Sjbjburke's Blog

The Book of James

III.  Instructions on Faith   James 2:1-26

  A.  Empty faith.  James 2:1-7

  B.  Examined faith.  James 2:8-13

  C.  Evidence of faith.  James 2:14-26

       James is dealing with mistaken beliefs about faith.  We should begin

       with defining faith according to the Word of God.

1. The Characteristics of Faith

1. Faith in God –  

        1).  Believes in the existence of God   

2 Timothy 1:12  For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

        2).  Believes in the power of God       

Jeremiah 32:17  Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:

        3).  Believes in the person of God, the Lord Jesus Christ

Matthew 16:15-17  He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

        4).  Believes in the judgment of God

1 Corinthians 3:11-15  For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

• Faith in God –

        1).  Believe the testimony of the Word of God – Jesus of Nazareth is

              the Messiah.       

John 1:29  The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

John 5:22-24  For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

        2).  Believe the testimony of the Word of God –

              I am condemned and in need of  salvation    

John 3:16-18  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 3:36  He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

        3).  Believe the Word of God – I will confess Him as Saviour and

              be saved.            

John 1:12-13  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Romans 10:9-13  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

• Faith in God –

        1).  Belief – I am a new creation in Christ          

2 Corinthians 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

        2).  Belief – I am indwelt and sealed by God the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 1:13-14  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

        3).  Belief – I have been saved from death to life, darkness to light

Colossians 1:13  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

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

        4).  Belief – I have new life in Christ which leads to living a new

               life for Christ       

2 Corinthians 5:18-21  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Hebrews 11:1  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

• Faith in myself –

         Exodus 5:2  And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should

         obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I

         let Israel go.

         2 Chronicles 32:15-16  Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive

         you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him: for

         no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out

         of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less

         shall your God deliver you out of mine hand? And his servants

         spake yet more against the LORD God, and against his servant

         Hezekiah.

         Titus 1:15-16  Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that

          are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind

          and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in

          works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and

          unto every good work reprobate.

         1 John 2:22  Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the

         Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

No matter which characteristic of faith you hold, you are identified with it by your actions.  Your faith will manifest itself in your conduct!

Refer to Hebrews chapter 6  (This section from Hebrews is taken from my preaching notes on the Letter to the Hebrews)

2 Timothy 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 3:16-17  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Standing on the sure foundation and studying the inspired Word of God, we are to be –

          c).  Steadfast.   Hebrews    6:4-8

            (1).  Explanation.  Hebrews 6:4-6    Secure 

Those that claim salvation can be lost deny the power of the Sacrifice of Jesus and the acceptance of that sacrifice by the Father.  They deny that His words from the cross “…it is finished…” have meaning for the lost world.  They bring shame on Him, not realizing that through their denial of His completed work, if they could lose their salvation, He would have to die for them again because the first sacrifice had not enough power to insure their salvation unto eternity.  Paul helps us to understand this through an –

            (2).  Illustration    Hebrews  6:7,8         Secure 

            Coming to the realization that the blessings of God come upon all,

            but not all believe and accept the goodness of God.

              (a).  Perseverance of the saints   Hebrews 6:7   

                      Blessed results of belief

              (b).  Punishment of the unsaved.   Hebrews 6:8  

                     Curse is the result of unbelief

Knowing that rebuke and reproof is not enough,  he began to correct them with this –

        3).  Exhortation                   Hebrews 6:9-20

              Paul counseled them to give –

         a).  Attendance to their salvation.  Hebrews 6:9-12   Speaks to the –

            (1).  Evidence of their salvation.                      Hebrews 6:9

Even though Paul described a dangerous and forbidding landscape caused by unbelief (…though we thus speak…), he was describing the worst condition, while expecting the best.  Those still in unbelief should be encouraged by the blessings of God upon the believers and, seeing the goodness of God, turn to Him in repentance and faith!

The testimony Paul is sharing – God sends the same rain and blessings on all.  What makes the difference?  Faith!

