hanks

Q6. (1:22) Why are we so easily fooled into thinking that listening to Bible teaching means that we are living out righteous lives? What is the nature of the self-deception? Perhaps we have become too complacent. We must be very careful that we don’t think we are Christians just because we go to church, we read the Bible, and we pray. I think it is this danger that James is anxious to warn us about. We must guard against ‘merely listening’. Mere listening is of little benefit. Of course, listening is good but it should not stop there. We can go from sermon to sermon, always listening but never able to acknowledge the truth (2 Tim 3:7). We must not only hear or read the Word, but we should be striving that the Word is not only understood but that it is also being written on our hearts (Jer 31:33). There should be visible spiritual growth in us, as we no longer seek to serve only ourselves, but we are bearing fruit for our Lord (Col 1:6). We can so easily deceive ourselves unless our increasing knowledge of the Word produces a corresponding increasing likeness to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We should cultivate a hunger for the Word and allow it to change our lives for the better. Someone said, ‘there is a difference between reading or hearing the Bible and growing in grace’.

Q5. (1:18) In what sense are we given spiritual birth by the "word of truth"? What does spiritual life have to do with the Word? “He chose to give us birth” – Here we read that God saved us by His own free will. We must remember He was not forced to do it by any merit in us, and that His love to us was unmerited, un-bought and unsought. It is by this spiritual birth we become His children - a relationship that can never be changed since a birth can never be undone. How did this happen? We read further: “Through the Word of truth” - the Bible is the instrument of the new birth. In every genuine case of conversion, the Scriptures are involved, whether orally or in printed form. We need to hear the word of truth, the gospel. “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them (Rom 10:14)? Apart from the Word, we would not know the way of salvation. Indeed, we would not even know that salvation was available! The Word is the mighty weapon which the Holy Spirit uses to bring light and life to men in darkness and death. It is the Word of God alone that is the instrument of our new birth: Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ (Rom 10:17). It is them up to us to repent and put our faith in Jesus Christ as our Saviour. It is the Word alone which tells us the truth about God, man, sin, heaven, hell, repentance, faith, life and death, and many more.

Q4. (1:5-8) What is the promise to claim in verse 5? What is the condition attached to this promise in verse 6? How do trials help us receive this wisdom? We are promised that we can obtain wisdom to endure trials joyfully, all we need to do is ask and it will be given generously. We all lack wisdom during these times but we do not always see our need to ask God. We sometimes forget that we don’t have to face these trials on our own, and that we need to turn to our Heavenly Father for help knowing that He loves and cares for us. We can ask Him how to understand this trial from His perspective; what is God’s purpose; how to get through this trial; how can these trials help us grow in maturity? We cannot have faith and at the same time doubt. When we have faith we don’t doubt, and when we doubt we have no faith. We read in Heb 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him”. Faith not only believes that God exists, but it also trusts Him to reward those who diligently seek Him. Whenever we need wisdom, we can pray to God, and He will generously supply what we need. Christians don't have to grope around in the dark, hoping to stumble upon answers. We can ask for God's wisdom to guide our choices. The wisdom we receive will enable us to live obediently in the midst of trials. We remain focused trusting in the LORD with all our heart and not leaning on our own understanding; in all our ways acknowledging Him, and He will make our paths straight (Prov 3:5-6). And at the same time: “He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD (Psalm 112:7).

Q3. (1:5-8) How do trials help cure us of "double-mindedness"? How do trials help us grow in faith? We have to approach God in faith; there cannot be any doubting. If we begin to doubt His power or goodness, we will have no stability in times of trouble. He must be our anchor during these times. From His promises we know He loves and cares for us, and that nothing is impossible with Him. By studying His Word, we learn general principles that we can apply to any daily problems that may arise in this world. We learn that God’s will is to protect all who belong to Him, so wicked forces can never touch our salvation (1 Pet 1:3-5), but they can lead us into sin and ruin our fellowship with Christ. Trials help us to turn to His word and to prayer. It is during our prayers that we ask for wisdom to solve our problems or trials, this will be given liberally, but here it is crucial that we ask in faith and without doubting. Spiritual wisdom is the practical application of our Lord's teachings to everyday situations.

