Sjbjburke's Blog

The Book of James   Message Four

C.  Readiness to face temptation.  1:19-27  Continued –

Last week, we learned from James through the –

1. Counsel for victory over temptation.  1:19-21

James 1:19-21  Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

His counsel to be –

• Careful in complete obedience. 

James 1:22-25  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

And tonight, we are counseled to be –

    3.  Consistent in service.    James defines the difference between

         Selfishness and selflessness.   We begin tonight with –

      a.  Selfishness.  The individual desiring to be the focus of attention.

James 1:26  If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.  

If anyone ‘seem’ to be religious – presenting a spiritual appearance without having a faithful heart.

Just attending church, but for the wrong reasons. We learn how to go along to get along.  We simply exchange our actions, but keep our unbelief.

 I traded my shorts for a suit, my tank top for a tie, my sandals for shoes.  I traded my patterns of speech – I started saying fellowship instead of party, I learned to smile at and acknowledge those that said “praise the Lord” instead of “Peace, brother”,  and I found my old Bible that a relative had given me when I was ten years old.    I had received it has a present for Christmas, posted from another state, and was sorely disappointed that it was not a toy.  I had kept it though and had it to carry to church.

I was good at ‘seeming’ to be religious, but still had the same dark heart and the same vile tongue –

Matthew 12:34-35  O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

           “…bridleth not his tongue…”

I was okay, a nice guy when compared with the world at large, but when standing in the searchlight of God’s Word, I was –

        1).  Conceited.

3 John 9-10  I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

        2).  Conniving –

Proverbs 17:9  He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; (Forgiven and buried) but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends. (repeated often)

People often make others look bad so that they will seem ‘better’.

“Spiritual Gossip” such as “Did you hear what she did”?  The proper answer is “No, let’s call her and ask her what she did”. That will end a lot of this loose talk.  They will wish that they had bridled their tongue!

        3).  Contradicting the Word of God.

Matthew 23:14  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.

Isaiah 1:15-18  And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

        4).  Condemning their own selves.  They were self deceived –

John 8:39  They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.

There are those who are just like them today.  The pretenders need to repent of their sins and turn unto the Lord which will result in –

      b.  Selflessness.  

James 1:27  Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.  

           The believer needs to be an example to the world –

1 Timothy 4:11-15  These things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

        1).  Caring for others for their good. 

James 1:27a  Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction…

          a).  The connotation of the word “…to visit…”

                 To visit with a result in mind, a purpose to be achieved.

                 Note these examples –

Matthew 25:36  Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Luke 1:68  Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,

Acts 15:14  Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

Not just to go, but to go and make a difference in their lives!

          b).  The character of the visitor –

Notice the qualifications of those men in the church who will be dealing with members of the church and especially those in need, such as orphans and widows –

Acts 6:1-3  And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

        2).  Caring for our testimony for God’s glory. 

James 1:27b  … and to keep himself unspotted from the world.  

John 17:15  I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

Understanding the purpose of temptation, we are reminded by Peter that submitting to God and seeking His glory, we bring praise to His name and provoke others to follow God and His purpose for their lives –

1 Peter 1:6-7  Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Ephesians 4:13  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Are we consistent in our love for God and in our service unto Him?  James is encouraging us to have faith in God and look after others – God will look after us!

C. The Repentance of the people. 9:1-10:31
Two days after the end of the feast of Tabernacles, a time of rejoicing, the Israelites took stock of their situation.
They were ruled by a foreign government.
They were surrounded by hostile nations.
They were subject to trade and taxes at the pleasure of foreign kings.
They were currently rebuilding their city, their houses, and their lives, but they were not ruling over them.
They were not in any way like unto the Nation under King David or Solomon. They were not even a semblance of the nation as it had been under Hezekiah or Josiah.
Their joy turned to sorrow as they realized that their sin and the sin of their fathers had brought them into this condition.
The reading of the Word of God had convicted them of their sin.
The doing of the Word of God had convinced them of God’s blessings.
Now, as we are told in God’s Word –
Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
We are shown the –
1. The Condition of the people. 9:1-3
The individuals of the nation came together again before the Lord and testified of –
a. Their contrition. – Their actions revealed their hearts. 9:1
b. Their confession – took responsibility 9:2
c. Their concern – they desired to hear more of the Word of God. 9:3a
d. Their consolation – they confessed their sin and worshipped God. 9:3b
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

