Sermon Reflection James 3:3-6

Discovery:  James uses a few different images to describe the power of the tongue.  There is the horse's bit, the ship's rudder, and the small spark.  On the positive end of the ledger, James says that the tongue has the potential to make big and significant changes.  Like a bit's ability to guide a large animal or a rudder's ability to turn a large vessel, the tongue has this ability as well.  On the negative end of the ledger, the tongue can also cause tremendous harm.  Like a small spark of fire that can burn down a whole forest, so too a careless or insensitive word cause tremendous damage to a person or community.  James simply warns us:  Be mindful of the power of the tongue!

Application:  We need to remember that we are all sparks.  The question is whether we are a good one or a bad one.  I have been blessed countless times by people offering up unsolicited words of affirmation.  Often these words have come at the most opportune times.  At the same time, I have also been cut down by the most careless of words.  Often people's criticism or critiques have come at the most inopportune times and the negative impact of these words have caused more damaged then they intended.  This is all to say that words powerful sparks.

It is easy to point out ways that other peoples' words have helped or hurt me.  It is something entirely different to look at the power of my own words.  What kind of spark am I?  I know that when I am tired, hungry, weary, or lazy, my words come out in the wrong way.  Recently, the "filter" that I normally have over my mouth seems to have gone missing and I have said or thought things that have caused me to cringe in hindsight.  What kind of spark am I?

I also think of the imagery of the bit and rudder.  As a leader, how am I leading?  What strikes me about the rudder and bit is that they must first move before anything else follows.  In both examples, the object (bit or rudder) must set a course, not deviate from that course, and continue to hold the course no matter what obstacles arise if the rest of the body (horse, ship, or church) is able to follow suit.  I am really humbled by the fact that it is really hard serving as a leader.  It can't be done on one's own strength.  In this area of life, I need to really grow and learn.

Prayer:  Let me be a good spark this week with my words.  Let me be a faithful bit and rudder at home and at church. 

Sermon Reflection James 3:1-2

Discovery:

James gives us a two-fold exhortation to avoid pride and to strive for humility in these verses. In v. 1 James says, "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." James is making it clear to leaders and especially those who "presume to be teachers" that they will be held to a different standard. Leaders and teachers are suppose to set a moral and spiritual example for others in both speech and lifestyle. This is one reason why Jesus was so harsh towards Pharisees because they failed in this endeavor. Leaders, aspiring leaders, and all Christians need to constantly check their hearts for pride. Pride blinds us from our own sins. C.S. Lewis writes, "A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you're looking down, you can't see something that's above you."

In v. 2, James gives us an honest and heart-felt confession, "We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check." No one is perfect... but we are all being perfected as we follow Jesus Christ. James reminds us that we need to always have a humble posture as we lead others. The apostle Paul echos these words in 2 Corinthians 12:10, "That is why for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecution, in difficulties. For when I am weak, I am strong." Both James and Paul were great leaders who did great things but their lives were marked by this humility before God.

Application:

There is a leadership principle that is found in these short verses that we need to really take to heart. WHO we are as leaders is far more important than WHAT we do. Unfortunately, we in the church often get this principle backwards. Here are 3 simple applications.

1. Leaders need to be defined by their actions and not merely their words. Unfortunately, we are easily impressed with the spoken word. We can be seduced by the charisma and the power of the spoken word that we are blind to the real issues of integrity in the life of the speaker. The irony is that we are called to be a people of the Word and not merely words. It is best for us to remember the words from 1 John 4:1 "Do not believe every spirit but test the spirits..."

2. Leaders need to be defined by HOW they do things and not WHAT they do. I often judge others by what they have accomplished (ministry experience, educational background, public speaking occurrences, etc.). Because integrity is so hard to gauge, we look to other criteria to judge someone's godliness and effectiveness. At times, I am also tempted to rest on my accomplishments rather than continually to come before God in confession and repentance.

3. Leaders need to be defined by their "personal" devotion rather than their "public" accomplishments. I think of my former pastor Keith Zafren when it comes to a leader with a strong personal devotion. Pastor Keith accomplished quite a bit at an early age in ministry. The initial success of the River Church Community was just one of these impressive public accomplishments. But it was Keith's personal devotional life that I always respected. His early morning devotions before his daily morning workout (both disciplines that I need to grow in) was something that I really looked to emulate. People may look to the fact that he found such a fast growing and vibrant church but I always respected the fact that he had a real devotional life that helped him be a better father, husband, and child of God. This is my aspiration as well.

St. Augustine said, "It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels."

Prayer:

Humble me everyday Lord. Please knock me off my high horse whenever you see fit. Let me see myself and others as I should.

