READ
James 4:13-17
CONSIDER
James is a book of practical wisdom. James writes to the family of God, “the twelve tribes scattered among the nations.” (1:1) as a fellow servant and disciple of Jesus Christ. He is drawing upon the teaching of Jesus and re-teaching it to the church.
It is becoming more and more common to treat our faith as something private, an inner reality that is limited to a Sunday faith: church attendance, worship, and preaching but, in the end, it makes little difference of how we live throughout the week.
James reminds us that faith is meant to be lived out in the world. Faith is not just for our heads but, things that are meant to be lived out in our bodies in the world. Our bodies are living sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2). James makes no separation being hearing and obeying, knowing, and doing. James challenges the church to be the church whether they are together (4:1), while they are apart in the world throughout the week, doing business and making money (4:13), and to stop exploiting others through their wealth (5:1).
The SUNDAY GOD will not get us very far but, the God of all our days and all our lives will lead us to wholeness, joy, and peace. It is not an easy journey toward integration but, He will lead us as we are open and willing. God inviting us to “draw near to God” in all things (4:8).
As we come to this week’s sermon, I encourage you to re-read James and read James 4 once again. Ask the Spirit of Christ, the Holy Spirit to speak to you through the scriptures, “Speak, Lord for I am listening.” Notice what God is saying to you but also how He is inviting you to live in the world. Invite the Spirit into your school or workplace and to help you notice what He is already doing.
Pastor Paul Lam
PRAY
Lord Jesus, without you, I cannot see. Open my eyes to see you in my home, my work, and my neighborhood. Teach me how to love daily and not just pursue my own interests. Grow me to be like Jesus. In Christ’s Name, Amen.
DIVING DEEPER
How is God of all things already at work in your school, workplace, or home?
How does your faith connect to your workplace? (no simply talking about Jesus but, how does your actual work contribute to the flourishing of the world?)
Do you have friends who part of our life or CG that are in similar fields of work to you? Ask them how they are working out their faith, both joys and struggles.