Camp Springs Community Church, Clinton, Maryland

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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.

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THE NATURE OF TEMPTATION. James 1:12-15. 7/21/2024. #03.

¹² Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. ¹³ Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. ¹⁴ But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. ¹⁵ Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

1. The crown of life

                a. There is a special reward for those who endure temptation

                                a1. Enduring is not simply bearing up under a load, but actually being victorious through the trial (not being broken or demoralized)

                                a2. Eph. 6 the victorious believer triumphs in the battle without fear or retreat

                b. There are 2 categories of temptations

                                a1. The word trials & the word temptation are translations of the same Greek word (the context determines the meaning)

                                a2. Trials are difficulties that come into a believer’s life, taking many forms (health, relationships, financial, circumstantial…)

                                a3. Temptations are trials that entice us to sin due to our own internal desires

                c. A trial becomes a temptation only when we desire to do something other than God’s will

                                a1. Adam & Eve were tested, but the test became a temptation when Eve desired the forbidden fruit

                                a2. Joseph was tested but refused to be tempted by Mrs. Potiphar’s advances

                d. Those who resist temptation are given the Crown of Life (stephanos = victor’s crown; used of champions)

                e. The believer choses to obey or not

2. Most holy God

                a. God tests his servants

                                a1. Adam & Eve in the Garden of Eden

                                a2. Abraham on Mt. Moriah (Gen. 22)

                                a3. Job with great trials (Job 1)

                                a4. Gideon before a great army

                b. God can’t be tempted with sin

                                a1. Dt. 6:16-18 you shall not tempt the Lord your God

                                a2. Mt. 4 Jesus wasn’t not tempted to yield to Satan’s enticements

                c. God does not tempt anyone to sin

                                a1. God does not entice anyone to lie, cheat, lust, abuse, overindulge, fornicate, or steal

                                a2. 1 CR. 10:1-13 God not only does not tempt us to sin, but gives a way out of temptation

                d. If man falls into temptation, he alone is to be blamed

3. 4 steps to falling into temptation

                a. Drawn away by own desires

                                a1. Drawn away = a hunter’s term meaning to bait a trap (bait hides the danger)

                                a2. Unless one has an internal lust for the bait (sexual, gluttony, power, fame, thievery…), the bait would be ineffective

                b. Enticed

                                a1. Enticed = to bait a hook (no fish strikes at a plain hook (the bait hides the snare)

                                a2. Our temptations come from within us

                c. Conception

                                a1. When internal desire yields to external temptation, sin is conceived

                                a2. Unless one commits to serving the Lord only, one will fall to own lusts

                d. Death

                                a1. When one yields to temptation, the baby sin grows into a monster that brings death

                                a2. Through falling, there are grave consequences reaped (as with David’s sin)

                e. Unless lust is under control via Spirit, we will fall

Key passage: 1 Corinthians10:1-13

¹ Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, ² all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, ³ all ate the same spiritual food, ⁴ and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. ⁵ But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

⁶ Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. ⁷ And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” ⁸ Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; ⁹ nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; ¹⁰ nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. ¹¹ Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. ¹² Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. ¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

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A SHORT RIDE. James 1:9-11. 7/14/2024. #02.

⁹ Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, ¹⁰ but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. ¹¹ For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.

1. Different accommodations; same destination

                a. This interlude comes in the midst of a discussion on enduring trials

                                a1. James reminds his readers that their social status does not protect from trials

                                a2. Social status does not protect from death

                b. To the lowly brother, his exalted position in Christ guarantees an eternal exaltation

                                a1. The Greek word lowly means weak, insignificant, poor

                                a2. The believer in Christ who is unimportant in this world by wealth, status, and influence is of extreme value and worth in eternity

                c. The rich man carries a high status in this world

                                a1. His wealth gives him fame, influence, and connections the poor man lacks

                                a2. A man’s wealth and status carries no weight in eternal matters

                d. Salvation is no different for the lowly and the exalted (Galatians 3:28)

2. Of flowers and sun

                a. The rich man is reminded of several truths:

                                a1. Salvation did not come from his wealth

                                a2. Before God his wealth is paltry

                                a3. All men are subject to trials and temptation

                                a4. Both salvation and spiritual riches are obtained through humility (a difficult demeanor for the rich to obtain, Luke 19:23)

                                a5. To whom much is given, much is required (Matthew 25, Luke 12)

                                a6. Life is very short and not only will wealth and status not prevent death, it will be all left behind (Job 1, Luke 16)

                b. The scriptures often use flowers and grass as illustrations of the brevity of man’s life (Isaiah 40:7)

