sunilbernard

Q4. (4:11-12) In what way does bad-mouthing a neighbor cause you to be a judge of the law? Why is it tempting to bad-mouth others, do you think? Bad mouthing a neighbor is against the royal law. Whe we criticise, we become judges. Jesus told the people to cast the first stone who was without sin and no one dared to cast a stone. Instead of criticising, we must practise loving. If we love somebody, we forgive and forget all thier mistakes. Let us look at them with the eyes of the Lord. Then we won't behave as judges and critics. Basic nature tells us that we are better than the other person. It comes by instinct. So bad mouthing temptation comes easy to us. We have to learn to submit ourself to the Lord to deny ourself and let the Lord handle our affairs. Then this temptation will not come to us.

Q3. (4:6-10) Verses 7-10 contain 10 different commands. Why are these actions so vital? In what way do they go against our nature? Which of these commands is most difficult for you? These different commands are interlinked and consist of our response to the Lord. If we love the Lord and are obedient unto Him, we will obey all these commands and live a life that pleases Him. These actions are necessary for a true Chrisitan to be fruitful for the Lord as that is the purpose of our very existence. We have to glorify the Lord through our life. The basic nature of humanity is rebellion. We rebel against any rule. Since all the different commands are of the servitude type, that is, humbling ourselves, grieving and mourning for our sins, purifying ourselves, getting closer to God etc, mean that we have to fight our basic nature to do all these things. In other words, we have to deny ourselves to go closer to God. Submission to authority of God is perhaps the most difficult part. I might submit a part of my life to Him, but submitting everything is difficult. I have to stop living for myself and start living for the Lord. That's a tall order but God is helping me realise His goal for me slowly. I am grateful to Him for His endless mercy for me.

Q2. (4:4) Why does James refer to church members as "adulteresses"? What does the adultery consist of? Who is the aggrieved husband? What is wrong with friendship with the world? In some translations it is adulterous and in some adulteresses. The meaning is same. We the body of Christ, the Church, is behaving in an adulterous way. Leaving the true husband and going after others. That is leaving God and going after Mammon or the evil pleasures of this world. Adultery consists of flirting and having extra marital affairs. Our flirting with the world and its evil desires amount to the same. Leaving Christ, the head of the church, and going after worldly pleasures tantamount to Christ as the aggrieved husband. Friendship with the world produces conflicting situations. The interests that we serve here on earth are in conflict with God's ineterests. That's why it is a wrong procedure to adopt.

Q1. (4:1-3) Is God against pleasure? What wrong in living to increase one's pleasure? No, he is not against pleasure. In fact, He want His children to enjoy life. That's why He created this beautiful world for us to enjoy and have pleasure. There are so many wonderful things that God created for us to enjoy. We can have all the pleasure under God's conditions. When we don't follow God's conditions and seek pleasure to fulfill our own hearts desire, then that hurts God. As the Psalmist puts it, His ways are not ours and His thoughts not ours. If we enjoy anything along with God, then that is pleasure for both. Living to increase our own pleasures will undoubtedly lead to sinful practices and sinning. These are against God's principles and He strongly condemns them. We'd better be careful how we live as ultimately it will decide where we will spend eternity.

Q4. (3:17-18) With what tool do peacemakers sow peace? Why does this produce a ripening crop of righteousness? In whom does this crop grow? With the heavenly wisdom. It is not gained through the wisdom and knowledge of this world. The heavnly wisdom creates a different kind of roots in the body. These roots take their nourishment from the word of God, fruits of the spirit. And that's why the fruits that come out are so beautiful and serence to behold and enjoy in the spirit. Only the Spirit filled Chrisitians show these crops. These crops are evident in a believers life and many are benefited by them.