            (2).  Encouragement in their salvation.                Hebrews 6:10

“…For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love…”

God does not forget the loving labour and service given unto Him.  The Hebrews knew the Word of God and would respond even as the lawyer replied to Jesus in

Luke 10:27  And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

• The Consideration of faith.  James 2:14-17 

What is the true relationship of faith and works?

James is asking us to consider specifically the characteristics of saving faith.

1. Is saving faith a living faith? 

James 2:14  What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

Hebrews 11:1  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

• Is saving faith manifested in good works?

James 2:15-17  If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

        1).   Faith is not revealed by good intentions.  Good intentions do

                not always produce good actions.     

         2).  Faith produces action!

• Is saving faith dead?  Can a dead man help you: feed you, clothe

you, house you?

Some had faith – they believed that Jesus was who He claimed to be, but they did not confess Him as their Saviour.  They had faith that he was the Son of God, but they did not have saving faith that would change their lives.  They did not want their lives to change!

John 12:42  Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:

There were others, that in the lifetime of Jesus that had saving faith in Him, but they kept it secret – they did not let people know they were believers because they were afraid. 

John 19:38-39  And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.

We note that they had saving faith though, because the love of God for them led them to love Him and that love overcame their fear and they confessed Him as their Lord – by doing good works.  Their works revealed their faith!

• The Challenge of faith. 

James 2:18-19  Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

          The challenge to truth may be brought forth by one that says “I am

          a Christian, I have faith in God”.  The reply is simple – “Where is

          the evidence of your faith”?

          Your earnest belief is good, but if that is all that it is, your belief is

          no different than that of Satan or the demons.  They know and

          believe in God with all of their being, but they are not saved! 

          They have not submitted to Him or obeyed Him.

John 14:15  If ye love me, keep my commandments.

• The Conclusion

James 2:20  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

         Faith without works is not saving faith!  It is simply belief that

         something is true.

This brings us to the evidence of the case being presented –

• The Cooperation of faith and works.   Faith and works

James 2:16-21  And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

Works grow out of faith, revealing the faith to the world.  Do you have faith?  How do you know?  Do those around you know that you have faith?

Lessons in life from unbelieving family members

In order to present the lessons from unbelieving family members, the introduction will involve presenting the background leading to the critical moment of change in the family of Jesus.

We know from the events recorded in the Gospel of Luke chapter 2, verses 41 to 52 that Joseph and Mary followed the requirements of God by presenting their offerings yearly to God at the Temple in Jerusalem.  We are given the record of Jesus going with them when He was twelve years old.  We can believe that Jesus continued going with them year by year and also, when He was of age, He would journey as an adult to fulfil his responsibilities.  Jesus had been living in the town of Nazareth in submission to the authority of His parents, Joseph and Mary.  Sometime after Jesus was twelve years old and before He was thirty, it seems that Joseph died leaving Mary to care for the children.  Jesus, the oldest, took over the work of Joseph’s carpenter shop –

Mark 6:3  Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.

At about the age of thirty, He traveled to the Jordan River near unto the wilderness area of Israel and met with His cousin John, also called John the Baptist, and was baptized by him. 

Jesus’ return from this visit was different than the previous trips.  Men were traveling with Him this time.  Yes, they were from cities of the area and could have been simply traveling from the meetings with John back to their homes in the north, but these were more than just traveling companions.  They were followers of Jesus, and Mary would have noticed that this time when Jesus returned, things were different. 

• Read John 2:1-4  And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
•  
• Which can also be stated “Mother, why are you putting me into the public spotlight? 
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• John 2:5-11   His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew😉 the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

We have here the account of –

•  
• I.  A new relationship in His family.
•  
• Jesus had been a dutiful son, obedient to His parents in all things –
•  
• Luke 2:51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

Mary would naturally be accustomed to His obedience and when she discovered the groom had not supplied enough wine for the guest, she asked Jesus to solve the problem at this wedding feast.  She learned that day that a change had taken place  –  not in His person for He was God the Son, born of a woman –

Luke 2:11  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

But in their relationship.  This time, Mary submitted her will to His –

John 2:5  His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

We see at this time that –

II.  A new ministry was embarked upon.

This ministry of Jesus at the wedding was of a careful and specific nature, informing His family, disciples, and a few servants that the beginning of the public ministry of the Promised Messiah was near.  Notice the undeniable power of God in this miracle – it is a miracle of creation. 

