Irmela

Q23. (James 4:6-10) Verses 7-10 contain 10 different commands. Be subject to God Stand firm against the devil / Resist the devil Come close to God Recognize that you are a sinner Get your soiled hands clean Realize that you have been disloyal Purify your hearts of your spiritual adultery Be deeply penitent and grieve Let your laughter be turned to grief / Let your mirth be turned to dejection and heartfelt shame for your sins Humble yourself before God Why are these actions so vital? Writing the commands out like I have above makes one see that it is vital to look at our lives and grieve over where we have failed and come for a cleansing to Christ (come close to God) and thereafter be subject to Him by no longer wallowing in sin, no longer committing spiritual adultery. When evil / sinful thoughts come (that's where sin starts) resist them (that actually means resisting the devil) and remain humble before God. We know we cannot do this alone so it is important to remain close to God and in this way we stay humble. In what way do they go against our nature? In general people are prone to be independent. Right from little you hear the words from a toddler even "I can". "I do it alone". Here we learn to let go and let God. Be subject to Him. Give your will over to Him. Which of these commands is most difficult for you? It is letting go of the guilt that is so overwhelming after examining oneself and then realizing how I have indeed failed God. That would almost be like finding it difficult to getting ones soiled hands clean. I really am working on that. Christ's forgiveness is enough. I am truly grateful to Him. It reminds me of the gesture of washing of hands to prove ones innocence in a situation. Matth 27:24 Pilate washed his hands in front of the crowd, thereby claiming innocence of the blood of a just man.

Q22. (James 4:4) Why does James refer to church members as "adulteresses"? What does the adultery consist of? Who is the aggrieved husband? What is wrong with friendship with the world? The 'Church' is the bride who is betrothed to Christ. When the members of the church then flirt with the world, or turn their back on Christ and live in the world itself, then they commit adultery and are adulteresses. The Amplified Version puts it as "unfaithful wives having illicit love affairs with the world". The aggrieved husband being Christ. Friendship with the world is enmity with God. It is being God's enemy.

Q21. (James 4:1-3) Is God against pleasure? What's wrong in living to increase one's pleasure? No I don't think God is against pleasure as such, depending upon the definition of pleasure. Worldly pleasure is definitely not something that is a gain in one's life. Selfish pleasure neither, specially if it is to the detriment of a fellow human being. Where are one's eyes when our pleasure is increased. Is our focus still on God. I am reminded of the words a song writer (James Rowe) penned: Earthly pleasures vainly call me, I would be like Jesus. Nothing worldly shall enthrall me, I would be like Jesus. Be like Jesus this my song in the home and in the throng, Be like Jesus all day long, I would be like Jesus. This too is my desire.

Q20. (James 3:17-18) With what tool do peacemakers sow peace? Why does this produce a ripening crop of righteousness? In whom does this crop grow? The tool used by peacemakers is humility, which is characteristic of WISDOM. Humility, swims as it were, in love. So looking deeper into the picture, at the heart of humility is LOVE. The characteristics of this WISDOM, among others are; peace loving, courteous, considerate, gentle, compassion. This is righteousness. God's will is that there is love and peace among us. That there is harmony. As the peacemakers continue in humility, the fruit that is reflected soon has an inspiration on those around (the actual original trouble makers) The situation can get reversed.

Q19. (James 3:13-16) In what ways are "bitter envy" and "selfish ambition" (verse 14) direct opposites of "humility" (verse 13)? How does denial of "bitter envy" and "selfish ambition" prevent healing? How does boasting about these prevent healing? Humility is a characteristic quality of true wisdom, whereas bitter envy and selfish ambition leads to superficial wisdom, which is unspiritual and can even be described as develish or demoniacal. Denial of selfish ambition and envy leads to unrest, disharmony and rebellion and is definitely not a condition where healing can take place. Boasting about this envy and ambition shows one is false to the Truth and stays in that condition and cannot get set free. Not so long ago I witnessed just how evil this envy and ambition can be. Two young boys (9 yrs of age) came in from the field. They were always striving to be the best (be it the best runner, catcher, kicker of the ball etc.) Suddenly they grabbed each other, punching and kicking and squirming like snakes on the ground. It was horrific to see. It could really be described as demoniacal. Only healing can help those young boys.

