davidjjj

Q3. What is this "perfect law" that James mentions? How would you define it? How does it relate to the "royal law" (2:8)? In what sense does it bring liberty? Alec Moyter reminds that against the OT background law means "teaching". Law can be used as a term at times which summarises the whole OT. As New covenant believers we belive we are made righteous through Christ's death and resurection...He became sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him...2 Cor 5. So Christ is the end of the law AS A MEANS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS! but not the end of the law as part of God's revealed word!!! the ceremonial parts of the law have found their fulfilment in Christ, the judical commandments were for Israel in the land, but the 10 commandaments and other teachings from the OT still are binding, they are part of God's word, they reveal to us the heart of God,and the ways of God. James pick up on characters from the OT Abraham,Rahab, Elijah, the prophets....these are examples from the Scripture. And the 10 commandments have been reiteratied in the NT...Jesus did not come to do away with them and warned that any who taught that was to be seen as least in the Kingdom Math 5:17-19 Jesus showed that the OT must be interprited correctly (Mat 5:20-48) Some aspects of the are is more important than others- ie there is the greatest commanments (Mat 22) also some aspects of the law are weightier than others- although all is to be obeyed (Mat 23:23)excepted the ceremonal and national aspects. Paul reminds us that all Scripture is profitable (1 Tim 3:16) God's teaching "law" is not to burden us says John the Apostle see 1 John 5:3...Matt 11:30 (although it does when it used Pharaisically see Matt 23:4) but is to lead us into the best life see Isiah 48:17...Psalm 19

well said I think the example of the dieting book is very true!

Q2. (1:22) Why are we so easily fooled into thinking that listening to Bible teaching means that we are living out righteous lives? What is the nature of the self-deception? I think hearing the word is so important, the Bible emphasizes the importance, and rightly so! Becuase of this emphasis its easy for us to think this is the full equation where as Jesus and so many others (like James) rightly point to the fact that it is only 1/2 of the equation! it is those who both hear and obey that Jesus likens to a wise man, where it is those who hear God's word but do not act on it that are likened to the foolish man who faces destruction. Joshua is encouaged to not let God's word (the law) depart from his mouth..."so that" he will be careful to "do" all that is commnded in it...then he would be propsperious and sucessful! I think Paul pointed to this in Romans 12...when our minds are renewed then are lives are transformed...belief must effect behavior...this is the nature of self deception...we often think belief alone is important...but as James says later demons give the truths of the Bible mental ascent...there is a diffrence between this menatl ascent and true conviction! hearing alone gets a outward religious tick- it looks holy...we seem spiritual when we can quote scriptures...but as Jesus made clear to the Pharisees we can know what God's word says without ever hearing our Father's voice... hearing/reading is not enough...it look right but as James says if we dont let God's word effect our thoughts and actions we are deluded...ie we decieve ourselves ( James 1:22) we must recieve the word humbly (James 1:21)I think this means we must let it change our lives and thoughts- we must bow to it!we must humble ourselves to its ideas and commands and promises I think the key concept James is getting at is that there are many who know they know a lot about the Scripture- and feel that they are mature Christians because of that- James is warning them-that if they don

Q2. (1:22) Why are we so easily fooled into thinking that listening to Bible teaching means that we are living out righteous lives? What is the nature of the self-deception? I think hearing the word is so important, the Bible emphasizes the importance, and rightly so! Becuase of this emphasis its easy for us to think this is the full equation where as Jesus and so many others (like James) rightly point to the fact that it is only 1/2 of the equation! it is those who both hear and obey that Jesus likens to a wise man, where it is those who hear God's word but do not act on it that are likened to the foolish man who faces destruction. Joshua is encouaged to not let God's word (the law) depart from his mouth..."so that" he will be careful to "do" all that is commnded in it...then he would be propsperious and sucessful! I think Paul pointed to this in Romans 12...when our minds are renewed then are lives are transformed...belief must effect behavior...this is the nature of self deception...we often think belief alone is important...but as James says later demons give the truths of the Bible mental ascent...there is a diffrence between this menatl ascent and true conviction! hearing alone gets a outward religious tick- it looks holy...we seem spiritual when we can quote scriptures...but as Jesus made clear to the Pharisees we can know what God's word says without ever hearing our Father's voice... hearing/reading is not enough...it look right but as James says if we dont let God's word effect our thoughts and actions we are deluded...ie we decieve ourselves ( James 1:22) we must recieve the word humbly (James 1:21)I think this means we must let it change our lives and thoughts- we must bow to it!we must humble ourselves to its ideas and commands and promises I think the key concept James is getting at is that there are many who know they know a lot about the Scripture- and feel that they are mature Christians because of that- James is warning them-that if they don

In what sense are we given spiritual birth by the "word of truth"? What does spiritual life have to do with the Word? The word is likened to a seed (Mark 4 parable of the sower)that gives life, and Peter picking up on this tells us that we have been born again by the incorruptable see which he says is- the word of God...he goes on to say that this word was preached to you (1 Pet 1:23-2:1) Faith comes by hearing the word of God...our new life of faith ( Gal 2:20)is born through the miracle of God's word and Spirit at work in our lives...we were dead in sins (Eph 2:1-3) but God through His gracious intervention (previent grace) created a living faith in us so we could take hold of His grace...by which we are saved (Eph 2:8-10) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith

The wonderful promise of verse 5 is that God's wisdom will be provided freely to those who ask. The condition is we must ask in faith, that is we must beleive that God will do as He promises if we want to recieve "anything", this attitude of trust is key. How do trials help us recieve this wisdom? well I think that they help us to see our need of God's guidance...difficulty reminds us to turn to Him PS happy new year to all love David

