Text: James 1:13-16

Three Ways in Which We Are Tested’

• Trials — dealt with in previous lesson
• Temptations (external) — someone tried to tempt you to sin
• Temptations (internal) — you desire to sin

Do Not Say, “I Am Being Tempted by God”

• Man has a tendency to blame others for his own actions (Genesis 3:11-12) — but God is never to be blamed
• God cannot be tempted by evil — He is perfect in His nature (1 John 1:5)
• God does not tempt anyone — sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2), God wants us to repent (2 Peter 3:9); tempting us would be counterproductive to His purpose
• Do not be deceived (James 1:16) — good things come from God without variation (James 1:17)

Danger of Internal Temptations

• James describes the process of internal temptation (James 1:13-15) — ultimately leads to eternal punishment (Romans 6:23)
• While we are being tempted, we must fight the urge to sin — but there is more to it than that
• We should strive not just to resist temptation, but eliminate the lust that is at the root of temptation — change the way we think (Romans 8:6), change our perspective (1 John 2:15-17), our life-long mission is to become more like God/Christ (Matthew 5:48; 1 Peter 2:21-22)

Danger of External Temptation

• An example of this is in Satan’s tempting of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11)
• These temptations happen all the time — but without lust on our part, we’re not going to give in
• But there is a danger in these temptations — over time they can influence us to sin (1 Corinthians 15:33), we can start to see the “benefits” of sin (Genesis 3:6; Hebrews 11:24-25), as we conform to the world we adopt these sins (Romans 12:2)

Conclusion

• “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial…” (James 1:12) — we will be tested by trials & temptations and we must remain faithful
• There is a reward if we do — a crown of life (Revelation 2:10; 2 Timothy 4:8)

Text: James 1:2-4

“When You Encounter Various Trials”

• These trials are different than the temptations mentioned later (James 1:13-15)
• James says, “when,” not “if” — this is a certainty

“Consider it All Joy”

• Not a natural reaction — this is why James had to tell them to do this
• Suffering has benefits — endurance (James 1:4), produces an eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:16-17), power is perfected in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

“Testing of Your Faith”

• The faith of the Christian gives him an advantage over the one without faith — both will suffer, but by faith we know we have something to look forward to (Hebrews 11:13-16)
• Testing of our faith can come in various forms — persecution, temptation to sin, common trials

“Produces Endurance”

• Makes us stronger — strength is an essential trait of a Christian (Ephesians 6:10)
• Faith is a life-long commitment (Revelation 2:10; Matthew 24:13) — requires endurance (Hebrews 12:1)

“Let Endurance Have its Perfect Result”

• Faithful obedience — examples of the faithful in Hebrews 11
• Christlikeness (Galatians 2:20; 1 Peter 1:21-24)
• Wisdom (James 1:5)
• Ultimately, heaven (Matthew 24:13)

The answer to this question could be ‘yes’ or ‘no’ depending on what one has in mind. This lesson will examine three things: the church of Christ, a church of Christ, and “Church of Christ.”

The Church of Christ

• This is simply the church that belongs to Christ — He would build it (Matthew 16:18), purchase it (Acts 20:28), and be the head over it (Colossians 1:18)
• This church is made up of all those who are saved (Acts 2:47)
• Sometimes referred to by other names — kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33), kingdom of His beloved Son (Colossians 1:13), body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23), bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:22-24), church of the firstborn (Hebrews 12:23), brotherhood (1 Peter 2:17)

A Church of Christ

• This is a local congregation made up of those who are part of the universal church — only one universal church (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 4:4), but many local churches (Romans 16:16)
• These churches will have a uniform doctrine (1 Corinthians 4:17) — disciples taught to observe all that Christ commanded (Matthew 28:20), this includes His instructions regarding the church (Acts 1:1-3)
• These churches have a particular work to do — evangelism (1 Timothy 3:15), edification (Ephesians 4:11-12, 16), and limited benevolence (Acts 4:32-35; 11:29-30)
• These churches would worship in a certain way — teaching (1 Corinthians 14:26), giving (1 Corinthians 16:2), Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7), prayer (1 Corinthians 14:15), singing (Ephesians 5:19)
• These churches would be organized in a certain way — elders (Acts 14:23; 1 Timothy 3:1-7), deacons (1 Timothy 3:8-13); they would be autonomous (1 Peter 5:2)

“Church of Christ”

• Here the phrase is used as an adjective — “Church of Christ” preacher, “Church of Christ” building, we are “Church of Christ”
• If we are not part of a denomination, then this is not accurate — gospel preacher, church building, we are Christians
• It is possible to have a proper name but still be wrong (Revelation 3:1) — a denomination can use this Scriptural term
• What would have to be true for us to be part of a denomination — we unite upon a standard other than the word of God (John 17:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13), we claim allegiance to someone/something other than Christ (1 Corinthians 1:12)

Text: Judges 19:30

Following the rape and abuse that led to the death of a Levite’s concubine, a message was sent out to all the tribes of Israel to take note of what occurred and deal with the situation. This type of event had not been experienced by anyone in the recent generations. So they had a three step plan to decide how to move ahead.