Q2. (1:13-15) Why do people blame God for evil? Does God tempt us with evil? Does He tempt sinful people with evil? Why does He allow people to sin? Why does He allow evil to exist at all? We sometimes seek to avoid all personal blame when something evil befalls us, and lash out and blame God. In His Holiness He stands way above evil. We cannot blame God for the evil we do, as He hates evil and will not do what He hates, and therefore will not lead anyone astray. No, God does not tempt people, whether believers or sinful people (we are all sinners). We read in scripture that Satan is the one who tempts us; he is called the tempter (Mat 4:3; 1 Thess 3:5). Instead, we must ask God to keep us from falling into temptation and doing evil deeds, by praying as Jesus taught us “… And lead us not into temptation" (Luke 11:4b). God allows us free choice to sin or not to sin. This sin comes from within us, from our old, evil, fallen, and unregenerate nature. God did not create the world in its present state. Evil came as a result of the selfishness of man. We are our own downfall. Jesus Himself said “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander” (Matt 15:19). God is a God of love, but genuine love cannot exist unless freely given – we can decide to accept or reject God’s love. This choice made the possibility of evil becoming very real. God does not disclose His reasons for allowing evil to exist at all. Rather, He calls us to trust Him, and He promises that one day every tear will be wiped away, and that pain and suffering will be no more (Rev 21:4).

Q1. (1:2-4) What value have trials had in your life? Have you let Satan destroy you with those trials? Or allowed God to refine you? How have you changed? I have been tested and although at the time they were very trying; it is later on reflection that I realized our Lord was strengthening my faith. God permitted them for a good reason. Besides the fact that my faith was tested and grew, I was taught to endure and stand up against all sorts of hardships. I’ve read that God cares more about our holiness than our happiness, but also that our Heavenly Father is faithful and will not allow us to be tested beyond what we are able (1 Cor 10:13). With the help of the Holy Spirit, I have withstood Satan, whose aim is to weaken, deceive, and lead us astray; if God is for you, who can be against you? By allowing these various trials God is successfully busy chipping away at all my unholiness, ugliness, pride, and disobedience; refining me by making me more and more like our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (1 Pet 1:7). I praise Him for the way He has guided me, every step of the way, through my life. I have never doubted His motives and I most definitely have changed for the better. But there is still much work to be done on and in me.

Q66. (Ephesians 6:20) Developing this analogy of an ambassador in a foreign land.... What nation has sovereignty over the embassy and its property? Who does the ambassador represent? What responsibilities does he or she have? How do these relate to being an ambassador of Christ? The Kingdom of God is supreme over all, and to think we are Christ’s ambassadors!! What a privilege and responsibility. Being an authorised representative of the Kingdom of God, it is up to us to act as one, and stand up for our Lord. This reminds me of the hymn ‘Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus. Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross; Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss. From victory unto victory His army shall He lead, Till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed. ... Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the strife will not be long; This day the noise of battle, the next the victor’s song. To those who vanquish evil a crown of life shall be; They with the King of Glory shall reign eternally. Amen.

Q65. (Ephesians 6:19) Why would Paul request prayer for boldness? Why is boldness necessary in war? What is the opposite of boldness? What happens if this is our accustomed life-posture? We should boldly defend our faith. We need to face the unbelieving world with confidence, knowing and believing all the promises our Lord and Saviour has made. We should be aware of our own weakness, and that we need divine strength, and guidance to fight this war. We need to be united to be able to effectively withstand any attack. We battle spiritually not only on our own behalf, but also on the behalf of others. We aren’t only concerned about our own safety, but to protect and to battle on behalf of others as well. We have to be bold in our prayers, and not meekly pray for victory. We cannot allow the devil to get the upper hand. We will never win the ‘good fight’ if we are timid and all the time on the defensive.