Q3. (3:13-16) In what ways are "bitter envy" and "selfish ambition" (3:14) direct opposites of "humility" (3:13)? How does denial of "bitter envy" and "selfish ambition" prevent healing? How does boasting about these prevent healing? Bitter envy and selfish ambition point towards putting ourselves in front of everything. That is pride. And pride is the opposite of humility. Envying others' properties and ambition for self upgrading puff up pride in ones self. Denying the above two negative charateristics will pave way for healing the mind and body. Boasting about these things will naturally prevent healing of the mind and body.

Q2. (3:7-8) Read Matthew 12:34 and 15:18. In light of these verses, why is the tongue untamable? What has to happen before it can be tamed? As the Scriptures say emphatically, the tongue is a very sharp instrument in the human body. It can cut through any defences. Such is the power it wields. Because the human heart and mind are basically sinful, what comes out from the heart through the tongue is also very sinful, harsh and caustic. The tongue is the spokesperson for the body. Basically it is evil. Once the heart is renewed and the whole body is purified, 1 Cor 5:17, then only the tongue can change for the better. Unless that is done, the tongue by itself is untameable.

Q1. (3:1-2) Why does James discourage people from aspiring to be teachers of the Word? Why is greater strictness appropriate? Should you set higher standards for your pastor than you do for yourself? Teachers of the Word have a responsibility that is second to none. Many are the false teachers abounding in every nook and corner. To counter the false propaganda, Teachers of the Word should be thoroughly inspired by the Word to 'Walk the Talk'. If you are not willing to walk the talk, then don't try to become a Teacher of the Word as it involves living a life that is a cut above the rest. Discipline is desireable in every field. Adhering to strict standards in living is very appropriate to Teachers as no one can point a finger at them. We are nobody to set standards. If at all we set standards, they are for us. Pastors are responsible for themselves. We are not responsible for them. Because they teach the Word of God and are trained to teach, they should set a higher standard for themselves than normal lay people.

Q4. (2:20-26) How does James' point about the necessity of works jive with Paul's emphasis on salvation by grace without works (Ephesians 2:8-10)? I fully agree with Joyce. Two sides of the same coin. James contention is that Good Works should follow salvation-naturally. He doesn't mean that you have to do works for salvation. Good Works are by products of salvation. Paul says obedience to law (good works) does not earn salvation. Salvation is only a free gift of God. Its grace. Unmerited favour. We cannot earn it by any means. It has to be accepted freely and enjoyed. That's all there is to it. No one needs to do any job for earning it. Thus both James and Paul agree that the gift of salvation is a free gift of God and once you are saved, the fruits of the Spirit are manifest in you automatically. If they are not manifest, then your very salvation is in doubt. Check whether you have really confessed your sins and accepted Jesus as your Savior !!!

Q3. (2:18-19) What is the difference between the "belief" of a demon and the "belief" of a practicing Christian? The "belief" of a non-practicing Christian? The belief of a demon is purely hypothetical. To them it is of no consequence just as we beleive that the earth is round. It is not a personal belief. They know a greater power exists and so what they say!! But to a practising believer, it is a very personal matter. Because of their belief, they know that they have eternal life and they are going to spend eternity with Jesus, in Heaven. The belief of a non practising Christian is purely hereditory. Because their parents, etc were Christians, they too are Christians. It is namesake. Filling up of a blank space in a form. Choosing an option. To them Jesus is God and that's all there is to it.

Q2. (2:15-16) To what degree are we responsible for the poor and needy in the church community? How about our responsibility for those outside the church, in the community at large? To what degree? To the extent God enables us. This is above what we give to the needy across the street. But in giving, we have to be good stewards. We have a responsibility to discern the truly poor and cater to their needs. Every gift is from God and we have to give as God desires us to give. Some poor people in the church may not appreciate being helped because they are poor. It affects their ego. We should be subtle enough for them not to feel embarassed at thier poverty. The same principle applies for the poor in the general catergory. If we have the resources and can cater to their needs, we certainly should do so. Not in order to be noticed or rewarded but with a heart of compassion, a true love of Christ emanting from us.

