THE GENERAL EPISTLE OF JAMES

(THE EPISTLE OF JAMES THE APOSTLE TO CHRISTIAN ISRAELITES IN DIASPORA)

STUDY NOTES TO BE USED WITH THE STUDY OF EPISTLE OF JAMES MESSAGES

(MP3 MESSAGES CAN BE LOCATED IN THE “GOSPEL MYSTERY” SECTION)

CHAPTERS 1 – 5: THE WISDOM TO LIVE THE NEW LIFE

“Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.”

James 1:18 KJV

……., seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:”

Colossians 3:9b-10 KJV.

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: And with all thy getting get understanding.”

Proverbs 4:7 KJV

This first thing to note is the anglicisation “James”. The names of the four children of Mary born after Jesus were Jacob (ya‘aqōḇ, Yacov), Joseph, Simon and Judas which were rendered “James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas” (Matt 13:55) in KJV.

The second important thing to note, is that this epistle is directed at Christians amongst the twelve tribes of Israel, in their local synagogue setting. Similar to the audience of Peter’s epistles. These instructions are set for those who have become samples and specimens of the new creation life: what is the wisdom of God to live this life on day to day basis. What wisdom is it that builds a peaceful, healthy and robust spiritual community of faith, a local Gospel mystery community? That is the subject of our study.

Thirdly, this epistle of James (Jacob) outlines the spiritual challenges experienced in the life, home and ministry of the believers in an average local assembly and the wisdom of God to overcome such. The resulting victory produces a flourishing holy assembly abounding in Christ’s Love.

Fourthly, James (“the Just” – as reported by Josephus, the Jewish historian) preached a “gospel of fulfilment” of the Law in Christ. Israelite believers to him are “Israelites indeed”. In The Gospel we find perfect fulfilment of the Law in Christ. So, while Christ is the end of Law unto righteousness, yet in Christ every title and jot of the Law is fulfilled. The word of God becomes the perfect Law of Liberty. Antinomianism has no basis is Scripture.

JAMES CHAPTER 1: WISDOM, WEALTH, WORD & TEMPTATIONS

{“The secret to a life of wisdom is in “doulos” relationship with the LORD JESUS. We are then dependent on and trusting in the LORD and oblivious to our social and financial status and we are victorious over temptations. By His indwelling grace we are doers of the word…….for He is at work in us, both to will and to do of His good pleasure.}

1 (a) James 1:1 – GREETINGS

James described himself as “δοῦλος” “doulos” meaning a male slave or bond man of the Lord Jesus Christ (despite being his one time earthly brother). It is in this relationship that a man finds perfect freedom and liberty in the Spirit.
The Gospel which the first century saints received established Jesus as LORD and CHRIST in their lives from the first day ( Acts 2:36; 10:36; 19:5,6). Yes, He is our Saviour, but the purpose of our salvation from being slaves of sin, is now to become slaves unto God’s Righteousness personified in Jesus Christ (Rom 6:16-18).
Our struggle today to trust and obey the word of God, is because most of us know Him only as our Paschal Lamb and Saviour, Deliverer and Sanctifier and Healer etc. But none of those relationships work optimally outside His Lordship and Kingdom over our lives.
James was writing to the Jews in diaspora, the Jews in dispersion.
Where were these Jews : regions of Babylon, Syria and Egypt and beyond into the West. These Jews had their beginnings amongst those who were converted in Acts 2:9-11, who came from the nations and regions listed in that passage. (1 Peter 1:1)
The scattering of the Jews was divinely designed to be the gathering of all nations. [Psalms 112:9; 2 Corinthians 9:9]

James 1:2-27- THREE MAIN THEMES: WISDOM, WEALTH, WORD & TEMPTATIONS

1 (b) James 1:5-8 WISDOM (CHRIST IS MADE THE SURE FOUNDATION)

“Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”

1 Corinthians 1:20-25 KJV

“For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.”

Colossians 2:1-4 KJV

“My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up in you the power of endurance. And then as your endurance grows even stronger, it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.”

James (Jacob) 1:2-4 TPT

God’s wisdom is what we need most in our present times.

