is told to stand, most likely out of the way in the back or in a corner with his other option being to sit on the floor. The language is that of the rich man having a comfortable seat with a foot stool while the poor man is told to sit by the foot stool or possibly “below the footstool.” We understand what is meant.
James then gives the reader the opportunity to decide for themselves what type of behavior this is. He poses the question to them, but we already hear the hint of condemnation in the words from verse four such as partiality, judges, and evil. Where does discriminating behavior like this come from? Evil Thoughts!
This conduct has softly been condemned as ungodly, hypocritical, and down-right evil. Now the conversation turns to an intimate statement- “My Beloved Brethren…” In verse five James allows the readers to once again answer a question for themselves, but the answer is also implied again- God has chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world.
God shows no favoritism, but He does have a special place in His heart for two groups of people: “Little Ones” and “Least of These.” He has an eye on the lowly of this world and has promised to make them rich in due time by faith. Our Heavenly Father truly wants all to assume this lowly role:
1. “Blessed are the poor in spirit…” (Spiritually Bankrupt)
2. “The First shall be Last and the Last shall be First…”
3. “Wash one another’s feet…”
4. Jesus said, “I am gentle and lowly in heart…”
5. Let us take a LOOK at Philippians 2:5-11.
That is the Biblical pattern- humility leads to exaltation, low to high, last to first.
It is important to note that we would be dead-wrong to read verse five as saying “God has chosen ONLY the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom.” That is not what the text says nor is it implied. Jesus said that it is difficult for a rich person to make it into the kingdom, but He did not say it was impossible. Actually, do you know what He told His disciples? He told them that it is impossible for man but all things are possible with God. Some Christians have been blessed with wealth so that they can bless the church and the world by it in the name of Jesus Christ. The key point is that God does not discriminate between rich and poor. He has not rejected either group, but wills that none would perish and that all would be saved by turning to Christ.
We know the recipients of this letter were guilty because James tells them point blank in verse six, “But you have dishonored the poor man.” The question is- are we guilty as they were? I don’t know the answer for each of you, but a text like this can prevent us from falling into an Evil trap like showing certain people partiality. It is Evil Thinking. When we behave this way we assume the role of judge, and the Father has already appointed a Judge, His Son Jesus Christ.
Finally, verse seven teaches that this discriminating behavior is blasphemy against our glorious Lord. The rich, young ruler said he wanted to be perfect, but could not part with his material wealth which no doubt gave him worldly confidence, power, authority, praise of men, and probably a prominent place in an assembly. What is the conclusion of that incident? He went away from the Lord miserable.
Two things can be said here for condemnation of favoritism:
1. (v5-6) This attitude contradicts God’s assessment. God honors the poor.
2. (v7) Showing favoritism betrays the name of Christ Jesus our Lord.
There are two types of faith in this context:
1. Faith in Partiality- that you can gain acceptance by appeasing the affluent
2. Faith is Christ- acceptance comes from assuming a lowly position
James pleads with his readers and us as this Scripture has come down through the centuries to choose the second. Do not put faith in partiality. It will not save you and it will honestly not help you in the immediate. James says that these arrogant, prominent people are oppressors and that they blaspheme the holy name of Christ by which we have been called by behaving this way. The Lord Jesus said at one time that the Gentile Rulers “lord it over” their people and he instructed His disciples to flee from the behavior. Prominent people, whether they be in a place of government or church leadership, very wealthy, or very successful should never lord it over others and they should assume the role of a servant just like the King of the universe did. The charge is to deny this conduct and put our faith in Christ, the servant, the sympathetic priest, the savior.
Once again, the fundamental issue is how we view other people, especially Christians. When you look at someone what agenda do you have? Are you asking yourself if they are worthy of your engagement or are you asking yourself how you can love them? We should be looking past clothes and jewelry by looking straight into the heart of another human being. What does their spirit tell you? Do they need a hug, do they need a smile, do they need some advice, are they hurting, do they need prayer, are they spiritually weak, or can they teach you something? These are Godly questions. Read a person’s spirit and not their shirt.
“My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.”
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