This condition led to –
2. The Confession of their sins. 9:4-35
The priests reaffirmed –
a. The goodness of God.
b. The guilt of he people.
3. The Conclusion of the people. 9:36-38 They made a decision based on the Word of God, the works of God, and their present condition.
Nehemiah 9:36-38 Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we are servants in it: And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress. And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it.
This was a wonderful moment for the people – the right conclusion to draw from the Word and their situation. It is sad for us though, as we have the history and are able to see what they would do in their future. They may have been dedicated to carry out this decision, but we know that most of them did not. This reminds us of their ancestors and the promises they intended to keep –
Exodus 19:7-8 And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him. And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.
Exodus 24:3 And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do.
Exodus 24:7 And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient.
Deuteronomy 5:27-29 Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it. And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken. O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!
Luke 11:28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
Will we hear the Word of God and do His will accordingly?

The third phase of Nehemiah’s program is completed and the results are seen in the –
II. Revival. 8:1-10:31
A. The Reading of the Law. Ezra the Scribe taught. 8:1-12
1. They were assembled.. 8:1,2
a. They were united as God’s people.
b. They were united in their desire – to hear the Word of God.
These were like those that the Lord Jesus Christ was calling to as He spoke to them of judgment and of righteousness.
Matthew 13:41-43 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
These had come together with the express purpose of hearing the Word of God –
2. They were attentive. 8:3-6
“…the ears of all the people were attentive unto the Book of the Law.”
a. They prepared their hearts to hear His Word.
1). Their attitudes. The watched and listened.
2). Their actions. They stood at the opening of His Word.
b. They prayed to Him.
“And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands:…”
c. The praised Him who is worthy.
“…and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.”
3. They were admonished. 8:7,8
4. They were affected. 8:9,10
2 Kings 22:8-11 And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, Thy servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of them that do the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD. And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king. And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes.
There is sorrow in the realizing of disobedience but their is joy in repentance and obedience to the will of God. The Lord’s Word will bring forth sorrow unto repentance which should result in the joy of the Lord –
2 Corinthians 7:9-11 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
5. They were appreciative. 8:11,12
Repentance and faith bring forth joy and good works –
They understood that which Jesus said 400 years later –
Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Galatians 6:9-10 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Let’s be a thankful people – Praise the name of the Lord!

II. Revival. 8:1-10:31
A. The Reading of the Law. Ezra the Scribe taught. 8:1-12
1. They were assembled.. 8:1,2
2. They were attentive. 8:3-6
3. They were admonished. 8:7,8
4. The were affected. 8:9,10
5. They were appreciative. 8:11,12
B. The Restoration of the Feast of Tabernacles. 8:13-18
As we have seen in the lives of the Jews, repentance leads to obedience which then leads to careful study of God’s Word in order to know and to do His will. We see this continue in the verses that we will study tonight. Read Nehemiah 8:13-18
1. The events of the seventh month.
a. The new moon of the Seventh month. This was the beginning of the civil new year.
Read Leviticus 23:24
b. The Atonement.
Leviticus 16:33-34 And he shall make an atonement for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make an atonement for the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the altar, and he shall make an atonement for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation. And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year. And he did as the LORD commanded Moses.
c. The Feast of Tabernacles. Read Leviticus 23:23-25; Numbers 29:1-6
2. The examination of the Word of God. Nehemiah 8:13-15
3. The enthusiastic response of the people. Nehemiah 8:16-18
4. The earnest invitation from the Lord at this festival about 480 years afterward.
John 7:37-38 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
Throughout His ministry, the Lord identified Himself as the true and perfect fulfillment of the symbols and grace of God –
a. The True Temple. John 2:18-21
b. The True symbol of life, the Brazen Serpent. John 3:14,15
c. The True Bread from Heaven. John 6:32-35
d. The True Rock of Living Water. John 7:37,38
e. The True Luminous Cloud. John 8:12
f. The True Lamb of Sacrifice. John 1:29; 19:30
Read Hebrews 10:1-13
The Feast of Tabernacles was the last of the feast for the year. Jesus gave an invitation at the end of the feast, declaring that He is the end and fulfillment of them all.
Have you turned to Him today in repentance and faith?

