Sunday School Lesson
July 3
Lesson 5 (KJV)
THE WORD BECOMES FLESH
DEVOTIONAL READING: John 1:1–14
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: John 1:1–14
JOHN 1:1–14
1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2. The same was in the beginning with God.
3. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
6. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
10. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
11. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
13. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
KEY TEXT
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.—John 1:3
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Identify “the Word.”
2. Explain the respective missions of John the Baptist and “the Word.”
3. Identify one way he or she can continue the mission of John the Baptist—and make a plan to commit to it.
HOW TO SAY IT
Incarnation
In-kahr-ney-shuhn.
logos (Greek)
law-goss.
synoptic
sih-nawp-tihk.
Introduction
A. Caring in Person
I enjoy nearly every aspect of ministering in local churches. Visiting church members remains a special task. During some visits, I might drink tea with a longtime church member as I ask about the person’s walk with Christ. Other visits might be during less than happy circumstances—I might visit a church member in the hospital and pray for his or her healing. A church member once told me, “I didn’t fully understand how much you cared, until you came.”
My in-person ministry to the individuals in my church demonstrated my love for them. Scripture tells of God’s love for His people. The extent of His love has been and still is being demonstrated for the world to see.
B. Lesson Context
The beginning of John’s Gospel is unlike that of the three other New Testament Gospels. Matthew’s Gospel begins with a genealogy and the birth narrative of Jesus (Matthew 1:1–24), Luke’s Gospel begins with two birth narratives (Luke 1:1–2:21), and Mark’s Gospel skips straight to Jesus’ adult ministry (Mark 1:1–20). But the introduction to John’s Gospel differs dramatically.
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called “synoptic” because of their similar perspectives on recounting the person and work of Jesus. John’s Gospel stands apart from the others as the writer stresses Jesus’ divine identity as the Son of God and Messiah (John 20:31). The introduction to John’s Gospel draws the reader’s attention in referring to the eternality of the Word of God.
Throughout this week’s Scripture text, John makes reference to “the Word” (John 1:1, 14). By using this designation, John is actually reflecting philosophical and rhetorical concepts common in his day. Specifically, John’s use of the underlying Greek word for “Word”—logos, from which we get our English word logic—reflects the ways philosophers tried to make sense of the world. Pagan philosophers used the term to address the ways the pagan gods communicated with the cosmos and the created order. For pagans, the concept of “the Word” was an attempt to make sense of the world and the animating forces therein.
However, John upends the pagan expectations. Instead of a distant animating life force or an obscure connection to supernatural “reason,” John applies the concept of the Word to the eternal God of Israel. This God is the one through whom all creation came into being. This God has revealed himself specifically to His creation.
That John would repurpose a concept used by pagan philosophers makes sense considering the context and audience of John’s Gospel. The Gospel was likely composed in the second half of the first century by Jesus’ own disciple John—“the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 21:20). This was the disciple who “testifieth of these things, and wrote these things” in the Gospel (21:24).
In addition to this Gospel, John the apostle—not to be confused with John the Baptist (see commentary on John 1:6–8, below)—also wrote the New Testament epistles of 1, 2, and 3 John and the text of Revelation. We might assume that John wrote his Gospel to appeal to a broad audience, Jew and Gentile. If these were the collective audience of his Gospel, then John’s emphasis on repurposing pagan philosophical concepts would be understandable; these communities would be familiar with such ideas.
I. The Eternal Word
(JOHN 1:1–5)
A. Being with God (vv. 1–3)
1a. In the beginning was the Word.
John begins his Gospel with the same words that introduce the Hebrew Scriptures: “In the beginning” (Genesis 1:1). In both accounts, this phrase highlights that God is eternal—He exists beyond our limited understanding of space and time. The concept of the eternal God, who existed before creation, needed no further introduction for John’s audience (see Hebrews 1:10; Revelation 4:11).
1b. And the Word was with God.