Consider It

• What is going on?
• What is the problem?
• What circumstances currently exist?

Take Counsel

• What does God say about the matter?
• Determine the right way to move ahead

Speak Up

• Make the truth known
• Know the truth well enough to defend it
• Be bold & prepare for opposition

Text: Ephesians 4:1

A call is an invitation to something — some are optional, some are not. The NT describes at least four of these calls — the first is optional, the other three are not.

The Gospel Call

• The call from condemnation to salvation
• We are called by the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14)
• It is a universal call (Acts 2:38-39)
• It is an invitation (Revelation 22:17)
• Limited time frame — after death we will no longer be able to answer the call (Luke 16:22-23,26); after Jesus’ return, the invitation is closed (Matthew 25:6-13)

The Call of Death

• The call from life to death
• Human beings will not live forever here on the earth (1 Corinthians 15:22)
• The time of this call is uncertain (James 4:14; 2 Peter 3:10)

The Call of the Resurrection

• The call from death to life
• The time is coming when all from the graves will come forth (John 5:28-29)
• The Lord will descend from heaven & all will be raised (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
• All will be made alive (1 Corinthians 15:22)

The Call to Judgment

• The call to either eternal life or eternal punishment (Matthew 25:46)
• This call is for everyone (2 Corinthians 5:10)
• We will be judged according to what we have done (Revelation 22:12)
• The righteous will have access to the tree of life (Revelation 22:14)
• The wicked will be lost (Revelation 20:15; Matthew 8:12; 2 Thessalonians 1:9)

(This outline is based upon another one by A.W. Dicus.)

Text: Luke 7:2-10

What prompted Jesus to say, “Not even in Israel have I found such great faith” (Luke 7:9)? Let us consider what Jesus describes as “great faith.”

Great Faith Recognizes One’s Own Unworthiness (v. 6-7)

• We must understand our insignificance in Creation (Psalm 8:3-4)
• We must understand our state as sinners (Romans 3:23)
• We must understand our inability to deal with our sins apart from God (Romans 5:6,8)
• We must understand our aimlessness without God (Jeremiah 10:23)

Great Faith Recognizes the Power of Jesus (v. 6-7)

• Jesus’ power over Creation (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17) — already demonstrated His power to heal (Luke 4:40)
• The power of Jesus’ word (Hebrews 4:12)

Great Faith Recognizes the Authority of Jesus (v. 8)

• Jesus as one under authority (Philippians 2:5-8; Matthew 26:39)
• Jesus as one with authority (Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:20-23)
• Our responsibility to obey (James 2:17-18,26; Colossians 3:17)

Text: Acts 6:1-7

Why the Widows?

• Earlier the poor in general were helped (Acts 4:32-35) — here the widows specifically were served (Acts 6:1), implying ongoing care that was provided them
• The church was to provide ongoing care & support to certain widows (1 Timothy 5:3,9-10)
• Why not other widows? … They had others to care for them (1 Timothy 5:4,16) — goes back to the responsibility to provide for one’s family (1 Timothy 5:8)
• The church can provide temporary help for Christians (Acts 4:32) — ongoing benevolence is more limited

The Complaint was Addressed

• There was a real problem that needed to be dealt with
• The complaint was not ignored
• The complaint was not met with resistance
• The complaint was not made into a bigger problem

Character of the Servants

• The congregation was to select seven men (Acts 6:3) — but not just anyone; they were given a few qualifications
• Good reputation
• Full of the Spirit
• Full of wisdom
• This is a reminder of the need to carefully consider who we might select to perform a task on behalf of the congregation — caring for the needy, teaching a class, handling the treasury, anything involving dealings with others, etc.

Why the Apostles Were Not to Do This

• Not desirable for them to neglect the word to serve tables (Acts 6:2)
• They had a particular role — prayer and the ministry of the word (Acts 6:4)
• We don’t have apostles today — no one is qualified (Acts 1:21-22) — but the work of an apostle does share some similarities with other works — elders & preachers
• Elders are to focus on watching out for the spiritual well-being of the flock (Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:17)
• Preachers are to focus on preaching & teaching the word (2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Timothy 4:16)
• If there are others to attend to these physical matters, let them take care of them

Result: Growth

• Once this matter was resolved, there was harmony within the congregation and the apostles were able to focus on preaching & teaching — What was the result?
• The word of God kept spreading — the apostles weren’t pulled away from their work to serve tables
• The number of disciples continued to increase — result of more people hearing
• Even a great many priests were obeying the gospel — shows the effectiveness of the gospel and the work of the apostles

