Faith and Justification – Patriarch and Prostitute

 James 2:20-26

Biblical evangelism (gospelizing) doesn’t end with conversion. The Christian life doesn’t begin and end with conversion; it includes sanctification (holy living) also. Gospel is just as vital for one as the other. Can no more sanctify ourselves than convert ourselves; not that we’re uninvolved in our growth in holiness, we are. Two vital ingredients for conversion and holy living – Holy Spirit and Word of God. Work of Holy Spirit to prepare ground of heart, mind, will to receive good seed of Gospel is essential for germination and growth. Without Holy Spirit, it’s hydro-seeding on ledge at best. At same time, Holy Spirit relies on seed of God’s Word – “faith comes by hearing, hearing by word of God” (Rom. 10:17). Work of Spirit and Word do not end with conversion; continue throughout all of Christian life – Spirit empowering and Word directing holy living.

Having said all that, the convert is by no means a passive participant, simply going along for the ride with nothing to show for Spirit’s work. James makes abundantly clear what his position on the issue is, holding up one likely, one unlikely example of the point he’s trying to make.

A. uselessness of dead faith v.20

challenge to his questioner: OK, airhead, you get it yet or still need evidence?

“O vain man” is literally, “O empty man,” i.e. empty-headed, empty-handed, and empty-hearted. Empty-headed, in being so deluded as to suppose that a dead faith can save; empty-handed, in being devoid of true spiritual riches; empty-hearted, in having no real love either for God or man.” Alfred Plummer

goes beyond mere intellectual assent or knowledge

more important, gets to heart of individual – are you willing to know, are you teachable

important that heart be engaged; otherwise, works are not of faith; no better than Pharisees

James characterizes work-less faith as: barren, unproductive, useless

not only without life and signs thereof

accomplishes nothing, serves no purpose

B. foundational example of Abraham v.21-24

before dealing with Abraham, must define justification

we are declared to be righteous; an act not process; is important who is declaring: God or others

by God, when God credits the righteousness of Christ to our account through instrumental cause, faith. (Paul, Rom. 4:5; 8:33; 3:28; 5:1)

by works, when they evidence the presence of living faith and righteousness. (James, James 2:24, 25)

declaration by God essential to salvation; declaration by works evidence of salvation; Paul maintains salvation and justification come to us through faith, James that saving and justifying faith displays its living character through works.

Paul addressing nature of justification (by faith, gift of God), James the nature of saving faith (living, accompanied by works).

an incomplete Gospel that stops short of where James takes it – radical change of life in all facets that demonstrates progressive holiness for the duration

offered his son (21)

was promised son, innumerable offspring

response: belief in promise; in God’s eyes, having faith basically equivalent to having righteousness

now the test: sacrifice the promise. Is it real faith? living faith? Will God’s conclusion re: Abraham’s righteousness be validated? Abraham had been credited with righteousness; would he demonstrate that he was truly righteous?

faith cooperated with works (22a)

ongoing action of faith the motivating force; no faith to drive, no works to result

was Abraham’s living faith that produced good work of obedience to God’s command

Faith “is a driving force, a dynamics, that will enable a believer to pass the severest tests, such as bringing the costliest sacrifice without “feeling sacrificial,” against every natural instinct, with unwavering resolve, in total readiness, without succumbing to all too human rationalizations and in immediate obedience.” Krabbendam

works perfected faith (22b)

works are expression, manifestation of living faith

faith arrives at its goal in deeds; branch proves to be genuine by fruit. Faith not shown by works never left starting gate.

believer’s works, then, the substance of sanctification but never the ground of justification

fulfilled declaration of Gen. 15:6 (23)

demonstrates authenticity of righteousness credited to Abraham by God

works of Abraham re: sacrifice of Isaac are natural outworking / consequence / result of belief in God’s promise

as if in Ch. 22, God said, Ok you say you have faith; demonstrate it by passing this test. Develop it by enduring this test.

James’ conclusion at this point: given two kinds of faith, the one proven to be genuine at the end is the one that has been authenticated as active. (24)

C. complementary/crowning example of Rahab v.25

“Likewise” – another example of equal weight; huh?? Several good reasons why James chose this approach.

a “perennial” friend of God is complemented with a “recent” friend of the world

Abraham at top of heap, Rahab at the bottom

Abraham a unique, blessed individual, out of reach for average Christian to emulate

OK, then, how ’bout Rahab: certainly not too hard to surpass her station

every Christian is somewhere on spectrum defined by Abraham and Rahab – no excuses!

a model Israelite with a shady Gentile

Abraham had all benefits of covenant relationship, Rahab had none

Abraham moved in God-fearing circle, Rahab saturated in paganism

Abraham’s advantages no “help” to living faith, Rahab’s lacks no hindrance; both had what they did by virtue of God’s direct involvement

a respectable man with a disreputable woman

clearly refutes charge that Christianity is sexist: gender and social status not an issue with respect to justifying faith

a veteran believer with a young start-up

might be expected that Abraham would demonstrate strong active faith, he’d been “walking with the Lord a long time”

Rahab as young believer took no second seat to Abraham when depth of faith is measured by risk taken

someone who in actual practice surrenders his son’s life with someone who in manifest principle surrenders her own

Abraham had personally experienced great wonders / blessings performed by God, was equipped to sacrifice his son

Rahab had seen great wonders that potentially put her and family at great risk; put herself actually at risk, putting own life on the line

in “losing her own life” for sake of God’s people, actually gained it

Rahab exercised faith without having received any promise from God

overwhelmed by glory and majesty of God, did only thing she could – trusted in his mercy

James “designedly put together two persons so different in their character, in order more clearly to show that no one, whatever may have been his or her condition, nation, class or society, has ever been accounted righteous without good works” Calvin

clearly shows that no one in same categories is out of reach of God and his saving grace, granting living saving faith

D. conclusion v.26

Faith without deeds / works is a body without breath. Breathing is outward evidence of living person, so works outward evidence of living faith

Dead faith cannot unite individual to living Savior.

Faith without works just as useless as works without faith – neither combination saves.

“Faith without works is dead, and works without faith are dead also. For if we have sound doctrine but fail in living, the doctrine is of no use to us. Likewise if we take pains with life but are careless about doctrine that will not be any good to us either. It is therefore necessary to shore up the spiritual edifice in both directions.” St. John Chrysostom

[Naked profession] is useless, as to all the purposes of faith; it cannot unite you to Christ, that you may possess yourselves of his righteousness, or give you a feeling of his Spirit. In short, it bringeth no glory to God, yieldeth no comfort to him that hath it, and no benefit to others. Thomas Manton

Let words of epileptic boy’s father be our confession and prayer: “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.” Mark 9:24 May God enliven and strengthen the faith he has given us. May each of us depend on him daily for resources we need to live pleasing and obedient lives of service.

Separation, Sorrow and Salvation

Isaiah 59:1-21

Things started out well: perfect place, perfect creatures and people, perfect relationships all around. Perfect communion between man and God, man and woman, man and the rest of creation. No hostility in act or thought, no deception, nothing hidden from sight, no conflict; no sense that something good and necessary was missing from human experience. Then all changed: disobedience, shame, guilt, accusation, blame. Closeness, intimacy, communion lost in a moment of time, never to be fully regained during life. Not content to give sole credit to Eve for what he had lost, Adam pointed finger at God, too. “The woman you gave me”.

What was it that moved Adam to such an outrageous response to God’s questions? Most important thing in Adam’s experience had been wrenched away, pulled out by roots, leaving wounds, scars, empty hole in place God had designed to be center of life. Except that’s not entirely accurate – wasn’t God who uprooted himself from intimacy with Adam and Eve; they tore themselves away from God. Then tried to fill in hole with themselves. Problem was, didn’t work. Adam was left with keen awareness of utter loss, immediately angry and frustrated with own inability to solve problem.