1 Corinthians 1:20-25 KJV – “V 24….Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.”

Colossians 2:1-4 KJV -“V3… Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

Just as the Father gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ and Christ is our life, so also Christ is our source of wisdom. Christ in you, the hope of glory.
And this grace is received by faith …. not by any worldly method. (Mark 11:23; Mathew 21:21)
LET US THIS AS THE FOUNDATION OF OUR STUDY: CHRIST IS ALL AND IN ALL

1 (c) WEALTH

Vs 9-11

The definition of wealth in the community of believers should be that which exalts the poor and humbles the rich.
The rich like bloom flower in the pursuit of their wealth fade away (Isaiah 40:6-8; 1 Peter 1:24).

1 (d) WORD & TEMPTATIONS

Having started by this introduction of himself as Jacob (James), son of Mary and Joseph, he also described himself as a love slave of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Vs 2-4; 12-21 – TEMPTATIONS

Trials and temptations are invaluable for they make us seize opportunities to practice virtue
Teach us that we are pilgrims in this present world, we must seek the City whose architect and builder is God, and thus set our affections on things above, not on things here below ( Col 3:1-4)
Our enduring inheritance is in the hereafter
Make us to become more like Jesus and learn to depend more on God’s mercies
Vs 4 – Entire : wholesome, undeformed (of sacrificial animal)
Vs 12 – Crown of life (Isaiah 28:5; cf: 1 Peter 4:12-14)

1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10; 2 Timothy 4:8; James 4:4)

Vs 13-15 – Trial and temptations used as moral discipline to train us unto patience and Divine discipline (Vs 2-4); versus: temptation which is “soul destroying enticement to evil” (Vs 13-15) . Distinguish between the two!
Vs 18 – begat He us ; Lit “brought He us forth”
Vs 21- superfluity of naughtiness ( 1 Peter 3:21)

1 (e) Vs 18, 22-27 – THE WORD

Who is the Word and why He is effective (John 1:1-5, 14)
What is the word John 6:63 (see possible misunderstanding of John 6:53-58)
Vs 18 – Not only our original creation but also our new creation finds provenance in the word.
Vs 21- The word has to be eaten and assimilated, engrafted
Vs 22-25 Being a doer of the word and the mirror analogy.
Anyone who hears only but does it not; rather choosing to live in sin is a self deceiver.
Vs 25 – Law of Moses considered imperfect because in respect of permanent atonement and holiness of life, it only produces human failure and guilt. The Gospel is in this respect the perfect Law of Liberty, because there is a Divine Provision to fulfil it in and through Jesus Christ, who lives His Life in and through me.
Vs 26-27 Evidence of doing : tongue control, love, koinōnia & sanctification.
Perfect religion ( Matt 25:20; Mark 7:5-8)

WORKSHOP – 1

Why is the Lordship of Christ over our lives essential?

I(b)Trial and temptations used as moral discipline to train us unto patience and Divine discipline; versus: temptation which is “soul destroying enticement to evil”. Distinguish between the two!

What should be our attitude to wealth and temptations?
Who is the Word, what is the word and how does the word work?

EXHORTATION

Proverbs 8:10-36 (Note Vs 15-17, 22-24, 34-36)
1 Cor 1:24,30

-Christ is made the sure foundation

Provenance of the wisdom of Solomon: 1 Kings 3:5-14
Faith of Jesus Christ : Gal 2:16,17,20

-Christ is not a minister of sin : will not tempt you with sin

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JAMES CHAPTER 2: THE SUPERNATURALLY NORMAL CHRISTIAN LIFE

{“Faith without works is dead. Our supernaturally normal Christian life is effective when there is mutual acceptance without dissimulation and we work out our salvation and faith, with fear and trembling, by our good deeds….}

This is not a doctrinal epistle. It focuses on life, conduct and practices, duties and responsibilities as well as trials and temptations. James revealed Faith of Jesus Christ being the perfection of Old Testament Judaism and the state of being in Christ who is our wisdom. The indwelling Spirit of Christ is the premise of our righteousness and therefore the fulfilling of the Law.