Q64. (Ephesians 6:18b) Why is alertness in prayer vital to success in spiritual warfare? How is perseverance in prayer important to success? Why do we need this exhortation? We have to know what to pray for, and this can only be done when we are alert to all the tricks that the devil can get up to. We have to be alert in our prayer, and we must watch against drowsiness, mind-wandering, and preoccupation with other things. Prayer requires spiritual keenness, alertness, and concentration. We should persevere and never become discouraged or disheartened. It is important to persevere in prayer - we must keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking, as Jesus taught us in Luke 11:9. We are not to grow weary or discouraged in our prayer life, for we know God that sometimes God answers our prayers the first time we ask, but at other times He answers only after prolonged asking. Remember His timing is always perfect. Jesus teaches us again in a parable to persevere, to continue to pray and not give up (Luke 18:1). We need to be told this as most of us struggle with alertness and perseverance in prayer.

Q63. (Ephesians 6:18) Why is prayer vital to spiritual warfare? What does it mean to "pray in the Spirit"? Since our struggle is with spiritual forces, forces that we on our own are powerless against - we need God to help us. We are therefore to earnestly pray. Our prayer should be persistent and not an isolated prayer done now and then. We are to use all kinds of prayer: supplication and intercession; confession and humiliation; praise and thanksgiving. These can be done in public or in the quiet of our home. Our prayer should be in the Spirit, in other words guided, inspired, empowered and led by the Holy Spirit. It has been said, "Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees."

Q62. (Ephesians 6:15-17) Why is it important to have your "shield" up each day? In what way does the "helmet of salvation" protect you? Is the "sword of the Spirit" an offensive or defensive weapon? How do you keep it sharp and ready for the battle? No matter how hot the battle, we as Christian are not intimidated, since we know that our ultimate victory is sure, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8:31). We are to have our shield up each day; looking up to God and acknowledging “I believe God”. This shield of faith is a firm confidence in the Lord and His Word. The helmet of salvation assures us of our salvation and ignores all the doubt the enemy tries to tell us. Finally, we take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Our knowledge of the Bible exposes the devil’s lies; and we are therefore not easily deceived. God gives us all the protection we need. The sword of the Spirit can be used either offensively or defensively. Our Lord Jesus used it offensively against Satan when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness. We are to keep this sword sharp and ready by constantly studying and apply the Word of God. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb 4:12 (KJV)).

Q61. (Ephesians 6:15) What would be the characteristic of a person who didn't have his feet ready to run with the Gospel? How does heart preparation make you more ready to share the Good News with those around you? How does this help defeat the dominion of darkness? The person who does not have the Gospel as an integral part of their daily conduct will not be ready to run with the Gospel. It is by the Gospel that we stand our ground as well as advance the kingdom of God. We are to be ready at any time to minister the Gospel; we are all included in this command. Every Christian is in full time Christian service, always on the front line. Preparation implies the ability to fight. Preparation means flexibility and the ability to use God's Word in witnessing. Knowledge of the basic doctrines of salvation is necessary for witnessing. This implies a certain amount of preparation and we don't have our shoes on our feet without this preparation. Witnessing is impossible apart from the filling of the Holy Spirit; it is the Holy Spirit that ministers to the unbeliever to apply the doctrine of salvation. Our Gospel is a Gospel of peace, but this peace is not to be had with the enemies of God, such as demons and unbelievers - immediately after the fall of man, God established hostility between the children of God and the children of Satan. (Genesis 3:15). It is impossible to have true peace with anyone belonging to the kingdom of darkness. Rather, this peace is only to be had with God and with Christians. Only when we stand our ground and conquer enemy territory with this Gospel will others be able to join us in this fellowship. Paul says in Romans 16:20, "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet."