Since he couldn’t fix it, maybe it wasn’t his fault. Maybe he didn’t move away from God; perhaps was God that moved. Must be it: lack of response from God must be God’s fault. Too busy, too much to look at, too many things to listen to, too far away to reach, that’s why Adam couldn’t hear God or see God or sense his caring presence. That model with minor variations what generations of Adam’s descendants have followed. It’s what encourages people to ask “Where was God on 9-11?”; “If There’s a God, Why…?”; “If God is Good, How Come…?”; “How Could God Allow the Great Tsunami?”

Isaiah called his contemporaries on their wrong way of thinking; bluntly set them straight on true nature of the problem. Made clear what needed to change, one source of their only hope for change.

A. separation v.1-8

you’ve blamed it on God

he’s powerless (1a)

he’s inattentive (1b)

dumb things to think; it is God after all, if that were true, wouldn’t be God.

Were right to suspect a problem, blaming it on wrong person

real separation

it’s real, black and white, night and day kind of separation (Gen. 1:14, 18) (2a)

without change, outside power, impossible to bring the two together

God has hidden himself, not allowing himself to be found, refusing to hear pleas with intent of acting (2b)

people need to hear truth: problem is sin, not sickness

5 times Isaiah calls problem “iniquity”, willful and purposeful planned acts of disobedience against God. (2,3,4,6,7)

sin a whole body experience

hands, fingers, lips, tongue (3)

mind (4)

feet, thoughts (7)

sin leaves trail of wreckage behind

hurtful (3a), malicious (3b), unjust (4), violent (6b), destructive (7c), dishonest (8b) toward others

mankind’s attempts to make it all better fail to deliver (6a)

don’t even make it up to standard of fig leaves – best they can achieve is spider webs

only one way to fix – get to the root, deal with the sin; that’s what corrupts and defaces and frustrates everything else.

Often is a process – doesn’t happen all at once. Begins with

B. sorrow v.9-15a

over consequences (9-11)

I don’t like my life, I want things to change.

takes more than wave of magic wand to bring someone far from God close to him.

often begins with life getting reeeaaalllly painful, hopeless, fearful

recognition that all of own efforts lead to dead ends

everything going wrong; everything touched breaks, ends in disaster (9a)

no light, only darkness (9b)

no sense of direction (10a)

no strength or energy to move on (10b)

complete frustration – harder you try, worse it gets; at the end of rope (11a)

utterly hopeless, but still haven’t identified / acknowledged real issue (11b)

basically good fellow on road to conversion, suddenly contracted typhoid fever. Soon face to face with death: “I found fear in me for the first time, and when I faced leaving this world and entering an unknown realm, pangs took hold of me, such as I had never felt before. Thank God my parents were not there to take that fear from me. Thank God that human sympathy did not blind me to eternity.” Rees Howells, Intercessor

over sin (12-15a)

I don’t like my sin. Now we’re making real, substantial progress. Situation no longer hopeless.

not only being sorry for consequences; it’s godly sorrow that has led to repentance (2 Cor. 7:10); evident in true confession

repentance – change of mind, way of thinking about previous behavior; confession – agreeing with God about sin

not minimizing: transgressions – sins – iniquities (12)

acknowledge

real guilt – “sins testify against us” (12a)

right object – sins are against God, rebellion and revolt (13)

right source – “from the heart” (13d)

real lack – righteousness / godliness is far away (14a)

C. salvation v.15b-21

judgment first (15b-18)

God won’t / can’t overlook sin (15b)

even though sinners are helpless (16a)

cannot provide worthy intercessor for themselves

God graciously provides his own intercessor, later revealed as Lord Jesus (16b)

God makes first move to deliver (16b)

operates on basis of his character: righteous, desiring to deliver, executing justice (17)

deliverance requires battle against sin; Divine Warrior takes field and thoroughly conquers enemies (18)

eventual deliverance from penalty of sin does not relieve of all consequences

truly repentant who turn to Christ in faith will be delivered from penalty of sin

1 John 5:13I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

cannot expect deliverance from natural results of sinful behavior – “way of transgressor is hard” (Prov. 13:15, KJV)

poor health, prison, hardship and loss

possessions, relationships, employment

God may graciously choose to restore; can’t count on country song getting played backward

then deliverance (19-21)

results of great work God has done

fear (obedience) of the Lord from east to west (19a)

recognition of the Lord’s glory (worship) (19a)

natural response from one delivered from bondage in sin – love, praise and worship deliverer

security for all those marching under his banner (19b)

doesn’t matter what enemy or what tactics; God delivers those who are his

redemption applied to the repentant (20)

nothing here about self-help / 12-step / power of positive thinking programs

redeemed have responsibility to do all in their power to please God

at same time depending on God for strength and grace to please him

promise of Spirit and Word (21)

new covenant and its promises not limited to Jeremiah and Ezekiel – here in summary form

promises are to all those who turn from their sin, those who are spiritual descendants of Jacob

Spirit and word granted in fullness to Lord Jesus first – upon you, in your mouth

participation in covenant blessings only available through Lord Jesus

empowering, sanctifying of Holy Spirit

fullness of wisdom and knowledge – in Christ “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” Col. 2:3

covenant promises address more than simple quality of life issues

focus not on circumstances, how God might change them

emphasis on individual – guided by God’s Spirit, instructed by God’s Word

effect of covenant relationship – metamorphosis of individual

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Cor. 5:17

Does your life need to change? More to the point, do you need to change? Is there one thing or whole bucket full of somethings separating you from God? Follow example given in our text:

change your mind, way of thinking

agree with God about your sin, call it what it is

acknowledge guilt and need for God’s forgiveness

ask God to give you a desire for Him

depend on God to change you and help you do what is right

Here’s what Lord Jesus promises:

Matt. 11:28Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

John 6:37 the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.

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.

iTunes-U and Linux

Are you a dedicated linux fan? Bumming ‘cuz there’s no linux version of iTunes? Really wanting to have access to all the university media in the iTunes store? This could be what you’ve been waiting for: TunesViewer. Yup, comes with either .deb installer for Ubuntu/Debian distros or .rpm installer for Fedora/Red Hat flavors. You can get it here: http://tunesviewer.sourceforge.net/. Download it, install it, and it works. The first time it runs you get the option for browser integration; that works, too, at least with FireFox. It doesn’t have tons of bells and whistles but it works as advertised and does it well. And for those who want to pursue distance learning in a linux environment, it meets a great need.

Faith and Deeds

James 2:14-19

James and Paul both speak to issue of relationship between faith and deeds/works. Many throughout history try to pit one against the other – to “destroy” unity or inspiration of Scripture, to serve as foundation for reinterpreting writings of Paul, to demonstrate how James cannot possibly belong in Scripture, etc., etc. After all, James said “faith without works is dead” (Jas. 2:20) and Paul said “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us” (Tit. 3:5).

Absolutely vital to recognize James and Paul are allies, not enemies, standing back-to-back not face-to-face. Paul addresses how one acquires citizenship in Christ’s Kingdom, James how one validatesclaim to citizenship in Christ’s Kingdom. Paul looks at individual at beginning of timeline representing Christian walk, James at individual some miles down the road. Their operating definition of works is essentially the same: things done from love for God in obedience to God and service of God. Obviously that kind of works cannot be performed prior to conversion, thus cannot contribute to our salvation (Paul). Obviously that kind of works should be performed after conversion, demonstrating clear evidence of our salvation (James).

Also helpful to consider that word faith is used in different senses, refers to different conditions described in Scripture. Historical faith – knowledge of what Scripture contains and assent to its accuracy and truthfulness (Acts 8:13, Simon Magus; Acts 26:27-28, Agrippa); Temporary faith – historical faith plus change in conscience and affections but that soon fails (Matt. 13:20-21). Saving or justifying faith – a saving grace, whereby we receive and rest upon [Jesus] alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel (WSC Q. 86, Gal. 2:16).

Varying understandings of meaning of “faith” present in church and culture of James’ and Paul’s day; true also of our own. In order to present true Gospel and discern who needs to hear Gospel, must have right (Biblical) understanding of genuine saving faith. James speaks bluntly to dispel any illusions about nature of saving faith, declaring the uselessness of a professed faith that has no confirming evidence. BTW, James’ issue is not between faith and works but between living / saving faith and dead / useless faith.

