Romans 4:1

What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter?

(v1, NIV)

So, boasting is excluded on the basis of faith. We know and understand that justification is by faith and not by the observance of the law. However, what about Abraham? Some of the Jews took pride in the fact that they were the descendants of Abraham. Their objection would be that Abraham was justified by the observance of the law and not by faith. So, Paul embarks to bring to light the case of Abraham in this next section. Was he justified by faith or by works?

Romans 3:31

Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.

(v31, NIV)

A legitimate question would be to ask if the law is null because of faith. If we are justified by faith and boasting is excluded, what's the point of the law? However, even though we are justified by faith, it doesn't mean the law is nullified. We don't set aside the observance of the law when we pick up faith. Instead, we uphold the law. If you are declared righteous on the basis of faith, you don't go and live in sin. There is a sort of connection that leads from faith to the observance of the law. If you have faith, you will keep the law. This doesn't mean that those who are justified are perfect and never sin. However, the point is that faith and the law are not opposites and they actually work together quite nicely.

Romans 3:29-30

Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.

(v29-30, NIV)

God is both God to the Jews and God to the Gentiles. Some had thought God was exclusive to the Jews, but that is not the case. What was raised earlier was the exclusion of boasting on the principle of faith. The way people are justified is by faith and not by the observance of the law. God will justify both Jews and Gentiles by faith and is not exclusive. It is only by grace through faith in Jesus that anyone is saved. This faith that saves Jews is also the same faith that saves Gentiles.

Romans 3:29

Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too,

(v29, NIV)

Clearly God is both God of the Jews and God of the Gentiles. God is not only the God of the Jews. This had been a prominent belief at the time because Israel was God's chosen people back in the Old Testament. This is true, but we also read in Ephesians about this mystery that was made known to Paul. The mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs together with Israel through the gospel. In addition, Paul speaks about this in Galatians, explaining it as children and heirs. God is not only the God of the Jews but also the God of the Gentiles. Why does Paul bring this up in this passage? Paul was just talking about excluding boasting on the basis of faith as opposed to the observance of the law. The law was given to the Jews but was not given to the Gentiles. However, boasting is excluded on the basis of faith and we know that justification comes through faith in Jesus. Paul has done away with excuses regarding the law and fairness in the previous chapters. Even though the law was given to the Jews, those without the law even have it written on their hearts. In addition, their conscience bears witness to themselves. But at the same time, Jews have an advantage in their being given of the law. Even so, God is God of both Jews and Gentiles. In justification he justifies both by faith through Jesus Christ and not by observance of the law where only one of the two were given it.

Romans 3:28

For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.

(v28, NIV)

So boasting is done away with by faith. This is because we are justified by faith. Justification by faith happens separate from the observance of the law. There is no boasting and it cannot come from when any are justified. We can't look at others and laugh at them, boasting in our justification. It doesn't work that way because we didn't do anything to earn or merit our justification. It just doesn't work that way and it's important that we do not boast in anything of ourselves in any way. Boasting is excluded and justification is by faith apart from the law.

James 4:13-17

"Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins."

James 4:13-17

Romans 3:27

Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith.

(v27, NIV)

All of a sudden the topic of boasting is brought up by Paul. Why is boasting the new topic at hand? Well, Paul has lengthened out about God and the gospel and Jesus Christ in the last section. There isn't much in there praiseworthy of man aside from what God offers to them. What Paul does say about people is that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory. If all this is about God and what he does, it's not really about us. We trade away his glory and choose images instead of God. So there doesn't seem much room for boasting. What becomes of it is that it is excluded. There is simply no room for boasting. If boasting is excluded, this begs the question as to how or why it is excluded. One suggestion is that observance of the law excludes boasting. Observance of the law is clearly not the way boasting is excluded. Instead, it is on the basis of faith that boasting is excluded. The observance of the law doesn't exclude boasting but it encourages boasting. When we observe the law, we are tempted to boast about our deeds. It is not on the basis of the observance of the law that boasting is excluded.