Not only is the Word eternal, but the Word also coexists with God. In this sense, the Word shares in God’s nature in a distinct way (compare John 1:1c). John highlights the close relationship between the Word and God (10:30; see also Matthew 3:17).
1c. And the Word was God.
While God the Father and the eternal Word are of one and the same nature, they are also two distinct persons. The Word shares the same nature as God the Father (Colossians 2:9) but operates in unique ways (see Hebrews 1:1–3; 1 John 4:14).
John had to stress that the Word is equal to the eternal God of Israel. Therefore, the Word has the same attributes as God, specifically eternality and divinity (see John 8:58).
2. The same was in the beginning with God.
John concluded the introductory text by again referring to the eternal nature of the Word (see John 1:1a, above). The nature that characterizes God the Father also has characterized the Word since the beginning.
3. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
John transitions from a discussion on the nature of the Word to a discussion on the work of the Word. The Word is creative and personal. Genesis tells how God created by His word (see Genesis 1:1–31; Psalm 33:6). John applies the idea to the work of the eternal Word in him making all things. As the Word coexisted with the Father, the Word is the source of life; and through the Word, all things came into existence (see 1 Corinthians 8:6; Colossians 1:15–20; Hebrews 1:2–3).
PROOF OF IDENTITY
After years of saving, my wife planned to take our children to Europe. In the weeks leading up to the trip, I helped ensure that all important details of the trip were addressed. Among the most important was the location of our children’s passports. Before the trip, I placed the passports in a safe location—or so I thought.
From the second airport, where my family was to connect for their international departure, I received a panicked phone call from my wife. During check-in for that flight, she realized that she held my passport rather than our son’s. We spent the next 24 hours scrambling to prove our son’s identity. Since my wife and our kids were already halfway across the country, we needed an expedited passport for our son! Because we could quickly prove our son’s identity, the trip continued as planned.
John’s Gospel begins with a proof of identity. The Jesus who would teach people and do miraculous works was also eternal with God because He was (and is) God. We can trust His teaching because His identity tells us He speaks the words of His heavenly Father. What prevents you from declaring Jesus’ divine identity to others?
—R. O.
B. Light in Darkness (vv. 4–5)
4. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
The Word of God did not simply create life, but life preexisted in him by nature of the Word’s relationship with God the Father (John 5:26). The substance of life is more than physical, for in the Word is found eternal life (see 1 John 1:2; 5:11–12).
In bringing light into the world, the Word contrasts with the world’s darkness. In this regard, John speaks of spiritual light (see John 3:19–20). Jesus connects himself with the nature of this light (see 8:12; 12:35–36). The spiritual light is available to the whole world (see commentary on 1:9, below), but not all people would receive the light (3:19–20).
5. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
The Word became a spiritual light for all people who would receive the Word. Again, John expands on the creation account and God’s creation of light by the power of His word (see Genesis 1:3).
Darkness might specifically refer to people who have resisted the Word. They experience spiritual blindness as they willfully live in the darkness of their evil (see John 3:19). However, darkness could also refer generally to the status of the world as a whole (compare 12:46; 1 John 2:8; 17). John could be referring to both possibilities. The two types of darkness could occur simultaneously but would not diminish the role of God’s light.
The darkness comprehended … not the scope of God’s light. On the surface, John seems to be saying that the darkness failed to achieve a level of knowledge of God’s light. However, the phrase might also allude to the way the light is overtaking the darkness, in the same way that darkness might “come upon” a person (John 12:35). Both ideas are concurrent—as God’s light overtakes darkness, the darkness is unable to understand fully the extent and power of the light.
What Do You Think?
What areas of a believer’s life might especially need God’s light to shine?
Digging Deeper
How might darkness affect the relationships between believers (see 1 John 2:7–11)?
II. The Human Witness
(JOHN 1:6–8)
A. Sent by God (vv. 6–7)
6. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
John transitioned to describe the man who would turn out to be the earthly forerunner to the Word. As this forerunner was sent from God, this man served as a prophet to the ministry of God. Old Testament prophets served a similar role as they proclaimed God’s will to His people—even when the people refused to listen (see 2 Chronicles 24:19; Jeremiah 7:25–26; 35:15).