A. issue of dead faith v.14

James asks rhetorical question, one that expects particular answer; he gives answer in v.17. Also a provocative one, guaranteed to arouse response. It gets personal, not only for one being evaluated, also for one doing evaluation. A serious issue at stake, one with ramifications in eternity. Let’s paraphrase question to reflect contemporary ways of speaking and thinking:

Someone says he believes in God but shows no outward evidence of it; will he go to heaven?

Someone says she asked Jesus in her heart and was baptized but lives just like her unsaved neighbors; is she really saved?

Someone says, “I have my faith, you know, of course I’m going to heaven” but refuses to attend church or hang out with Christians; is he born again?

James makes it clear the answer is “No!” Something that is alive shows evidence of life, faith included. CPR: check ABC; Jesus and the fig tree (Matt. 21:19-21); vine and vinedresser (John 15:2).

Goes even further: James links kind of faith someone claims to have with its ability to deliver. By way he phrases the questions, strong implication is that at least this kind of faith (faith that produces no accompanying evidence) is not saving faith.

Two things to consider: source and object. Saving faith has God as its source; yes, it belongs to the child of God, but came from God, worked in him by Holy Spirit (Phil. 1:29; Eph. 2:8). Saving faith also has God as its object; it is conviction or confidence in One we cannot see but yet believe exists and responds to those who seek him. (Heb. 11:1, 6) Faith in faith will not save; faith in works will not save; faith in any deity other than God revealed through living and written Word will not save.

I know you all believe this for yourselves. But,… where it becomes important is in our interaction with others: family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, “distant” church members, ones who claim some kind of faith. If there’s virtually no evidence of saving faith, what they need to hear most is the Gospel. If they take offense at it, remind them gently of what Jesus and James said: living faith breathes, has a pulse, brain waves, moves and acts in certain ways. Just for good measure, suggest they read 1 John and then James, holding up the text in one hand and mirror in the other to see if the image matches the standard.

B. illustration of dead faith v.15-17

James next sets up a scenario, lip service without action, natural follow-on of partiality shown to the poor earlier in chapter. He speaks of brother or sister explicitly, primary reference being to Christian family, one who is related by union to Christ. Not limited to “church” sphere, since compassion needs are present in all of life. Perhaps James had particular real circumstance in mind, maybe it’s only hypothetical. Either way, brother or sister is in great and immediate need – inadequately clothed and hungry with no ability to change their situation. Need help and now; instead of tangible help, receive spiritual-sounding cliche and are sent on their way. The sort of faith that would do that is useless. Real saving faith acts in practical and material way.

Before you breathe huge sigh of relief, glad you don’t know anyone like that, let’s consider in little more depth. This little vignette no different from what James has written already: an example to illustrate a principle. Real life comes in degrees, though; needs come in different shapes / sizes, responses at different levels also. Remember Jesus’ parable (Luk. 10:30-33) of man who got mugged. Priest and Levite didn’t say anything, simply avoided dealing with issue – Oh, look, someone over there I need to speak to. Just like Samaritan, had means to offer help but avoided involvement.

Other ways same passive non-action plays out. Someone speaks of need, one that brother or sister has resources to meet. Instead of getting involved, say “I’m sure the Lord will provide for you.”; “I’ll be praying for you.” If prayer were fully articulated would sound like “Lord, please meet their need but use somebody other than me.” Don’t have to think long to come up with what’s wrong with that picture: partiality that puts self before others; God can meet their need but not mine; I have more important things to do, don’t have time to get involved, etc….

That sort of response to need according to James is impossible for one who is united to Christ by faith. To be one with Christ means thinking and doing as he would in all situations. Paul declared: “For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.” (Eph. 2:10) James’ logic here follows same pattern but in reverse: absence of good works indicates individual is not “in Christ Jesus”, therefore not saved.

Conclusion: salvation is by grace alone through faith alone but not faith that is alone. Saving faith is living faith that demonstrates its liveliness.

C. challenge of dead faith v.18-19

Perhaps you’ve been challenged: “Who are you to question my salvation? I say I believe, I’m a Christian, what right do you have to say otherwise?” How do you respond? James answered by saying anyone can make assertions but those don’t prove anything, don’t demonstrate anything to be true. “Saying it’s so don’t make it so.” To be convincing, there must be demonstration, proof, evidence. Reality is evidence is there in all cases; question isn’t whether there is evidence, question is what does it show.

In classic SLAM!, James says empty professor doesn’t even rise to level of demons. Here’s how it goes: “You believe in God yet have nothing to show for it; demons believe in God and tremble. They have something to show that you don’t.” Although don’t have saving faith, do have confidence in existence of God and are assured of their fate at his hand. One who possesses dead faith isn’t even concerned enough to tremble at God’s promise of what awaits those who don’t demonstrate living faith.

Conclusion: only one sort of faith saves, justifies; all other faith, even though sincerely, even passionately, held fails. Sincere, passionate but wrong kind of faith in right object is doomed to fail; don’t have to figure out all the wrong kinds of faith to be properly informed, just need to recognize they exist. And we need to be able to recognize saving faith; James gives help with that in rest of chapter 2 – two examples of those with living faith: Abraham and Rahab.

May God give us grace and strength to demonstrate a living saving faith, recognize that which is not, be used of God to point those with dead faith to source of life.

True Spirituality

Isaiah 58:1-14

Attempts to manipulate God nothing new. Whether said aloud or kept hidden in one’s thoughts, people the world over down through centuries have convinced themselves of something: if you or I claim something God has promised in the Bible, God is obligated to respond. In our day, goes by various names: Word-Faith Movement, prosperity gospel, “name it and claim it”. In Jesus’ day, claim was “We’re Abraham’s descendants” (John 8:33ff); God has to keep promises to us. Those presented by Isaiah in our text had whiny irritated tone to voice, “we’re following all the rules, how come God isn’t paying attention?”

Now, God could have, like many parents, simply said “I already told you how it works, go read it again.” Graciously he didn’t do that, he addressed the issue repeatedly so in our day we truly are without excuse. Prophet looked into the future to a time when fasting was practiced all the time, more than the one time each year when God required it (Day of Atonement, Lev. 16:29-31; Num. 29:7). Fasting had become the badge of spirituality, an issue Jesus addressed more than once during his ministry.

Our culture has its badges, too: WWJD bracelets, cross necklaces, Christianese bumper stickers and tattoos, fish on Fridays and no chocolate for Lent. Nothing inherently wrong with any of those, but not where God looks first to evaluate true spirituality. People were right, God had not responded favorably to their spiritual exercises; sent his mouthpiece, the prophet Isaiah, to help them understand what was up, what needed to change.

I. Confrontation

A. charges and counter-charges

1. God sends a messenger v.1

a. confronts the people thru the prophet

i) Don’t hold anything back

ii) Speak up so they’ll be sure to hear and have no excuses

iii) God’s people are in rebellion, revolting against Him

iv) God has withheld His favor, people need to know why

2. The people answer God back v.3a

a. thru their questions

i) We’re following the rules, You’re not listening. WHY? We’re doing what You asked, You don’t notice. WHY?

ii) If it’s not going to work, what is the point?

b. hint of what is really going on

i) motivation??? Following the rules, expecting a payoff in return.

II.Investigation

A. Pious attitudes v.2 (these appear to be good things)

1. seek knowledge, insight

a) prayer & personal devotions / ladies’/mens’ Bible study

2. delight in knowing God’s commands & expectations

a) sword drills / Bible memorization contests / killer at Bible Trivia

3. get regular spiritual check-ups

a) check in with pastor or elders: Are we doing this right?