                                a1. Ps. 90 after the flood, God determined that men will live an average of 70 years

                                a2. Unlike the 900 year pre-Flood lifespan, man’s journey on earth is very brief

                                a3. Only during the Millennial Reign will the lifespan increase again (Isaiah 65:20)

                c. James compares the rich man’s life to a flower

                                a1. Flowers are beautiful to look at, sweet in fragrance, and widely acclaimed

                                                b1. The rich man’s wealth and accomplishments are impressive (houses,

                                                       boats, clubs, achievements,…)

                                                b2. For a brief moment, he is envied, admired, and mimicked

                                a2. Like the flower, the rich man will soon be gone and his wealth will be dispersed

                                                b1. He won’t be remembered (Isaiah 65:17)

                                                b2. His pursuits will cease and fade away

3. Equal opportunity living

                a. James states that the lowly should be exalted in his richness in Christ, while the rich is humbled that he also is included in the kingdom

                b. God gives grace to each and each is given the choice and privilege of pursuing Christ (Ecclesiastes 12:1-8)

                c. The humble man is able to exalt God no matter what his status is (neither despair and complaint in his lack of material goods nor pride and worthless pursuits in his abundance)

                d. The high and low are encouraged to lay aside their circumstances to enter the same pursuit of serving the Lord with the gifts God has given them

                e. In the midst of challenges, trials, temptations, and opportunities, each is to focus on pursing the Lord)

                f. 1 Chronicles 4:7 all comes from God, so all is the serve God

Key passage: Ecclesiastes 12:1-8

¹ Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth,

Before the [a]difficult days come,

And the years draw near when you say,

“I have no pleasure in them”:

² While the sun and the light,

The moon and the stars,

Are not darkened,

And the clouds do not return after the rain;

³ In the day when the keepers of the house tremble,

And the strong men bow down;

When the grinders cease because they are few,

And those that look through the windows grow dim;

⁴ When the doors are shut in the streets,

And the sound of grinding is low;

When one rises up at the sound of a bird,

And all the daughters of music are brought low.

⁵ Also they are afraid of height,

And of terrors in the way;

When the almond tree blossoms,

The grasshopper is a burden,

And desire fails.

For man goes to his eternal home,

And the mourners go about the streets.

⁶ Remember your Creator before the silver cord is [b]loosed,

Or the golden bowl is broken,

Or the pitcher shattered at the fountain,

Or the wheel broken at the well.

⁷ Then the dust will return to the earth as it was,

And the spirit will return to God who gave it.

⁸ “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher,

“All is vanity.”

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THE PERFECTING WORK OF PATIENCE. James 1:1-8. 7/7/24. #1.

¹ James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. ² My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸ he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

1. Introduction

                a. James is known as the wisdom literature of the New Testament

                                a1. It was accepted late into the canon due to men believing that it taught a works salvation in chapter 2 (Luther called it a right strawy book)

                                a2. Deals with practical matters of faith

                b. Of the 4 men named James in the NT, James, the half brother of Jesus is the likely author (the Apostle James was martyred early – Acts 12, 44 AD)

                c. James wrote to the dispersed 12 tribes (scattered by persecution after the martyrdom of Stephen)

                d. James was the leader of the Jerusalem church and led the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15)

                e. Probably written between 45 and 50 AD (James was martyred in 62 AD, according to Josephus

2. Hang in there

                a. Notice that James does not spend time in pleasantries, but immediately jumps into correction

                                a1. His tone is to command rather than to urge

                                a2. There were serious issues to address

                b. Perseverance was an issue, along with instability, anger, disobedience, lack of charity, lack of love, being respecters of persons, gossip, lack of repentance, lack of faith in prayer, and lack of proper order

                c. After the persecution that scattered the church, many began to waver in their faith

                                a1. James begins by stating that trials are friends

                                a2. Enduring trials produces growth

                                a3. We are to expect persecution

                d. Proper response to trials:

                                a1. Be joyful = not because of the trials, but due to the growth enduring trials can bring (I Thessalonians 5)

                                a2. Count it joy = reckon or calculate that the trials will bring a good end (Romans 5:1-5)

                                a3. Recognize that trials come in various forms (lit., multi-colored) – persecution, physical, financial

                                a4. Be patient (hupomenos, remain under) = to not only endure the trials, but persevere through them, refusing to waver in faith, commitment, and service while facing opposition