This prophet, whose name was John, is not the apostle who wrote the Gospel, but John the Baptist (compare Matthew 3:1; Luke 7:20). As a witness to all who would hear, John the Baptist came before the incarnate Word of God to prepare the hearts of all people for the Word’s arrival (see Luke 1:15–17).
7. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
John the Baptist came into the world with a God-given commission: to bear witness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the world (see John 1:19–34). Before John the Baptist was tragically murdered (Matthew 14:1–12), he served as a herald declaring the coming of the Messiah. Many of Jesus’ own disciples came to follow Him after hearing John’s witness (John 1:35–42).
What Do You Think?
How might you bear witness to your neighbors of God’s light of salvation?
Digging Deeper
How can believers maintain a faithful witness when God’s light is rejected by others?
B. Testified to the Light (v. 8)
8. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
As John the Baptist spoke regarding the Light of God, some people thought that he might be the promised Messiah (see Luke 3:15–18). At the time of the composition of John’s Gospel, some people apparently still held to that belief. However, the Gospel dispelled that misunderstanding. John the Baptist only gave witness to that eternal Light (see John 3:28).
III. The True Light
(JOHN 1:9–13)
A. Rejected by Some (vv. 9–11)
9. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
Even though John the Baptist’s witness illuminated the hearts of his audiences, the Word of God is the Light for humanity. Truth implies accuracy and veracity (see John 19:35). However, as the Gospel uses the word in this specific instance, true emphasizes the light’s authentic nature as being from God. (Compare the usage of the same word in John 4:23; 6:32; 15:1; 17:3.)
The true light has come into the world and has been revealed to every person. Those people who receive the gift of Jesus Christ will live in the light of His salvation (see John 12:46).
10. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
John described a sad irony related to the coming of the true light. While that light made the world and dwelled in the world, not all people accepted Him. In John’s Gospel, “the world” can refer to the entirety of planet Earth (see John 21:25). However, it can also refer to the world’s rebellion in hostility to God and His Son (see 7:7; 15:18–19; 16:20; 17:14; 1 John 2:15). Either possibility could be understood as the object of John’s observation. Despite the creation of the world by the Son of God (Colossians 1:16), many people in the world knew him not.
What Do You Think?
How might believers recognize and know God’s presence in their lives?
Digging Deeper
To what extent does creation reveal God to the world (see Psalm 19:1–6; Romans 1:20)?
11. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
Since the true light, the Word of God, created the world and was in the world, the world and the people therein are considered his own. Therefore, when He came to the world, it was as its originator and possessor. However, the reception was less than welcoming, even from the people most intended to accept Him.
In this verse, John’s Gospel looks at the totality of Jesus’ earthly ministry. From the standpoint of several decades after Jesus’ ascension, John reflects on the nature of that ministry. The reality was that Jesus’ own people—the children of Israel—received him not; nor did they recieve His message of salvation. In this sense, the words of Isaiah were fulfilled: Jesus was “despised and rejected” (Isaiah 53:3) and He became “the stone which the builders refused” (Psalm 118:22; see Matthew 21:42–44).
B. Accepted by Children (vv. 12–13)
12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.
Despite the sad reality that many people rejected Jesus as God’s Son, many others received Jesus and His testimony to God’s eternal life. As a result, these people received God’s grace (see John 1:16–18). Further, they came to know God the Father all the more clearly as they received His Son (see Matthew 10:40).
Power indicates the ability to do something (see John 19:10–11). But the underlying Greek text can be translated as “right” (Hebrews 13:10; Revelation 22:14), and that is the sense in this verse. God gives the power (see commentary on John 1:13, below) for believers to claim the right to a new identity.
This new identity that believers claim is that of sons and daughters—the children of God. As people accept Jesus, believe in Him, and follow His teachings, they experience new birth into the family of God (see John 3:3–8; 20:31).
13. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
The new family identity happens by virtue of birth, but not a physical birth. John uses three negative phrases to stress that being born as children of God cannot be attained through physical procreative acts (compare John 3:3–7). No physical reality—the blood of a person’s ancestry, the desire of the flesh, or human will—can result in this new birth. Only through faith in “the word of truth” can a person be born into the family of God (James 1:18).
IV. The Only Son
(JOHN 1:14)
A. Dwelt with Humanity (v. 14a–b)
14a. And the Word was made flesh.
John previously stated that the Word—the true light—had come into the world (John 1:9, above). The nature of that coming into the world is now evident. The Word took on human flesh. This identifies the eternal, preexistent Word as the Son of God—Jesus Christ. Eternal life comes by salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of God (11:25; 17:3).
In the scope of John’s New Testament writings, the concept of flesh can refer to fallen human nature in contrast to the ways of God’s Spirit (see John 6:63; 1 John 2:16). However, it can also refer to a physical human body (examples: John 3:6; Revelation 19:18, 21). John’s usage in this instance regarding the Word refers to the latter. In ways mysterious yet glorious, the Word of God was made human and entered His creation (see 1 John 4:2).
This reality is the central component of the Incarnation, a doctrine that describes the Word of God becoming a human man in Jesus Christ. The details of the Incarnation are a paradox: the Word of God humbled himself to live among His creation (Philippians 2:6–8). This occurred as God sent His Son, born of a virgin (Galatians 4:4), conceived by God’s Spirit (Matthew 1:20). The how of the Incarnation is a mystery to the human mind. Despite this mystery, the result of the Incarnation is clear: salvation for humanity through God’s incarnate Son.
14b. And dwelt among us.
In the Incarnation, the Word of God did more than just come to earth. In Jesus Christ, the Word dwelt within creation. By describing the incarnate Word in this manner, John alludes to God’s presence—His dwelling place—in the tabernacle in the camp of ancient Israel (see Exodus 40:34–38; Ezekiel 37:27).
The same God who made His presence known in a particular way to ancient Israel has revealed His presence through Jesus Christ. God took up residence in the midst of His creation by taking on the same flesh and blood as humanity (Hebrews 2:14). As a result of this intimacy of relationship, God will be a Father, and His people will be His children.
B. Glorified by the Father (v. 14c)
14c. (And we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John includes himself as among we who beheld the glory of the incarnate Word of God. John had seen firsthand the person and work of Jesus Christ (1 John 1:1–4). He had also been among the closest of Jesus’ disciples who saw His glory firsthand (see Matthew 17:1–8; Mark 9:2–13; Luke 9:28–36).
In addition to providing proof of Jesus’ divine nature, the glory observed by John could only be ascribed to God the Father. The incarnate Son was able to receive (and show) this because He was the unique and only begotten Son of God (see John 1:18; 3:16, 28; 1 John 4:9). There is no other like Jesus!
As the unique and only Son of God, Jesus demonstrated the attributes of His Father for the world (see John 1:16–17). Through the Incarnation, God’s grace was made available to the world (Romans 3:21–24; Ephesians 2:7–8). Furthermore, Jesus embodied God’s truth (John 14:6). Through the incarnate Word, God’s truth has been revealed to all humanity (John 8:31–32; see Ephesians 2:15–17).
What Do You Think?
How might believers live in a way that reflects to other people the grace and truth of Jesus?
Digging Deeper
How do Ephesians 4:15 and 1 Peter 3:15–16 inform your answer in this regard?
DWELLING AMONG US
My graduate school professor and his family sensed God’s call to begin a new ministry in Memphis, Tennessee. Unfortunately, they faced trials during the transition. For example, they could not find housing in the new city. The ministry would not last if the family could not find a dwelling place.
When they did eventually find housing, the family could not help but worship God. They asked God to use their home as a place of peace in their new neighborhood. The family wanted to share in the same experiences of the community they were called to serve. They desired to show God’s love toward their neighbors. And they did.