4. faithful at corporate worship

a) enjoy prayer and praise

always have prayer requests, especially the spiritual kind / sing loudly, perhaps clap, get that big toe going

5. practice all the rituals – following the recipe for medal-winning spirituality

a) praying the prayer of Jabez / in 40 days my life will be purpose-driven

b) doing the “9 Things You Simply Must Do to Succeed in Love and Life”

B. Perverse behaviors v.3b-5

1. satisfy self

a) enjoy the day off while the help slave away / exploit the employees

2. quarrel and fight with others

3. treat God like a vending machine – put in money, push the button, get the candy – manipulation

4. exhibit pride by drawing attention to humility

C. Conflict / discord v.6a

1. B doesn’t fit A – something is at variance with itself (R. Nixon) – perverse behaviors don’t fit pious attitudes – music of life being played in two different keys

2. practice is inconsistent with piety – spiritual life all about others, secular life all about self; attempting to use God’s agenda to promote personal well-being

3. piety not given substance by behavioral follow-thru

4. Root cause – Bible is disconnected from behavior

a) Biblical principles learned don’t govern daily habits

b) separation of religious observance and cultural behaviors

c) people are disconnected from God – not thinking, choosing, behaving like God

III. Reconnection

A. If your piety is real – if Bible and behavior are connected – if you are connected to God, then… it will show as you

1. Engage the culture v.6b, 9b

a) overcome oppression: get involved within neighborhood / sphere of influence (including voting booth) to bring about change

moral – welfare ideological – education economic – gov’t fiscal policy judicial – political activism, legislation from the Bench

b) stop abuse: don’t do it yourself, to extent you are able don’t allow others to practice

showing contempt / hurtful speech

attacking person instead of criticizing behavior / gossip

2. Make a difference v.8, 10a

a) on an individual level

b) where they live, where you live

food, shelter, clothing for truly needy / encouragement for the discouraged / changing policy is great, but meantime…

c) Live daily by God’s principles of love, mercy, kindness, generosity

all the things you’ve heard about in Sunday School, worship, etc.

3. True spirituality encompasses all of life

a) what you do on Sunday AND what you do in your devotional life Monday through Saturday

b) how you relate to God and others both inside and outside the “family”

IV. Bottom Line

A. Pleasing God begins with repentance – change of mind followed by change of action: turn from, turn to

1. Delight in the Sabbath v.13

a) change how you think about the day – both a starting place (how to show true repentance) and example (how to treat all God’s law)

not the day for gratifying self – it’s my day, I’m (not) doing that

the day belongs to God / He made it for our benefit / He intends it to be a delight for us

Since He made it, gave it to us, He defines its use Mark 2:27-28

honor it, follow His way, seek His pleasure

2. Experience the delight of His presence v8-9a, 10b-12, 14

a) gloom and doom will end (8a, 10b)

b) quick restoration – healing… speedily (8b)

c) righteousness will be a way of Life (8c)

d) will be engaged/connected with God again

our rear guard – defends, carries stragglers (8d)

answer our prayer (9a)

manifest His closeness – Look! I’m right here! (9a)

provide continuous daily guidance (11a)

satisfy our desires (11b)

fill our needs to overflowing (11b)

if you pour yourself out (10a)…you will be like… a spring… whose waters don’t fail (11b)

blessed with abundance – a watered garden – and be a blessing to others (11b-12)

find our delight in God (14a)

enjoy spiritual plenty (14b)

have a guaranteed inheritance (14c)

So what is it that God expects of His children? He fully expects that there will be an intimate connection between what we believe and how we behave; that there will be an intimate connection between God and His people; that we will treat Biblical principles as more than knick-knacks on the shelf to be dusted off periodically; that those principles will be the basis of our every choice and every action every moment of every day. The way to God’s blessing is to do things His way. God gives a good beginning place to show our devotion to him: follow God’s example in keeping his day holy; treat it as the delight, the blessing he intends it to be for us.

The arrival of that day should be greeted by us with holy joy: we should say, “This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psa. 118:24) If we could suppose an angel sent down to this lower world to labour in some common occupation, and permitted every seventh day to return to his heavenly abodes, and spend that day in the employments suited to his taste, with what delight would he look forward to the stated returns of that day! So should it be with us. Charles Simeon

Three Strikes and You’re Out

James 2:8-13

James gives sin of partiality and his treatment of it as an example. Uses a strong line of reasoning to demonstrate how this sin along with others is not matter of opinion or interpretation, how practicing it (or other sins) is antithetical to pursuit of holiness. Trials/temptations along with the Word are God’s means of moving his children along toward holiness. The response of true child of God – obedience to the Word/Law of God resulting from love for God and fueled by faith in God.

LBCF I.1 The Holy Scripture is the only sufficient, certain and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith and obedience.

Proper way to determine progress in sanctification: check our conformity to the rule. If the rule is silent on a point, we have liberty. If the rule speaks on a point, we must conform – because we desire to please Heavenly Father AND in dependence on his supply of resources. Both the obedience/works and the faith are essential to growth in sanctification; growth ceases if either is lacking, may even turn into decline if lack occurs over extended/prolonged period of time.

Perhaps a sizable segment within early church defended their bad behavior by claiming to follow Jesus’ command, “love one another”. That could explain James’ use of really/truly/certainly (μέντοι) – “if you really fulfill the royal law” (8). Claiming to do something out of love doesn’t negate all other standards; love is defined and exemplified quite explicitly throughout Scripture. Having right understanding of love and obedience requires right understanding of God’s Law, its relationship to itself. Also important to keep in mind that general and comprehensive pattern of one’s life is good predictor of God’s assessment of person, what his declaration will be on the Great Day.

A. Strike 1 – love v.8

νόμος, nomos, almost always functions as collective noun in Scripture – singular word, law, referring to a body of individual laws/statutes. God’s Law usually refers to moral code expressed in 10 Commandments, summarized in the two (love God and neighbor) and then the one Law of Love. Since the one and the two summarize the 10, references to the one or two include the 10 in meaning and application. James uses other terms to speak of God’s Law:

perfect law of liberty (1:25)
royal law (2:8) whole law (2:10) law of liberty (2:12)

Surrounding context shows what James had in mind: 10 commandments and associated application. Love is sum of the Law, Decalogue is substance of the Law, Sermon on the Mount shows depth of the Law that was fulfilled (brought to its ultimate goal) in Christ and should likewise be in each of us as we are conformed to his image.

Called “royal law” – came from the king, rules the kingdom, the one stated is summation of the rest that govern human relationships. As with remainder of God’s Law, character of the law derives from character of lawgiver. Lawgiver, God is: perfect, trustworthy, righteous, holy, just, good, and so is his law (Ps. 19:7, 9; Rom. 7:12). The Lord who is Judge and Lawgiver is also King (Isa. 33:22); the law of the King is rightly called a royal law. It is law that governs the King’s kingdom – when we pray “thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”, what are we asking? That mankind would do the will of God which is… “if you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15).

obedience <> love; love <> obedience. Neither one can be reduced to the other. Are associated together throughout Scripture: Ex. 20:6; De. 5:10; 7:9; 11:1; Neh. 1:5; Dan. 9:4; John 14:15, 21; 15:10; 1 Ti. 1:5; 1 John 5:2, 3; 2 John 1:6. Love is shown by obedience, love fuels and motivates obedience. Obedience without love is mere formalism, unacceptable to God; love without obedience is empty and meaningless.

What is love? First, a desire to be one with the one loved; second, delight when that union is achieved; third, lavish and sacrificial giving to obtain and maintain union. #1 example: God. Don’t have to think long or hard about relationship between Heavenly Father and his children to see that at work. God loved the world and sent his Son (John 3:16); he “takes great delight” (NET) in his children, exults over them with singing (Zeph. 3:17); the Father gave the Son, the Son gave himself for his children, the church (1 John 4:10; Eph. 5:25). All that is the exact opposite of prejudicial partiality which is thus ruled out by definition and character of love. Strike 1!

