Milo

DECEMBER 11

Reading 345

GOD LIVES 1 Peter 2–3

“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us” (1 Peter 2:12).Christ is our model, who suffered for doing good.

Overview

Peter encouraged growth (2:1–3) in view of the believers’ calling as God’s chosen and holy people (vv. 4–10). Believers are to live good lives (vv. 11–12), and to submit to civil authorities (vv. 13–17), and masters (vv. 18–19), even when this involves suffering as Christ suffered (vv. 20–25). Submission is appropriate in the home (3:1–7), and in the church (vv. 8–9). If a person should suffer for doing good, he should remember Christ’s suffering (vv. 10–18) which led to our salvation (vv. 19–22).

Understanding the Text

“Crave pure spiritual milk” 1 Peter 2:1–3. In chapter 1 Peter reminded us that we have been born again and given God’s own heredity. That first taste of grace should inspire us to grow! Our religious experience does not end when we are saved. It begins. “Rejected by men but chosen by God and precious” 1 Peter 2:4–8. The values of God and of sinful man are in constant conflict. Pagan writers of the first centuries of our era, when they did mention Christ, scoffed at Him and His followers. Modern pagans have a similar attitude, though the name of Jesus is at least familiar. But to those of us who believe, the name of Jesus is precious. These opposite reactions to Jesus have implications for what Peter was about to say concerning submission and suffering. The pagan, who disobeys the message of Jesus, will never sense the wisdom of submission, or the praiseworthiness of suffering. Only our faith in Jesus, with complete acceptance of the values affirmed by God, enables us to choose the path that Jesus Himself trod. In ancient times the cornerstone was the anchor of a building’s foundation. Psalm 118:22 and Isaiah 28:16 which refer to cornerstones were understood by Israel’s rabbis to have messianic implications, and are applied to Jesus in the Gospels (Matt. 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17), by Paul (Rom. 9:33; Eph. 2:20) and by Peter. Jesus is the foundation of our faith, and also of the church in which believers are living stones (1 Peter 2:4–7). “A chosen people, a royal priesthood” 1 Peter 2:9–10. It is only right that we choose to live by God’s values, for He has chosen us. In the Old Testament, priests officiated at sacrifices and led the worship of God. In first-century Roman culture, pagan priests also led worshipers in offering sacrifices and praises to the gods. In both contexts, it was considered a high honor to serve as a priest. So the imagery of a Christian royal priesthood was clear, and powerful. We who because of sin were not even a people of God have been called out of darkness, and given the highest position of all! It is only appropriate then that we serve as priests, and “declare the praises” of Him who called us from darkness to light. “Abstain from sinful desires” 1 Peter 2:11. Peter devoted the rest of this chapter and the beginning of the next to explaining how you and I “declare the praises” of God. Essentially, we declare God’s praises more by the way we live than by what we say. The first declaration of praise Peter mentioned was to “abstain from sinful desires.” A better rendering suggests the Christian is to make a clean break with the “natural impulses” which dominated us in the past. The adjective sarkikon found in this Greek phrase suggests that the impulses Peter had in mind are not impulses to gross sin so much as every person’s natural inclination to preserve self and his material well-being. Peter warned that concern for the things of this world “war against your soul.” The more we care about the material universe, the less we will care about the spiritual. The things of this life are to be of slight value to the Christian, whose hopes are fixed on Christ’s return. “Live such good lives among the pagans” 1 Peter 2:12. Freedom from care about those things which quite naturally concern pagans does not mean withdrawal from the world. Instead it means freedom to live good lives here and now. We can understand why. If you are primarily concerned about making your commission on a sale, you won’t consider whether or not you treat your customer fairly. But if you are freed from “sinful desires,” you will make your decisions solely on the basis of what is right and good. Freed by our concern to please God only, we will be able to live such good lives that even those who slander us will be forced to acknowledge God’s work in our lives, and thus glorify God when Jesus returns. “Every man has his price.” Peter said that integrity is priceless—and Christians are to have it! “Submit . . . to every authority instituted among men” 1 Peter 2:13–17. Early Christians