Passion Week Sermon Reflection: "Fickle Faith"

Discovery:

Unfortunately, faith can be very fickle.

In John 12:12-16, we see the crowds showering praise upon Jesus as he enters into Jerusalem. In v. 13 it says:
They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
"Hosanna!"
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Blessed is the King of Israel!"

Less then a week later in John 19:14-15 it says,
"It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour.
"Here is your king," Pilate said to the Jews.
But they shouted, "Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!"
"Shall I crucify your king?" Pilate asked.
"We have no king but Caesar," the chief priests answered.

Why are we like this? Why are we more like fair weathered fans of Jesus rather than devoted followers of Him?

Application:

The response of the crowds during Passion Week reveals the simple fact that we are an unfaithful people. Too often we allow circumstances and situations to determine our loyalty and fidelity to God rather than our convictions and beliefs. It scares me to think that I could be one of those in the crowd who in one moment could be exalting Jesus as the King and then in a second turning on Him and calling for his death. I know that I am unfaithful to God.

But Passion Week reveals another important truth: God is faithful. Through the ups and downs of people's response to Him during Passion Week, Jesus's focus was always the cross.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, we see Jesus coming to grips with the cross. In Mark 14:36 Jesus says, "My soul is overwhelmed to the point of death" as well as Mark 14:36 "Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."

David Platt in his book "Radical" points out that Jesus is not a coward who is afraid to die on the cross. In regards to v. 36 he says: "The "cup" is not a reference to the cross; it is a reference to divine judgement. It is the cup of God's wrath." Later he says, "At the Cross, Christ drank the full cup of the wrath of God, and when he had downed the last drop, he turned the cup over and cried out, "It is finished."

The only reason why we can call it "Good" Friday is because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross. He died for us and demonstrated His faithfulness to the Father and to His people.

This faithfulness needs to be the focus of this week as both Good Friday and Easter approaches.

Prayer:

Help me Lord be faithful and not fickle.

Sermon Reflection James 2:8-13

(I skipped last week's message James 2:1-7 but I will hit upon a few of the points in this blog post."

Discovery: Two different types of "laws" are mentioned here. In v. 8, James speaks of the "royal law:" "Love your neighbor as yourself." Later in v. 10 he speaks of the "whole law." When it comes to keeping the law, there are only two standards: the world's and God's. The world's standard is to be good enough or to try our best; God's standard is perfection. Thus the bar is set high when it comes to keeping the royal law.

James says that by showing favoritism we are breaking God's law. When we show favoritism, we are sinning. The call in v. 12 is to "speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom..." We should speak and act in a way that follows God's law otherwise it is clear that we are going to be judged by God. The essence of the royal law is summarized at the end of v. 13: "mercy triumphs over judgement." Showing mercy is the opposite of favoritism. Just as James said earlier in vv. 1-7, rather than showing favoritism to the rich, we need to show mercy to the poor.

Application: Why is favoritism such a terrible sin? Favoritism reveals a dangerous imbalance in our lives. It reveals that we are ultimately sinful, selfish, and self-serving. We only think about what is in it for ourselves. This affects all aspects of our lives.

This affects our family, friendships, and romantic relationships. We look for others to meet or fulfill a need in us rather than looking for ways to serve and love them.

This affects our life decisions. We look at the ways that this decision will make our lives better versus thinking of ways that it might lead us to serve others.

This affects our church life. We look for ways that the church exists to serve our needs versus seeing it as a place where God calls us to serve the needs of others.

This ultimately affect our relationship with God. We look to Him to meet a need within us rather than seeking to serve and honor Him.

v. 8 states that "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture. "Love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing right." The key words here are "really" and "doing right." Are we "really" keeping the royal law? There is a direct correlation between loving others and loving God. That's why when the Pharisees asked Jesus what the greatest commandment was, he answered with the two-fold response of loving God and loving others. We are also called to "do right" by God's standard. "Doing right" means serving others as if we were serving God.

We are called to repent from being like "judges with evil thoughts" (v.4) and instead becoming like God whose "mercy triumphs over judgement" (v.13).

Prayer: Help me Lord not judge with sin in my hearts. Help me instead respond in mercy in the same way You poured out Your mercies upon me. Thank you for your great love that propels me to attempt great things for You.

Sermon Reflection James 1:26-27

Discovery: James makes a clear distinction between two different types of "religions."

James tells us to avoid "worthless" religion: (v. 26) "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." This kind of religion is marked by an undisciplined tongue and self-deception. James speaks throughout this letter about the power (and danger) of the tongue. True faith is marked by having a "tight rein" on one's speech. James states that by neglecting one's tongue (or any action for that matter) and yet still considering oneself religious is an act of self-deception.