B. Strike 2 – law v.9-11

partiality is sin, violation of law (9) James doesn’t beat around the bush – showing partiality = sin = breaking the law. In this case, sin of both omission and comission; or as catechism puts it, “sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God.” (WSC, Q14) At a minimum: one being shunned is not being loved as neighbor (failure to conform to 2nd great command), is being treated/thought of unjustly (transgression of C5, proper relationships, & C6, murder).

the law is a unity – violation of one part is violation of all (10) You cannot sin against one aspect of the law in isolation from the rest. Violation of one part is all that is necessary to make one a lawbreaker; you don’t have to break every command to be guilty of sin. Nor does keeping one part get you points that offset breaking it in another part. If the diamond is the law of God, each facet is a command; to disregard or disrespect one facet is to show contempt for entire diamond.

authority of law comes from lawgiver (11a) God’s Word is authoritative because it is God’s Word; so, too, with God’s Law. Meaning and application of God’s Law not up for grabs when he has given instruction and/or example. “That’s your interpretation” doesn’t cut it when there are clear guidelines to follow given in Scripture.

one command is not more “essential” or higher priority than another (11b) Both have same source, since God is unity, so is his law. Unfortunately not the mindset in the church today. According to statistics, divorce occurs at same rate and for largely same reasons as in culture at large. Yet while most church-goers would avoid murder, breaking the 6th commandment, at all costs, few if any regard divorce as equally serious transgression of the 7th, intended to safeguard marriage.

partiality equated with murder – farfetched? not given John’s teaching about “hate”

“Whoever hates his brother is a murderer” (1 John 3:15)

based on Jesus’ teaching (Matt. 5:22) “whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment”

based on Lev. 19:17 “You shall not hate your brother in your heart.” Showing partiality in way described by James indicates judgmental sinful way of thinking about a neighbor, effectively an expression of hatred toward them rather than the love Christ requires. Strike 2!

C. Strike 3 – judgment v.12-13

standard of judgment is Law (12) not just any law, the law of liberty (aka, law of God, law of Christ, law of love, etc.) Why, how can law and liberty go together? First, lawlessness does not = liberty or freedom; equates to slavery in sin. In contrast, faithfully following God’s law as rule of life (not means to justification) signifies liberty from sin, Satan and self. Therefore, it is the only suitable standard for speech and action.

individual’s attitude toward Law parallel’s God’s view of their performance (13a) Do we hold God’s law in contempt, disregarding its commands and principles, determined to do our own thing? Strike 3! Or do we like the Psalmist (Psa. 119:97, 113, 163) love God’s law because of it’s intimate connection with and reflection of the Lawgiver? From that love of God’s Law do we strive to obey it by faith? Do we lovingly and anxiously anticipate the Lord Jesus’ return? Having received mercy from God that enables us to think and act this way, do we show mercy to others? If so, we can expect mercy from God when that Day arrives.

showing / receiving mercy not a quid pro quo (13b) We don’t earn God’s mercy by showing mercy. Rather, mercy we show to others flows out of mercy God has already and still is granting to us. When God shows mercy to his children in that Day, he is publicly acknowledging the great work of grace he has done in them.

see how you measure up now rather than later — James for our edification has given profound example of analysis here: take a particular behavior, examine it in light of Biblical precept and principle. The particular “infraction” cited might seem moderately harmless on the surface; on closer inspection, partiality just like any habitual sin will absolutely derail pursuit of holiness. May God give us grace and strength that we may daily put to death sin more and more, determined to live by faith in way that pleases him that we may receive mercy on that great Day.

Look Up!

Isaiah 56:9-57:21

Back in 56:1, Jewish people exhorted to live particular lifestyle, follow particular principles because God was about to do something big. Word didn’t exist in 8th century BC, today we’d call it living counter-culturally. Swimming upstream. Going against the flow. No big surprise really, God called his people to show their identity by actions, choices, priorities. All of that while living in culture radically opposed to following the true God. Much wrong with society in which God’s people were immersed, required to function; we’ll get into details shortly, but are surprisingly similar to what is around us today.

Creating a God-fearing (Christian) sub-culture not an option for Jews, patronizing only plumbers and mechanics and carpenters and grocers and merchants with same worldview they had. God required them to maintain right thoughts and desires and actions while interacting daily with people with much different priorities. Would have been easy for them to look at God’s promises on one hand, at circumstances and culture on the other, wonder how God could possibly bring about his purpose given quality of material he had to work with.

God had much to say to people of Isaiah’s day – leaders responsible for spiritual and political well-being of the people. The shepherds, charged with watching over and guarding the flock of God. The society at large was nothing to write home about and God had words for them, too. Strong words of condemnation that should have aroused them to corrective action. Lest the righteous get the wrong idea, God gently but powerfully encourages and comforts the saints. Perhaps most heartening: God’s promise of his presence with the faithful.

A. shepherds v.56:9-12

neglectful (9) God had appointed shepherds to care for his flock – watch and warn, guard and protect flock from harm. Instead, so neglectful of duties it’s like open season with no limit; shepherds doing their own thing, flock is left to own devices with nothing to stop predators from attacking.

blind (10a) Can you think of anything more useless and ineffective than blind watchman? Having duty to warn of danger, cannot see it approaching. Compound that with ignorance – spiritual leaders responsible for well-being of flock but unable to recognize danger even if they could see it.

mute (10b) Can’t even rely on faithful sheepdog to help, dogs are mute; sheepdog without bark has no way to communicate with sheep. Is unable to fulfill necessary role to keep flock together, alert them to danger, signal location of sheep that has wandered off.

lazy (10c) Now sinfulness of underlying character becomes more evident. Lazy and indolent, not wanting to rock the boat, unwilling to expend effort necessary to do job well. Just coasting, living on borrowed capital stored up at previous time.

greedy (11a) Insatiable appetites, never satisfied with what they have, always wanting more. Focused on personal desires instead of others’ needs.

clueless (11b) Charged with duties of shepherds but having no discernment, unfit for task and unable to meet needs of those dependent on them.

self-serving (11c) Far more serious, not even interested in what the sheep need, only care about self.

complacent (12) Eat, drink, be merry, tomorrow will be same-o, same-o. Nothing to worry about, keep doing what we’re doing.

B. society v.57:1, 3-13a, 20-21

callous (1) Society at large no better off than leaders; in fact, plagued with similar character. Shouldn’t be surprise, that leaders are reflection of basic cultural values. If shepherds were callous to needs of sheep, it follows the sheep will be callous to needs and circumstances of one another.

immoral (3,4b,8) Just as sheep follow lead of shepherd, so one generation follows example of previous one. Immorality in one generation only gets worse in the next as children are influenced by model of parents. Newton’s second law – increasing disorder – reflected in communication of values among people apart from God’s overruling.

irreverent (4a,11) Outward evidence of inward character deficit: attack those on other side with ridicule, contempt. Sneering hostility expressed toward God and his people fueled by arrogance and absence of fear of God. “I see no evidence of God, therefore I have nothing to fear.”

idolaters (5-7) Like their corrupt shepherds, sheep pursue what will satisfy their own desires. It’s an irrational chasing of pleasure – free sex and free abortion, offering sacrifice to dead/deaf/dumb blocks of wood and stone, a god of own defining.

jaded (9-10) Wearied with pursuit of things that don’t satisfy, refuse to give up; persist in the chase, going to mind-boggling lengths to be satisfied and not achieving it. Always on to more / bigger / better / brighter in hopes that finally will do it. Relentlessly running away from the only answer, God.

desperately misguided (12-13a) Trusting in own goodness, works, power of useless idols to deal with ultimate reality. God declares none of that will help, all so inconsequential that slightest breeze will blow it all away.

hopeless (20-21) Restless, always in turmoil, unable to find peace, wicked are without genuine hope. Even more ominous – God says there is no hope for those who persist in wickedness, who trust in own merits for deliverance.