were at times criticized as misfits who hated society, because they did not take part in worship at social events honoring the Emperor or state deities. Yet even pagan writers who mention early Christians confess that they were not rabble-rousers or political revolutionaries. In fact, the earliest description of Christians by Roman authorities reports an investigation which found that in Christian meetings they bound themselves by oath to live good lives, to pray for the Emperor, and to obey the authorities. A life of submission to authorities will not prevent you from being slandered as a lawbreaker. But using your freedom to live as God’s servant in human society will win you, and God, praise forevermore. “Not only to those who are good and considerate” 1 Peter 2:18–21. It’s easy to submit in a nation where laws are basically fair and rulers are honest men. Submission becomes difficult, however, when you are treated unfairly. Yet Christians are called to submit even when treated unfairly. This is one of those areas of direct conflict: our “natural tendency” to shout out against submitting. Peter remained adamant. The believer is to submit and bear “up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.” Jesus walked the way of submission, and we are to follow in His steps. Being a Christian is more challenging than it might seem. We discard the values of our society to adopt values that conflict with those things that come most naturally to us. “He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly” 1 Peter 2:22–25. Unfair treatment is most frustrating when we can’t do anything about it. If we can take it to court—even “The People’s Court” on TV—we may not win, but at least we will have done something. We will have tried to strike back. But Peter called for submission even when we are treated unfairly. The slave with a harsh master isn’t to run away, or land an uppercut to the master’s jaw. He or she is simply to endure, and keep on doing what is good and right. It’s fine to say this “is commendable before God” (v. 20). But that doesn’t relieve the frustration of our helplessness. Yet there is one thing we can do. And Peter tells us what. We can do what Jesus did when He suffered unjustly. Jesus didn’t retaliate, or hurl insults back at those who insulted Him. What Jesus did was to entrust “Himself to Him who judges justly.” What a release this is. To simply trust ourselves to God, to remember that He judges justly, and leave our case in His hands. Was Jesus wise to do so? Yes, for out of the innocent suffering of the Saviour God worked our salvation. The suffering of Jesus was not meaningless; it was permitted that through it good might come. If we but commit ourselves into God’s hands, we can be sure that not only justice will be done for us, but also that our suffering will serve the cause of grace. “Your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit” 1 Peter 3:1–6. The principle of submission, as a willingness to respond to others, applies in marriage as well as social and public life. Peter’s call for wives to submit is not demeaning. He had uttered the same call to all believers, and shown that submission was the road chosen by Jesus. What Peter asked, and what the wise man will value, is the beautiful attitude of a woman willing to be responsive to her husband. Outward appearance fades. Inner beauty increases with the years. “So that nothing will hinder your prayers” 1 Peter 3:7. A man with a responsive wife is greatly blessed—and responsible! Failure to be considerate and treat one’s wife with respect, as a partner, blocks God’s answers to our prayers. “This water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also” 1 Peter 3:19–22. These verses have troubled Christians as much as any in the New Testament. But all Peter was doing was drawing an analogy between the experience of Noah in the great Flood (Gen. 6–8), and the experience of the Christian. The floodwaters of judgment in that ancient day purged the old world of sin, and deposited Noah and his family on a fresh, new earth. This is like the baptism by which the Christian is united to Jesus (cf. 1 Cor. 12:13). In the judgment that Jesus experienced for us on the cross, all that was corrupt in us was cleansed. And in Jesus’ resurrection, we were carried with Him into a new world. In the old world, Peter said, we lived our earthly life “for evil human desires” (1 Peter 4:2). Now, carried through the judgment in Christ, our ark of safety, we are to live the rest of our lives on earth for the will of God. What an image of the Christian’s experience. After our conversion we look around us, and realize that while the world remains the same, we ourselves are fresh and new! And we are called to live in newness of life!