Chapter 2 covers

Position discrimination: This first subject is the most potent weapon of Satan against the Ekklēsia. Disunity is the only reason we are unable to crush his head in our times.
Provision for the poor
Practice of Faith by actions

James 2:1 – 26 : WEALTH, FAITH & WORKS

2 (a) James 2:1 -13– DEALING WITH WEALTH & LACK

Vs 1 – Aramaic Lit “Don’t be taken in by the face mask of the people, but hold to the faith in the glory of our Lord Jesus the Messiah.” Don’t let us favour one group above the other.
The Lord of glory (John 17:5)
This admonition is applicable to every type of categorisation. (Gal 3:26-28; Eph 2:18-22; Col 3:9-11)
Vs 2 – Differential synagogue treatment of the wealthy versus poor is only used as example

– The only NT application of the word “synagogue” to a local Christ’s Assembly. Because they were not manifesting the Ekklēsia, which is those called out to come together as representatives of every segment of society and nations, yet they are ONE! The people had a tendency to sit together according to rank or race or trade.

Vs 3,4 – Aramaic Lit “Sit on the floor before our footstool”; today we say, “sit at the back..” because you are in a filthy, shabby garment.
You make yourselves ‘evil thinking judges’ .
vs 5-7 – This despises those God has chosen as heirs of His Kingdom and heirs of His Promise and honours the oppressor rich who also blasphemes God (1Cor 1:27-28; 1 Cor 11:22)
These same rich drag you before the courts and oppress you (Stockholm Syndrome)
Vs 8-13 Discrimination and dissembling makes transgressors of the Law (Gal 2:11-12, 18-21)
Vs 10,11 – whosoever keeps the law and yet offends on one commandment or precept is guilt of all.
Vs 12,13- He who shows no mercy will be judged mercilessly

2 (b) James 2:14 -26– FAITH vs WORKS

Vs 14- 17 Faith without works is dead as illustrated in treatment of the hungry destitute

– Faith without acts of faith is but a dream. “Works” here means taking action on the faith, not “meritorious works”.

Vs 18-20 – “Show me your faith without your works and I will show you my faith by my works.
Demons too believe in existence of God, but tremble and shudder with terror! – Aramaic Lit “They writhe on their bellies in the dirt.”
V 20 – vain – “ conceited” (Raca : Matt 5:22)
Vs 21- 24 Abraham the father of faith (Gen 15:6), worked the works by presenting Isaac to God for sacrifice on the altar. We are made right we God by what we do not by faith alone.
Abraham by taking action when tried with Isaac’s sacrifice was justified because he took action, he was therefore made perfect- “accepted”
God counted the faith which was enacted by action as righteousness
Vs 25-26 – So also did Rahab the harlot risked her life for the Israelite spies. Therefore faith without works is a spirit-departed corpse.

WORKSHOP – 2

V 1 – What are the “face masks” that influence the old carnal man?

I(b) Vs 2-13 – What other perspectives of categorisations have you observed in the global Body of Christ?

James preached a Gospel of fulfilment. Discuss.
Faith without works is worthless. Discuss

EXHORTATION: DISUNITY IS TRANSGRESSION (James 2:1,11)

•Galatians 2:11-21

-Any form of discrimination builds what Jesus pulled down

Eph 2:14-18

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JAMES CHAPTER 3: WISDOM IN SPOKEN WORD

{“Don’t seek to be a teacher in the church if you can not tame your tongue. A little member that sets a forest ablaze. True wisdom is from above and bears the fruit of the Spirit while creating peaceful, healthy and robustly spiritual communities.}

James 3:1 – 12 : THE FIERY TONGUE & SPEECH

3 (a) James 3:1 -12– THE FOUNTAIN OF THE FIRE: THE TONGUE

Vs 1 – Don’t be eager to be a teacher in the church because you will be judged more strictly and held to highest of standards (Mathew 7:1-5; 23:8-10).
Vs 2 – We all make mistakes or stumble or fail in many areas yet keeping the tongue demonstrably proves maturity and therefore ability to keep the whole body in check. Self control is first demonstrated by tongue control.
Vs 3-5 – “If now” horses are controlled by bridles and mighty ships by tiny rudders, so is the tongue like a little flame that kindles a forest blaze.(V5 -“a matter” is better Gk “a forest” )
Vs 6- The tongue Greek lit. “is a world of wrongdoing” capable of defiling the entire body, “whole sphere of life”, and by projection, the entire Body of local believers.
Vs 7 – Every nature of beasts, birds and of creeping things and of the sea has been tamed by nature of man.
Vs 8-12 Virtually all animals in the animal kingdom have been tamed by man; but not so with the tongue.