C. saints v.2, 13b-19

So where’s the hope, what’s the alternative? Where do we find solution for discouragement, where do we find one who can deliver from an uncertain or unpleasant future? LOOK UP!

blessed with:

peace and security (2) There IS peace for the righteous, because they trust in God to deal with enemies and situations and circumstances beyond their control. There IS security for the righteous, because they trust in God to protect them. For the righteous, matters not whether you live or die – you are safe in God’s keeping, your soul and its destiny are secure in care of Heavenly Father.

inheritance (13b) The righteous have a sure inheritance because its not of their own making; is a gracious gift of God to them that are his. Also not a treasure found on Wall Street or Fort Knox or seen with earthly eyes or valued with earthly wisdom. Money can’t buy it, genius can’t acquire it, it’s a benefit that graciously accompanies adoption into royal family.

forward progress (14) Saints are assured of forward progress – there will be no insurmountable obstacles on the road to holiness and heaven. What might seem to be greatest obstacle, death, is in reality the greatest blessing for righteous – is what ushers believer into immediate presence of God.

God’s

presence (15a) Great news! Don’t have to wait until death to experience God’s presence; eternal Holy One who dwells on high (remember, LOOK UP!) also dwells with his people; not the proud and arrogant and self-sufficient but the humble who depend on him.

nourishing and sustaining (15b) God is with his people to lift their spirits, encourage, cheer up and revive those who are discouraged. God is always present in order to sustain and nourish souls of his children, provide all they need to serve him faithfully and arrive safely home.

compassion (16) Heavenly Father, Holy One knows his children’s needs, also knows their limits – how much they can endure of both persecution and correction.

healing and restoration (17-18) Even for some who might seem to be incorrigible, rebellious backsliders, God promises to heal and restore to fellowship.

reason for celebration (19) When God promises healing, those both near and far off can be assured of peace and hope. God gives them reason to celebrate – not their own accomplishments but rejoicing in his mercy and grace.

Are you discouraged? At your wit’s end? Frustrated? Are you just plodding along, one day like the next? Are you unsure of what future holds for you? Are you pretty sure your future isn’t pretty? LOOK UP! Turn your eyes to Jesus. Matters not whether it’s the first time in true faith, the bazillionth time. He stands ready to save, to help, to encourage and sustain.

Are you doing OK? Trusting in the Lord, walking each day by faith, growing closer to him each day? Your neighbor isn’t. Your brother or sister or son or daughter or parent or coworker isn’t. They need to hear the good news – there’s a God who loves sinners and will surely receive and forgive all who come to him by faith. As the Lord brings these lost souls across your path, trust him to give you the words and then speak up, tell them to LOOK UP!

Focus on Partiality

James 2:1-7

James began epistle by making some declarations about means God uses to bring his children to holiness; hard truths for original audience to hear and agree with, same for us nearly 2000 years later. Since it is Word of God, is profitable and applicable to us as it was in first century. Pathway to holiness could also be thought of as railway to holiness – one rail: trials and temptations; other rail: the Word of God. One rail: law defining substance; other rail: faith supplying dynamic.

Law identifies principles necessary for staying on the rails; faith supplies motive force to move us along the track. Model addresses two questions – what is practical godliness, how do we achieve it.

“The law does not only prove to be the taskmaster/tutor unto Christ as the sole origin of regeneration (Deut. 31:26-27; Rom. 6:6). Neither does the law merely prove to be the taskmaster/tutor unto Christ as the sole ground of justification (Gal. 4:24). It also proves to be the taskmaster/tutor unto Christ as the sole source of sanctification (Rom. 7:4-6). By the same token the law certainly can and does tell us what holiness is, contrary to the anti-nomian and non-nomian positions, outlined in the context of James 1:25. Nevertheless, however much the law exposes sin in, and spells death for, rebels (Deut. 30:14-20), in and by itself it spells holiness and life (Deut. 30:14-20; 32:46-47; Rom. 7:12). In fact, this is its first and foremost design.” Krabbendam

In chapter 2 James deals first with one rail, Law, then with the other rail, Faith; first the Law as the standard of holiness, then faith as necessary dynamic for applying and obeying God’s Law. Short rabbit trail: to quote Paul from when he says we “are not under law but under grace” (Rom. 6:14-15) and conclude God’s Law no longer applies or is in force is wrong. God’s Law as a rule of life has applied and been in force from the beginning, and will continue so long as God continues – his Law is an expression of his character. Paul’s meaning in Romans: we are not under law as means of justification nor are we as believers under its condemnation; that’s a far cry from saying we’re not obliged to follow it.

Why did James pick this particular sin (prejudicial partiality) to weigh in against first? Well, it’s sinful on so many levels, is an obvious application of chapter 1 teaching about trials, opportunity for James to establish in NT the pattern of Deut. 5-26 – recitation of Ten Commandments in ch. 5, then detailed exposition in ch. 6-26.

A. injunction against partiality v.1

faith in Christ and partiality are mutually exclusive (1) – James uses strongly emphatic statement: “My brothers, not with partiality do you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ of glory”. Indicates not only is it an egregious sin, not possible to have true living faith in Christ and behave in discriminatory way that denies the Gospel. Earthly kingdoms may have caste systems, God’s kingdom does not; his subjects shouldn’t act as if there were. This way of thinking gets below the surface, recognizes that only two classes of people: saved & lost. Even that distinction has no bearing on value, personal worth as human being made in God’s image.

God doesn’t practice it toward man (2 Chr. 19:7; Job 34:19; Acts 10:34; Rom. 2:11; Eph. 6:9; 1 Pet. 1:17) Would be a violation of God’s character/nature to show biased partiality (God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, inhis being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth. WSC Q. 4); God equates partiality with perversion of justice in Deut. 16:19. While God in some ways doesn’t treat all people the same, neither does he make distinctions based on outward appearance or circumstances.

God didn’t behave that way himself (Phil. 2:5-8) Lord Jesus during earthly life didn’t pull rank nor did he treat others on basis of position in society. Was just as at ease discussing points of law with wealthy scholar as accepting practical hospitality from former prostitute.

God forbids it (Lev. 19:15; Deut 1:17; Deut. 16:19) God expects whether in court setting or elsewhere that people will be treated with consideration whether rich or poor, high or low estate. In exposition of the 5th commandment, God through Moses explicitly forbids partiality; requires that in interpersonal relations his people will do what is just and right.

B. example of partiality v.2-4

discriminatory treatment (both attitude and action) based on externals (2-3) Scenario: two people show up at church same Sunday: one in 3-pc suit, wife in dress, sons in suits; the other in baseball cap, sweatshirt and khakis. Suit gets a greeting, a bulletin, a Focus, an escort to a good seat. Sweatshirt gets offhand “help yourself, sit wherever”. The 90% body language clearly communicates warm welcome to one, dismissive lack of regard for the other.

What thinking underlies that behavior? First, assessment of two individuals based on outward appearance: clothing and accessories, demeanor, personal hygiene, perhaps ethnicity. Next, assign individual to categories: rich, poor, confident, awkward, clean, dirty, white, black. Based on assessment and assignment, then adjudicate (act as judge): this one more desirable, worthy of cultivation or attention, within the comfort zone. Reverse treatment is just as despicable – shunning rich in favor of poor; both forms of snobbery are condemned by Scripture and should never be found in Christ’s church. Either will serve to divide God’s family from one another, promoting lack of the unity that Lord Jesus expects his followers to have.

succeeds in offending both man and God (4); cp. Jas. 1:9-10 In context of James’ letter, must read this in context of ch. 1, what he says about God’s use of circumstances to try our faith and increase our holiness. The one shunned may in fact be a child most dearly loved by God but presently in difficult circumstances sent to strengthen his faith; shameful treatment may serve to weaken his faith. The one pandered to may be a child most dearly loved by God but presently experiencing testing/temptation of wealth; fawning attentiveness may serve to increase temptation and cause him to stumble further.

James equates making such distinctions with putting oneself in God’s place as judge, presumptuous to say the least. To make matters worse, it’s done with attitude, way of thinking that is offensive to God.

Lest you think that doesn’t happen in the evangelical church today: speaking with individual 12/09/2011; had been member in church (Manchester, NH) more than 20 years. Leadership decided to move to “purpose-driven model” for church ministry; suddenly, providing tangible help to poor and disadvantaged in the neighborhood no longer a fit. Were seeking a different demographic profile for their church family.