Romans 3:26

he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

(v26, NIV)

This is similar to what was said in the previous verse. However, this time the reason is given with regards to God who God is and what he does, not what he has done. By presenting Jesus as a sacrifice, God is just. Proper payment is being made for the sins of the unrighteous. However, at the same time, God is able to be the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus. It is only by Jesus and his sacrifice that we may be justified. We cannot be justified by our own works. We cannot merit it by doing good deeds alone. It is only by faith in Jesus that any of us are justified. So it is by this sacrifice that God is just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

Romans 3:25c

God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—

(v25, NIV)

So God put forth Jesus as a sacrifice of atonement. Apparently, this was done to demonstrate his justice. How is this in any way a demonstration of his justice? It is somewhat linked to the fact that God has passed over previously committed sins. Well, when God leaves sin unpunished, he is unjust. It is unjust to not give the proper punishment for wrongdoing. However, God does this when he chooses to leave previously committed sins unpunished. In this situation, what must God do? God must deal out the proper punishment where punishment is due. One way God could do this is to send all us sinners to hell. Hell is what we deserve for our life of sin and continual trading away of his glory. God could do that and he would be perfectly just in doing that. However, by sending his son as an atoning sacrifice, God also satisfies his perfect justice. Payment is demanded for the sins previously committed and Jesus is the perfect sacrifice. He lived a perfect life and is more than able to pay the debt we owe. In this sacrifice, God's wrath against us for our sins is satisfied. God is just because proper payment is made for the sins committed.

verse reminder

If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. - 2 Tim 2: 21

Romans 3:25b

God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—

(v25, NIV)

What does it mean that he left previous sins unpunished? Well, what do we deserve when we sin? We deserve death for when we sin. However, if everyone sins, why isn't everyone dead? If I sin, I should be instantly dead as penalty for that sin. Instead, God has left these sins which I have committed unpunished. He is patiently in kindness postponing his wrath upon us. The punishment we deserve for the sin we commit is being stored away and withheld from us for the time being. This is what God does in his kindness and we should be thankful to him for that.

Romans 3:25

God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—

(v25, NIV)

Jesus is presented by God as an atoning sacrifice. Apparently, atonement is to make amends for injury or wrong done. If Jesus was a sacrifice of atonement, what is the wrong done? Certainly, Jesus didn't do anything wrong because he is the pure spotless lamb. In addition, God presented him as a sacrifice, and it wouldn't really be a sacrifice if he was atoning for something he did himself. Instead, he is the atoning sacrifice for those whom God chooses to save. This atonement is for our sins. As a result, payment is required for all this wrong doing that we do. Jesus is the perfect sacrifice that atones for our sins. He pays the price that we could not pay and we receive his perfect life. This is what he did for us and we did not do anything to merit this. This is a free gift which we receive.

Romans 3:24b

and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

(v24, NIV)

This justification that is from God is by his grace. Grace is not merited and this justification is not worked for. Paul also mentions the medium or the method for this justification by grace. This is through Jesus Christ and the redemption that was brought about by him. Can't leave Jesus out of this. Jesus is central to the gospel and the justification of us sinners. It doesn't work without Jesus and it is only by Jesus that anyone is saved.

Romans 3:24

and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

(v24, NIV)

Not only have all sinned, but they are justified freely by his grace. It's not saying that all sinners are justified by his grace. God doesn't justify everyone because we know that he doesn't save everyone. Instead, God is free to justify who he chooses to justify. Going back to the beginning of this section we recall that Paul is talking about a righteousness from God. This righteousness from God is to all who believe. It is true that out of all of us are sinners, but there is also no difference among those who receive a righteousness from God. Those who receive this righteousness from God are also all sinners. For these, in addition to having all sinned, they are also all justified freely by his grace. Though none even come close and they all fall short of his glory, God is the one who justifies as a free gift.