DEVOTIONALWhen Bad Things Happen to Good People(1 Peter 3:8–18)

The popular book with this title can be summed up in just a few words. Don’t blame God. He’s upset about it too! Peter had a much more satisfying answer for us. He reminds us that God’s eyes are on the righteous, so that in the normal course of affairs good things do happen to good people (vv. 8–13). But there are unusual cases when you do good, and suffer for it (v. 14). What’s surprising is Peter’s statement that if this happens to you, “you are blessed.” Before Peter explained, he told us how to react if something bad happens to us if we have been doing good (vv. 14b-17). Peter said: (1) don’t be terrified or frightened; (2) remember that Jesus is Lord, and thus sovereign over all circumstances; (3) be ready to explain your positive outlook to those who are shocked you haven’t crumbled; (4) keep a clear conscience; and (5) remember that if God chooses to let you suffer, it’s much better to suffer for something you didn’t do than to suffer for committing some sin! It’s nice to know how to react when something bad happens to us. But it doesn’t explain why bad things happen. So Peter gave an answer; a reason why if this happens to you, “you are blessed.” Peter reminds us that Jesus suffered innocently too. The evil men who deserved punishment unjustly caused Christ’s death, and He suffered instead of them. Surely this is the greatest injustice, the clearest example of bad things happening to someone good, that history has ever known. And yet all this happened according to God’s will. And through the injustice of Christ’s suffering, our Lord brought us to God (v. 18). Our amazingly wonderful and gracious God turned injustice into a means of grace and of blessing for all mankind. This is God’s Word to you and me when we suffer unjustly. The Lord hasn’t forgotten or forsaken us. When bad things happen to God’s good people we can be certain that He is personally involved! And we can be sure that out of the evil God will bring some very real good.

Personal Application

Remember: bad things happen to good people that through suffering blessing may come.

Quotable

“O God, give us patience when the wicked hurt us. O how impatient and angry we are when we think ourselves unjustly slandered, reviled and hurt! Christ suffers strokes upon His cheek, the innocent for the guilty; yet we may not abide one rough word for His sake. O Lord, grant us virtue and patience, power and strength, that we may take all adversity with good will, and with a gentle mind overcome it. And if necessity and Your honour require us to speak, grant that we may do so with meekness and patience, that the truth and Your glory may be defended, and our patience and steadfast countinuance perceived.”—Miles Coverdale

1 Peter

DECEMBER 10

Reading 344

SAVED FOR HOLINESS 1 Peter 1

“Just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written, ‘Be holy, because I am holy”’ (1 Peter 1:15).After all, children are expected to resemble parents.

Biography: Peter

Peter was the acknowledged leader of the 12 disciples during Jesus’ life on earth. He continued in that role in the earliest days of the church. We know more of Paul’s later ministry: Paul’s mission work is reported by Luke in the Book of Acts, and Paul contributed some 13 letters to our New Testament. Yet Peter continued to be a driving force in the Christian movement. Early tradition tells us that Mark was the “interpreter of Peter,” and two of Peter’s circulating letters of instruction are found in the New Testament. A firm tradition reports that Peter and Paul both died in Rome in the lateA.D 60s, victims of an outburst of persecution.

Overview

After a brief greeting (1:1–2), Peter praised God for the salvation of those who now suffered persecution (vv. 3–12). He urged them to remember the price of redemption and to live holy lives (vv. 13–25).