C. Readiness to face temptation. 1:19-27
Our hearts and minds are like a simmering cauldron which can be stirred up to a boil and flow over either through the passionate flames of the love and glory of God or the vengeful flames of hatred burning like a furnace in our soul. We are warned against ourselves of this temptation that is seeking a voice to be expressed from the depravity of our hearts – which are so deceitful!
Hosea 7:4-7 They are all adulterers, as an oven heated by the baker, who ceaseth from raising after he hath kneaded the dough, until it be leavened. In the day of our king the princes have made him sick with bottles of wine; he stretched out his hand with scorners. For they have made ready their heart like an oven, whiles they lie in wait: their baker sleepeth all the night; in the morning it burneth as a flaming fire. They are all hot as an oven, and have devoured their judges; all their kings are fallen: there is none among them that calleth unto me.
Since temptation comes from within, we must prepare our hearts and minds to overcome it. We cannot accomplish this of ourselves.
Psalms 19:12-13 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
We must yield ourselves to God. Note what James instructs us about –
1. Counsel for victory over temptation. 1:19-21
We are to reflect the righteousness of God in our –
a. Reasoning. 1:19a “…swift to hear…”
Psalms 123:2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.
Proverbs 8:34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
b. Response. 1:19b,20 “…slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”
This exhortation is not only directed at situations that arise at home or work, but also in church and in the ministry of God. We can destroy spiritual work through our carelessness! People get offended in spiritual matters and, through anger, guilt, or fear strike out at others.
Proverbs 15:18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
Ephesians 4:26-27 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.

The exhortation is not only to refrain from sleeping on your wrath, allowing it to grow out of proportion and take control of your emotions, but also this was the beginning of the Jewish day, upon sunset – do not begin a new day in wrath! Sleep in the grace of God and begin the day in the blessings of God –
Psalms 63:3-8 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.
Lamentations 3:22-24 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
c. Respect for Him in our testimony. 1:21
1). Reject evil. 1:21a
2). Regard for His Word. 1:21b
2. Careful in complete obedience. 1:22-25
a. We are tempted to be –
1). Divided in our loyalty. 1:22a
2). Deceiving ourselves. 1:22b-24
2 Timothy 2:24-26 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
But, if we are to glorify God through our temptations –
b. We are trusted to be – 1:25
1). Devoted to God’s Word.
2). Doer’s of God’s work.
Do you desire to hear the Word of God?
Do you think about what you hear and consider your response?
Can you be trusted to know God’s Word and do God’s will?

8). The completion of the wall. 6:15

a). The second phase of Nehemiah’s plan was completed. This was not the completion of the project though. Remember that Nehemiah
was not only rebuilding the walls. We need to be reminded that the city had been surrounded by protective walls in the
centuries before.

(1). David took the city from the Jebusites. 2 Samuel 5:6-9
(2). The enemies of Israel. 2 Chronicles 21:16,17
(3). Joash King of Israel broke into the city of Jerusalem and took treasures.
2 Kings 14:13,14
(4). Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the city. 2 Kings 25:10

b). The walls were simply physical barriers which could be breached. What the people needed to understand was that the walls were a symbol of their obedience to and separation unto God. Without the walls, the Jews were a disobedient, dispersed nation. It was not about protection, it was about submission! The army of Israel on the walls could not withstand the military forces of the world. This had been proved before. The people needed the walls to remind them that they were the people of God – His chosen people in His chosen place.

