Camp Springs Community Church, Clinton, Maryland

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FAITH WITHOUT WORKS. James 2:14-26. 09/15/2024. #10.

¹⁴ What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? ¹⁵ If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, ¹⁶ and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? ¹⁷ Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. ¹⁸ But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. ¹⁹ You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! ²⁰ But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? ²¹ Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? ²² Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? ²³ And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. ²⁴ You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. ²⁵ Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? ²⁶ For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

1. Can workless faith save?

                a. James is not contradicting Paul (Romans 4)

                                a1. Eph. 2:8-9 we are saved by grace through faith and not of works

                                a2. Romans 10:13 calling on name of Lord brings salvation

                b. James’s argument is that with salvation comes evidence that a person is saved

                                a1. II Corinthians 5:17 if there is no change in one’s life, there is no actually saving faith

                                a2. Intellectual faith (believing a doctrine of the existence of God and atonement of Christ does not save a person)

                                a3. The demons believe in God and even tremble, but they do not possess salvation

                c. Just as a body is dead without the spirit, so faith is dead without the manifestation of faith in works

                d. A workless faith is useless (empty)

                                a1. It cannot save, nor benefit others

                                a2. To claim faith without showing faith is mere idle talk

                e. Many illustrations of this truth

                                a1. Matthew 7:21 faith is doing the will of My Father

                                a2. Matthew 25 the sheep fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, clothed the naked, and visited the imprisoned; the goats did not

                                a3. Romans 14:23 whatever is not of faith is sin

                                a4. I John 3:16-23 faith is shown in love which in turn is shown in good deeds to others

2. Of paupers, patriarchs and prostitutes

                a. Reformers tended to reject any connection of works with salvation, while social gospel focused on all works without faith

                                a1. Faith is shown in works, as clouds produce rain or the sun produces heat

                                a2. We are not saved by works, but faith works

                b. The lack of works concerned the biblical writers

                                a1. Were the Corinthians truly saved if their lives had not changed?

                                a2. If the Hebrews followed the Law, were they truly in Christ?

                c. James used 3 illustrations:

                                a1. If a poor brother needs clothes and food which you can provide, are you saved if you ignore his needs, sending him away empty?

                                a2. Did not Abraham demonstrate his faith when he obeyed God by offering up Isaac?

                                a3. Did not Rahab the Harlot show her faith by protecting God’s spies?

                d. True salvation produces a relationship with God which motivates us to please God by obeying him and through serving others in his name          

                e. True belief is seen in obedience (no ∆ = no faith!)

3. From fallen nature to spiritual nature

                a. We are saved by grace through faith, but once saved the evidence of faith is seen (Eph. 4:22-24)

                b. Matthew 7:16-23 by the fruit the tree is known

                                a1. John 15 good branches on the vine produce fruit, but false branches produce no fruit

                                a2. James shows his faith by his works

                c. Not all who call Jesus Lord are saved (Philippians 2:12)

                d. Life is the spirit in the body-not one without the other

Key passage:  1 John 3:16-23¹⁶ By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. ¹⁷ But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? ¹⁸ My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. ¹⁹ And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. ²⁰ For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. ²¹ Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. ²² And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. ²³ And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.

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THE ROYAL LAW. James 2:8-13. 09/08/2024. #9.

⁸ If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; ⁹ but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. ¹⁰ For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. ¹¹ For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. ¹² So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. ¹³ For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

1. The Royal Law

                a. The Law of God contains many laws (Exodus 20)

                b. The Royal Law superintends all other laws

                                a1. Leviticus 19:18 given as the guiding principle of God: love your neighbor as yourself

                                a2. Luke 10:25-37 Jesus defined anyone who is in need as our neighbor

                                a3. Matthew 22:34-40 loving God and man are the greatest commandments

                c. By loving God with all our hearts, we will not injure our neighbors, covet their things, steal from them, lie about them, commit adultery against them, or harm them in anyway

                                a1. This includes showing favoritism, condescension, or patronization

                                a2. Love does not slight, keep track of wrongs, or expect repayment for love (I Corinthians 13)

                d. I John 4:7-11 love demonstrates that we are children of God and His disciples (John 13:34)

2. The fatal flaw

                a. Most people tend to dismiss their faults as minor flaws of little consequence

                                a1. To show partiality did not seem to be as grave as murder, thievery, or adultery