Understanding the Text

“Chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father” 1 Peter 1:1–2. By all accounts the first Christians in the Roman Empire were drawn from the lower, powerless classes. They were vulnerable to persecution; indeed, within 50 years of the writing of this letter Pliny, a Roman governor of Bythinia and Pontus, would summarily execute believers for merely admitting they were Christians! How vital then this greeting, which reminded the Christians of Asia Minor that they were “God’s elect.” It makes little difference how people in our society view Christians. What counts is that we have worth and value in God’s sight. Remember that the Father chose you, the Spirit set you apart, and the Son cleansed you with His own blood. These reminders of God’s love can comfort and support when any suffering comes. “Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” 1 Peter 1:3–4. In the first century many lower class citizens banded together in small associations or clubs, generally of some 50 to 200 members. The clubs provided an opportunity to socialize and a chance to gain recognition by holding office. Perhaps most important, club dues were used to meet burial expenses of members who died. Thus membership in a first-century hataeria offered benefits to its members in this life. How different the church, the ecclesia! In God’s great mercy He instilled life and hope into Christian believers, promising us life after death through Jesus’ resurrection from the dead! The pagan club stored up treasure so funds would be available to bury its members. God stores up an eternal treasure that we inherit beyond death—and enjoy forevermore. When suffering comes to us, as it surely must, what a joy to look ahead! For us, death is not an end, but a new beginning. “Shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation” 1 Peter 1:5. Notice the double lock God has provided to ensure our future? He guards the treasures laid up for us by preserving them in heaven. And He guards us, by preserving us here on earth. Faith in Christ is the guarantee that God will keep us as His own till Christ comes back to take possession of us. “You may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials” 1 Peter 1:6–9. Peter was particularly sensitive to the suffering Christians in many parts of the empire were already beginning to experience. In this brief letter pascho, the basic Greek word for suffering, is used 12 times. And several other Greek synonyms are also found. Peter hurt with the sufferers. But he also had words of encouragement for them—words that encourage us as well. First, our suffering on earth is “for a little while.” Even years, which seem so long to us, are less than an instant when compared to eternity. Second, trials have great value in proving faith genuine. When Pliny questioned Christians, he released any who denied the faith by burning incense to statues of pagan gods. The “faith” of some has proven to be unreal under much less pressure. Yet the faith of millions more has proven real despite intense suffering, and this brings God “praise, glory and honor.” Third, trials give us a unique opportunity to experience our own salvation. When we take our stand for Jesus, we find ourselves “filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” despite suffering and pain. This joy, a gift of the Holy Spirit, is evidence within that we are “receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” Those who suffer for Jesus’ sake, and who remain true to Him, find an inner certainty that God is real, and that they are saved! “The sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow” 1 Peter 1:10–12. We Christians believe that glory follows and grows out of suffering. In the Old Testament era the prophets foresaw both the suffering and the glory of God’s promised Messiah. But the “time and circumstances” involved remained a mystery. The death and resurrection of Jesus resolved that mystery once and for all. Today we know that Christ came to suffer for us, returned to heaven, and that He will come again in glory. The “time” is suffering first, glory later. This is also true for you and me. Suffering precedes glory. So if suffering comes, you and I can look beyond it and rejoice in what we know will follow. Christ’s coming even clarified the “circumstances.” Suffering is to be expected as we live our lives on earth. And glory is to be expected when Jesus returns. There is much in Old Testament prophecy that remains a mystery. But the link between suffering and glory, with the “time” and “circumstances,” are revealed to us in Christ. Because we now understand them, we can’t be devastated by suffering, as though something strange were happening to us. Instead we look beyond our suffering, and take comfort in the glory that will be ours when Jesus comes. “Prepare your minds for action” 1 Peter 1:13–16. Knowing the pattern of suffering followed later by glory, you and I prepare to live godly lives. Peter tells us to get ready, to be self-controlled, to be obedient children, to be “holy in all you do.” And he tells us one more vital thing. “Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” So often we “set our hope” on some near, immediate grace. “Lord, I’d like this new job.” “Lord, heal my illness.” “Lord, if only You’ll let us get this home of our own.” “Father, I know this marriage is just what I need to make me happy!” We may indeed get what we ask and hope for in this life. But any earthly prospect can disappoint, and every earthly possession be torn from our grasp. Only when we set our hope “fully” on the grace that will be ours when Jesus comes will we be immune to life’s losses. “Live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear” 1 Peter 1:17. When you and I take God seriously, we realize how fleeting our life on earth is. We enjoy God’s good gifts. We feel the pain of our losses and our reverses of fortune. But somehow we’re always aware that we are strangers here. We don’t quite belong. And we yearn for home. This may be one of the most important values of suffering. If life on earth were a constant joy, why would we fix our hope fully on the grace to be brought to us at Jesus’ return? If life on earth were without difficulty, how would we remain sensitive to our need for God? If life on earth were without trials or persecution, how would we be forced to choose between commitment to Christ and comfort or ease? As Peter said, suffering does have value. It reveals the genuineness of our faith, and so brings praise to the Lord. And our experience of unexplained joy in our suffering assures us. We “are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (v. 9).