Q16. (James 2:20-26) How does James' point about the necessity of works jive with Paul's emphasis on salvation by grace without works (Ephesians 2:8-10)? James points out that works are the outcome (proof) of faith. Alternately put : When you have faith, works will follow. If there is no works then that faith is dead or non-existent. Abraham's actions showed that he had faith. Rahab's actions showed/proved that she had faith. Faith is shown to be genuine by what you do, by your works. Paul points out that we are saved by grace through faith and that it is a gift of God. Nothing that we did or didn't do brought about this salvation. He then adds or explains further that we are God's workmanship to do good works. So both are saying the same thing from a different angle. After you are saved by grace through faith, good works will follow. (The good works do not save you).

Q15. (James 2:18-19) What is the difference between the "belief" of a demon and the "belief" of a practicing Christian? The "belief" of a non-practicing Christian? The belief is possibly very much the same but what that belief does is different. The belief makes the demons shudder or as some translations put it "fear and tremble" and that's where it ends. The belief of a practicing Christian fills him with love towards God and a desire to serve Him, to obey Him, to worship Him, to live for Him fully and completely. The "belief" of a non-practicing Christian does bring out the fear and awe of God but it is as if they are still tied up into non-activity. Almost as if pushing everything into the background, silencing the desire to be active and really living for the Lord. Cords of selfishness, deafness and blindness are wound around them.

Q14. (James 2:15-16) To what degree are we responsible for the poor and needy in the church community? How about our responsibility for those outside the church, in the community at large? A very good question. Also a difficult one to answer. It is very hard to work around this one. I have a loved one living in not so fantastic conditions. We have tried to get them out from there, but it is more than that which is required . . . the people need to also desire to come out of those conditions. I am afraid that many are in fact like that. From reading responses one gathers that in many countries it is like that. Many are in those conditions (not born into them) but chosen to live in them and then it is hard to get out of. Much easier to live by hand outs from churches and different societies. Easier to get the dagga and other substances, in not so good living areas. I have recently read Louis Zamperini's testimony and again it showed clearly that CHOICE plays a big part. Coming back to the question of whose responsibility the 'genuine' poor and needy are? (Very hard to know who fall into this category) I feel we need to really be led by the Spirit as to where and in what measure we can best help. Be it in 'teaching how to fish' 'giving out the fish' 'giving the tools for the fishing' 'encouraging to fish' This responsibility would be among family, church community, community outside the church, and then at large. The responsibility of those entrusted to us is not to be neglected.

Q13. (James 2:14-18) In what sense is faith dead if it is unaccompanied by action? In what sense might (if that were possible) it be alive? There needs to be an effectiveness of Faith to show in any way that it is indeed alive. If my testimony to Faith in Jesus Christ does not produce the character, attitude and commitment of Him, then it does not have any value or effect. That in essence means that Faith without action is dead. Practical Faith is visible through the newness/ the change it brings into believers' spiritual lives. One can say that deeds are the evidence of our faith.

Q18. (James 3:7-8) Read Matthew 12:34 and 15:18. In light of these verses, why is the tongue untameable? What has to happen before it can be tamed? The tongue is untameable because it says what is in the heart. It is an overflow of the real "hidden" you. Before the tongue can be tamed the heart needs to change. Much has been said and described in the answers and this is basically what it boils down to, . . . the heart needs to be regenerated for the tongue to come under control.

Q17. (James 3:1-2) Why does James discourage people from aspiring to be teachers of the Word? Why is greater strictness appropriate? Should you set higher standards for your pastor than you do for yourself? I might be wrong but I too feel that it is sooner that he cautions them about being teachers of the Word. The responsibility is so much greater. Yes, strictness would be a good word to use. You need to be much more strict on yourself and your family in how you handle matters as all eyes are on you. The what you do and how you handle things just as much as what you say and how you interpret happenings. No. I feel the standards are the same, because in your own surroundings, i.e., your workplace and home you are the "teacher" without the titles. There you are being watched with eagle eyes, how you handle situations. What you say and do matters just as much to your little "flock" as what the teachers of the Word say and do to the ones they have been given to care for.