C. preventive medicine for partiality v.5-7

think about it: get your thought processes right-side up Way James phrases questions, contrasts this sort of behavior with what should be, their actions with what God has done. Given these are “churched” folks, their attitude of partiality is surprising, unexpected, given what they should know and how they should think.

about God and his ways (5) God’s ways are not the world’s ways of either thinking or doing. World tends to rely on appearances, surface characteristics, common sense. God, and by extension his people, is concerned with issues of heart and character and true spirituality. To recognize God at work, think his thoughts, conform to his image requires sanctified sense found in operation of renewed mind. Hard as it is, must resist temptation or easy habit of using common sense when sanctified sense and godly wisdom are available for the asking.

about your own failure to obey (think and act like God) (6a) Thinking about and treating anyone as inferior is contrary God’s character and his law. God values poor and rich alike, so should we; means treating them with dignity and respect regardless of status or socio-economic position. Also means believers should have a sanctified understanding of wealth, what represents true riches and proper view of earthly riches.

about how their lives Mon-Sat fail to measure up to profession on Sun. (6a-7) Welcome received is highly disproportionate to overall conduct. May have made “profession of faith” but character of life not consistent with profession. To go overboard in treating with distinction as if nothing is amiss sends wrong message – either to “backslider” or a false professor. Must use discernment and godly thinking in all our personal interactions, doing our best to communicate what is pleasing to God.

Pursuit of holiness requires thought – discernment and wisdom. Discernment to see situations for what they are, wisdom to apply biblical principles properly; results in biblical way of thinking and acting founded on knowledge of God’s law/Word and exercise of faith. Means we must be saturated with Word of God and its principles, constantly seeking wisdom from God to understand and apply to each situation and decision before us.

A House of Prayer for All People

Isaiah 56:1-8

The call has gone out, first to the Jew and then to the Gentile. Jews are exhorted to rejoice because of what God will do as he enlarges his family. Something we can relate to in own experience: joy when the Lord sees fit to add child or grandchild or great-grandchild to our family. Joy also when another family is added to ours through marriage. Rejoicing when the Lord adds to our church family, whether individual or couple or family.

Now move to another level: a single church is given prospect of going global. Means more than just more church members; means that dozens and hundreds and thousands and millions will be added to God’s family. One at a time adding up to people from every tribe and language and people and nation (Rev. 5:9) brought into God’s kingdom. Now that’s cause for joy, especially since call to those nations issues immediately on heels of announcement of a global multi-cultural church.

Must remember who is calling people to salvation, calling them to be adopted into royal family: the Holy One of Israel. This wonderful gracious Father seeks out children to adopt in all sorts of places and circumstances (more on that in a little bit), loving and bringing them under his special care just as they are. But he is not content to leave them just as they are; if they are to be part of family, must bear family resemblance. Means children of family must resemble their father, in this case their Heavenly Father.

Good earthly father expects children to have certain appearance, behave according to certain standard; Heavenly Father expects no less. Heavenly Father has also spared no resources necessary for conforming his children to the family likeness (Rom. 8:29), making them holy as he is holy (Eph. 5:27). Through prophet Isaiah, God holds up standard of practice for those who respond to his invitation; he identifies what sort of people he will adopt, some of blessings he has in store for them.

A. the practice v.1-2 (also 4, 6)

think God’s thoughts (1) Regardless of period in history, the one who hears Gospel call and responds in faith has immediate duty to think in certain way, then act accordingly. God exhorts his people to think his thoughts, to think about situations and people and actions as he would. WWJD presupposes WWJT; to do as Jesus would do, people of God must think as Jesus would think.

do God’s will (2) God expects his people to be ones “who commit themselves to obedience,who observe the Sabbath and do not defile it, who refrain from doing anything that is wrong.” (NET) Holiness requires that right doing follow right thinking, obedience to revealed will of God – doing what God commands, not doing what he forbids.

choose what pleases God (4) God makes great and precious promises to those who choose what pleases Him. Here God moves beyond thinking and doing, both of which can be done out of sense of duty. Now he gets into area of desires: God’s intent for those who are holy is to willingly select, even prefer what please him rather than what satisfies self. Members of God’s household should do their Father’s pleasure because they love him and desire to please him most of all.

summarized (6):

become followers of the Lord – God has called them, they have “attached themselves” to the Lord with determination to not be separated

serve him – attachment comes with commitment to serve their Father; not only want “in” to the family, are willing to do Father’s bidding

love the name of the Lord – primary motivation of all the rest: a love for God that is response to his love for them demonstrated in his covenant faithfulness

want to be his servants – again, raised to next level: beyond simple willingness to obey, have an unquenchable desire to serve and to serve One in particular

observe the Sabbath and do not defile it – #1 way to express love for God to God: remember his Day, the “one out of seven” that “God blessed …and made …holy” (Gen. 2:3).

faithful to his covenant – to the extent that they are able, do their part to remain faithful to God

B. the people v.3-4, 8

foreigners (3a) No one should say because of their ethnic heritage that “The Lord will certainly exclude me”; neither should they be able to say the same of his people, that they will exclude outsiders because of their origins. God has long arms and includes people of all colors, languages, cultures in his church and so must we.

eunuchs (3b) No one should be able to say because they are disabled in some way that they are of no use to God’s family. That they can serve no useful purpose, less welcome because less valuable. Club-footed Mephibosheth had a place at David’s table; the Ethiopian eunuch had a place in Philip’s ministry; the paralyzed man received forgiveness from Jesus first, then physical healing almost as afterthought.

outcasts (8a) There’s a sign down the road “Catholics can always come home”. Umm, God wrote the sentiment first and with much more positive emphasis. He promised to bring outcasts into his home: outcasts – those who have been displaced, homeless, isolated and alone. First promise here to Jews in far countries; principle applies to any who fit the basic description – outcasts of society who are overlooked, neglected, left to fend for themselves.

others (8b) If there are any others missing from these categories, God will gather them as well. God is committed to having all sorts of people in his family; he expects his family to give them warm welcome. God still actively pursuing people all over world – ones we would classify as reached / unreached; third world / industrialized; north/south/east/west; with purpose of adopting as children.

C. the place v.5a, 7

God’s house – house of prayer – for all nations, all peoples. Jesus applied text to Jerusalem temple but extends far beyond that. Any place where there is place of worship devoted to true God, people of all nations – sorts – categories must find a home and a welcome. Consider what God does to gather children into family: if God thinks they are suitable for adoption, his “already children” must accept them regardless of how they look, sound, smell or act. And all who find a place in God’s house should observe the “house rules” – first and foremost a place of prayer.

D. the promise v.5b, 7

place and name (5) Those adopted into God’s family can expect blessings from relationship with him that no earthly circumstance can match. Home – status – inheritance – future – hope: summarized in

1 Pet. 2:9-10But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

“A child of Jehovah, a subject of grace / I’m of the seed royal, a dignified race; / An heir of salvation, redeemed with blood, / I’ll own my relation, my Father is God!” Primitive Baptist Hymn Book

joy (7a) Not a re-write of a Charles Dickens novel, poor waif taken from one bad situation into even more awful circumstances. God promises to make his adopted children joyful – joy, what we experience when expect to receive something good. In this case, all the good God has stored up for his children, what he is committed to granting both in this life and the next.

acceptance (7b) God promises his children will be accepted, whether in sacrifice of animal or, this side of Calvary, sacrifice of praise. True children bringing sincere gifts motivated by pure heart are accepted by good Father. God’s promise encourages us when we come to our Father, sets example for how we should relate to those around us.

God’s kingdom is huge, room for millions, even billions in the royal family. Not all roads lead there, not all doors open into it. There’s only one road, one way that leads to true God and his name is Jesus. There’s only one door into God’s kingdom, it’s in shape of a cross. When you come to that door, your own name and heritage and accomplishments and goodness are of absolutely no value, will gain you absolutely nothing. Only by putting all confidence in what Lord Jesus accomplished on that cross in your place and wearing his goodness can you be given entrance into God’s kingdom.

