BIBLE STUDY FOR TODAY Thursday November 27 Knowing and Doing What Is Good Read James 4:15-17 in the context of the verses that come before it. What crucial point is he making here? James here is dealing with the attitude of self-dependence. In fact, he calls that attitude arrogance, and the words spoken as boasting; he says it is evil. Thats how important the right attitude is for the Christian. Read verse 17. The Bible defines sin in two ways: (1) doing wrong; (2) not doing right. The first definition is given by John: sin is the transgression of the law (1 John 3:4). Many modern versions render it sin is lawlessness, but the Greek word anomia refers to specific violations of the law rather than to habitual lawless behavior (see its use in Rom. 4:7, Titus 2:14, Heb. 10:17). The second definition is given in James 4:17: Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. We must therefore go beyond simply resisting temptation to do wrong. We are called to be children of light (Eph. 5:8) and to let [our] light shine before others, so that they may see [our] good works and give glory to [our] Father who is in heaven (Matt. 5:16, ESV, emphasis added). Of course, one could get easily discouraged because, after all, who constantly does all the good they could possibly do every single day? But thats not the issue. Even Jesus life was not a continual round of ceaseless activity. There were times when He withdrew to pray or simply to rest (Luke 5:16, Mark 6:31). Most important, He sought Gods will in everything He did (John 5:30). Jesus even compared doing Gods will to eating: My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work (John 4:34, NKJV). Just as there are limits to how much we can eat at one sitting, so there are limits to how much we can do. That is why Jesus goes on to say that some sow while others reap but both rejoice together (vss. 36-38). As we work for the Lord, we will be encouraged to do more and will pray for a greater willingness to be used in every possible way. How does prayer help us die to self and thus maintain an attitude of surrender to the will of God? Whatever your plans are, how can you learn to surrender them to the Lord?
Posted on: Thu, 27 Nov 2014 17:53:49 +0000
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