James tells us to emulate a "pure and faultless" religion: (v. 27) "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." Purity refers to issues of the heart as well as the ritual cleanliness of objects. Faultless means that something is undefiled and not contaminated.

Application: We need to guard our hearts and to focus on the proper things.

Watching our speech: James uses an equestrian term to illustrate this point. It points to the fact that a large and powerful animal such as a horse can be controlled and moved by a simple device within the mouth. I was joking with the congregation that I love the feature within Gmail where you can "undo" a sent email even after you pressed "send." I can't tell you how many times that has probably saved me embarrassment and potential conflict. Unfortunately, we don't have an "undo" button when it comes to our speech. I know that I need to constantly be vigilant in regards to watching my speech, especially around my kids and wife. It is easy to say things in the heat of the moment that I end up regretting later.

Focusing on knowing and doing the right thing: James speaks both of being undefiled by the world as well as loving and caring for orphans and widows. I read this as a call to avoid sin and to administer grace. Sin is both found in the things we do (sins of commission) as well as the things that we don't do (sins of omission). I know that I spend a lot of my prayer times confessing the things that I know that I shouldn't do but less time praying for the strength to do the things I should do. I know that God wants my faith to be bigger than just be a good person. He wants to use me to administer grace to people who are in need and distress. There have already been moments this week where I can clearly see God putting people in my life that need His grace and I can feel Him prompting me to be that person who administers it to them.

Prayer: (I am fasting from the car radio til Easter) Lord, help me focus as I pray. Help me see those moments in the car to not just "pray" my requests to You but also to hear Your voice and sense Your leading during this season of Lent.

Sermon Reflection James 1:22-25

Discovery:

In v. 22, James speaks of the importance of applying the word into our lives: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what is says." In vv. 23-24, James gives a very helpful word picture of what is looks like to just hear and not apply the word: "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like." He caps it off in v. 25 by spelling out what it looks like to truly focus ones life on the word of God (perfect law): "But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it - not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it - they will be blessed in what they do."

Application:

There is a very strong warning in v. 22 about deception. James states that if one only listens to the word and does not practice it, they are deceiving themselves. The nature of this deception ranges from ignorance to down out hypocrisy. Either way, James clearly lays out what it means to be a person devoted to the Jesus (the Word). We can see this is v. 25.

"...looks intently into the perfect law..." Are we looking intently in the word of God everyday? Is our life marked by this sort of devotion and dedication? Clearly this is the first and obviously step in being devoted to the word.

"...and continues in it..." Devotion is marked by consistency and discipline. Looking to the word is not something we do in our times of difficulty but is a mark of a mature believer. Consistency and discipline... like anything worth pursuing in life, these two things need to be hallmarks of our faith.

"...not forgetting what they heard..." Remembering things is hard to do. As I get older, I realize how much harder it is to remember simple things like phone numbers and house addresses. Have you tried memorizing a bible verse recently? For whatever reason it is really hard to do. James analogy in vv. 23-24 are very applicable here. You can read and memorize a verse but immediately upon turning away from the bible, you totally forget what it says. How much more is this true in regards to our devotional life. We are convicted by something we read in the bible but immediately forget about it the moment we get on with our "real life."

"...but doing it..." The old adage is true... "practice makes perfect." The word needs to be internalized and exercised for it to be real and genuine in our lives. Like any skill or talent, we still need to put our faith into practice for it to grow and develop into what God desires it to be.

Prayer: Lord help me both "practice" as well as "profess" my faith. Lead me away from the trap of deception and lead me to a place of humility each and every day. Help my life reflect the words of my favorite hymn... "I need thee every hour..."

Sermon Reflection James 1:19-21

Discovery: James states in v. 19: "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." The rhythm of life for a believer needs to be marked by these three things: quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.

Application:

Quick to listen: Simply put we need to listen to God. In the preceding verse, James speaks of the "word of truth." This word of truth is God's Word and it tells us the truth of God. It displaces the "moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent" as stated in v. 21. By listening to the Word of God and by listening to those who speak it over us (either through preaching or wise counsel), we learn that being a "quick listener" means being quick to hold to to the truth and to let go of sin.

Slow to speak: Simply put we need to put on a "filter" before we speak. Too often we speak from our flesh or opinions and not from a place of truth and love. This goes hand in hand with the first exhortation to to "quick to listen." We need to think before we speak. Does what I have to say build up this person? Does what I have to say bear good witness for Christ?