The Son of God made the earth His temporary dwelling place; He moved into the neighborhood of humanity. He understands the human experience—even our weaknesses (see Hebrews 4:15)! As a result, humans have direct access to God through the Son. How will you live differently in light of Jesus’ having dwelt among us?
—R. O.
Conclusion
A. Embodied from the Start
So much of the work of ministering and leading a church requires in-person work. Meeting church members for fellowship, praying for them in the hospital, visiting families with newborns. These and other occurrences are commonplace in ministry and require physical presence. The central theme of the Christian faith required a similar kind of physical, embodied presence.
God extended His love and grace to humanity in an extraordinary way—the Word of God became flesh and dwelt within His creation. This act, beyond human comprehension, was an extraordinary gift of God’s embodied presence. In response, people can accept His gift with humility, gratitude, and faith. As a result of this gift, there is a change of identity to becoming the children of God!
God’s children are tasked with extending His love to others. In an increasingly “disembodied” human experience—demonstrated by the frequent use of smartphones and social media—God’s children can intentionally chose to love others by their physical presence! How will you love others by your presence in the days to come?
What Do You Think?
How does this lesson provide a deeper understanding of the basis of your faith in Jesus?
Digging Deeper
Who can you tell in the coming weeks the ways the Word of God has changed your life?
B. Prayer
Heavenly Father, You demonstrated Your love for us when You sent Your Son to live among us and be our light. Help us be attentive to the light of Your Son. Show us how we might reflect that light to our community. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
God’s salvation has dwelt among us.
July 10
Lesson 6 (KJV)
THE WORD HEALS
DEVOTIONAL READING: John 4:46–54
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: John 4:46–54
JOHN 4:46–54
46. So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.
47. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.
48. Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.
49. The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.
50. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.
51. And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.
52. Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.
53. So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.
54. This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.
KEY TEXT
The father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.—John 4:53
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Summarize the account of the healing.
2. Compare and contrast the concepts of faith and belief.
3. Suggest an appropriate action that follows right belief in Jesus.
LESSON OUTLINE
Introduction
A. Epidemics and Pandemics
B. Lesson Context
I. Request of a Father (John 4:46–50a)
A. Certain Official (v. 46)
B. Confident Interaction (vv. 47–50a)
Signs of the Times
II. Responses of Faith (John 4:50b–54)
A. Trusting Departure (vv. 50b–52)
B. Resulting Belief (v. 53)
Perfect Timing
C. Documented Miracle (v. 54)
Conclusion
A. True Healing
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember
HOW TO SAY IT
Cana
Kay-nuh.
Capernaum
Kuh-per-nay-um.
Galilee
Gal-uh-lee.
Galileans
Gal-uh-lee-unz.
Herod Antipas
Hair-ud An-tih-pus.
Judea
Joo-dee-uh.
Nazareth
Naz-uh-reth.
KID’S CORNER
Learning to Depend on Jesus
Sunday, July 3, 2022
James 4:11-17
James 4:11-17
(James 4:11) Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it.
Do not speak “evil” means exactly that. If someone does evil and breaks a law, it is not “evil” to tell the proper authorities so the victim can be helped, public justice served, and future abuse and crimes prevented. It is not evil for the proper authorities to punish someone who has been justly judged to have done evil. It would be evil for someone to do evil to pay back personally someone who has done evil to them. As Paul wrote in Romans 12:17, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all.” It is simply wrong to do evil, and the Bible reveals thoughts and behaviors that God considers evil.
In the church and in other places, it too often happens that some will gossip about others and speak evil about someone to make themselves feel better or to hurt, defame, or do other evils. Gossip and even telling the truth about someone with the wrong intentions is evil. Paul wrote about these same concerns in 2 Corinthians 12:20, “For I fear that when I come, I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish; I fear that there may perhaps be quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.” These are all examples of what can happen when people in the church turn from trying to live as Jesus taught and lived. These are examples of the way the world lives, and not even the worldly are truly happy speaking and living in these evil ways.