DEVOTIONAL

Born Again(1 Peter 1:17–25)

Jesus said it first: “You must be born again” (John 3:7). But Peter may give us the best explanation of the impact of being born again found in Scripture. In a brief, forceful passage he spoke of the cost of our new life, of its nature, and of the difference it makes. The cost is “the precious blood of Christ,” the price paid that we might have new life. By nature our new life is imperishable. And the difference it makes is as great as the difference between night and day. J.B. Phillips helps us understand the nature of our new life in his paraphrase of 1 Peter 1:23: “God has given us His own indestructible heredity.” Our new life is God’s own life, fused permanently to our human personality. All flesh is like grass, perishable. Our new life from God is permanent, a source of endless existence and spiritual vitality. You and I can’t have God’s life within us and be unchanged. Peter spoke of the difference as a purifying one. In obeying the truth (a phrase that simply means, in responding with faith to the Gospel message) we have “purified” ourselves. The old, selfish motives and desires that once ruled us no longer are our master. They have been replaced by that quality which most clearly revealed the heart of God Himself: love. Now, being born again “so that you have a sincere love for your brothers” we go on to “love one another deeply, from the heart.” Have you ever wondered if you really are born again? If you have God’s heredity, you will begin to be like your Heavenly Father. And the mark of our family resemblance to Him is our growing capacity to love.

Personal Application

Do those who know you see the family resemblance to God?

Quotable

“By brothers, Christ made love the stairway that would enable all Christians to climb to heaven. Hold fast to it, therefore, in all sincerity, give one another practical proof of it, and by your progress in it, make your ascent together.”—Fulgentius of Ruspe

1 Peter

INTRODUCTION

First Peter was written by the Apostle Peter from Rome, in the early A.D. 60s, to Christians in northern Asia Minor. This is a pastoral letter, written to encourage Christians who were already suffering persecution to live godly lives marked by submission and good works. Jesus is prominent in 1 Peter as our example of innocent suffering, and as the one whose resurrection to glory confirms our own hope. This powerful letter continues to inspire believers who suffer persecution for our common faith.

OUTLINE OF CONTENTS

I.	The Gift of Salvation	1 Peter 1:1–2:10
II.	The Call to Submission	1 Peter 2:11–3:12
III.	Sovereignty and Suffering	1 Peter 3:13–4:6
IV.	The Prospect of Glory	1 Peter 4:7–5:14

DECEMBER 9

Reading 343

PROSPECTS OF FAITH James 4–5

“Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming” (James 5:7).Patience and prayer are resources that make present sufferings bearable.

Overview

Motives and attitudes affect prayer (4:1–6). Humility (vv. 7–10), nonjudgmentalism (vv. 11–12), and trust (vv. 13–17) in the face of injustice (5:1–6) are fitting for believers, as are patience (vv. 7–11) and simple honesty (v. 12). Till Jesus comes we have prayer (vv. 13–18), and each other (vv. 19–20).