                                a2. James corrects this error

                b. If we sin against any part of God’s law, we have sinned against all the law

                                a1. The law is a unit (a whole system)

                                a2. One who gossips cannot brag that he has not committed murder or adultery

                                a3. Isaiah felt righteous until he saw the Lord on his throne (Isaiah 6:1-6)

                c. James states that all sins will be judged

                                a1. I Corinthians 3:12-15 every sin and idle word will engender loss of reward

                                a2. Guilt is applied where sin in committed

                d. None of our excuses for sin will be accepted

                                a1. This is my personality

                                a2. This is the way I was brought up

                                a3. This is how I feel

                                a4. I’m just like my dad (or mom)

                e. Amazing the number of believers who know what the Bible says, but ignore it

                f. Judgment of works are going to be based on the law of liberty = freedom to do what is loving and right

                                a1. Jesus sets us free from sin and its power

                                a2. John 8:31-36 freedom to show moral character is to be released as a slave to sin

3. Reciprocal judgment

                a. Matthew 18 those who do not forgive will not be forgiven; those who don’t show mercy won’t be shown  mercy

                                a1. Matthew 7 our judgment is based upon how we judge others

                                a2. There is room to properly judge sin, but love also covers a multitude of sin (I Peter 4:18)

                b. Mercy triumphs over judgment

                                a1. Jesus offered forgiveness to the woman at the well, the man stricken with palsy, and the man lowered through the roof

                                a2. Matthew 18:15-18 even in church discipline, the chief goal is mercy and restoration; not judgment

                c. We represent Christ and what men see is how they will view our Lord (mercy or judgment; love or disdain)

Key passage: Matthew 22:34-40³⁴ But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. ³⁵ Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, ³⁶ “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” ³⁷ Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the first and great commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

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WITHOUT PARTIALITY. James 2:1-7. 09/01/2024. #08.

¹ My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. ² For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, ³ and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” ⁴ have you not [d]shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?

⁵ Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? ⁶ But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? ⁷ Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?

1. The sin of favoritism

                a. James does not say to not show favoritism or partiality (respect of persons)

                b. James says Stop showing favoritism! (present active imperative = stop doing what you do)

                                a1. The Jewish believers were showing the same judgment as the world

                                a2. The poor were disregarded and the wealthy were honored

                c. Special deference to the elite of society was improper (worth is not measured by wealth)

                d. Jesus, the apostles, and most of the OT prophets were men of little means

                                a1. The world would consider a man who was born in a stable and from Nazareth of being of little worth

                                a2. To honor what the world honors dishonors God (1 John 2:15-16)

                e. If you give a wealthy man a seat of honor while relegating the poor (filthy dressed) man to sit on the floor, you dishonor the Lord who made him

2. Prejudice

                a. James is not saying that being poor is spiritual and being rich is evil

                b. The be prejudice (pre-judge) is a sin

                                a1. I Corinthians. 1:26-29 God chooses the lowly things of this world to confound the wise

                                a2. Matthew 19:23-24 wealth gets in the way of most rich coming to Christ

                                a3. I Samuel 16:7 outward appearance is deceiving (as with Samuel and David)

                                a4. GAL. 3:26-29 salvation is equal for all who believe, so there is no distinction among Jews, Gentiles, free, slaves, men, women…

                                a5. Each person deserves respect as ones created in the image of God

                c. All judgment must be based upon biblical teaching

                                a1. I Corinthians 5 judgment of sin for correction

                                a2. II Corinthians 6:14-18 judgment of salvation for fellowship and association

                                a3. Romans 16:17-20 judgment of character for interaction

                                a4. 1 Tim. 3 judgment of qualifications for leadership and ministry positions

                d. The wealthy man is to be treated no better or worse than anyone else

                e. It is a natural trait to judge by appearance, but we must rebuke this tendency in us to show gracious deference to all people (Philippians 2:3; 4:5-7)

3. Not reciprocal

                a. James uses a second illustration: is it not the rich to whom you defer that drag you into court?