                                a5. Let the trials mature (telios) you (by working through the trials by faith we become equipped seasoned soldiers of the cross, instilling a confidence and trust in Lord that is unshakable

                                a6. Trials are to make us complete (totally fit, equipped, and furnished = II Timothy 3:17), so that there is no spiritual deficiencies

3. Seeking help

                a. In our own strength, we fail (John 15:5)

                b. James urges us to call upon the Lord for wisdom

                                a1. Not only does God have all wisdom, but he is readily willing to dispense wisdom to us in grand proportions is we ask him

                                a2. Asking God for wisdom assumes that you want the wisdom and will use it, even if you desire something else (fun, escape, comfort, wealth)

                                a3. God does not reproach us for asking for help

                c. James warns us that we must ask in faith

                                a1. Not faith that we will receive the answer we desire or that God will do our bidding

                                a2. Faith is believing that God is willing and able to equip us to do his will

                                a3. Faith also requires us to accept his will

                d. James warns that a double-minded man is unstable

                                a1. Those who want both to do God’s will and their own will are unstable, not truly seeking God

                                a2. God wants to be served with a whole heart, mind, and soul (he will not allow competition for our loyalty – I Kings. 11; 18)

                                a3. Those who are in and out of faith will not prosper and should expect to receive nothing from God

                                a4. Revelation 3 without total commitment, there is no commitment at all (Whom do you serve?)

Key passage: Romans 5:1-5

¹ Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³ And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; ⁴ and perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

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THE FINAL ACCOUNTING. Hebrews 13:17-25. 6/30/24. #50.

¹⁷ Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

¹⁸ Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably. ¹⁹ But I especially urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.

²⁰ Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, ²¹ make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. ²² And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words. ²³ Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly. ²⁴ Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.

²⁵ Grace be with you all. Amen.

1. Soul watchers

                a. Once again the author appeals to the readers to submit to church leadership

                                a1. In verse 7, Hebrews admonishes the readers to follow in the footsteps of those who had gone before

                                a2. Now, Hebrews encourages to submit to present leadership

                b. 3 reasons for obeying church leaders:

                                a1. They watch over the souls of the saints (lit., they stay awake or alert over the spiritual wellbeing of the flock)

                                a2. Church leaders must give an account to the Lord for they souls under them (want them to do so in joy)

                                a3. It is to the benefit of the flock for the leaders to give a good report (any loss is on the disobedient believer, not the leaders)

                c. Obedience = to willingly comply to being led

                d. To have rule = to shepherd

                                a1. Not dictatorial (I Peter 5:1-7)

                                a2. Servant leadership is a responsible position

                                a3. Leaders govern on behalf of the Lord

                                a4. Under shepherds represent the Great Shepherd

                e. Submissive = to line up behind (I Corinthians 11:1)

                                a1. An assumption is being made that leadership is doing what is right before the Lord

                                a2. Obedience is to the Lord first (Ephesians 5:22-25)

2. Given in good faith and grace

                a. The author wants prayer, for he has not been able to come to them due to some difficulty

                                a1. His mention of Timothy being released from imprisonment adds to the belief that Paul is the author of the epistle

                                a2. Though Hebrews had admonished the readers, he still coveted their prayers

                b. Hebrews wrote the epistle in good conscience

                                a1. Even though he had some difficult admonition for them, he believed that it was necessary for him to write what he did

                                a2. For their sakes, he would not hide the truth from them (their souls were too valuable to allow them to continue in sin or even remain as false believers)

                c. His words were honest from pure motivations

                                a1. It is better to receive and accept sincere rebuke than to be flattered or falsely encouraged

                                a2. He urges (pleads, begs, implores) that they readily accept what he wrote to them

                d. The receive correction would allow the Good Shepherd to make them complete (katarizo = used in mending bones or a net, equipping an army, or fitting sails)

                                a1. Only place in Hebrews where shepherd is used

                                a2. Only place that the resurrection is mentioned Hebrews “few words” were for the benefit of the reader

                                a1. Do not despise the words of correction

                                a2. Receive the truth that will set you free (John 8:36) and humble self to follow Christ alone

                f. True words of exhortation are better than false words of disingenuous encouragement

                                a1. At times it is hard to tell someone the truth

                                a2. Truth in love is better than ignoring evil

3. Closing benediction

                a. Hebrews uses Paul’s typical peace and grace benediction (when addressing pastors, Paul adds mercy)

                b. Hebrews desires that he will be able to come shortly

                c. He sends greetings from Italian brethren and to the church leaders

Key passage:  1 Peter 5:1-7 1 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. 5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

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