-We Bless God and curse men with this spring of sweet and bitter, salt water and fresh; this fig tree which bears olive. The tongue is a vine that bears figs.

3 (b) James 3:13 -18– THE PURE, PEACEABLE, GENTLE WISDOM

Vs 13 – A wise man lives well with understanding and humility demonstrated by his good works.
Vs 14 -16 Twisting the truth and boasting in envying or rivalry or strife is vain glory which is unspiritual (V15 – “sensual or “animal” ) and demon like behaviour. Envying and strife brings confusion and disorder and sorts of cruelty and evil which divides and weakens the Assembly.
Vs 17-18 Wisdom which is from above however bears all the fruit of the Spirit. A peaceful, healthy and robust spiritual community is sown by the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with respect, dignity and honour.

WORKSHOP – 3

V1,2- It is unwise to seek to be a teacher in the church or seek leadership before maturity as demonstrated by control of the tongue. Discuss.
Vs 3-12 The tongue is a tiny flame that sets a large forest into a mighty blaze. Discuss
Vs 13-18 What type of wisdom do we need to build a peaceful, healthy and robust spiritual community. How do we establish such a community?

EXHORTATION: UNCTION & UTTERANCE IS FROM THE LORD

Moses : Exodus 4:10-13;
Jeremiah Jeremiah 1:4-10
The good teacher is first a permanent learner
Since May 2022 – Study of Henry Hon’s three books
The fool is a servant of his tongue

-Proverbs 10:19-21

PRAYER

The tongue was created to be an organ of praise : How do you use yours?
LORD let nothing proceed out of my mouth that is not from the Spirit of praise and worship unto You!

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JAMES CHAPTER 4: LUST, TRIALS & TEMPTATIONS

{“Carnal lust of the indwelling carnal Old Man begets infighting and civil wars and spiritual adultery through love of the world. Repent and turn to the Lord, judge not rather surrender your life and your tomorrow to God; and do good …(Note vs 8).}

James 4:1 – 10 : THE OLD MAN, HIS LUSTS & MAN-SOUL WARS

4(a) James 4:1 -10 – THE LUSTS & WORKS OF THE FLESH

Vs 1 – The quarrels and wars in the local assembly originate from the indwelling Adamic nature – the old man, self, the carnal base nature.

– “ your members” are your constituents of the soul: mind, emotions, will, intellect and other organs of sense and action; thoughts in the mind processes into a thought schemata (a mental structure – mentality or cognitive perception and basis of response to every situation)

– 1 Peter 2:11; Rom 7:23- Is that your cry today ? Then:

– We recommend a good treatise of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified . A good teaching of New Creation Man as by Watchman Nee: Normal Christian Life.

Vs 2-4 This greedy and sick base nature, this lower nature covets and kills the other for what he doesn’t have. An adulterous nature which is friendly with the world. (1 John 2:15-17)
Vs 5 – ( NKJV, NCV, NLT, TPT, MSG, CEV, AMPC) “The Spirit that God made to live in us wants us for Himself alone” NCV {KJV ancient English translation of this verse could be easily misunderstood) “The Spirit which He implanted inside us yearns tenderly for us and jealously wants us for Himself alone.” – Col 3:3-4 – The Spirit of Christ wants to be in us and we in him walking after Him and living our lives in the Spirit, that is, in Him – Gal 2:20
Vs 6-10 – (V6- Prov. 3:34) Grace is available to overcome temptations of the flesh if we draw near to God in humble penitent repentance (John 3:14,15; Numbers 21:8,9; Gal 2:20)
V 7 – 8 Romans 6:11-18 – The key to victorious living is to submit and yield into God as bond-servants of righteousness and allow Him to live His life in us. This is our practical, active resistance of the Devil: to allow the the Cross to be at work in us, outworking the new live. We overcome him by the Blood and our Testimony. The Devil is a personality (Matthew 4:1-11)
V 9-10 – Whatever is need for genuine repentance and turning to the Lord which produces this state of brokenness, DO IT! . V10 – A repentant, broken and contrite spirit, God will not despise ( Psalm 51).