                                a1. The wealthy tend to disdain and mistreat others below their social status

                                a2. By giving them special treatment you confirm their illusion of superiority

                b. Our emphasis = spiritual, not worldly, value

                                a1. Rich and poor are equally lost

                                a2. Rich and poor equally need salvation

                                a3. Rich and poor believers are equally saved

                c. Often, slaves were deacons and masters were lost

                d. Heavenly wealth is different than worldly wealth

                e. I Timothy 6:17-19 judge through eyes of heaven

Key Passage: Galatians 3:26-29

²⁶ For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. ²⁷ For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. ²⁸ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. ²⁹ And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

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HE WHO IS RELIGIOUS. James 1:26-27. 08/25/2024. #07.

²⁶ If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. ²⁷ Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

1. Religious hypocrisy

                a. The word religion is used only five times in NT

                                a1. Three occurrences are in this passage

                                a2. Acts 26:5 Paul told King Agrippa that he was a very religious Pharisee (strict)

                                a3. In Col. 2:18 the word is translated worship where Paul warns the Colossians not to allow anyone to rob them of their reward via false humility and worshiping angels

                b. Religion refers to the external practices of worshiping a deity (acts of service for a god)

                c. Christian religious practice has nothing to do with ritual, ceremonies, or observing special days

                                a1. True religious practice is measured by character, caring, and purity

                                a2. Spiritual practice is to be a reflection of loving and serving God and others

                d. James uses two examples of one who thinks he is religious, but really is not:

                                a1. One who uses corrupt speech (Eph. 4:29), gossip, cruelty, profanity, lying, rage,…

                                a2. One who ignores the needs of others

                e. For the 2nd time James calls the hypocrite self-deceived (1:22)

                                a1. James 2 elaborates on this theme

                                a2. To profess faith, but live as the world is to bring shame on the Lord

2. The unbridled tongue

                a. Matthew 12:34-37 the mouth speaks what is in the heart

                                a1. An evil heart can’t speak good things

                                a2. A true believer’s heart speaks holiness

                b. A believer who acts like the world is useless (of no value; unprofitable, of no service)

                                a1. A professing believer who has no words of encouragement, wisdom, or edification is of no value to the hearers

                                a2. A false or carnal believer does damage to his own testimony and to the name of Christ (of no value to anyone)

                c. A true believer controls his tongue

                                a1. He is not a gossip, brawler, accuser, purveyor of hate, malice, or profanity

                                a2. His words are measured, wholesome, kind, wise, encouraging, and holy

3. The pure

                a. The pure helps those in need

                                a1. James 2 helps a brother in need

                                a2. Mt. 25 Jesus speaks of feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, visiting the imprisoned, and clothing the naked

                                a3. Philippians 2:3 Paul spoke of thinking on the things of others more than yourself

                b. Purity is outward and not inward looking

                                a1. Speaks to how to help others

                                a2. Seeks to lift up those who need help

                c. To be pure is to be unspotted with the world

                                a1. Unspotted (aspilos; Eng. word spoil) = unstained, undefiled, unblemished, etc.

                                a2. World = the world’s system (carnal, fallen)

                d. The world’s system is corrupt and rebellious

                                a1. Jn. 17:11-16 we are to be in the world, but not of the world

                                a2. James 4:4 friendship with the world is being an enemy of God

                                a3. 1 Cor. 3 to be carnally-minded is to serve the flesh rather than Christ

                e. 4 ways to stay unspotted from the world:

                                a1. Reject own cravings for worldly desires

                                a2. To seek God with all heart, mind, and soul

                                a3. Avoid those people and things that tempt you

                                a4. Focus on scripture and obedience to Word

Key passage: Matthew 12:34-37³⁴ Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. ³⁵ A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. ³⁶ But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. ³⁷ For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

We are hosting the Kevin and Lucy Heater, Missionaries to France.

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A DOER OF THE WORD. James 1:21-25. 08/11/2024. #6.