James warned, “Whoever speaks evil against another or judges another, speaks evil against the law and judges the law.” When someone speaks evil of another person or judges (condemns) another person (usually to hurt someone in some way, perhaps to defame them or make them suffer in public in some way), they are doing what is evil. When they do so, they are speaking “evil against the law” of God. They are judging that the law of God does not apply to them, that they are “above the law.” They think they do not need to obey the law of God because in some way they or the situation is “special.” Neither James nor Paul taught that it is evil to tell the truth about someone to report a crime or testify in a court of law or to help people as an act of love for them. It is not evil to uphold the law of God and try to help people by doing so.
James went on to write, “if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.” Some people judge others because they do not want to think about their own sins and failures. They are not doers of the law, but judges who condemn others—often condemning others for doing what they themselves do or wish they could do. If we judge that a law of God does not apply to us, we are condemning God and the law of God and not doing the law of God. We are simply a judge who believes he is greater than God or wiser than God (which of course is doing evil). Too many “this world” or “worldly” judges condemn God and the law of God by judging and saying our “man-made laws” or our “worldly laws” are greater than God’s law—the Law of Love. But as Paul wrote to Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:8, “We know that the law is good if one uses it properly.”
(James 4:12) There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor?
No matter what those of “this world” think or how much “this world” thinking invades the church and the minds of those in the church, only God is the Lawgiver and Judge who can both save and destroy. A human judge in a government can save (not condemn) or destroy (murder) someone physically (legally, but immorally), but they cannot do either spiritually. Human judges who judge or condemn God’s law will be judged by God, who is able to destroy them for the evil they do and have done to others.
Finally, there are some inside and outside the church who look for reasons to judge or condemn someone. They have set up rules or standards in their own minds that they expect others to live up to; then, they condemn, judge, or gossip about those who displease them—this too is doing evil.
(James 4:13) Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.”
James continues to warn us not to think we are wiser than God or God’s law. He warns us not to think that we can control our circumstances, plans, and ultimate destinies without regard to God—we can only do so for a limited time. Some think only of making and spending money and have no regard for God. The love of money has become their god. They make plans with no thought of God. Even in the church, some can fall into the temptation of doing things without going first to God in prayer for guidance and protection to do the right thing in the right way at the right time.
(James 4:14) Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.
Only God truly knows what tomorrow will bring and how long someone will live. A tidal wave, an earthquake, or a volcanic eruption can change us and the world forever. We never know when we might become victims of an accident, an illness, or some evil person. No matter how long we live or how old we are, by comparison to a tall mountain that erodes each year, our life is like “a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” Thankfully, as Christians, we live daily by the grace of God and no one or thing can take us out of the loving hands of God; so, we need to live in ways that show we truly believe the truth about God and reality when we make plans—remembering that Jesus has given eternal life to all who follow Him.
(James 4:15) Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.”
In humility, Christians need to always make plans and acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus Christ by praying to know and do the will of God in the power and protection of God. When we pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven,” we need to recommit ourselves to do the will of God here on earth as revealed in the Bible (see Matthew 6:10). We truly need to love God and our neighbor as the Bible teaches; if we do, we will not do the things James warns against in his letter. We will not make plans to do evil. We will want to do God’s will in everything and submit our every plan to God and request that God’s will be done.
(James 4:16) But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil.
It is common to hear those of “this world” boast of what they have done and what they will do, which often shows their arrogance, pride, and self-centeredness. Christians should avoid boasting because it is evil. Churches should avoid boasting, which is an arrogant way of saying, “Our church is better than your church,” which is evil. Christians and churches should always acknowledge that what good they have done has been done by the grace of God, by God’s loving power and will and not by their own strength. We should say, “We have only done the will of God” (see Luke 10:17).
(James 4:17) Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.