Q1. (2:14-18) In what sense is faith dead if it is unaccompanied by action? In what sense might (if that were possible) it be alive? Just as DNA of a living organism is dead by itself, faith by itself is dead if it is not accompanied by action. Theory is always easy and easy to preach too. But to put it into practice needs the guts of a strong believer. Unless we are absolutely convinced about our faith, we can never put it into action. The Holy Spirit drives the faith into action. The works of the Spirit as envisaged in Gal 5:22 speak aloud. Even the devils have faith and believe in God and His powers. But that doesn't separate us from them. We have to do the works of the Spirit aided by faith. That is what separates us from the devils. That way our faith can become alive when put into action.

Q4. (2:13b) In what way is showing regard towards the wealthy (2:2-3) a denial of mercy? Extra credit: Read Hosea 6:6; Matthew 5:7; and 9:13. In what way does mercy

Q3. (2:9-11) Why does James refer to the Great Commandment as the

Q2. (2:4) In what way does favoritism make one a judge? How does favoritism make one a judge with

Q1. (2:1-3) What kind of person or what kind of sinner do you tend to discriminate against? What kind of people are you (or your church) trying to make a good impression on? I tend to discriminate against non believers who know everything about the gospel but still never take a stand for Christ. I try not to socialise with them and generally keep my distance from them. It is a sort of snobbish behaviour on my part. I know that God loves everyone, including those hardened non believers. I tried several times to involve them with church activities and Bible centered activities, but they would not leave thier old habits. Old habits die hard, isn't it? Now I leave them to God's dealing. I tell the Lord to deal with them in His own time. I do my work and He will do His work. My church, though Methodist, is evangelical in nature. Responsible persons in the Committees look naturally for the rich and famous, but in general, there is no discrimination.

Q4. (1:26-27) Why does James make taming the tongue and caring for the poor the prime tests of pure religion? Why not the quality of our quiet time or worship? People looking at us, Christians, would like to see the characterstics of Jesus in us. God is love. Jesus was the embodiment of love. He was the result of God's love for us. With this background, if we take the tongue and think about the damage it can do with just one wrong word uttered in a fraction of a second, we will know what James was trying to say about taming the tongue. Unbridled tongue is capable of destruction in a vast capacity. Just the opposite of love. So also the loving, caring characteristic of Jesus is exemplified in us when we care for the orphans and widows and the less privileged among us. This also forms part of the "love thy neighbous as thyself" plan. These outward signs tell the world that we are christians who mean business. Our quite time and worship are integral part of our chrisitian life that is not tested in times of distress. We don't have quite time in the middle of a street, but we have the chance to minister to the under privileged in the middle of the street and expose Christ's love to others. That's why James was harping on the practical side of Christianity most of the time than for the theoretical part.

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? The 'perfect law' given by Jesus is love your neighbour as yourself. Love your God. The underlying principle is "love" Love conquers everything. Love is the answer. When we truly and deeply look into the facets of this agape love, then everything becomes clear. We can never define that kind of love. We have to learn to love like Jesus loved us. By constantly putting ourselves in Jesus' shoes and comparing what Jesus would do in those circumstances, can we achieve some resemblance to what this perfect law is. The Royal Law is also part of the agape love. Love sets you free. The bondage one suffers due to various entanglements are set free once you know how to love. Agape love conquers everything and in the process brings liberty and freedom to the mind.

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? This specially happens to the regular church going people. We happily listen and sometimes enjoy the sermons and attend seminars and sit through days of intense Bible teaching sessions and come out refreshed. But thats it. We don't do anything practical after it. We don't think about going out of our comfort zones. We are so lulled into a comatose position that we seldom venture out. This is the deception that we are led into and seldom want to get out of. The nature of self-deception is between theory and practicals. We feel that we are doing something after we have heard the sermons and sessions at a seminar, but in fact we are not doing anything. We have to really fight lethargy and get out of our comfort zones and do the work of the Lord.