Romans 3:23

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

(v23, NIV)

Not only do all sin, but all fall short of the glory of God. There is a level or a measure that we all compare with. This measure is not each other. Most people in this day and age know how to measure against each other all too well. We all rationalize and justify our own actions comparing ourselves with others. Somehow, the majority thinks they themselves are above the curve. Clearly, this is not the case because the very nature of an average is contradicted if more than fifty percent of the people are above average. The fact of the matter is that we all sin. We all fall short of God and his standard. It doesn't matter if we compare to each other; the average of all humans is not the measure that matters. Instead, the glory of God is what matters, and we all fall short of it. If you're having trouble with this, read Romans 1-3 again. Paul has gone into great detail about how we sin and don't choose God. Still aren't convinced? Just look around you at the sin is this world. Look at the news and see all the kinds of atrocities that are being committed by humans. Don't stop there and excuse yourself, look at yourself and try if you can to prove that you have never broken a single commandment of God's law, or the government's laws. Still not convinced? Truthfully ask your own conscience to see whether you are in fact guilty from your conscience's point of view. Even if you still don't believe this very fact and suppress the truth, it is God who will judge in the end and we can all answer to him. All have sinned and we all fall short of his glory.

Romans 3:22-23

This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

(v22-23, NIV)

The righteousness from God is to all who believe. This is of course through faith in Jesus Christ, but there aren't other requirements stacked up on top of belief. There isn't a measure of difference between people that excludes them from this righteousness if they believe. It's not like just because you're a murderer or like eating chocolate that you cannot receive this righteousness from God if you believe. Clearly, Paul has already mentioned that all have sinned. Here he states it again. We are all on a level playing field. We have all sinned and cannot rise or extend further than that.

Romans 3:22

This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference,

(v22, NIV)

This is a righteousness from God which is not from the law. We see how in the past people have tried to attain a righteousness from the law. Unfortunately, they have all come short. So if there is now a righteousness from God apart from the law, this begs the question, "how do we receive it?" This righteousness only comes through faith in Jesus Christ. It is for all who believe. It is not by works because it is not through the law. It is quite a relief to know that it isn't by our efforts at all. Instead, it is from God and based on Jesus Christ. This is good news and brings hope.

Sunday School notes -- Your Word is Truth, Chapter 4 Satan, the Deceiver

Scripture:

"The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.

Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known.

They speak without a sound or word;
their voice is never heard.

Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
and their words to all the world." - Psalm 19

"Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars?
He brings them out like an army, one after another,
calling each by its name.Because of his great power and incomparable strength,
not a single one is missing." - Isaiah 40: 26

"O Lord, what a variety of things you have made!
In wisdom you have made them all.
The earth is full of your creatures.

Here is the ocean, vast and wide,
teeming with life of every kind,
both large and small.

See the ships sailing along,and Leviathan,
which you made to play in the sea." - Psalm 104:24

"For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God." - Romans 1:20

"For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies." - John 8:44

"The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”
“Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied.
“It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’”
“You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman.
“God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”" - Genesis 3:1-5

"Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. " Roman 1:21-22

"When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned." Roman 5:12

Romans 3:21b

But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.

(v21, NIV)

How do the law and the prophets testify to this righteousness apart from the law? Well, what does the law talk about? The law is God's standard, which we can never measure up to. From it, we hear and know of God's requirements, from which we could never live up to. We may try and try but we always fail. Fortunately, the prophets tell us about the coming messiah. They tell us about Jesus and we know what Jesus came to do. Jesus came on a mission to save us. Jesus lived a perfect life which none of us could live and then died, bearing all our sins, so that a swap could take place. In this saw, we receive Jesus' righteousness and he pays the penalty for our sins. This is the righteousness from God; the righteousness of Jesus is given to us.

Romans 3:21

But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.

(v21, NIV)

We are now entering gospel territory. A righteousness from God the good news. It's great news to hear that the standard of perfect righteousness that we must achieve is a righteousness from God. So the very thing God demands from us he gives to us. We cannot merit his favor by our own efforts or works. This righteousness from God is apart from the law. So, those who seek to gain it through the law will fail again and again. This gospel is ever so sweet and ever so good.

Romans 3:19-20

Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.

(v19-20, NIV)

We are all unrighteous. None of us will receive the declaration of righteousness through the observance of the law. Instead, it only brings consciousness of sin. Being aware of sin doesn't save you and it can't save you. We are all unrighteous and God gave the law. Even though having known or been given the law, we still break the law. This brings us back to the fact that we are all unrighteous.