²¹ Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. ²² But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. ²³ For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; ²⁴ for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. ²⁵ But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

1. Preparing to receive the Word

                a. James stated that we need to be “quick to hear”

                                a1. A search of the Word must come with a receptive heart

                                a2. To read the Word without being ready to receive and respond to the Word is futile

                b. The first step to receiving the Word is to lay aside sin in our lives

                                a1. Lay aside = used of taking off dirty clothes

                                a2. We must recognize wickedness in us (KJV-superfluity of naughtiness)

                                                b1. Isaiah 6 need to recognize the evil in our thoughts, motivations, deeds…

                                                b2. Jeremiah 4:3 breaking up fallow ground

                                a3. Until spiritual weeds are removed, good plants with spiritual fruit can’t grow

                c. It is the willingness to confess (1 John 1:9) and repent of sin that prepares the heart to respond to Word

                                a1. Humility to forsake our sins

                                a2. Only a humble heart receives correction

2. The Word in action

                a. James 1:22 = one of most important spiritual verses

                                a1. Many believers read verses, but never put what they read into action

                                a2. James 2-5 illustrates failure to follow Word

                b. Be a doer of the Word, not a hearer only

                                a1. If we read Word without intending to obey the Word, we defy the Lord of the Word

                                a2. Luke 6:46 Why do you call me Lord, Lord, but do not do the things I command you?

                c. If we think that we are spiritual by reading, we have totally deceived ourselves

                                a1. Reading is merely receiving instructions

                                a2. Doing is obeying the instructions

                d. Most believers read but do not receive

                                a1. Reading the Bible is not a spiritual act

                                a2. Obeying the Bible’s teaching is holiness

                e. Often, Christians are accused of hypocrisy because their lives do not align with their convictions

                                a1. Church attendance, carrying a Bible, memorizing Scripture, studying the Word, and spiritual works are useless without applying the Word of God to one’s life

                                a2. II Timothy 3:10-17 the applied Word changes lives, not the read Word

                f. James compares the inattentive reader of the Word with a man who looks into a mirror and then leaves the mirror unchanged and unaffected

                                a1. A selfish heart won’t be changed by Word

                                a2. We are responsible to obey the Word

3. Perfect law of liberty

                a. James is not speaking of the OT Law here

                b. Perfect law of liberty = the complete will of God that sets us free

                                a1. John 8:31-36 sin enslaves, but God’s Word frees us from sin to be what God intended

                                a2. Psalm 1 it is the man who responds properly to God’s Word who is blessed and free

                c. The reason we are told to meditate on the Word of God is so we will not forget it and so it will guide us

                                a1. Romans 10:17 the Word teaches how to walk in faith and avoid the pitfalls of sin (Psalm 119:105)

                                a2. A focus on doing the Word leads to reward

                d. God’s law is to love him and others (James 2; Mari 12) and this is done through obeying the Word

Key passage: II Timothy 3:10-17¹⁰ But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, ¹¹ persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. ¹² Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. ¹³ But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. ¹⁴ But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, ¹⁵ and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

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SELF-DISCIPLINE. JAMES 1:19-20. 08/04/2024. #5.

¹⁹ So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; ²⁰ for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

1. Turning point

                a. James spent much time encouraging readers to endure testing

                                a1. Those who are tempted are enticed by their own cravings

                                a2. God does not tempt anyone, but he does test his followers (Job 1, Gen. 2)

                b. James then stated that all good gifts come from God, including the testing

                                a1. What we crave for is not from God

                                a2. What God sends us, including the testing that strengthens us so we will bear good fruit is for our blessing and ultimate reward

2. The focused heart

                a. Verses 19-20 are preparatory verses

                                a1. In order to receive God’s blessing, we must first receive his instructions

                                a2. In order to receive God’s instructions, we must listen to his voice through his Word and by His Spirit

                b. Be swift to hear is both specific and general

                                a1. We must eagerly seek to hear God’s Word without objection or resistance

                                a2. We must hear what others say before we can properly respond to them

                c. Often we are so anxious to speak, that we fail to truly listen so we can truly understand

                d. Scriptures are full of admonitions to listen

                                a1. Proverbs 18:13-17 – he who gives an answer before he fully hears a matter is shamed

                                                b1. Every man’s case seems right until you speak to others about it

                                                b2. Jumping to conclusions brings sin

                                a2. Mt. 13:11-17 Jesus spoke in parables because the Jews would not hear his words or understand the meaning of his works

                                a3. Hebrews 5:11 the readers had become “dull of hearing” so that they could not be taught

                e. There is no use to read the Word, unless you are ready to hear (perceive) the Word to apply it

                f. In order to hear, we must be still

                                a1. God’s thoughts are greater than ours

                                a2. Philippians 2:3 the concerns of others are the focus of our ministry by applying God’s grace to their needs (1 Peter 3:15)

                g. One who dominates a conversation does not learn truth or how to meet the needs of others