This wine was produced instantly at the Word of Jesus Christ.

The water would never have turned into wine without God’s power creating it –

What they perceived was the result of time and natural process was actually the immediate creation of God!

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• Through this we see  –
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• III.  A new understanding.  The miracle had a purpose –
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• John 2:11  This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

The creating power of God was demonstrated by Jesus to His disciples.  Man cannot create, he can only manipulate.  The glory of God was revealed through His power.

• Notice there were no objections as to this miracle, or any other done by Him, as being genuine.    The power of God was recognized and testified of, even by those who rejected Him. Following all of their arguments, they had to admit the truth –
•  

John 11:47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

A new relationship, ministry, and understanding, but now –

IV.  A new rejection.      

•  
• Jesus was working according to His timetable.  This wedding was not His chosen time to make a public proclamation of His ministry.  
• We know from the account given in Luke 14:14,15, that Jesus was a powerful teacher of the Word of God and was well respected in the community –

Luke 4:16-17  And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,

Luke 4:18-21   The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

Upon Jesus’ claim that He was the one prophesied to come by Isaiah, this Sabbath day in the synagogue in Nazareth, these people who knew Him best turned against Him.

They questioned His claim –

Luke 4:22  And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?

They became enraged and attacked this man who had lived and worked among them for many years –

Luke 4:28-29  And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.

He was their neighbor, the well respected teacher of the Scriptures.  Now, He was their enemy and an embarrassment to His family. His family still had to live in this town, and they had to attend this synagogue every week.  Do you think they would be angry at Him?  Do you think it would be difficult to face their neighbors every day after this incident?  How do you think his family treated Him as He began His ministry – preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom to the people of Israel?   We see –

  A.  His family’s concern –

Mark 3:20-21  And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.

Compare with –

Mark 3:31-32  There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him. And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.

Why are they standing on the outside instead of sitting with Him!  They should have been sharing His gospel instead of trying to shut Him up!  Notice –

  B.  His family’s skepticism –

1.  His mother’s dilemma  – Mary had been trying to understand God’s will for her and her Son since His birth –

Luke 2:19  But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

1.  Jesus’ mother wondered for years how and when God’s plan for His Son would come to pass.  We cannot even imagine her heartbreak as she saw and heard how her beloved Son and Saviour was treated.
2. Jesus’ brothers openly declared their unbelief in Him.

John 7:3-5 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. For neither did his brethren believe in him.

Even though there would be a conflict of faith in the family, we are much encouraged by the results being faithful bring –  we see –

V.  A renewed relationship.

We praise the Lord that we have the statement from Scripture that Jesus’ brothers James and Jude got saved following His resurrection.  We know that Jesus spoke with James during the forty-day ministry following the resurrection

1 Corinthians 15:7  After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

And we know His brother Jude wrote the Epistle of Jude.  We have no record of the salvation of the other members of His family, but we trust that they believed and put their faith in Him as their mother Mary always had, and His brothers James and Jude did.

As we have looked at this account and read of the tension, the anger, the mockery Jesus was subjected to by His own family, can you identify with Him?  Do you remember what it was like growing up in your family before you were saved?  The interaction among the family members – doing your chores, playing with your siblings, fighting with your siblings, being corrected by your parents, receiving gifts from your parents, enjoying time together through all of it because in good times and in the difficult times, you were included. 

Did things change when you trusted God through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ? Did conflict begin because of the change in your life?  You still love your family, but they started treating you differently than before.  They set you apart from the family, believing that you were judging them for doing the things now that you always did together.  Things are different now and you can identify with Jesus and how His family treated Him. 

More importantly though, Jesus identifies with us. We should be encouraged this morning as we learn again the truth of God’s Word that He does understand everything that we go through in life – even knowing what it is like to have family and friends reject you because of your trust in God through His Son, Jesus Christ.  We learn from Him that we must remain faithful to Him and that through our testimony of faith, those that we love may turn to Him for salvation.