So every mouth will be silenced. If it is now opened, it will eventually be shut. What does this tell us? Well, if each and every one of our mouths will be shut, why should we fear the voice of man? Instead, we should fear the voice of God. Who cares what people say in comparison to God. Everyone's mouths will be shut, but God's voice will not be forced shut.

Book of James - notes, Chapter 1-2

"If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask, be sure that your faith is in God alone! Don't waver for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind." v5,6

Living Faith - We need to have faith in God that when we ask for His wisdom, He will give it to us. Knowing that His wisdom is the way of life, and it is practical, divine (goes beyond common sense), and it is Christlike. Do you believe to His word? If you do, pray and you will be given, seek and you will find.

Romans 3:20

Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.

(v20, NIV)

The cards are stacked up against everyone's favor. No one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law. We are all under sin and cannot merit favor just by being like the Jewish legalists attempting to follow the law. We know how that turned out; we see how the Jews are also judged by God. The thing is that the law makes us aware of sin. It's not until we learn that it's sinful to steal that we are tempted to do such a thing. Now, saying that may bring many objections, but here's an example given by John Piper to explain this. If, for example, his son was sifting through the mail to find something addressed to him, there is no sin in that. However, if happens to glance at a letter addressed to his parents labeled "for parents only", then all sorts of desires and temptations may arise in him to read the letter that was not addressed to him. It's not until he is made aware of this wrongdoing that he is tempted to sin. Though the law is good, it also brings the knowledge of sin. Knowing the law and knowing what sin is does not justify a person. Just because you know it doesn't mean you do it. For example, just because you know how to get to Toronto doesn't mean you're in Toronto.

Book of James - notes, Chapter 1

The Controversial:
- Its emphasis on “good works,”
- James Contradict Paul?

Comment: James is not writing about how to become a Christian, but rather how to act like one. Having all the correct beliefs about God will hardly suffice: even demons believe in God. Real, life-giving faith should produce motion, and James minces no words in describing the specific spiritual actions expected of Christians.

Questions:
- His words are easy enough to understand, but are we doing as he says?
- How can we be transformed?

1. Genuine Religion - A Characteristics of Christian Life (1:1-27)

v2 "WHEN trouble come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow"
- it says WHEN trouble come, not if trouble come; meaning trouble will come and expect that it will come. Trouble could be being cursed by claiming Christian, carrying the cross, by failing from hypocrisy, etc. When we fail (it is a when not a if), don't be discouraged, instead let's face it, suck it, and take it as opportunity for great joy -- a chance to grow deeper, better endurance. It is a journey, not a distinction, but a journey with clear goals.
"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me " (Philippians 3:12-4:1)
It takes a lot of courage and humbleness to walk on this journey. We need the courage because we know we will fall, and it feels so bad to fail, yet every time when we fail, we need to get back to the house. It takes courage also because we need to admit that this journey won't end until the end of our life, yet we continue to press on toward the goal for the prize from God.
We need a lot of humbleness as well, because we need to realize that you are where you are not because of who you are, but because who he is in us.

Romans 3:19b

Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.

(v19, NIV)

So the Jews were given the words of God. There are advantages to being a Jew, such as having been given the words of God. However, even though there are advantages, all are under sin. This verse says "so that" in the middle of it. This connects the first part to the second part. So how does this connect? Well, the law was given to the Jews and they have advantages. However, even though they had the advantages, they still received judgment and weren't justified. The people who had the greatest advantages did not succeed. Seeing how they did, how would we expect to be any different? How would those without these advantages expect to be justified? There is no hope and we are all under sin. This law given which lays out the rules was plain. However, they could not follow it and have no excuse. Even for those who do not have the law, they still have no excuse. Nature points to God and it displays God. In addition, our conscious bears witness as the law is written on our hearts. God has laid it out and there will be no legitimate argument raised against God. And so, every mouth will be shut.

Romans 3:19

Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.

