Welcome back to the Fall 2023 Teaching Series!
This week we will continue with our study of James and delve more deeply into Spiritual Warfare. As Bible believing Christians, we shown numerous examples of God’s people fighting evil that exists in this world. With the attack on Israel last weekend, we see this pure evil playing out in our modern day. Israel in many ways has shown great kindness to the people living in their region, but with this attack, it is now their time to fight. And as Christians, it is our time to stand behind them in this war and trust God’s people will again be protected.
We are all in a spiritual war right now. In addition to seeing this on a global scale, many are also seeing it on a personal level with debilitating illness, addiction or one of many other forms of earthly physical issues. We need to open our minds to the teachings in the Bible that so often have historically been glossed over. We will continue to do that this week:
Reading His Word: Study of James – Chapter 2
Prayer: Armor of God Prayer added based on scripture
Ministries: Introduction to Spiritual Warfare: Ing, Richard, and to Angel Armies: Releasing the Warriors of Heaven: Sheets, Tim
James – Chapter 2
Please begin by taking time to click on the link and read or listen to James 2 NIV (biblehub.com).
The Book of James continues to call us to account for our behaviors. The early verses speak to judgment of others based on their appearance, showing favor to those who appear more polished or potentially in a position of power. While further demeaning someone who appears to be in need.
“My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.”
James 2:1 NKJV
The scripture continues, calling out our judgment as being from “evil thoughts.” All are in need of Christ’s salvation, and He sends us, His disciples, to bring His love to all! If we are passing judgment first, how can others see Christ’s love?
We learned last week that poor are blessed and will receive the kingdom of heaven. Think about it. The less we have, the more humble we are able to be. Through our humility, we create space for God to work in our lives. We are all sinners. We all fall short, breaking God’s law.
“For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
James 2:13 NKJV
When we are merciful to others, God will be merciful to us! No other person’s sin is greater than our own. We have all broken God’s law and need to repent of our own sin.
The second element called out in this chapter is the need for good works that support our faith.
“faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
James 2:17 NKJV
Scripture continues by reflecting on the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his only son as commanded by God. God saw what was in Abraham’s heart and his willingness to follow God’s plan for him at all cost. Abraham’s action displayed his faith in God!
“”Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.”
James 2:23-24 NKJV
Opening our hearts, trusting and acting as God directs brings us closer and closer to God, building our direct relationship with God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Closing the chapter, scripture speaks of Rahab. She was a prostitute, having sin in her life for all to see on the outside, yet she was justified in her actions for protecting God’s messengers. The reality is, we all seek to be justified in our actions, even though we live with sin in our lives. We may have sin that is less visible on the outside, but sometimes, that is worse. Sin leads to a hardening heart and a hardened heart is unable to show mercy and compassion, as we are called to do by Christ.
This week, continue seeking the Lord in prayer. Remember, God desires to bless those who seek Him and work to follow His ways. God already knows our sin. Embrace that knowledge and seek His help to do better. God loves our work to increase our faith and He will be right there with us, working through it together!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Your Word in the Book of James. Please give me wisdom to see areas I have judged unfairly and give me Your understanding instead. Identify opportunities in my life to do good words that will bring glory to Your name. Please give me peace as I open my heart to You and am honest about my own sin. Keep my confident that my sin does not prevent me from being righteous in my actions. May I too be called Your friend.
Thank you, Lord. In Jesus Christ’s name I pray.
Amen.
Prayers
This week there is one prayer being added to the site, based on:
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints – and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”
Ephesians 6:10-20 NKJV
Heaven is real. The devil is real. There are numerous scriptures in the New Testament with spirits and demons harming humans. There are numerous scriptures of angels being sent with messages to help and angels fighting in battle on behalf of God almighty. To continue to grow in God’s wisdom, we need to open our minds and our hearts to these realities. We need to allow God to teach us the meaning of these scriptures and seek His wisdom to take action in new ways, His ways!
Ministries
Spiritual Warfare: Ing, Richard is a compilation of teachings from Dr. Ing’s Deliverance Ministry. He has traveled with his wife throughout the world, identifying, battling and teaching others to do battle spiritually.
The devil continuously creates cheap knockoffs of God’s great creation. This book details some of the strongest and most common evil spirits that impact our wellbeing daily, here on earth. My mind opened, reading the stories of evil experienced in other nations and the counteraction of God’s love, grace, mercy and healing. If you are unfamiliar with the experiences of spiritual warfare faced by international ministries, consider reading Spiritual Warfare: Ing, Richard and expand your understanding of how God works in supernatural ways.
Angel Armies: Releasing the Warriors of Heaven: Sheets, Tim educates the reader on the purpose and operation of these supernatural beings. Viewed as a great student and minister at Oasis Church in Ohio, Tim has been receiving messages regarding heavenly Angel Armies and ways we are to work together to bring God’s kingdom to earth.
Supernatural power is included in scripture, and we need to understand it operates the same way today! There are many who believe in evil supernatural power, including: fortune telling, card reading and other forms of witchcraft. This book helps us better understand God’s supernatural power, as worked through His Angel Armies. The more we experience pain, suffering and instability in our world, the more important it is for us to understand the spiritual elements working on our side for the glory of God! Be encouraged to read or listen to Angel Armies: Releasing the Warriors of Heaven: Sheets, Tim and begin learning how God wants to expand on actions from the Bible to address modern day world situations!
May we all seek and find greater understanding of God’s glorious kingdom!
To God be the Glory!
Amen.
Published: 10/13/23