Approved Workmen

Our text will be Chapter 2:14-19 which contains that familiar exhortation of Paul to Timothy to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” The title is obvious, jumping right out of our text: Approved Workmen.

Please pray that the Lord would use this text for the good of our souls. It warns us to avoid worldly and vain discussions, which can be costly to our own and others souls, and to hold on to the settled truths of the Word: God’s “firm foundation.”

Money Talks

The final chapter of James’ epistle begins with the strongest condemnation of the unrighteous rich which can be found in the New Testament.
“Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you.”
James almost sounds like a protestor at the “occupy wall street” rally.

James is not condemning all wealthy people, but those who are guilt of hoarding, fraud, extravagance and oppression.

Given that James is writing to a poor congregation, some have wondered why James would speak to the rich this way, since few of them would read his epistle.
James, following in the style of the Old Testament prophets, pronounces God’s judgment upon those who oppressing His people.
We His people should not envy the unrighteous rich, but rather wait upon God to bring justice.
We also need to be warned not to follow in their footsteps.

Knowing God’s Will: Part 2

This Sunday, the Lord willing, we will complete our study of God’s will from James 4:13-17.
Last time we saw how the Bible speaks of God’s will in two different senses: His moral/revealed will (James 4:17) and His sovereign will (James 4:15).
We also saw how some believers get into trouble by trying to go beyond God’s revealed will (Deut. 29:29) into the secret things of God.

This week we will look positively at how God guides us through His Word, through godly counsel, by the Holy Spirit and by prayer.
We will also see that there are many situations in life in which God’s revealed will allows us freedom to choose among valid options.
Finally we will again be reminded that we must submit our decisions to God’s sovereign will.

Past Truths, Present Realities, and Future Promises

In this text, Paul continues his encouragements to Timothy, his discouraged younger brother in the faith. He does this in three ways: The first is by going back to the foundational truths of the faith, with particular attention paid to Christ’s Person and Work. He then spends time unpacking what at times can be the difficult realities of faithfully living out that faith, concluding with a look at the future consequences associated with faith and unbelief. This is a strong gospel text, and I would invite you to ask unbelieving family and friends to attend with you. By God’s grace they will hear the truth.

Knowing God’s Will: Part 1

Each of us faces major decisions regarding education, family, vocation, finances, relationships, etc. How can we know God’s will for our lives?

James 4:13-17, at which we began to look last week, speaks of God’s will in two different senses. James 4:17 speaks of our responsibility to act according to the moral will of God — the good we know He wants us to do (God’s commands). James 4:15, on the other hand, speaks of God’s sovereign will — we should make our plans realizing that God may or may not allow them to work out as we hope and expect.

Is there some third aspect of God’s will – some kind of ideal which goes beyond what the Bible reveals about God’s moral will, while not necessarily being His sovereign will ? For example, God’s moral will says we should only marry a godly believer. God’s sovereign will as determined whom we will marry. But should a single person be looking for mystical guidance, beyond Scripture, trying to find the special someone God has just for them. The same question can be raised for questions of finances (should I buy a house? If so which one? When?), vocation, education, etc. If one is to seek such guidance, how should he go about it? Should he put out a fleece? Wait to feel led? Expect a dream, a vision, or a word from God? Cast lots?

This week we will see what the Bible says about the two aspects of God’s will and how we are warned against going beyond what God has revealed in His Word.

Thirsting for God

Psalms 42-43 go together. They are Psalms of lament with an almost identical refrain. 42:5 42:11 43:5.
These Psalms are of special value to believers who feel overwhelmed or struggle with depression.
We can relate to the Psalmist as he describes his own spiritual drought, longing for God to satisfy his thirst.
He also describes his situation as being overwhelmed by the floods of sorrow.
Yet within this Psalm we find the answer to our despair. “Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him.”

Martyn Lloyd-Jones used Psalm 42 in the first chapter of his famous book, “Spiritual Depression”.
He tells us that a key to overcoming depression is to stop listening to ourselves (complaining and worrying) and to start talking to ourselves (about the hope we have in God).

Please read Psalms 42-43 before coming to church.

God Speaks Through His Word

This Sunday I plan to complete our consideration of Psalm 19.
Last week we looked at the first six verses which declares how God speaks to all humanity through His creation (General Revelation)
This week we will consider the Lord’s speech to His people through the Scriptures (Special Revelation) in verses 7-11, and then our response in verses 12-15.

As you read over Psalm 19 before coming to church consider the following questions:

Do you notice that the first six verses use the name God and verse seven and following use LORD. Why do you think that this is?
How are general revelation similar to each other? How are they different?
Where can you see the gospel in this Psalm?