A church identity is manifested by love for God, His Word, and a holy life. The church is not separated by a wall, but by the Word.

Read 1 Peter 2:1-10.

The walk of the believer begins in the heart and is manifested in action. The walk of the Jews began in their hearts and resulted in actions – building the wall!

Now – Remember Nehemiah’s initial question concerning Jerusalem –

Nehemiah 1:2 That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.

He was concerned for the state of the people. He was still concerned for the state of the people which involved their relationship with God. He began Phase three which would build their sense of community and their submission, obedience, and service to God.

c. Phase three – requirements for security. 7:1-73

1). Installation of faithful leadership. 7:1,2

a). They were dedicated men of God.
b). They were devoid of leadership skill. This revealed itself in time.
The people did not follow them as they had followed Nehemiah.
Refer to Nehemiah 13:1-9 We will examine this further in chapter 13

This situation reveals the difficulty for second or third generation leaders. If the man cannot instill trust and respect from the people, no matter how much faith he has, or experience, or ability, he will not be able to lead the people in growth, and in most instances will not be able to maintain the level his predecessor achieved.
After Solomon, out of nineteen kings of Judah, only eight kings were faithful to God. There were four faithful kings that had faithful sons who were good kings. It is also interesting to note that four unfaithful kings, ungodly men who turned from the ways of the Lord, had good sons that were faithful to God and sought to reform the nation.
The problem is not restricted to governing nations or pastoring churches. It is seen as occurring in every area of life which reveals it is inherent in human nature.

In every area of life we must know that we are doing God’s will. Too many times believers separate their lives into secular and spiritual. We must realize that our lives are under the authority of God – all spiritual. Remember Paul’s admonition to the leaders of the churches in Acts 20:28. They were in their positions according to the will of God and they must take those positions seriously. We cannot force people to follow, that is their choice and God is holding them personally accountable to follow the leaders He has placed before them. But the leader must lead with courage and conviction that he is doing God’s will.

2). Implementation of security measures. 7:3
3). Initiated a registry of families. 7:4-69

a). Determine citizenship.
b). Determine property rights.
c). Determine priesthood.

4). Investing financially to support the work. 7:70-73

1. Introduction 1:1

To the ‘Dispora’, those who are scattered.

The Pharisees testified to the extent of the dispersion of the Jews –

John 7:32-36  The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him. Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me. Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come. Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles? What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?

The Jews had spread throughout the world and many of to and were present during the trial, crucifixion,  burial and resurrection of Jesus.  They had come for the Passover and the Feast of Weeks, and many heard the Gospel and took the good news back to their home towns and cities.  Many Jewish believers were also resided in Jerusalem as the church was growing, only to be scattered abroad upon the persecution of the church as recorded in –

Acts 8:1-4  And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

These first Jewish believers faced many trials and temptations for their faith from both their families and their communities.  They needed the Lord’s help to be able to endure the trials.  The Lord led James to write to them and help them in their times of trouble.

1. Instruction on temptation. James 1:2-27
2. Response to temptation.  James 1:2-12
3. Understand the result.   James  1:2-4    What may be achieved –

“…that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.’

2. Use the resources that God provides.  James 1:5-8

How to meet the need!

“…If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him….But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering…”

 

And then be –

 

3. Uplifted in spirit.  James 1:9-12  

 

         The right attitude – Refer to

 

Proverbs 30:8,9  Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

1.  Our standing in God is not based on social position

James 1:9-11  Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

1).  The Poor man – “I do not have anything to offer but myself”.

2).  The Powerful man – “I have much to offer, but God does not

want me because of my wealth, He simply wants me”!

“After the wealth is gone, I will continue on!  I am glad that

it was me that God wanted and not those things that fade

away.”