Understanding the Text

“What causes fights and quarrels?” James 4:1–4 It’s easy to blame circumstances and other people for conflicts. Sometimes others really are to blame: some folks are simply hostile, always looking for a chance to harm or to fight. But the first place to look when we feel hostility is within ourselves. James’ point is that we become hostile and quarrel with others when they seem a threat to something we want. You’re more likely to fight with a rival for that promotion you want than with another coworker. Jealousy of another person will color the way you act toward them, and how you interpret their actions. There’s not much you or I can do if another person is determined to be hostile. But there’s a lot we can do when we locate the reason for strife within ourselves. First, we can examine our motives, to see if they are in harmony with godliness. Second, we can determine not to use sinful means to reach even a good goal. Third, we can pray for the person(s) with whom we have problems, asking God to help them—and to help us care about them. Finally, we can commit ourselves to the Lord, asking Him to give not what we want, but what we need. “Friendship with the world is hatred toward God” James 4:4. Here as in John, the “world” (kosmos) is sinful human culture, with its complex web of motives, desires, and perceptions that are focused selfishly on life in the present universe. James says that we can’t develop an affinity for the world’s outlook on life and expect to stay friends with God, whose outlook is entirely different. The warning reflects something James just said about prayer. Often our prayers go unanswered “because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures” (v. 3). It’s not that God begrudges us a good time, or relaxation. But a self-centered attitude, in which a desire for personal gratification shoves concern for God and others aside, will not stimulate prayers that God is willing to answer. This world isn’t a toy shop. And God isn’t an indulgent daddy who buys us anything we want. Especially when the toys that worldly people clamor for are hateful to God! “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” James 4:5–6. “Envy” is a bitter feeling aroused by another’s possession of something we want, whether wealth, popularity, or success. James warns us that “the [human] spirit he caused to live in us tends toward envy.” All those desires that battle in us and cause “fights and quarrels” are rooted in fallen human nature itself. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself oriented to the world that is God’s enemy! But verse 4 emphasizes “chooses.” Desire in itself is not sin. Sin is a choice motivated by the desire. How wonderful that God “gives us more grace,” and so enables us to overcome our natural tendencies. And how important to humble ourselves before Him, and ask for that grace. “Who are you to judge your neighbor?” James 4:11–12 James has called on us to live humble lives. Now he goes on to illustrate it. A person who is quick to judge another’s actions is not humble. He or she has clambered up on the Judge’s bench, grabbed God’s gavel, and pushed Him aside. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge. Remember that when you feel tempted to judge others. You and I aren’t on the bench. We’re standing before the bar, beside the very person whose case we’ve arrogantly determined to try! “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” James 4:13–17. The old school teacher always closed her letters to ex-students with “d.v.” Finally one asked her what the initials meant. The answer was, “dio volente”-if God wills. That’s what James was saying here. Be sure to add d.v. to every plan you make, every intention you express. Arrogance looks ahead and assumes that the future is secure; that the business will prosper, that the body will remain healthy, that loved ones will always be there. The humble person lives with an awareness of man’s frailty, and d.v. is the postscript wisely added to every plan. “Your gold and silver are corroded” James 5:1–6. This powerful condemnation of rich exploiters of the poor seems almost out of place. Yet those who trust in riches, and who trample on the rights of others to pile up wealth, are the antithesis of the humble persons God calls on believers to become. These rich men epitomize the world system which James says is hostile to God. They value material things, which have no lasting worth. And they disdain human beings, whom God says have ultimate value. Their life on earth, which is one of “luxury and self-indulgence,” serves only to prepare them for the “day of slaughter” (divine judgment). Don’t envy the rich and famous. They’ve got it much harder than you and I! “The farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop” James 5:7. Humility does not pay immediate dividends. James was realistic about it. We might as well be realistic too. If you want to get ahead in this world, maybe the “fight and quarrel” approach will work better. But Christians are like farmers. We plant in this life. And we expect to harvest in the next. And like farmers, the only thing we can do till harvesttime comes is to wait. Hopefully, with patience. “The Lord’s coming is near” James 5:8–11. To help us develop patience James said two things. First, “the Lord’s coming is near.” The wait won’t be as long as it sometimes seems. And second, look back in Scripture for examples of those who bore suffering patiently, and in the end were more than repaid by God. You and I will be richly repaid too. “Call the elders of the church to pray over him” James 5:13–18. The Old Testament tells of one king of Judah who became ill and died, in part because he relied “only” on physicians. The particular word used of “oil” here indicates that James did recommend a medicinal use of olive oil in treating the sick. But he expected Christians to rely on God for healing, and to confidently anticipate prayer to be answered. Part of the healing process is confession of sins: the loss of fellowship with God eats at us and makes us more vulnerable to illness. Part of the healing process is prayer by church elders. In combining medical and spiritual treatment we express that dependence on God which is in accord with humility. “Turns a sinner from the error of his ways” James 5:19–20. James closed with this final illustration of humility. The one who has sins needs to be humble, in order to confess his fault when confronted. And the one who confronts needs to be humble as well, lest an attitude of pride drive his brother farther away from the Lord. What wonderful resources God has given us in each other as we wait, together, for the coming of our Lord.

DEVOTIONAL

Good Old American “How To”(James 4:1–10)