Slow to anger: v. 20 states, "for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." The latter part of this verse is a translation from two Greek words: God's righteousness. The contrast is a stark one between human anger and God's righteousness. You cannot hold on to both. You have to choose.

I realize that it is really easy to get this application flipped around. I tend to be slow to listen, quick to speak, and quick to anger. It is a rather simple and constant reminder that if I don't start each day in the Word of God, I can get the rhythm of discipleship life completely backwards.

Prayer: Lord, be with all the youth that will be going to the retreat this weekend. Help all the counselors connect with the kids in our small groups. Help us remain safe and healthy during this trip and please let there be no "drama!"

Sermon Reflection James 1:12-18

Discovery: There is a transition that we find from vv. 12-13. James speaks of "trials" in v. 12 and then "temptations" in v. 13. Both have come from the same root word. Scholars argue whether or not they should be translated differently but it is clear that there are different implications for these two words in our text today.

I think the IVP commentary on these verses stated it best in these simple but helpful diagrams.

Trial --> Testing --> Perseverance --> Maturity.

(This is the dynamic that we see in the verses leading up to v. 12)

Trial --> Temptation --> Sin --> Death.

(This is the dynamic we see in vv. 13-15)

The difference in the two diagrams is found in the second step. How do we respond to the trials in our lives? Do we receive them as times of testing/refining or do we respond by giving into temptation?

Application: As trials come up in my life, I find it incredible hard to "press into" them and see them as opportunities to trust God. My natural instinct is to run away or seek some sort of easy way out. In fact, one of the easiest ways to deal with trials in life is to try to "ignore" them and hope that they go away. But as many of us can attest, it doesn't work that way.

I gave this message to some of our Adults during our snow trip. I challenged them to think about some of these applications.

Attitude Check: What is my attitude like in the midst of the trials of my life? Am I exhibiting the "joy of the Lord" even when things aren't going my way? My vision for my life is simply this: WHAT I do is secondary to HOW I do it. This requires me swallowing my pride and ego and learning to be humble. I am constantly telling myself to take each day one day at a time and to treat every interaction, decision, and relationship with the gravity that it deserves.

Posture Check: Do trials lead me to trust God more or do I try to seek an easy way out? The imagery is simple that of "open" or "closed" hands. Will I receive trials (open) or will I do things on my own (closed)?

Heart Check: One key verse found in this passage is v. 17: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." Do I believe that God is for me and not against me? Do I see the trials of my life as part of God's good and perfect gifts to me? Will I learn to trust Him and believe that good things can and will come out of the trails of my life?

Prayer: Lord, you know that January was a rough month for me. I feel like I barely made it through it spiritually. I don't know if I persevered or simply survived but I know that February is a new month and I am so grateful for your mercies that are new every morning. Keep me in Your grace and sustain me in my highs and lows. Thank you so much for a much needed "retreat" this weekend and thank you for the blessing of my Church Family.

Sermon Reflection James 1:5-8

"Wisdom is Supreme"

Discovery:

Wisdom is not a virtue that is in vogue in our culture. It is reserved for those who are older and not full of youthful ambition or drive. Yet the bible clearly says the opposite. Prov. 4:6-7: " Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom."

The passage last week spoke of having "pure joy" when it comes to the trials in our lives. James adds to this by stating that we need wisdom if we are going to truly understand what God is trying to teach us. Douglas Moo in his commentary on James says, "Wisdom is the quality needed if God's people are going to endure trials with fortitude and godliness." Wisdom is simply seeing things through God's perspective. This is especially difficult during times of trials and testings. We unfortunately tend to lean on our own understandings rather than seeking God's perspective.

In v. 8, James warns us to not be a "double-minded man, unstable in all he does." We can't have it both ways! We can't live by trying to do things on our own strength or by our own understanding. We need to seek wisdom that comes from Him.

Application:

Are you seeking God first?

Is this true in your prayer life? Are you seeking His counsel first or are you turning to others to get their immediate feedback? Nothing wrong with a good friend's advice but ultimately we need to be tuning in to the voice of God.

Is this true in your devotional and Bible reading life? Is the Bible the solid foundation upon which you build your life or is it the words of others? Bible reading to me is like eating. I can go without for a while but ultimately it is my source of spiritual strength and nourishment. It isn't a fortune cookie that I open in times of desperation but rather it is a staple of my everyday life. It is kind of like rice! I can't really go more than a day without needing and wanting it.

Is this true in the advice that I am seeking? Am I just taking counsel from people who are like "yes men" who simply tell me what I want to hear or who tell me what I need to hear? Am I humbly submitting myself to and seeking after truly wise counsel? Am I reading books that give me a bigger and broader understanding of the Kingdom of God? I think it is important to read both contemporary author as well as the ancient writers. My perspective and understanding of God needs to grow and expand if I am going to be able to make sense of the trials and challenges in my life.