3).  The Precious truth – God is no respecter of persons  –

Ephesians 6:7-9  With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

1. Our standing in God is based on love, and His reward is following.

James 1:12  Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Therefore, knowing how to respond to temptation, we need to know the

1. Reason for temptation in the Christian’s life.  James 1:13-18

Why am I facing these troubles?  This is the often asked question, but

we must remember that everyone faces trouble, and –

1. The reason is sin.  I have heard many over the years say “Since God

created everything, He is responsible for sin, which is responsible for

suffering.”  James clearly answers this accusation!

James 1:13  Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

We are aware that sin is the problem because there is a –

1. Constant fight for control in the believer’s life.

Galatians 5:17  For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

We should remember God’s warning to Cain –

Genesis 4:7  If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

Sin is described as a beast waiting at the door to overpower, to conquer and control Cain.  Cain is commanded to overcome the sin in his life.  He had a choice to make – submission or superiority.  He could submit to God’s will, or he could choose to act according to his own will, placing himself above God.

Cain did not heed God’s warning even though he knew the reality of making self-serving choices, his parents being the prime example!

Christians are involved in a battle – a renewed battle every day.  We should remember that the Lord Jesus Christ has won the war already and we have the victory in Him, but the individual battles continue until He comes again.     There is a constant fight for control.  Sin destroys –

1. Contentment.  It is like a vapour that disappears quickly.

1).  Eve had position, the immediate creation of God who was in

partnership with Adam to have dominion over all of the

earth.  – it was not enough.  She desired to be as God and

Adam approved of their actions.

2).  Lot had possessions – the pastoral life was not enough, as they

kept him separated from the world.

3).  David had power – it was not enough.  (Bathsheba, I want her

and so, I will have her)

4).  Solomon had the respect of the people – it was not enough.

(He could judge every situation, except his own)

Some people ask “Did God tempt Adam and Eve with evil by planting the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden and then forbidding them to eat of the fruit of it”?

The answer is simple and Biblical – No, God did not tempt them with evil!

God did not create, introduce, or tempt man to sin!

Adam and Eve were created with what is commonly called “Free Will” or the freedom of choice. Consider their days –

Choice of Food:    Mango, Grapes, Figs?

No consequences of which has priority

Choice of Labour:  Trim the trees, till the ground, order the garden.

No consequences of which has priority

Choice of Obedience:  God   Only one God, where is the choice? –

Without free choice there is no true free will.

To exercise free will, man is given the choice of

Self which is represented by the tree of the

knowledge of good and evil. with consequences, or

God with continued blessed relationship.

Adam exercised his free will in choosing to exalt

himself over God, with the full knowledge that –

2. The result is death.

James 1:14-15  But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

He was in no way tempted to evil, he was warned of evil!

3. The response is submission to the Truth.  James 1:16-18

1 Timothy 6:6  But godliness with contentment is great gain.

As we have read –

1. Avoid excuses.  James 1:13    “…I am tempted of God…”
2. Admit responsibility.  James 1:14  “…his own lust…”
3. Agree with God and embrace the truth.  James 1:15-18

How –

1).  Reject sin.

James 1:15-16  Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren.

1 Peter 2:11-12  Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

1 John 2:15-16  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

2).  Rejoice in Truth.

James 1:17-18  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Are you rejoicing in the truth today?

Have you confessed to the Lord that you are a sinner in need of  His forgiveness, asking Him to save you?

Are you saved and obeying that which you know God wants you to do?

2). The concern of the people. 4:9-12

a). The condition of the city. They had to clear the debris from the city. 4:9,10
b). The constant threat of the enemy. Waiting to ambush the labourers. 4:11,12

3). The charge to the people. 4:13,14

a). The solution to their problem –

(1). Fear God.
(2). Fight for their families

These same situations were known to the early church and they are known among us today –
2 Corinthians 7:3-5 I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you. Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation. For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.

b). The solution to our problem today. We must receive the same charge and act accordingly.

(1). Fear God.
(2). Fight for our families.

We are in a spiritual battle, the war is raging and believers must be aware of the dangers in the world!

Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Work, but wear your armour when you go out!

4). The continuation of the work. 4:15-23

a). They determined to complete the wall. 4:15 “…every one unto his work.”
b). They discouraged their enemies. They were prepared to face them. 4:16-23

Nehemiah learned from the account in God’s Word of those that were before him –

Note Joab’s instructions to Abishi as they prepared for battle –

2 Samuel 10:11-12 And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee. Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.
5). The confrontation of sin among the people. 5:1-13
a). The complaint of the people. 5:1-5 The rich had taken advantage of the poor.
b). The confrontation of the guilty. 5:6-13

(1). The authority of the Word of God.

Leviticus 25:39-43 And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant: But as an hired servant, and as a sojourner, he shall be with thee, and shall serve thee unto the year of jubile: And then shall he depart from thee, both he and his children with him, and shall return unto his own family, and unto the possession of his fathers shall he return. For they are my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bondmen. Thou shalt not rule over him with rigour; but shalt fear thy God.

(2). The appeal to their conscience. 5:6-11
(3). The acceptance of the rebuke and restoration to the people. 5:12,13

6). The charity of Nehemiah. 5:14-19
We note Nehemiah’s care for the people both physically (Protection and Provision), mentally (working together), and spiritually. His desire was truly as was stated in                  Nehemiah 2:10 “… there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of                        Israel.”
7). The complicity of the Jews to destroy the testimony of Nehemiah. 6:10-14, 17-19
King David despaired over the treachery of his friends –
Psalms 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.

b. Phase two – raise the wall to a protective height. 4:1 – 6:15

1). The conspiracy of the enemies. 4:1-8

a). The plan of the enemy.

(1). Insult (Mocking the people and their work) 4:1-3
(2). Intimidation. (Threaten the people with physical violence) 4:7,8

b). The plea of Nehemiah. 4:4-6

He encouraged the people as those before him had done.

(1). Joshua

Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

(2). Jehoshaphat. 2 Chronicles 20:10-15 (note the identity of the enemy)

c). Eliashib intimidated the leadership to accomplish his purpose.

Nehemiah 7:2 That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.
Read Nehemiah 13:4-9 Hanani was the governor in the absence of Nehemiah. Hanani was a good and faithful man, but he was not as Nehemiah. He allowed the people to do things that Nehemiah would not have. We are reminded of the difference between Moses and Aaron. Aaron gave in to the desires of the people instead of leading them in the right way. Leadership is not always a family trait.
Note that Elishib’s strength influenced others (to build the wall) but his weakness also influenced those around him. When the leadership is self-serving the people will suffer!

2). The people joined together in the work. 3:2
The Lord teaches us in His Word the benefits of depending on Him and on one another –
Psalms 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
If one family did not do their best and build their portion of the wall securely, the entire community would be in danger. It is the same with the church! If we do not serve the Lord together according to His direction, we leave an opening for danger and destruction in the church.

Colossians 2:18-19 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

3). The pride of some was noted. 3:5

a). The Tekoite Nobles remind us of that group of proud souls who will always be numbered among God’s people who believe that they are better than others, they are not subject to the normal duties and responsibilities of men.
Proverbs 18:11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.

Proverbs 28:11 “The rich man is wise in his own conceit…”

Psalms 49:6-11 They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption. For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others. Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.
We are admonished in God’s Word to be humble and obedient unto the Lord, no matter what our state in life is –

1 Timothy 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

b). The Tekoites chose to serve the Lord instead of following the example of their leaders. Refer to 3:27
They could have excused themselves and been like the heads of the family, but they had personal integrity. They rose above the example of these whose pride and arrogance kept them from serving.

1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

4). The preliminary work was completed. 4:6
The people were encouraged in the work by step by step completion of the task. They may have been overwhelmed if they were directed to construct the wall in its entirety – length and height. They were able to quickly build the wall around the city to its half height, then complete the building knowing that they could accomplish the task.