Q60. (Ephesians 6:14) Why are such simple things as truth and personal holiness such powerful armament? Are they defensive or offensive weapons? When we are equipped with the armour God has given us in Jesus Christ we are able to withstand and fight the evil plans of the devil. Both truth and righteousness make a Christian ready for the warfare against the spirits of darkness, and when woven together make us impenetrable. We are to test everything by the truth. Our understanding of and the confidence we have in the doctrines of faith are our foundation in life. It is only when we know the truth that we will not be deceived. When we apply this truth to our daily lives, we find strength and protection in combat. We as Christians have been set apart and belong to God. Every believer is clothed with the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21). This is a righteousness received by faith in Jesus Christ, and this gives us a sense of confidence and an awareness of our standing and position. There is integrity and uprightness evident in our personal life. Both these weapons can be used defensively but also offensively.

Q59. (Ephesians 6:13) What is difficult about standing our ground in today's world? In what way can standing our ground be considered victory? Why are the saints in Revelation 12:11 considered victorious over the devil? How did they stand their ground? Most people in today’s world do not realize who their actual enemy is. Not realizing that they are to do with evil spiritual forces and that the only way they can face this enemy is with spiritual weapons and not the psychological weapons they use. Our spiritual weapons represent a set of Biblical truths that protects a given area of our Christian walk. Not only does the full armour of God protect us from these evil spiritual forces but it enables us to stand firm. We are able to face the enemy with confidence. Resisting the devil and standing up against him will cause him to flee, and we would have won the battle. With reference to Rev 12:11, the saints claim victory with Christ on the basis of His shed blood that has redeemed them from sin and set them free from Satan's accusations. They stood their ground and overcame the devil and they are able to sing God’s praises day and night in thankfulness for their redemption.

Q59. (Ephesians 6:13) What is difficult about standing our ground in today's world? In what way can standing our ground be considered victory? Why are the saints in Revelation 12:11 considered victorious over the devil? How did they stand their ground? Most people in today’s world do not realize who their actual enemy is. Not realizing that they are to do with evil spiritual forces and that the only way they can face this enemy is with spiritual weapons and not the psychological weapons they use. Our spiritual weapons represent a set of Biblical truths that protects a given area of our Christian walk. Not only does the full armour of God protect us from these evil spiritual forces but it enables us to stand firm. We are able to face the enemy with confidence. Resisting the devil and standing up against him will cause him to flee, and we would have won the battle. With reference to Rev 12:11, the saints claim victory with Christ on the basis of His shed blood that has redeemed them from sin and set them free from Satan's accusations. They stood their ground and overcame the devil and they are able to sing God’s praises day and night in thankfulness for their redemption.

Q58. (Ephesians 6:11-13) Why is it difficult to believe in the devil and demons in our day? How does their existence help explain the struggle humans face on earth? With all their power, how do we stand a chance? Did "the devil make me do it"? What kinds of things can't we blame on the demonic? What we cannot see or touch, or experimentally prove, we find difficult to believe in. The devil and his demons are at their deadliest when they get us to believe that they don’t exist. Though we cannot see them, we are constantly surrounded by these wicked spirit-beings. They also seldom attack openly, preferring to operate in darkness rather than in light. These evil forces of darkness are powerful, wicked and cunning, and it is by underestimating them that we suffer most of our failures and defeats, for they are constantly trying to tempt us into evil deeds and looking for moments of weakness. As Christians we are sealed and protected by the Holy Spirit, and only the power of God can defend and deliver us from the might, the evil, and the craft of Satan. We belong to Jesus, and we have God’s power available to us to drive off these evil forces. We cannot say the devil made me do it – he has not got this power over us to force us to do anything against our wish. With Christ in us, we withstand their attacks and depend on His strength and use every piece of His armour. We are safe and can’t blame them for our moment of weakness.