After years of ministering in churches and seminaries, I’ve noticed a peculiar thing. The first question we Americans ask is, “How?” Whether I’m teaching on Christian education or church leadership, whenever I introduce a concept, someone is bound to ask, “But how can we do that?” Not, “Is this right?” Not, “Is this biblical?” But, “How can we ever do THAT?” It may be this is a human rather than just an American trait. I suspect that James was aware of the “how?” questions in his audience too. Certainly few passages of Scripture have as many active verbs strung together in such a few brief verses as 7–10, the “how to” section that caps James’ discussion of conflict, unanswered prayers, and the need of grace to overcome our innate tendency to envy. The first two verbs suggest general principles. We are to submit to God. And we are to resist the devil. Just HOW we do this is explained by the other verbs in these verses. (1) We “come near” to God. Consciously fix your thoughts on the Lord, and approach Him in prayer. James promises us that when we do, God will bend down close to listen to us. This is always the first step in submission. (2) We “wash . . . hands” and “purify . . . hearts.” Approaching God as sinners, we confess our faults. And though we have been “double-minded” (cf. 1:8), we make a firm commitment to respond, whatever God may ask us to do. (3) We change our “laughter to mourning.” We reject the world system, with its false values. We realize that most of the things the world laughs about actually call for mourning, and most of the things the world finds joy in cast a pall of gloom over God’s universe. Changing our laughter to mourning is exchanging lost man’s perspective on life for God’s, and evaluating all things by His standards. (4) “And He will lift you up.” When we humble ourselves in these ways before God, we sense His loving hands grip us, and lift us up. In humbling ourselves before God, more than our outlook on life is changed. We ourselves are changed! We are raised to newness of life.

Personal Application

Kneel, to be at, as well as on, God’s side.

Quotable

“A meek man is not a human mouse with a sense of his own inferiority. Rather he may be in his mortal life as bold as a lion and as strong as Samson; but he has stopped being fooled about himself. He has accepted God’s estimate of his own life. He knows he is as weak and helpless as God declared him to be, but paradoxically, he knows at the same time that he is in the sight of God of more importance than angels. In himself, nothing; in God, everything. That is his motto.”—A.W. Tozer

DECEMBER 8

Reading 342

TAMING THE TONGUE James 3

“If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check” (James 3:2).What we say about others says more about us than about them.

Overview

Even teachers must watch their tongues (3:1–2), which must be tamed and harnessed (vv. 3–12). True wisdom is not ambitious but pure and peace-loving (vv. 13–18).