Q1. (1:18) In what sense are we given spiritual birth by the "word of truth"? What does spiritual life have to do with the Word? John 1:1 Says in the beginning was the Word and the Word was God.... When we accepted Jesus Christ as our personal saviour and Lord, the God (the Word) came and dwelt in us. Thus we took a spiritual birth at the time. The Word of God sustains us and helps us grow in the Spriit. The Spiritual life is completely dependant on the Word of God. The Psalmist says Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee... The Word of God is everything for a Christian. It is the source of God's voice, His will and His purpose for us. So, everything that we as Christians do and say is supposed to be in tune with the Word of God.

Q4. (1:5-8) What is the promise to claim in verse 5? What is the condition attached to this promise in verse 6? How do trials help us receive this wisdom? The promise is verse 5 is that everyone who asks in faith will receive generously the wisdom of God. God knows that our standards do no match His standards. Even by getting His wisdom we cannot attain those levels. But the opportunity is given to everyone that they may acquire the wisdom of God by asking for it in faith and not doubting it. Promises are meant to be claimed for our use. God has made that provision. We should seek wisdom to enumerate those promises and use them as and when necessary. He is a faithful God whose promises are always true. Trials push us to a corner, helpless and frustrated. When we throw up our hands and accept the fact the we cannot fight the battle alone, God extends His helping hand and shows a way out. In such circumstances, the wisdom of God is at play in our lives. How thankful I am for this wonderful provision that God made for me!!

Q3. (1:5-8) How do trials help cure us of "doublemindedness"? How do trials help us grow in faith What an exposition!! Doublemindedness and its cure!!! When we are really cornered and there is no other way through the trials, God shows the way. Hallelujah! 1 Cor 10:13 applies very corrrectly to this. God knows how far we can run and at the end of the tunnel, he shows us the light. What a promise keeping and faithful God we have!! When we throw up our hands in helplessness, God takes control and directs our paths. Result is our growth in His fellowship and thereby lean more and more on Him, increasing our faith life and spiritual life.

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? Why does he allow evil to exist at all? People blame God for the evil because of immaturity. They think that through evil God is trying to test them. The fact is that it is the self-will that causes all the problems. We decide to take chances in our walk of life and end up the victims. Not because of God but because of our own will that we fall into temptations. Tempations come from the evil one. God doesn't tempt us. But he allows us to be tempted to see how far we can trust ourselves to His care. Satan will have to meet his end some day. Till that day God allows him to do his thing in this world. But along with that, God gives us grace and faith to trust Him to lead us through all that evil and come out victorious.

Q1. (1:2-4) What value have trials had in your life? Have you let Satan destroy you with those trials? Or allowed God to refine you? How have you changed? Speaking of values, trials have had immense value in my life. I have grown by leaps and bounds. Now my faith is so strong. Satan never stops trying me. (that's his duty) but I never cave in. The faith that the Lord has built up in me is too strong to cave in. Life threatening situations have not come to me, but in case they come, I can meet them with confidence in my Lord, who does good things to them that love HIM. I have changed for the positive. I don't criticise my Lord when things don't turn my way. I submit myself to His will. I have learnt that the Lord's will is above everything else. Faith to trust our lives with HIM will provide solutions to many of our problems.

Q5. Now that you're finished with the Faith of Abraham, what did you get out of this study of Abraham's life? How would you evaluate the study? What can be improved? Undoubtdely, faith life. In simple and great things Abraham trusted God even though as a first timer. Simple child like faith is what matters most. Our IQ, wealth, social status etc will not count in God's eyes. The study was very thorough, specially the Hebrew words and their subject oriented meanings. Hats off to you, Pastor, for your patience in dealing with the subject in great detail. I know that the Lord was working through you to get to us. Praise God!! Feeling sorry that it is over.