4(b) James 4:11 – 17– DIVINE SOVEREIGNTY & PROVIDENCE

Live the New Life demonstrably: Don’t backbite, Don’t judge & Don’t boast

Vs 11 (TPT) The original language is in the sense of addressing brethren in a family : the family of God, the Ekklēsia (Leviticus 19:18)

– V11 – “speak evil” – backbite (Rom 1:30; 2 Cor 12:20)

Vs 12 – We must leave for God and give unto God, all prerogative of Judgement, Similarly Divine Sovereignty over our future and Divine Ownership of our lives as well as our tomorrow. Do not omit to do good today procrastinating, for that is sinful.
Vs 13-14 – Our plans like Joshua’s three day ultimatum to cross Jordan must first be based on Divine commission and direction.
It is foolish to make plans independent of God, for what is your life?
Vs 15- Say Deo Volente
V16- “Boastings” same word as “pride of life” 1 Jn 2:16
Vs 17 – Inconsistency is a sinful sin. Act on what you know. Actioning our faith and declaration of God’s glory is more effective than apologetics and epistemological proofs for example of God’s existence.

WORKSHOP – 4

V1-4 – Who is Mr Flesh and how does his lusts manifest? What are the worldly values which Christians flirt with that places them as odds with God? Love of this present would system is enmity against God. (1 John 2:15-17) Discuss.

Vs 6-10 – What happens when we see the Cross? (John 3:14;15; Numbers 21:8,9; Gal 2:20). Godly sorrow unto repentance is requisite to make this happen (2 Cor 7:8-11) Discuss.

In what ways do we judge one another and forget our own frailty and transitory nature and thus omit to do good?

EXHORTATION:

RICH MAN WITH UNINSURED SOUL

Luke 12:16-21

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JAMES CHAPTER 5: MAMMON, TEMPTATION & INHERITANCE IN THE SAINTS

{“Mammon makes people heartless and nourishes their hearts nice and fat for slaughter. As brethren in one family, learn to discern the Body of Christ and avoid internecine or fratricidal warfare….(Note vs 8).}

James 5:1-11 THE OPPRESSIVE AND ABUSIVE RICH

5 (a) James 5:1-11

Vs 1 – This relates to the man who trust in riches. Demonic torment is the lot of those who depend on Mammon rather than God! He is addressed as being outside of the Ekklēsia!
Vs 3-4 Your garments, gold, silver and treasures are all corrupted and are fire stoked in hell for you on the day of judgement because the cries of your exploited labourers has reached the Lord of Sabaoth, the Almighty God.
Vs 5-6 In order to live in stupendous opulence, you have condemned and slaughtered the innocent, for filthy wealth. You are fattening your soul for day of slaughter ( Vs 5- You’ve turned yourself into “Xmas turkey” for Mammon). Physically these men feed fat.
Vs 7-11 On our own part brethren, we must be patient for the LORD’s parousia. We are not to turn against one another in order not to share in the judgement. ( Early rain Oct – Feb ; Latter rain March – April)
V8-9 Be patient and grudge (complain not)
We cannot please the LORD unless we find our rest in Him with established hearts (Luke 12:45-46; Heb. 4:1-12). Rest agents:
Personal revelation of Him and the riches of His glory
Continuing communion with God
Active membership and service unto Him in the Body of Christ
V9 – Particularly since we belong to the same Family, Christ’s Ekklēsia.
V10-11- The ancient prophets who prevailed are the ones we count blessed; such as Job who in the end, saw the full tenderness and faithful care of the Lord (Exo. 34:6; Psa 86:15) The LORD has an end in sight but His ways often don’t lend themselves to our understanding.

It is clear that there is a wealth which comes as a blessing and adds no sorrow to it. (Prov 10:22). Such as have this blessing, are in the Lord and they do not contest His Divine Sovereignty and Divine Ownership.