Q4. (1 Corinthians 16:22) Whom does Paul curse in this verse? Whom does he invite to come quickly? Why, do you think, Paul looks forward so much to Christ's coming? The Amplified translation puts it in such a way, that it does not sound like Paul is cursing them, or placing a curse on them but saying that whoever does not love the Lord - does not have a friendly affection for Him and is not kindly disposed toward Him - he shall be accursed. He invites our LORD to come quickly. Yeshuah our Messiah He genuinely loves Him and is looking forward for the trials of this life to be over. He is looking forward to be with Christ.

Q3. (1 Corinthians 16:8-9) What does it take to continue to minister in the face of opposition? Why does opposition nearly always accompany success? In what way does this require spiritual warfare? When we are certain that we are where God wants us to be at a certain time, very often we will meet with some kind of opposition. This can come in varying forms. Throughout it all we need to remain firm/steadfast in prayer and take a stand remaining in His perfect will. Opposition nearly always accompanies success because the devil knows his time is short and he does not want God's work to be expanded and more people coming to Christ and leaving the kingdom of darkness. Satan will thus use his forces to try and trip up the work and thus spiritual warfare will have to be entered into to continue the work assigned to us at the time.

Q2. (1 Corinthians 16:4-7) What does Paul's wording, "if the Lord permits" teach us about making plans? Why is planning without this mindset actually arrogant? It teaches us the importance of centralizing our life on God's will. Yes, it is important to plan things, but to realize at the same time that the broader picture is seen by God and He might just include or remove some things from those plans, for a more appropriate or riper time ahead. Planning without this makes it look like we know exactly what is going on all over the place and this is definitely arrogant as we are not all knowing (we are not God), we do not know if we will still be there at the time or have died.

Q1. (1 Corinthians 16:2) What does this teach us about regular giving? About proportional giving? About planned giving, rather than last minute giving? Firstly the collection for the relief of the saints was something the congregation knew about. They had pondered about it. It was not suddenly thrown into their laps. The suggestion is made that everyone gives in proportion as he is able. Do it on a regular basis and keep it one side. Plan what you will give and then live the balance of the week with what you have decided for you and your household. This can also be seen to live honorably and not cheat and take from what you have decided to give. So I understand it to be a prayerful exercise and not an emotional last minute decision to impress and try outgive your rival (there should not be one) It should all be done as unto the Lord.

Q5. (1 Corinthians 15:58) Why do we sometimes get discouraged serving the Lord? What does this exhortation contain to encourage and motivate us? I personally feel that discouragement comes when we take our eyes off the Lord and look to man. It is not for man that I labour but for God. Keeping that in mind and then we are assured our labour is not in vain. If a cup of water given to someone can be seen as doing this for the Lord, then there is so much that can be taken as being done for the Lord. So if the mundane tasks, such as dishes, sweeping, wiping snotty noses etc., are seen as being done for the Lord then we know our labour is not in vain. That smile and cuddle at the end of the day and then even later on God's approval when we get to come before Him, will truly be WORTH IT ALL. The Hymn writer has put it well: { instead of just seeing it as a race see it as the things we do for the Lord (our labour)} It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus, Life's trials will seem so small, when we see Christ. One glimpse of His dear Face, all sorrows will erase So bravely run the race Till we see Christ.

Q4. (1 Corinthians 15:51-52 ) What does this passage teach us about Christ's coming? In what ways does it encourage us? Before this passage Paul reminds us that flesh and blood (that which is alive, as we know life) cannot be partakers of eternal salvation and inherit or share in the Kingdom of God; nor does the perishable, that which is decaying (that which no longer has life in it, which is dead), have a share in the immortal. Now what!!!!!!! Here it comes. The MYSTERY REVEALED!!!!!! The trumpet will sound when Christ comes again . . . everyone will hear it . . . In the twinkling of an eye / in a moment . . . the dead in Christ will be raised imperishable (free and immune from decay) . . . those still alive at the time will also be changed or transformed (the body that is susceptible to decay, will be replaced into an imperishable body) . . . we will now be able to say "Death where is your victory? where is your sting?" No longer can it do anything to us. In the passage of 1 Thessalonians 4 we read that those who are dead in Christ will rise first and then those who are alive will join them instantaneously to meet Him in the air. mortal will put on immortal perishable will put on imperishable

Q3. (1 Corinthians 15:24-28) What does this passage teach us about the subordination of the Son to the Father? How can that be consistent with the doctrine of the Trinity? The Son has a role to fulfill and will do this as Messiah (subject to God the Father), reigning over the Kingdom, and when all enemies , the final one being Death, are destroyed, and all things are subject to Him then He will also become subject to the ONE (GOD THE FATHER), Who had originally put all things under Him,(God the Son). When you look at a crystal/diamond. Holding it up to the light, different colors reflect. It is still the exact same diamond just looks different as you turn it. Just so, God still remains God, be it in the role of Father, Son or the Holy Spirit. He is still God.