In this study, we have learned that the right thing to do is seek God’s will, pray that God’s will be done, and then do God’s will to the best of our prayerful understanding. We need to humbly trust in God and not make plans without consulting God. We must place our plans in God’s hands without complaint. We must not condemn or judge others or look for ways to condemn those who do not live up to our expectations or standards.
We have learned not to judge or condemn God or God’s law but do as the writer of Psalms 119:164-66 did when he wrote: “Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous ordinances. Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. I hope for your salvation, O LORD, and I fulfill your commandments.” In John 14:15-16, Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.” From our study of the whole Bible and the teachings of Jesus, we know many right things to do (and as we grow spiritually, we will learn many more right things to do—how to better love God and our neighbors, for examples). If we do not do the right thing that we know to do, we commit sin. With increasing knowledge comes increasing responsibility and more opportunities to serve Jesus Christ, those who know Him, and those who need to know Him.
Thankfully, if we sin and fail to do God’s will, we can confess our sins to God, begin doing the right thing with God’s help, and look for more right things to do. We can trust in the forgiveness of God and God cleansing us from all sin—all made possible by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ who lived, died, and rose again to save us from our sins and give us eternal life no matter how short our life is in this world.
Remember what Paul wrote to Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:15-17, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Jesus Christ came to save you and me, not condemn us—He is our example as we seek to save the lost by sharing the Good News of Jesus with them.
Remember what both Jesus and the Holy Spirit do today. They pray for all Christians all the time. They pray for all Christians to know the will of God and do the will of God with their help. These four verses should encourage you and help you remember what God does for you as one of His children.
First, Romans 8:26, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.”
Second, Romans 8:27, “And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”
Third, Romans 8:34, “Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.”
Fourth, Romans 8:37, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Learning to Depend on Jesus
Sunday, July 3, 2022
James 4:11-17
For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that (James 4:15—KJV).
Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that” (James 4:15—NASB).
Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wishes, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:15—NRSV).
James wrote to Christians. Obviously, we would never think of an unbeliever putting their plans before God in prayer and asking God to show them what He wanted them to do. James shows us that if a Christian is not careful, they can begin thinking as an unbeliever no matter how sincerely they began as a Christian. As a Christian thinks of their business or what they will do to earn a living, James encourages us to bring everything to God in prayer. Sometimes a Christian will hurriedly pray without thinking, “Lord, I am going to [fill in the blank], bless me.” James would have us pray, “Lord, if you will tell me your plans or show me what I should do, I will do it. Lord, I think I should do this or that, but I want you to help me decide what I should do, then I will do it with Your blessing and help.” Of course, we know what we should not do from reading the Bible, so we will not do that. We are praying for the Lord to show us what good things we can do. We are asking the Lord to show us what He wishes for us to do, to give us the power to do it, and to keep us from making mistakes. As we grow older, we learn to depend on Jesus Christ for everything, even what we once considered small things. We pray for help to safely drive down the street or walk to and from the mailbox without falling. We have learned that we can pray and totally depend on Jesus, so we entrust everyone and everything to Jesus.
Thinking Further
Learning to Depend on Jesus
Sunday, July 3, 2022
James 4:11-17
Name __________________________________________
1. How can you not judge as James wrote in James 4:11-12, and also do what Jesus said in Matthew 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves”?
2. How should someone make plans, do business, and make money?
3. What did James say we should think about when we make plans to do something in the future?
4. How can we remind ourselves to always say, “If the Lord wishes, we will live and do this or that”?
5. How might you encourage and help someone who tells you, “I know the right things to do but I fail to do them. I commit sins”?
Discussion
1. How can you not judge as James wrote in James 4:11-12, and also do what Jesus said in Matthew 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves”?
We can simply state what the Bible teaches about good and evil, belief and unbelief, sin and righteousness, without judging someone based on our personal opinions. We can simply pray and speak in ways that we hope will lead someone to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. We can teach and speak the truth in love as we love our neighbors as ourselves and as Jesus Christ has loved us. Based on the Scriptures, we can discern false teaching from the teaching that comes from God. In talking to others, we can share the truth of the Bible and show where false ideas are wrong and why we should not believe in or follow people with false teachings. We can pray that false prophets will repent and turn to the truth and true faith in God. We can pray that none of God’s people will be harmed by those who are as ravenous wolves, and we can avoid and teach others to avoid them.