James 5:12-20 MINISTRY IN THE LOCAL CHURCH

5 (b) James 5:12-18 : DISCERNING THE BODY OF CHRIST

Vs 12- Do not swear – Matt 5:33-37
Vs 13-18 “Are there any believers in your fellowship suffering great hardship and distress? (TPT)
v 13- Praise is our medicine for happiness. Prayers is our weapon against affliction. (Luke 18:1; 1 Cor 14:14,15)
v 14-15 Prayers by the elders with oil to anoint for healing; as prayers remit sins unto forgiveness in the fellowship of the Body (1Cor 11:17-32)
v 16-17 – Confess your faults, follies, offences and sins to one another and pray for one another; the prayer of a righteous man carries supernatural effect. Elijah’s great exploit in Israel in the three year drought and subsequent rain exemplifies our greater potentials in Christ.

5 (c) James 5:19-20 : PASSION FOR SOULS

Vs 19- Do not let go of an errant brother; pursue his conversion and restoration. (Psalm 32:1)
Vs 20 – We thereby pluck a soul from eternal death in hell and bring about atonement through the Blood of Jesus for the many sins he has committed. Can you see that our labour for redemption of mankind starts in the Church? ( We are always so anxious to convert the world, aren’t we?)

WORKSHOP – 5

V1-6 – Why and when and how do riches become cankerous? (Prov 10:22; James 5:1-6)

See TPT notes on James 5:15 ( Gk. κάμνοντα “kamnonta” “being sick,”, from “Greek ‘Kamnos’ means ‘those who are weary and are worn down” Not sometimes translated to English as ‘disease’ or ‘sickness’. While it is right to translate it as such, TPT links 5:15 to 1 Cor 11:18-32. Do you understand why? Discuss in depth.

Do you have passion for souls? How do you carry the burden for souls, especially for those in the Family of God, both in the local assembly and beyond. What does it mean to discern the Body of Christ ? Also where does our labour to establish righteousness in our nation start from? ( We are always so anxious to convert the world, aren’t we?)

EXHORTATION:

James 5:15; 1 Cor 11:18-32

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WORSHIP SERVICE : SUN 13 NOV 2022 – 10:00 Hrs (GMT)

CHAPTERS 1 – 5: THE WISDOM TO LIVE THE NEW LIFE

WISDOM, WEALTH, WORD & TEMPTATIONS

SUNDAY MESSAGE

APPROPRIATING THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD OF GOD

MEMORY VERSES:

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”

James 1:5-6 KJV

“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”

James 2:26 KJV

“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”

James 4:17 KJV

APPROPRIATING THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD OF GOD AND DOING IT

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”

James 1:22-25 KJV

“And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, and saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: and so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.”

Luke 5:1-11 KJV

There are many people in utter confusion pressing on Jesus to hear the Word of God, to seek a way out, to seek for deliverance from their confusion, oppression and calamities.
Whether a man believes in God or not, he cannot stop his heart in its ceaseless quest for its maker….
Where are the fishermen of our time …. …..?
That Jesus came to you and I, is only a matter of Divine mercy and privilege not merit : there are two ships: He will never leave Himself destitute of a Remnant.
The reason Jesus Christ came to us like this, this past week is that we thrust out a little more : in life and in service inside the Vineyard
Launch out into the deep brothers and sisters: deeper connection with Jesus; deeper love; deeper discipleship relationship with Him; and deeper zeal for His service especially fishing for men….as fishers of men…..
There is need to take instruction from Him to do things according to His Pattern…
“We have toiled all the night” ( note any time we are not following the pattern is night time!)
“We have caught nothing” because we have not followed the Pattern… we have failed to pay close attention to Jesus in the Pattern we have deployed to work in …….
The power of “Nevertheless….at Thy word……” Governments ,World Economy, The global Church, local frustrations, personal frustrations, difficulties, despondency etc …. NEVERTHRLESS….
“And when they had this done” You too must have THIS that He says to you done
“ Multitude of fishes…..” There shall be showers of blessing …….. We won’t have enough space…we will fill our churches and spill over to others …
REPENT NOW……. And follow Him……His Pattern………….

CLOSING PRAYERS

Dear LORD, grant me a good ground in my heart to receive the seed of your word, understand it and appropriate it, such that it bears manifold fruit in my life.
Say it to the LORD now; “NEVERTHELESS at Thy Word…….. I will……”

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