Will we decide today that we will be faithful unto Him that saved us?  May the Lord help us.

Are you saved?

Are you faithful?

Influence or Impact?      1 Corinthians 2:9-16     

Truth or a lie

Fact or Foolishness

Influence (to effect the character, development, or behavior) or Impact (come forcibly into contact with another)  crash, collide

Whatever you choose as a title, the obvious meaning is there are two ways, one is God’s way and the other is man’s way.  Which way are you going and who do you allow to have an influence on you or an impact with you?  Let’s look at the promises of God, the Proclamation from God, the Problem for the unbeliever, and the Praise of the believer.

I.  The Promises of God– 1 Corinthians 2:9-12   They are –

  A.  Beyond Comprehension to the unbeliever

1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

Men still do not know assuredly how we were created, why we were created, when we were created.  The theories of creation stretch back through thousands of years and men today continue to argue the point.

The believer can rest in the truth of the revelation of God and be filled with the joy and satisfaction that this truth brings – God loves us, and we can love Him.  We thank the Lord for the –

  B.  Beloved revelations to the believer.

1 Corinthians 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

The longer we live, the more blessed we are as the Holy Spirit reveals the wonders of God as we read His Word, the Bible. Forty, fifty, seventy, eighty years on, we are still amazed at the wonders and wealth of His Word.  How many times have we read a passage and exclaimed “Wow, now I know what this means and I know how this works with what I have read before!  This revelation is available to everyone, but it –

  C.  Bestowed only on those who have prepared their hearts to receive them.

1Corinthians 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

    1.  The created man can understand the creation – He is of it, he is in

         it. 

    2.  The created man cannot understand the Creator, identifying only

         with the creation.

Adam, when he disobeyed God, essentially lost the living spirit that God breathed into him upon his creation.   If you would, you could say that Adam killed that spirit through which had communion with God, and left man separated from God.  Man’s spirit is dead to God.    

    3.  The created man, can be recreated by God –

John 3:3-7  Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

John 5:24  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

– and he is able to receive all that is promised to them by God.

1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

II.  The Proclamation from God   

1 Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

When Jesus taught by using parables, the unbelievers did not understand the truth He was teaching and they either became frustrated and went away or they became angry and accused Him of false teachings.  They had no living spirit with which they could compare the Living Word!  As Jesus told them, they were blind, they were leading the blind, and they would all perish.  It is this fact that Paul addressed in verse 14 –

III.  The Problem for the unbeliever.

1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

The solution to this problem of the unbeliever is stated by Paul in –

2 Corinthians 4:1-7  Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

We have this ministry and must be dedicated to it, not being turned from it.  We are challenged by –

IV.  The Praise of the believer

1 Corinthians 2:15,16 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.  For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Men have the choice between –

  A.  Faith

The believer has the Word of God, which is as stated, “the mind of Christ,” to give us wisdom and guidance.

  Or –

  B.  Folly

Four times in the first three chapters, the Holy Spirit led Paul to state that the truths from God are considered foolish by the unbeliever, the men without salvation because of their unbelief.

1 Corinthians 3:19  For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

Paul reminded the readers of God’s description of the unbeliever through the words of Job recorded in –

Job 5:12-14  He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise. He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong. They meet with darkness in the daytime, and grope in the noonday as in the night.

“…the blind leading the blind…”

God tells us that the unbeliever should have no influence in the life and decisions of the believer – “…he himself is judged of no man.”

Why?  The unbeliever does not have any idea what the will of God is for the believer!

Illustrate – The flashing light at the traffic intersection.

Praise the Lord that through faith in God through the Lord Jesus Christ –

We can know what is true and what is false,

We can realize the results of living a life based on the truth, and –

We can recognize the consequences of living a life based on a lie!

Be careful who you allow to influence your life!

Are you saved?    Are you serving?      Prepare our hearts –

Matthew 4:19-25  And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him. And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them. And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.

“…Make you fishers of men…”

The Christ, the Son of the Living God    Matthew 16:15,16

The Camp theme has emphasized that our relations with Christ must be a personal one, and that it does not matter what the rest of the world thinks.