Q3. (1:5-8) How do trials help cure us of "doublemindedness"? How do trials help us grow in faith? Dr Ralph and the others in the forum have said it all so well, which is impressive because man these are hard questions!!- I want some easy ones LOL But seriously, James recognises that we need Divine wisdom through trials

Q2. (1:13-15) Why do people blame God for evil? Does God tempt us with evil? Does he tempt sinful people with evil? Why does he allow people to sin? Wow this is a brain bender! I have rambled below but havent nailed down my thinking fully

I hope I have matured through the trials I have faced! I know some of the darkest moments I have faced have become wonderful places of grace and transformation, places where God's Soverignty (sometimes in hindsight) has become clearer and clearer. I have known in my personal trials God's grace strengthening me to walk through the pain and choose the right attitude. I have not always understood exactely "why" God had allowed things to happen the way they did- but- I think it honest to say I have always believed that God working thing all thing together for good (Rom 8) - for me and more imporatntly for His glory and purposes.

Hi, excited to be part of this- my wife, mum, and some church friends (from Ashburton Baptist) are joining with me today what a great way to start the new year love to you all in Christ David

Q4. (Ephesians 2:6) What does it mean that we are seated with Christ in "the heavenly realms"? What does this say about God's grace? What does this say about our spiritual authority? How should this knowledge affect our prayers and our boldness? Eph 2:6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, God

Q2. (Ephesians 2:1-3) Few people would knowingly follow Satan. How can people unwittingly follow Satan? In what sense are we responsible for unwitting rebellion against God? How can God, in all fairness, blame us? Eph 2:1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, Eph 2:2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. Eph 2:3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. I heard a preacher (Bruce Hills from Garden city church Australia) speak of sharks. Their domain is the sea; and in the sea there is real reason to be weary (In Aust!) of shark attacks- because that is their domain! But

Q1. (Ephesians 2:1-3) In what sense are our non-believing friends, neighbors, and relatives "dead"? What's the difference between us and them? If we really believed that they were "dead" and subject to God's "wrath," what would we do? Eph 2:1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, Eph 2:2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. Eph 2:3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. Sadly they are dead to God and the life of God The difference between us and them is we have had the connection made again- for them it is broken. We are connected again to the giver of life and meaning, even as non believers we knew the blessing of God

Q4. (Ephesians 1:20-22) Why is Christ's exaltation, demonstration of complete victory, and superior rank over all spiritual powers important enough for Paul to mention it to his readers? What was Paul assuring the Ephesians of? What does this encourage us to do? Eph 1:20 which he exerted [i.e. the power God exerted] in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, Eph 1:21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Eph 1:22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, Paul is addressing both Jew and Gentile at Ephesus. Some because of their Jewish background (seeped in the OT) probably * have a right perspective concerning the spiritual realm and spiritual beings, although they would need to understand, as converts to Christ, where Jesus placed in all this. Paul is also addressing many who have been converted from the occult. Ephesus was big time into the occult as the NIVAC explains: This city had a reputation as a center for the learning and practice of magical arts.

Q3. (Ephesians 1:18d) Why are we powerless sometimes? Is it an inadequacy with the source or with our faith? Why do some congregations and movements produce disciples with miracle-believing faith and others produce disciples with wimpy faith? How can this be changed? Eph 1:18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, Eph 1:19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, Eph 1:20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, Eph 1:21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Eph 1:22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, Eph 1:23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. If we truly believe the words of verses 19, i.e. that God

Q1. (Ephesians 1:18b) What do we Christians have to look forward to? How should this hope be a major motivation in our present-day lives? How should this hope affect our decisions and our lifestyle? How does our great hope differ from the hope of the average non-believer? I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, NIV I think this touches back on verse 14, speaking of the fullness of the inheritance that we as believers will receive when time meet eternity. Paul speaks of

Q4. (1:13-14) These verses contain two analogies: (1) seal and (2) downpayment, with the balance to be paid in a lump sum at the end of the term. When does the "end of the term" occur? How do these analogies help explain how the Holy Spirit functions in our lives? Eph 1:13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, Eph 1:14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God

Q4. (Ephesians 1:5-6) Why is adoption a particularly apt illustration of God's relationship with us? Why is the concept of adoption encouraging to us? I think this illustration/reality is huge! Especially when thinking about incorporation (in Christ)

Q3. (Ephesians 1:11-12) According to verses 11 and 12, what is God's purpose for our lives? What do we need to do to fulfill this purpose? How does this purpose relate to Matthew 5:13-16? Eph 1:11 In Him we also were made [God

Q1. (Ephesians 1:3) EPH 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, NASB What does it mean to you to be "in Christ" -- incorporated into Christ? As pointed out by Dr Wilson and in most modern commentaries this phrase

Q2. (Ephesians 1:4-5) Eph 1:4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love Eph 1:5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will

Q2. (Ephesians 1:9-10) 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. ESV 9 God

Ephesians week 2 Q1. (Ephesians 1:7) 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace 8 that he lavished on us. In what sense have you been "redeemed" from slavery? I was a slave to sin. Sin was my master, He had rights over me (sin is so often personalized see Rom 6-8, Gen 4:7ff) and ruled my life with his impulses. The result was I was in darkness, and sins partner in crime Satan dwells and influences in that realm. Jesus through His death has redeemed me from this slavery, Adam and Eve gave up humanities freedom, and came under the curse of Sin but Christ the second Adam has redeemed those who put their trust in Him! What do you think your life up to now would have been like, if you hadn't been redeemed? I think selfishness would characterize my life, I think I would have followed through with sin