2. How should someone make plans, do business, and make money?
With prayer to the Lord Jesus for His guidance and protection, with complete submission to Him and His will in all things. In every plan, we ask the Lord to show us His will, while we show the Lord our commitment to do His will. We make plans and do business with the understanding that we love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength and that in all our business dealings and efforts to make money we love our neighbor as ourselves (being just and fair to all concerned). Rather than love money or make our supreme goal the making of money, we make our supreme goal serving God and serving others in our all our business dealings. We can pray that we are good examples of a Christian business person in all our dealings and consider the will of God supremely in making all our plans.
3. What did James say we should think about when we make plans to do something in the future?
We should think about submitting our lives and wills to God’s will, because God is the Supreme Ruler over all creation and our lives are in His hands. When making plans, we should always think about and pray and wish only that God’s will be done. We should think about and pray to know the will of God and ask God for the power and wisdom to do His will.
4. How can we remind ourselves to always say, “If the Lord wishes, we will live and do this or that”?
We can remember that our lives are short, as a mist that vanishes, and consider the consequences should our lives be shortened or changed.
5. How might you encourage and help someone who tells you, “I know the right things to do but I fail to do them. I commit sins”?
Remind them of the Good News of Jesus Christ, who gave His life to forgive them for all their sins, to cleanse them from all unrighteousness, and to give them eternal life because He loves them and has made them children of God by grace through faith in Him. You can always turn to the Bible and remind them of all God’s precious promises, such as, 1 John 1:7-9, “But if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Word Search
Learning to Depend on Jesus
Sunday, July 3, 2022
James 4:11-17
S M I M L J Z X N E J N H Y V
R F S K A E P S V L A C V C F
A Z A E T C S I K G W F E L N
E S X W F D L U N F X K A P F
P Z S Y M K W I S W U W I O L
P W P E X I T Z L E G A Y H S
A T M D N S S O K I J L X E N
L O L O A I R T V N E K G E S
T M D O N D S E S H B D I U E
V O B Q T E R U K P U G F Z H
H R M C W O Y P B J H A P T S
E R F P U L D G K B C L F Y I
K O J Z N V M A O A K S J O N
Q W V C W I F R Y Q V R T D A
E U L P V Z S A I D P W B O V
Speaks
Judges
Lawgiver
Neighbor
Today
Tomorrow
Business
Money
Mist
Appears
Vanishes
Lord
Boasting
Evil
Sin
True and False Test
Learning to Depend on Jesus
Sunday, July 3, 2022
James 4:11-17
Circle the True or False answers. Correct the False statements by restating them.
1. Do not speak evil against someone unless they really deserve it and have hurt your feelings. True or False
2. When you speak evil against someone, you have judged them to deserve the evil you speak against them. True or False
3. When you speak evil against someone, you speak evil against the law, and judge that the law of God is not worthy to be obeyed. True or False
4. If you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law. True or False
5. If you desire to make money, God will bless all your plans. True or False
6. Everyone has the power to go wherever they want and stay there as long as they want if they have enough money. True or False
7. James wrote that we should say, “If the Lord wishes, we will live and do this or that.” True or False
8. It is arrogant to boast about what you are going to do, and boasting is evil. Boasting does not show dependence on God. True or False
9. No one knows what is right; therefore, no one can do what is right.
True or False
10. If you know the right thing to do and fail to do it, you commit a sin that can never be forgiven. True or False
True and False Test Answers
- False
- True
- True
- True
- False
- False
- True
- True
- False
- False
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You demonstrated Your love for us when You sent Your Son to live among us and be our light. Help us be attentive to the light of Your Son. Show us how we might reflect that light to our community. In Jesus’ name. Amen.