Q2. (1 Corinthians 15:3-7 ) What is the core of the gospel according to these verses? Paraphrase it in your own words based on this passage. According to what the Scriptures foretold, Christ the Messiah, died for our sins, was buried and rose again on the 3rd day. There are many witnesses to this fact, as He, the risen Christ, appeared to many.

Q1. (1 Corinthians 15:1-2) In what sense is our salvation dependent upon us continuing in faith? Why is the doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints important for us to understand? In Romans 3:23 we find that indeed all (not some) have sinned and fall short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives. In Romans 3:24 a way out of this situation is provided, in that ALL (again, not some) are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, . . . . . ... how is this done or accomplished . . . . .... freely by His GRACE through the REDEMPTION which is provided in CHRIST JESUS. In Romans 3:26(b) He justifies and accepts as righteous him who has true faith in JESUS. I think that what and how others have answered and the above Scriptures are enough to support that continued/true faith is needed for salvation and that it is indeed a GIFT and not received because of anything an individual does or accomplishes in life.

Q4. (1 Corinthians 14:39-40) In your particular congregation, which parts of verses 39-40 are most needed in order to bring your congregation into a biblical balance? I am not anywhere in a congregation at present, but have been in the past where tongues, interpretation of tongues and words of prophecy, were exercised. In the beginning the meetings were blessed. Unfortunately something was allowed to enter and what was fine and good, became not so fine and good anymore. Quenching the Spirit needs to be avoided at all cost. I pray for God's leading. I so need to become part of an assembly again.

Q3. (1 Corinthians 14:26-33) How are Paul's instructions to those who speak in tongues in verses 27-28 similar to his instructions to those who prophecy in verses 29-32? How do they differ? How might we hold meetings today that allow for the Spirit to inspire spontaneous contributions to the gathered people? To the speaking in tongues in the assembly, it should only be if there is an interpretation, or explanation of what is said. Also only two or at the most three. To those who prophesy, it should also be two or three and the rest should pay attention and weigh and discern what is being said. Both the tongues and the prophecy are under the speaker's control and subject to silence if necessary. God is not a God of confusion but a God of order and peace. The tongues uttered and prophecy spoken will interlace with the message spoken and often be a confirmation or broadening out of what God is saying through each one.

Q2. (1 Corinthians 14:5-25) Paul does value speaking in tongues. What does its value seem to be according to verses 2, 4, 17, and (perhaps) Romans 8:26-27? How are the Corinthians abusing speaking in tongues? Speaking in an unknown tongue does not necessarily edify the congregation present, but it is as if things are spoken to God (hidden secrets). Maybe deep hurts or truths, not exposed to man but which the Spirit understands. The person speaking in the tongue is edified. Singing praise or thanks can also be done in tongues, without necessarily it being interpreted. From my own experience I can testify that it is as if something is released from you and you feel lighter afterwards. That is almost spelled out in Romans 8:26 &27. The Corinthians from the sound of what is said, seem to be using the speaking in tongues, without interpretation, in their gatherings and whether someone is preaching at the time or not. It is not used wisely and for edifying of the assembly.

Q1. (1 Corinthians 14:1-4) What is the value of prophecy over tongues, according to verse 4? What does prophecy typically do to benefit the church, according to verse 3? One who speaks in a tongue, builds himself up and one who prophesies builds up the community. Prophecy tends to : Build up or strengthen; encourage or urge the church on; comfort or uplift the church.

Q4. (1 Corinthians 13: 8b-13) Why is it important to Paul's argument to contend that even the greatest spiritual gifts will become obsolete? Why does he stress the permanence of love? At present there was squabbling among them about which gift was the greatest. Paul wanted them to realize that it was not that important, the time would come and all of the gifts but one would become obsolete. God is LOVE. That is where we will abide . In the presence of Love. LOVE remains permanent.