Todays Lesson on Tuesday: Grumbling, Groaning, and Growing When is the Second Coming? Why are we still here? It’s not surprising that now, in the 21st century, we have doubters and scoffers. In the history of the church, this is nothing new. The most dangerous threats to Israel throughout its history came not from their enemies but from within their own ranks and from within their own hearts. Likewise as the coming of the Lord approaches, we have far more to fear from within than from without. . . . The unbelief indulged, the doubts expressed, the darkness cherished, encourage the presence of evil angels, and open the way for the accomplishment of Satan’s devices.-Ellen G. White, Last Day Events, p. 156. Therefore James 5:9 warns us, Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. What grudges or grumbles against others, or even against the church, have you had (and maybe at times with good cause too)? The question is, How have you handled them? With meekness, humility, and forgiveness, as you have been forgiven by God (see Luke 7:39-50) or by worldly standards? Be honest with yourself! From what we have read earlier in this epistle, it seems that there were serious challenges among the believers, including favoritism (James 2:1, James 2:9), evil surmising (James 2:4), and evil speaking toward one another(James 3:10, James 4:11), envy (James 3:14), quarrels (James 4:1), and worldliness (James 4:4, James 4:13-14). Consistently, James directs us to deep solutions to these problems: faith (James 1:3, James 1:6), the implanted word (James 1:21, NKJV), beholding the law of liberty (James 1:25, James 2:12, NKJV), single-mindedness and godly wisdom (James 3:13, James 3:17), grace (James 4:6), and clean hands and a pure heart (James 4:8). He also insists that there be outward expressions of God’s inward workings (James 2:14-26), including visiting the afflicted and forgotten (James 1:27), showing mercy (James 2:13), and sowing peace rather than discord (James 3:18). Ultimately, we are accountable to God; the One to whom we must give account is the Lord who is the Judge and who will give to everyone according to his work. As we wait for the Lord’s return, what are positive ways you can encourage and uplift others? Why is it important that you do so?
Posted on: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 05:38:20 +0000
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