Text: 2 Corinthians 2:17

Those Who Peddle the Word

• They corrupt the word — changing the things in it (Galatians 1:6-9) and leaving things out of it (Acts 20:27)
• They adulterate the word — mixing in the commands, traditions, and opinions of men (Colossians 2:20-23; Matthew 15:6-9; Romans 14:1)
• There are “many” who do this

We Speak from Sincerity

• No ulterior motives
• Plain speaking (2 Corinthians 3:12)

We Speak from God

• As an apostle, Paul received the divine message directly from the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10; John 16:13) — this is no longer done today (1 Corinthians 13:8-10)
• We can still speak “as from God” (1 Peter 4:11) — How? … preach from the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

We Speak in Christ

• Any message from God today will be in Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2) — there is no other message (John 14:6)
• Any message that claims to be from God is false if it doesn’t acknowledge Christ (John 18:37; 10:30) or if it contradicts with the writings of inspired men (1 Corinthians 14:37)

We Speak in the Sight of God

• Nothing is hidden from the eyes of God (Hebrews 4:13)
• The teacher will be held accountable (James 3:1)
• Those in attendance will be held accountable as well (Acts 17:30-31; 2 Corinthians 5:10)

Text: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Petty Conflicts

• Source of unnecessary strife between faithful Christians
• Different than matters of sin, error, matters of personal judgment, and rumors/gossip (though this sometimes goes along with these conflicts)
• These petty conflicts could be caused by any number of things — we’ll notice a few in this lesson

First, Some Things to Remember

• The value of each person (Genesis 1:27; 1 Corinthians 8:11) — each member of the body is important (1 Corinthians 12:20-26)
• The importance of unity (Ephesians 4:3)
• We are to give preference to one another (Romans 12:10)

NT Examples of Petty Conflicts (or Potential Conflicts) Among Brethren

• Euodia & Syntyche (Philippians 4:2-3) — don’t know the specific problem, but we do know that their names were both in the book of life, implying faithfulness to God; possible this was as simple as a difference in personalities conflicting with one another; we must not let such things drive a wedge between us (Ephesians 4:3)
• Paul, Barnabas & Mark (Acts 15:36-40) — Paul & Barnabas separated, but this does not imply a breaking of fellowship (cf. Galatians 2:9), they just worked in different places; Paul didn’t hold a grudge against Mark over earlier disappointment (Acts 12:25; 13:5, 13; 2 Timothy 4:11)
• Peter & Paul (Galatians 2:11-14) — Paul publicly rebuked Peter for his sin; many today would be greatly offended by this today, regardless of motive; Peter did not hold a grudge against Paul over this (2 Peter 3:15)
• Paul & Apollos (1 Corinthians 1:12) — rivalries can sometimes form among brethren, as if they’re competing against each other (1 Corinthians 1:12; 3 John 9); Paul did not see Apollos as a rival, but as a fellow worker (1 Corinthians 3:4-9)

If a Brother Has…

• Past sins — forgive him (2 Corinthians 2:6-8)
• Better circumstances — rejoice with him (Romans 12:15)
• Struggles — help him (Galatians 6:1)
• Different opinions — accept him (Romans 14:1-3)

Text: Luke 8:15

What The Honest & Good Heart Will Do

• Hear the word — interested in the truth (Luke 8:8), seeking answers (Matthew 7:7)
• Be honest — examine what is taught to see if it is the truth (Acts 17:11), examine himself (2 Corinthians 13:5)
• Do what is right — completely (Acts 2:37-42), not just partially (Matthew 19:16-22)
• Hold fast the word — do this in faith (2 Timothy 1:13) recognizing that God’s way is best (1 Corinthians 1:25), no compromise (Galatians 2:4-5)
• Bear fruit — done by doing good works (Colossians 1:10) and following the teachings of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

The Honest & Good Heart Must Be Developed

• We can develop an evil / hard heart (Exodus 8:15; 1 Timothy 4:1-2)
• We can also develop an honest & good heart (Ezekiel 18:14-17)
• Developing / maintaining an honest & good heart is essential for us all — Christian & non-Christian

How to Develop an Honest & Good Heart

• Exercise humility (James 1:21) — recognize our place before God (Psalm 8:3-4) and the fact that we can be wrong (Romans 3:4)
• Love the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10) — the wise man hates falsehood (Proverbs 30:8), truth gives us a firm foundation (2 Peter 1:12) and an unchanging standard (2 John 6)
• Seek to practice what is right — God does not & will not force us to do anything, we can choose to do evil or good (Joshua 24:15)
• Recognize the value of the word (Psalm 19:10-11) — it is the inspired word of God & is profitable to us (2 Timothy 3:16-17), power of God to salvation (Romans 1:16), words of eternal life (John 6:68)
• Recognize our accountability before God (2 Corinthians 5:10) — if we do not bear fruit we will be cut off (John 15:2), do this “with perseverance” (cf. Revelation 2:10)

Read the article: The Honest and Good Heart