Lesson –

Matthew 16:13-17  When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

I.  Our introduction to the disciples –

  A.  They were submissive.  John 1:35-43

    1.  Submitted to John’s message.  John 1:35

    2.  Sought after Jesus.  John 1:36-39

    3.  Shared the truth with others.  John 1:40-43

  B.  They were sensitive.  They knew what they had need of.

    1.  They were sensitive to their person.  Luke 4:8  “sin”

    2.  They were sensitive to their prayer.  “…teach us to pray.”

    3.  They were sensitive to His perfection.  “What manner of man is

         this?”

  C.  They were saved.  “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

    1.  The Son of Man was their King.

    2.  The Son of Man was their Power.

    3.  The Son of Man was their Saviour!

II.  Orientation of the ministry – a new direction.  Matthew 16:13 – 17:13

  A.  He received the testimony  –      Matthew 16:13-17

    1.  Of men.    Matthew 16:13,14

      a.  The question about their opinion.

Matthew 16:13  When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

      b.  The confusion of men noted.   What did the world think?

Matthew 16:14  And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

        1).  The popular consensus – He is a man of God. 

              (All of these men were highly esteemed)

        2).  The predicted confusion.  Refer to –

Matthew 13:13-16  Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.

    2.  Of the disciples.  Matthew 16:15-17

      a.  The question about their belief. 

Matthew 16:15    He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

      b.  The confession of Peter commended. Matthew 16:16,17

        1).  The singular reply.  Matthew 16:16a

              “…And Simon Peter answered…”

        2).  The Saviour exalted.  Matthew 16:16b

               “…and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God…”

        3).  The spiritual discernment.  Matthew 16:17

               Matthew 16:17  And Jesus answered and said unto him,

               Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not

               revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

          a).  The truth is revealed by God.

          b).  The truth is believed by faith.  Refer to –

John 1:13  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.    See also –

         2 Corinthians 5:7  (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

            (1).  Walking by sight.

              (a).  The Pharisees, Scribes, and Saducees sought signs.

              (b).  People sought service and supply.

            (2).  Walking by faith.  Peter believed God. 

1 Peter 1:21-23  Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

   Refer also to –

Romans 10:13-14  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

Based on this confession of Jesus being “The Christ, the Son of the Living God” –

  B.  He revealed the church. 

Matthew 16:18-20  And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

    1.  He complimented Peter’s growth.  16:18a

John 1:42  And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

      a.  You shall be – Cephas  – Kefas  (Aramaic)  a stone – petros

           (Greek)                      

      b.  You are – Peter – Petros  a rock, stone

      c.  You will – use the keys to the kingdom

    2.  He commended Peters confession. 16:18b

         The foundation of the church

         1 Corinthians 3:10,11/15:1-4

    3.  He commanded Peter’s ministry.  16:19

      a.  The ministry of preaching.  The keys

        1).  To the Jews.  Acts 2:14-41

        2).  To the Samaritans.  Acts 8:14-17

        3).  The Gentiles.  Acts 10

      b.  The ministry of instruction – binding and loosing. 

           Refer to Acts 11:1-18

Ephesians 4:11-12  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

The salvation of men, the establishment of His church, the glory of God,

 all because that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God!

Who is Jesus to you tonight?

Is He a man among men, or is He Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, the Son

of the Living God? 

Lesson on Jesus statement that He is The True Vine    

John 15:1-5  I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

Remember the Lord’s statement to the disciples at the Supper as recorded in –

John 13:10  Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

Eleven of the twelve were abiding in Him.  One of them simply claimed to be abiding in Him, but eventually the fruit of his actions revealed the condition of his heart.

 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

The introduction to the statement by Jesus in John 15:1 is in –

John 14:12-14  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also…”

The Lord laid the foundation for what He would say to the disciples in chapter 14, “…Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you…”, that He was going away, and they would continue His work, not of themselves, from their own genius and labour, but because they were in Him and, even though not with them physically, He was with them spiritually.  They would seek His will, and His will would become their will. 

1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Whatever work they would do would be through Him, in the power of the Holy Spirit, and for the Glory of God, not themselves.  Jesus illustrated this truth using a vine and its branches, helping them understand their need to rely on Him always!