Have you entered his kingdom, been adopted into his family and given an eternal inheritance? Give God praise and thanks, then tell your family and neighbors and friends. Are you still an outcast, never having come to God by faith? Until moment Lord Jesus returns, there’s room at the cross, that door will open, God’s family can be your family, too. Don’t delay, come to Christ while it is still “Today”.

God’s Word of Grace

Isaiah 55:1-13

Israel told in previous chapter about the need for a big tent but we’re not fully told why. Were informed of need for wider curtains, longer ropes, stronger pegs to make room for all the children. This would be time when it’s a good thing for children of all ages to go back home. Now the prophet makes it more clear: biggest reason for needing more room is vast number of Gentile additions to the church.

Not a new concept; idea of a covenant community, family belonging to God that included more than just Israel had been around for centuries. First promise of redemption was made when only two people – Adam and Eve. Years before Jacob received name Israel after his wrestling match, promise of blessing to all familes of the earth was made to his grandfather Abram (Gen. 12:3). Same promise made to Jacob’s father Isaac (Gen. 26:4), then to Jacob himself (Gen. 28:14). Not just Abram’s family, or Isaac’s or Jacob’s that would be blessed; all families would have representatives participating in covenant blessings.

A. call to the needy v.1-5

who is called: thirsty and destitute (1a, 2a) Target audience broadens with invitation to “everyone”; Gospel not just for Jewish people, for everyone, the whole world, all mankind. “All” may hear invitation, all should be “compelled” to come; remember Jesus’ parable about the man who prepared a great feast, invited many but still there was room; told servants to “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” (Luk. 14:23)

Who will respond to invitation? Those who are thirsty and bankrupt; those who recognize they are unable to purchase what will satisfy, who acknowledge what they are able to purchase will not satisfy. Think about it: apart from God and blessings offered through Lord Jesus, have you found anything that truly and abundantly satisfies?

what is promised:

nourishing abundance (1b, 2b) things necessary to life. More than simple bread and water; wine, milk, abundance that provides delightful nourishment far beyond the minimum. Of course, word picture here refers primarily to spiritual not physical benefits although both may be included.

everlasting life (3) God graciously restores life that was lost in the Garden; mankind was made for living, not dying, that’s one reason we fight so hard against death. Thanks to sin, living is the process of dying (“in the day you eat, dying you will die” Gen. 2:17). Gospel guarantees that while we may experience bodily death, we will never experience spiritual death. And,… bodily life will be restored after resurrection. Meanwhile, since our old life was crucified with Christ, we can live a new life “by faith in the Son of God” (Gal. 2:20), one marked by increasing holiness each day.

God himself (4-5) graciously restores fellowship lost in the Fall, giving himself to fallen people in person of Christ, the Servant; v.3 “come to Me”, (John 14:6) v.5 the Servant will call the nations to himself (Matt. 11:28-30). He is the one who said “whoever drinks of the water I give will never be thirsty forever” (John 4:14), “I am the bread of life, the living bread which came from heaven” (John 6:48, 51)

B. call to repent v.6-7

limited opportunity (6) gracious invitation (God is not compelled to invite anyone) but won’t last forever. God doesn’t always stick around geographically; areas of world once experiencing revival fires now cold and hard. God does not always allow himself to be readily found; can’t presume that because he’s there and accessible today that he will be tomorrow. 3x author of Hebrews says “Today, if you will hear his voice”.

expectations (7):

forsake – ways and thoughts; first step in change is to put off the old, abandon former sinful ways of thinking and acting. Can’t just clean up behavior; thoughts/beliefs not only govern behavior, are important to God. Motive is just as important as action, condition of heart as important as visible conduct.

return – to the Lord; those who hear call, are convinced of wrongness of thought and behavior, see need for change, must turn TO not just something different, not just any solution, the right solution

receive – mercy and pardon, the grace of the Gospel, something the law cannot achieve

Then he took him by the hand, and led him into a very large parlour, that was full of dust, because never swept; the which, after he had reviewed it a little while, the Interpreter called for a man to sweep. Now, when he began to sweep, the dust began so abundantly to fly about, that Christian had almost therewith been choked.

Then said the Interpreter to a damsel that stood by, Bring hither water, and sprinkle the room; the which when she had done, it was swept and cleansed with pleasure.

Chr. Then said Christian, What means this?

Inter. The Interpreter answered, This parlour is the heart of a man that was never sanctified by the sweet grace of the gospel: the dust is his original sin, and inward corruptions that have defiled the whole man. He that began to sweep at first is the law; but she that brought water, and did sprinkle it, is the gospel. Now, whereas thou sawest that so soon as the first began to sweep, the dust did so fly about, that the room by him could not be cleansed, but that thou wast almost choked therewith ; this is to show thee, that the law, instead of cleansing the heart (by its working) from sin, doth revive, put strength into, and increase it in the soul, even as it doth discover and forbid it ; for it doth not give power to subdue. Again; as thou sawest the damsel sprinkle the room with water, upon which it was cleansed with pleasure; this is to show thee, that when the gospel comes in the sweet and precious influences thereof to the heart, then, I say, even as thou sawest the damsel lay the dust by sprinkling the floor with water, so is sin vanquished and subdued, and the soul made clean, through the faith of it, and consequently fit for the King of glory to inhabit.

This Gospel is good news for Christians, too. All who repent of their sin against God, turn from those habits and behaviors and ways of thinking that displease him will find mercy and pardon. This call primarily for those who have not ever been reconciled to God; it’s just as necessary for believers to repent and be restored to fellowship as it is for unbelievers to repent and be reconciled.

C. character of the word v.8-13

reveals God’s thoughts and ways (8) absolutely essential for us to know God; God is knowable but only to extent that he reveals. The created order tells us that there must be an all-powerful God who could bring it into being. It even tells us some about his character; but,… without written revelation have no knowledge of God’s love for us in Christ; no understanding that God uses both good and evil actions and circumstances for good; no concept of the blessedness of eternal life in God’s presence.

reminds of dependence (9) – without revelation we cannot figure Gospel out

It is told of Kepler [German astronomer who first stated laws of planetary motion] that, one night, after hours spent in observing the motions of the heavenly bodies, he exclaimed, “I have been thinking over again the earliest thoughts of God.” But there are earlier thoughts than those impresssd on nature. The love that led to the choice of man in Christ, and will culminate in glory, is older far. (F. B. Meyer)

achieves results (10-11) grows his family; rain and snow sent by God for particular good purpose, accomplish that purpose according to his will. So does his Word, Law and Gospel together showing man his desperate need and God’s gracious solution. Don’t customarily receive a growing season’s worth of rain in one downpour; usually comes as mists and periodic showers. So, too, God’s Word achieves its results one application at a time. Just as seedtime and harvest promised for natural world, God promises same here when planting seed of the Word. That means evangelism/missions will achieve results.

rolls back the curse (12-13) when hearers respond to Gospel truth, God begins rolling back effects of the fall and subsequent curse. Life of sin leads to despair, conflict, hardship, frustration; experiencing power of the Gospel and new life in Christ leads to joy, peace, blessing, contentment. Greatest truth of all: not a temporary fleeting change but an everlasting one, one that stretches from this life to next.

Crucial to remember that this (everything in 54 & 55) is consequence/result of the Servant’s accomplished work (53). God didn’t just wiggle his nose, snap fingers, wave a magic wand and make everyone’s wishes come true. Required far greater demonstration of power and love and grace than that. God’s grace described in his written word, bestowed on us by his living Word, the Lord Jesus, is greater than all our sin. Only by his wonderful grace through faith can we be pardoned, be reconciled to God and receive eternal life.

No manger, no cross; no cross, no pardon; no empty tomb, no resurrection to eternal life; no throne, no king; no king, no kingdom. If any one is more essential than another, would be the cross; without the cross, we would still be in our sins and the rest is a curse rather than blessing. Isaiah’s call to those who are thirsty still echoes today; the Cross has the same power over sin today as it did 2000 years ago. “This, the pow’r of the cross: / Christ became sin for us; / Took the blame, bore the wrath—We stand forgiven at the cross.” (Getty, Townend)