Understanding the Text

“We who teach will be judged more strictly” James 3:1. James wasn’t thrilled and happy that so many Christians present themselves as authorities on the faith. It’s certain that some who covet the title of “teacher” are spiritually immature, not realizing that a teacher bears a heavy responsiblity. Because teaching is such a responsibility, teachers will be judged “more strictly,”—that is, their lives will be more closely scrutinized. Note that it is the teacher’s life that is given close scrutiny. Why? Because Christianity is not just a set of beliefs, but life-changing truth. A person who communicates the Christian message must model what he or she teaches. In some ways Christianity is like a style show. A new line of clothes is being introduced, and the designer parades models wearing that new line for potential customers to see. After all, you can’t really tell how clothes will look, if they’re just hanging on the rack. Through the Gospel, God is introducing His new line to humanity. And folks can’t tell how Christianity looks on the rack either. Every believer is to model the faith in daily life, and teachers have the greatest responsibility of all. “We all stumble in many ways” James 3:2. James, possibly the most respected person in the Jerusalem church, included himself with the stumblers. From Scripture and early Christian literature we know that “stumble” indicates commission of sin. As we know from the stories of saints like King David, and from modern televangelisms’ scandals, the great as well as ordinary believers remain vulnerable to sin. One of the great mistakes you and I can make is to suppose that our faith is so strong we are invulnerable to temptation. We need to remain humble, and rely completely on the Lord. It’s when we think that we stand that we are most likely to fall. “He is a perfect man” James 3:2. The word “perfect” is again used in the sense of maturity, not sinlessness. To James, one mark of maturity was the wisdom to overcome our tendency to keep our mouths active when it would be best to keep them closed! A person who can control his or her tongue is well along the way to Christian maturity (see DEVOTIONAL). James 3:3–6 says that as the bit in a horse’s mouth is used to guide it, so our tongue has a powerful influence on us—and on others! We Christians must be especially careful in our talk, because words have such great impact for good and for ill. “The tongue also is a fire” James 3:6. James spoke of the tongue earlier. In 1:19 he wrote, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” And in verse 26 he wrote, “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” Talking without reflecting on what we say is not just foolish, it’s harmful, to ourselves and to others. As I frequently say to Sarah—without making much impression—“God gave us two ears and just one mouth. So we ought to listen at least twice as much as we talk.” “This should not be” James 3:7–12. James didn’t get into theology the way Paul did in his letters. But James’ comments reflect a deep understanding of both theology and our personal dilemma. James was well aware that Christians have divided hearts. We want to please God. But there is always a twisted delight in sin that churns within us too. The divided nature of our hearts is shown most clearly in what we say, one moment expressing a godly thought, and the next a sinful sentiment. You and I will never gain complete control over our tongues (v. 8). But let’s remember that the new life God has given us is a pure spring, from which refreshing waters flow. Let’s commit ourselves to refresh others with everything we say, and keep mean and hateful thoughts unsaid. “Who is wise and understanding?” James 3:13 The word translated wise, sophos, was the technical Jewish term for a teacher or rabbi. James thus picked up the theme of verse 1 and reinforced it. A person who is qualified to be a teacher must “show it by his good life.” In an earlier time, Robert Ingersol traveled our country giving lectures that ridiculed Christianity. While on a train a well-meaning Christian spoke to Ingersol, sure that if he only understood the Gospel, he would be converted. Ingersol interrupted the Christian’s rather halting explanation, and asked, “Is this what you mean?” He went on to explain the way of salvation with perfect clarity. The great unbeliever had the ability to explain Christian beliefs. Let’s not be impressed with how well another person can speak. God is impressed only with how well we live what we believe and teach. “The wisdom that comes from heaven” James 3:14–18. So many Christians seem to delight in partisan defense of the truth. The more anger and selfish zeal, the better. Perhaps that’s why so many appeals for contributions picture the sender as the one existing barrier to corruption of the faith by other Christians, who are cast as conscious or unwitting enemies of Christ. It’s nice to get appeal letters like this. I don’t even have to pray about whether to give or not. I just toss them in the wastebasket. “Such ’wisdom,’ ” James tells us, “does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.” “The wisdom that comes from heaven” James 3:17–18. James’ comments on wisdom are intended to promote self-examination. I may use the principles to evaluate appeals for contributions. But the really important use of these principles is to help me evaluate my own attitude in various situations. If I sense “bitter envy” or “selfish ambition” in my heart, I’m in no condition spiritually to make a wise or godly decision. And I am definitely in no condition to teach others! But if my understanding and application of Scripture has led me to a grasp of truth that makes me “pure; then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere,” then-perhaps-God intends to use me to teach.

DEVOTIONAL

Whip-Cracking Time(James 3:1–6)

He walks confidently into the cage. Nervous lions and tigers perched on stools watch him with veiled eyes, now and then roaring, or slapping at him with outstretched paws. Then, when the lion tamer seems about to lose control, he cracks his whip, and the beasts settle back or perform their tricks on command. One of the most important things we need to learn as Christians is to recognize situations in which you and I need to crack the whip, and keep that wild and unruly tongue of ours under control. Here are a few typical ones. One of your friends comes up and says breathlessly, “Did you hear about Sally Price? I understand she. . . . ” You open your mouth, about to tell what you’ve heard—and it’s whip-cracking time! Gossip is definitely a no-no. A young friend comes to you for advice. You try to help him think the issue through, and give him some biblical perspective. You’re not sure he’s going to do what you think is wise, and you’re about to tell him what he’s got to decide—and realize it’s whip-cracking time. You know he has to be responsible for his own decisions, and that you need to give him room to make them. Your spouse has put the dishes in the wrong space in the cupboard, again! You know he’s trying to help, but this is the umpteenth time he’s gotten it wrong. You feel yourself getting angry, and you open your mouth—when you realize, it’s whip-cracking time. Men! You smile, glad you’ve got a husband who’s willing to at least try, and remember that men are constitutionally incapable of figuring out where dishes belong. Everyone’s so enthusiastic, you get carried away too. You’re just about to commit yourself to going along with the gang when you stop. It’s whip-cracking time. You’d better not make a decision till you have time to think about it! These are just a few of the situations where that wild and unruly tongue is likely to carry us away before we even stop to think! Learning to recognize such situations, and taming our tongue, is vital for our growth toward Christian maturity.

Personal Application

Learn the value of remaining silent when you most want to talk.

Quotable

“The best time for you to hold your tongue is the time you feel you must say something or bust.”—Josh Billings