Is this warning necessary?  Yes!  We, even believers, have the tendency to boast about what we have done –

Luke 10:17-20  And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name………Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

Or what words we have believed –

Galatians 1:6-8  I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

We need to reminded, even as the disciples needed to be reminded, that we must live in Him and that He will work through us for God’s honour and glory.

Jesus’ lesson using the Vine, Branches, and Fruit would be relevant to the moment, being as they had not only partaken of the fruit of the vine at the supper, but also had a discussion about it.  Now, coming out from the supper, Jesus said –

John 15:1-5  I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

We will examine four topics from these verses:  The Husbandman, The True Vine, The Branches, and the Results.  We begin with –

I.  The Purpose of the Husbandman – God the Father

  A.  Purity – He set forth the Pure Vine in His Vineyard.

May have reminded the disciples of the words of Isaiah –

Isaiah 5:1-2  Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill: And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes….

  B.  Production – He set forth His plan for pure fruit.

“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.”

Note from vineyard care –  “Effective pruning ensures that the vines will only focus their resources on producing the best grapes possible.”

II.  The Perfection of the True Vine  – Jesus gives life to the branches

  A.  He is holy from before the creation of the world –

John 1:1-4  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

  B.  He was holy while He was in the world –

Hebrews 4:14-15  Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

  C.  He is holy throughout all eternity –

Revelation 1:12-18  And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

III.  The Position of the Branches – Disciples receive life from the Vine

“…As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

IV.  The Product – Produced through the Branches from the life of the Vine

The Result is that we have –

  A.  The Righteousness of God inwardly –

2 Corinthians 5:17-21  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

  B.  The Responsibility from God outwardly –

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

  C.  The Rectitude through God, inwardly and outwardly –

Galatians 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Conclusion:

Are you connected to the True Vine today?  Are you saved?

Are you growing through the nourishment of the Vine and producing fruit?

Are you aware that the Husbandman is working in your life to keep you healthy and producing fruit for Him?  Are you thankful?

The Way, the Truth, and the Life    John 14:6

The camp theme emphasizes that our relations with Christ must be a personal one, and that it does not matter what the rest of the world thinks.

Lesson text – “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Account leading up to the Lord’s declaration following the Supper –

I.  The Conversation with the disciples.

John 13:31-14:6  Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.

  A.  The Time Appointed had come.

Luke 9:51  And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,

  B.  The Troubled minds and hearts of the disciples.  “Ye shall seek

        me…”

John 20:1-4  The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

He prepared them for his departure –

II.  The Commandment given to the disciples.

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

The people in Israel had seen for three and a half years that Jesus of Nazareth loved those who followed Him.

They also saw that He loved those that needed to be loved and cared for, and that He strongly rebuked those who were supposed to be teaching, loving, and caring for them.

They would now see that even though Jesus was no longer present on earth, His disciples were loving as He loved, caring as He cared, helping as He helped, having compassion as He had compassion, and even laying their lives down for others, that they might know the truth and come to God the Father through God the Son.

Acts 4:13  Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

III.  The Comfort given to the disciples.

  A.  The Separation is temporary.

Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.

  B.  The Security is promised.

    1.  The Believer’s position in the Lord is not because of their

         actions.  Men’s courage will fail and their faith will falter!

Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake. Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

Even though we will fail –

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

    2.  The Believer’s position in the Lord is secure because of His faithfulness!

In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

    3.  The believer’s position in the Lord is secure, not because we are

         leading, but because we are following – Him!

And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

  C.  The Saviour is returning.

    1.  The Rest we have in Him.

John 14:1-6  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

    2.  The Reunion we have with him

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

    3.  The Route we take is through Him

And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Have you come to God the Father through Jesus Christ, God the Son?  He is the only way.  There has never been and there never will be any other way to be saved except through the will of God, and that is to believe in Him through His Son.  How?

Romans 10:9-13  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

And from this we learn that we must –

Read His conversations – to the disciples and through them, to us.

Obey His commandments – to love Him and to love one to another

Accept His comfort – live through it and share with others.

Look for His coming!