Q57. (Ephesians 6:9) How should Christian employers conduct themselves towards their employees? How should church boards conduct themselves towards church employees? How do you determine a just wage - not merely the one you think you can afford? In exactly the same way employees treat their employers, being guided by the same principles. They should be fair, kind, and honest. They should always remember that they have a Father also, the same Father who is in heaven that the employee has. Earthly distinctions are levelled in the presence of the Lord. Both employer and employee will one day give an account to Him. Church boards are no exception, the same applies to them, perhaps even more stringently applied. It is up to the employer to determine a just wage, in other words a living wage. The employer should not think how cost efficient or smart they are when paying minimum wages.

Q56. (Ephesians 6:5-8) What are the characteristics called for in a truly Christian employee, according to Ephesians 6:5-8? How can these attitudes help us in difficult work situations? A truly Christian employee must be obedient, remembering that the employer has jurisdiction as far as physical or mental work is concerned, but he cannot dictate in spiritual matters. Employees should be respectful; not offending the Lord and the employer. They should be conscientious, trying to deliver a full day’s work, every day. Next, their work should be as to Christ, all that is done, should be done as to Him - with a view to pleasing and honouring Him and to attracting others to Him. The most menial and commonplace tasks in life are ennobled and dignified when they are done for the glory of God. They should also always be diligent, not only when the employer is looking. As servants of Christ, they should be doing the will of God from the heart, that is, with a sincere desire to please Him. Then, too, they should do their work cheerfully and willingly, not with an outward display of compliance while they are inwardly seething with resentment. In difficult work situations, where the employer is overbearing, abusive, or unreasonable, their work can still be done as to the Lord and not to men. It is this type of supernatural behaviour that speaks the loudest in the kind of world in which we live. A great incentive to do all as if to Christ is the assurance that He will reward every such good work. The Lord notes all the jobs, pleasant or disagreeable, that are done for Him, and He will reward each worker.

Q55. (Ephesians 6:4) What kind of behavior by fathers (or mothers, for that matter) can embitter or cause a child to lose heart? What do you think the "training and instruction of the Lord" involves? Stubborn behaviour and forcing their point of view on the child without due consideration are things that can embitter a child. Also, unreasonable demands and undue harshness can cause a child to lose heart. Rather a parent should be encouraging and building a child up in the Lord. Training means discipline and correction. There should be strict discipline, with love, in the home. Child-training should be “in the Lord,” that is, carried out in accordance with His will as revealed in His Word, and by living the example of Christian life and conduct.

Q54. (Ephesians 6:1-3) What kind of obedience and honour is appropriate for adult children to show towards their parents? What might be the exceptions? How do respect and forgiveness figure in this relationship? Once adult children have left their parents’ home they are not obliged to obey their parents, but of course they will listen if there is good advice being given. Since parents are mostly more mature and have had many life experiences, they can pass on valuable insights and advice to their children. Adult children still living at home must obey their parents if not told to do anything immoral. Of course, at all times they are to honour their parents, irrespective of whether they are believers or not. This may even include looking after them if need be, in their old age. Both parents and children must love and respect each other; and have the other’s interest at heart by submitting to each other. Mistakes made on either side should be forgiven and overseen. Parents, not being perfect, might have unwittingly wronged their children; the adult children should forgive them. As they become parents they will come to recognise the responsibilities involved and how easily mistakes can occur. Therefore, ideally children should at all times respect and honour their parents; they should relate to each other with thoughtfulness and love. Of course, this is all done only in obedience to our Heavenly Father.

Q53. (Ephesians 5:32) In what sense is Christ our Husband as individuals? As a church? What are the implications of this for our lives? What does this say about Christ's responsibilities towards us? Paul states that “I am talking about Christ and the church”; meaning the marriage of Christ and the church, where the husband is symbolic of Christ and the wife as symbolic of the church. Wives are told to submit to their husbands, symbolic Christ, as they, symbolic church, submit to Christ. So, the church submits to Jesus as the head of the church. To the wives the word is: see that you continually respect and obey your husband. Husbands, symbolic Christ, are told to love their wives, symbolic church, as ourselves. Not merely as I might love myself, but in recognition of the fact that she is one with me. As we grow in Christ our marriages will become more perfect. Can we imagine what would happen if these divine instructions were widely followed by Christian people today? The answer is obvious. There would be no strife, no separation, and no divorce. Our homes would be more like foretastes of heaven than they often are.