                                a1. One must take in knowledge and wisdom before he can dispense it to others

                                a2. God wants to teach us so we can teach others the oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11)

3. The disciplined saint

                a. Slow to anger (orge, Eng. word orgy) = we become upset at many things

                                a1. Genesis 3 Cain was upset that his offering was rejected by God

                                a2. Moses was upset with the people of God

                                a3. Jonah was upset that God saved Nineveh

                b. God has a purpose in circumstances and his will for our lives

                                a1. As Jesus stood calm before his persecutors, we are to take trials in faith

                                a2. Though it is proper to be upset with sin (Psalm 51), we are to show grace, mercy, and

                                        help for the sinner (John 8:1-12)

                c. There is a place for admonishment (Eph. 6:4, I Thessalonians 5:14), but never self-righteous anger (Jehu)

                                a1. Our anger does not work the righteousness of God

                                a2. Anger merely ruins our testimony

                d. A believer is led by the Word and Spirit, leaving his personal prideful reactions aside and controlled

Key passage: Proverbs 18:13-17

¹³ He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him. ¹⁴ The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit? ¹⁵ The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. ¹⁶ A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men. ¹⁷ The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him.

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EVERY GOOD GIFT. James 1:16-18. 7/28/2024. #04.

¹⁶ Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. ¹⁷ Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 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.

1. Stop being deceived

                a. James spent 13 verses warning Jewish believers to avoid temptation

                                a1. He explained that enticement came from our own cravings and fleshly longings

                                a2. God does not send temptation, but Satan and the world use our own desires against us to cause us to fall (i.e., Eve)

                b. We deceive ourselves when we follow our lusts

                                a1. Fulfilling lusts can’t bring happiness, joy, or anything beneficial

                                a2. Cravings are always a product of the fallen flesh and never the will of God

                c. We deceive ourselves when we believe that our own carnal happiness is the will of God

2. Good gifts are from God

                a. God can’t send evil, temptation, or corruption

                b. God sends good gifts, but not unwholesome ones

                                a1. Man can turn good gifts into idols, like Saul, Solomon, and Demus did

                                a2. What God sends is meant for our good

                c. At times God’s good gifts seem noxious

                                a1. God sends testing for a wholesome purpose, but it is not pleasant (Job)

                                a2. God often withholds his gift to teach us patience and trust (Abraham, David)

                                a3. Gifts are not defined by our comfort or enjoyment (Romans 8:18-28)

                d. Whatever gift God gives will bear good fruit

                                a1. Trust that God is working via provisions

                                a2. God’s eternal rewards make the bumpy road traveled worth the trip (Jeremiah)

                e. Notice the gifts are “perfect”

                                a1. Whatever we need he provides to complete his purpose within us

                                a2. His gifts also include food, raiment, comforts, fellowship, and peace

                                a3. God is the greatest gift to us

                f. God is also consistent

                                a1. He never sends temptation and always sends good gifts that grow us and provides for our needs (are we grateful)

                                a2. There is no variant (deviation) or shadow of turning (even a hint of wavering)

                g. Whatever God allows and sends is for our eternal benefit, even if we do not recognize it immediately

3. First Fruits

                a. God’s goal is not to make us comfortable, but to make us holy, prepared for eternity with him

                                a1. Luxuries, entertainment, and indulgences do not prepare us for eternity (Solomon)

                                a2. That which grows faith and draws us to him are the good things that produce fruit

                b. God’s desire is to make us his first fruit

                                a1. Israel was to bring its first fruit of the harvest and animals to offer to God

                                a2. First fruits were not the first that matured or were born, but the BEST of the crops and flocks (without blemish)

                c. God’s children are to be the prime examples of faith, purity, grace, mercy, comfort, truth, and hope

                                a1. We are people of the Book, the word of truth (know it, live it, teach it)

                                a2. Job 1 – “have you considered by servant _______________” who serves me fully”

                d. God knows what we need to be First Fruit material

                                a1. We deceive ourselves if we think that we know best what we need to be godly

                                a2. Embracing all gifts sent by God honors him

Key passage: Romans 8:18-28¹⁸ For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. ¹⁹ For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; ²¹ because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. ²² For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. ²³ Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. ²⁴ For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. ²⁶ Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. ²⁷ Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. ²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.