Prayer:

I need your wisdom Lord! I get so overwhelmed and overcome by the negative things that seem to be cropping up in my life. Help me understand things from Your perspective. Give me the wisdom to see this. Thank you for my dad's 70th birthday celebration and my mom's retirement dinner last night. Thank you so much for these wise and loving parents that you have given to me. I am so thankful for them.

Sermon Reflection James 1:2-4

Discovery:

James states in v. 2 that we should "consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever we face trials of many kinds..." This seems counter-intuitive at best. James exhorts us to receive trials because they result in benefits. This is what James basically states:

Trials ---> Testing ---> Perseverance ---> Maturity

God's ultimate desire for us is to become mature ("attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ") as it states in Ephesians 4:13. This process however needs to go through trial and testing.

Application:

The big question for us is whether or not spiritual maturity is our goal? The trials of life really reveal what our true motivations are in seeking Jesus. Is he just a nice value-add to our life? Is he a means to a end? (i.e. finding a nice Christian spouse or having a nice Christian community). None of these things are bad in or themselves but we are settling if this is all we want in our relationship with God. His desire is to grow us in the "whole measure of the fullness of Christ." If we want this, we need to travel the way of the cross. It goes through the valleys of testing and trials but it produces the godly fruits of perseverance and ultimately maturity.

Prayer:

Lord, help me not give in or give up to the trials and testings in my life. I know that half the battle is just "showing up" so help me do so everyday this week at work and at home. Help me fully engage all the things you have for me this week.

Philippians 3:10-14 Sermon Reflection

Discovery: Paul speaks of his resolve in v. 10: "I want to know Christ - yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death." Paul's desire is to know Christ... all of Christ... not just the convenient or pleasant parts. Paul speaks about experiencing the power of the resurrection as well as participating in Christ's suffering. Do we have the same desire to know Christ in this way? Paul doesn't just have good intentions but he seeks to have good follow through as well in his resolve. There is a two-fold challenge from this passage in regards to seeking to "know Christ."

The first part is found in v. 12: "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that which Christ Jesus took hold of me." Paul is straining forward in his faith. The word "press on" or "take hold" are phrases that were used in warfare and competitive athletics. Paul's pursuit of Christ is not a recreational endeavor. For Paul, life and death, victory and defeat hang in the balance.

The second part is found in v. 13: "But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead..." Paul does not dwell in the past. He does not want to be encumbered by past mistakes, sins, guilt, or shame nor does he want to become content with past victories, accomplishments, or successes. Faith is all about what lies ahead and moving closer and closer to the goal of knowing (and becoming more like) Christ.

Application: The second part of this challenge is particularly difficult for me now a days. Letting go of the past seems to be a unique challenge in this season of life. I have been having a number of anxious dreams as of late (the worst reoccurring "nightmare" is having forgotten to attend a class for the whole quarter and waking up in a panic trying to figure out how to get myself of of this mess). I believe these dreams are merely a carry over from my daily life in which I am confronted with past ministry and personal difficulties. As much as a profess to trust God, I realized that these past "problems" really wear on my soul.

I am particularly challenged by Paul's words in v. 13 when he speaks of the "one thing" that he does. This combination of "forgetting what is behind" and "straining toward what is ahead" is something that I desperately need in my life. It is impossible to stem the tide of past mistakes and problems. It's like trying to hold back the constant crashing waves of the sea. The key seems to lie in the later part of that verse when he says that we need to "strain toward what is ahead." I really want my whole life (ministry and personal) to be in alignment. I want the equation of my life to be simple and clear. I want it to be centered on Jesus. I resonate with Paul's words in the later part of v.12 when he says, "...but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." R. Kent Hughes in his commentary of Philippians says this in regards to this verses: "Here Paul expressed his desire to "know" the risen Christ because he was in the grip of Christ's grace! Paul's whole pursuit of Christ was Christ-originated, Christ-motivated, and Christ-propelled."

My testimony is quite simple. Jesus took a hold of me and has never let go. I need to remember that my main calling as a Christian and pastor is to simply hold on to Him with all my life and to seek to make this the focus of each and every day. The goal is not survival but rather it is desire to continually to put my trust Him and continually seek opportunities to trust Him this year. I want my resolve to be the same of Paul: I want to know Christ... all of Him... more of Him!

Prayer: Lord, help me moved forward as this year begins even though everything in my me wants to simple stop and rest. Fix my eyes on what "you will" do this year rather than what "I've done" this past year.