Q52. (Ephesians 5:28) In what sense is a husband's care for his wife's needs just common sense in taking care of his own needs? What is the principle from Genesis 2:24 that underlies this? It is common sense because her needs are my needs – we are a unit and function as one. What hurts her hurts me. This is affirmed in Genesis 2:24 were we read “and they will become one flesh”. So, too, as believers, we both suffer and celebrate together because we're all members of the same body. Perhaps some husbands may find it difficult to fully understand the greatness of Christ’s love, and have difficulty in applying it to the realities of their marriage. We all know how much we love ourselves, hence the advice that we should treat others, in this case my wife, as we would ourselves like to be treated (Mat 7:12). This is a useful guide to daily behaviour, but also highlights the fact that the husband and his wife are in fact “one flesh”.

Q51. (Ephesians 5:25-30) Does being head of the wife involve being "boss"? Why or why not? What does “being head" require of a husband? What is the example husbands are to follow in headship? Most definitely no - marriage is not a boss, employer, employee relationship. As husbands we are to follow the example of our Lord Jesus; and that is to serve our household. We are to serve our wives and family in love. We are told to love our wives just as Christ also loved the church. As the head of the home, we take responsibility for all decision making. These decisions are taken with our wives, but ultimately we must give an account for all decisions taken. As head of the home, we are to provide, protect, and encourage our wives. In the day-to-day living, we both form a team and operate for the best of the family. On a personal note: Later this month (March 2022) we will have been married 60 years. I treasure my wife, and thank my heavenly Father for sparing us all these years. I think of my friends who have lost their marriage partners, and realise how blessed I am that I still have a wife whom I have the honour to serve. What a privilege! What a blessing! Thank You Lord!

Q50. (Ephesians 5:22-24) Why should a wife submit to her husband? According to these verses, to what degree is a wife required to submit to a husband who is not a Christian or who is a carnal Christian? Does submission mean a wife doesn't verbally disagree? What if there's a conflict with the wife's conscience? A basic principle in every well-ordered society is that there must be authority as well as submission. If not then there will be anarchy. The same applies in the home. There must be a head, and there must be obedience to that head. God ordained that the place of headship be given to the man. He indicated this by creating man first, then creating woman for the man. Thus, both in the order and purpose of creation, He put man in the place of authority and woman in the place of submission. Submission never implies inferiority; it is done out of reverence for Jesus. Never is the woman inferior to the man. In many ways she may be superior - in devotedness, in sympathy, in diligence, and in heroic endurance. But wives are commanded to submit to their own husbands, as to the Lord. In submitting to the authority of her husband, a wife is submitting to the Lord's authority. No wife would be expected to obey her husband if he required her to compromise her loyalty to the Lord Jesus. But in all the normal relationships of life, she is to obey her husband, even if he is an unbeliever. A wife can verbally disagree with her husband and even give him advice but the ultimate decision will be the head of the house, and he must take all responsibility for his decisions.

Q49. (Ephesians 5:19-20) What kind of attitude should underlie our corporate singing? How is corporate singing designed to help us singers? How is it designed to worship God? How does singing in your own daily life help you worship? We should have an attitude of thankfulness, an inward joy and praise to God. We will want to talk and sing about the things of the Lord. When filled with the Holy Spirit we bubble over with joy and sing with all our heart to the Lord. Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Where the Spirit reigns, there is gratitude to God, a deep sense of appreciation, and thankfulness. This is a sure way to happiness, thank and praise God for everything that happens to us. It is easy to be thankful for sunshine; it takes the power of the Spirit to be thankful for the storms of life.