(v19, NIV)

Now we get some insight to the law. The law is directed to those who are under the law. The law was given to the Jews and so it is focused on them. This doesn't change the fact that everyone is still under sin. We are all under sin. What's interesting is that Paul proceeds to talk about mouths being silenced. The fact of the matter is that nobody will be able to lift a legitimate argument against God. Sure, you can argue with God all you want. However, you will not have a valid point. There are even those who right now bring their arguments to God. However, even they will be silenced. You may speak now, but you will be silenced.

Romans 3:10-18

As it is written:

"There is no one righteous, not even one;

there is no one who understands,

no one who seeks God.

All have turned away,

they have together become worthless;

there is no one who does good,

not even one."

"Their throats are open graves;

their tongues practice deceit."

"The poison of vipers is on their lips."

"Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness."

"Their feet are swift to shed blood;

ruin and misery mark their ways,

and the way of peace they do not know."

"There is no fear of God before their eyes."

(v10-18, NIV)

All in all, what is this saying to us? Clearly, Paul is making the point about what it means to be under sin. Furthermore, he has made the point that we are all under sin. Here is strung together a number of different ways in which being under sin has its effects on us. Taking another step back, we recall this bouncing back and forth between Jews and Gentiles. Jews will be judged and their circumcision becomes uncircumcised when they break the law. However, there are still advantages to being a Jew. One of the advantages is that Jews were entrusted with the words of God. Even though there are advantages to being a Jew, it doesn't change the fact that we are all under sin. If there was any boasting on either side for any advantages or differences, it should be done away with now. Regardless of if you are a Jew or a Gentile, all of us are in the same boat. Everyone is under sin and this description of it Paul gives us when quoting from the Old Testament gives us a clear picture. We are all really helpless and worthless and don't have a leg to stand on to say anything. This is our condition and we need not compare to one another.

Romans 3:18

"There is no fear of God before their eyes."

(v18, NIV)

So Paul continues his case. We are all unrighteous as we are all under sin. This also affects what we say and what we do. Nothing good comes out of any of this. According to what we do and what we know, it seems to follow that we do not know peace. In addition, not knowing peace and being unrighteous, it also seems to follow that there is no fear of God in us. If we did fear God then we would seek after him and not be swift to shed blood. This is what it means to be under sin. All in all, it's not a good thing and we are simply hopeless.

Romans 3:15-17

"Their feet are swift to shed blood;

ruin and misery mark their ways,

and the way of peace they do not know."

(v15-17, NIV)

In the last few verses, Paul makes a point about how being under sin affects what we say. The progression in the verses quoted goes from throat to tongue to lips to mouth. Now in this current quote from Isaiah 59, the progression goes from feet to their ways. Feet being swift to shed blood and what marks their ways has to do with what they do. Their actions lead to killing, ruin and misery. These actions from which nothing good seems to come from result in the person not knowing peace. If they are swift to shed blood, how can they know peace? It doesn't make sense if that were the case. So, being under sin affects a person's actions. These actions do not lead to a knowledge of peace, but instead lead the person far from it.

Romans 3:13-14

"Their throats are open graves;

their tongues practice deceit."

"The poison of vipers is on their lips."

"Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness."

(v13-14, NIV)

What does it mean to be under sin? Not only that we're all unrighteous and don't even seek God, but all these People being talked about have their throats as open graves. These quotes from Psalms 5 and Psalms 140 don't have anything good to say about these people. These saying also seem to focus around the mouth. It proceeds from throats to tongues then to lips. Being under sin affects what you say. Things that proceed out of you, going from the throat to your mouth, are affected. Talking and things of that nature have to do with you and other people. So, your communication and interaction with other people are affected by being under sin. There is a corruption in such a way that fills your mouth with cursing and bitterness. It's not a good thing and there is nothing pleasant about it.

Book of James - notes

Theme:
- "What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?" James 2:14
- "Now someone may argue, 'Some people have faith; others have good deeds.' But I say, 'How can you show me your faith if you don't have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.'" James 2:18

Living Faith

Trials

Law of Love

Wise Speech

Wealth


Book of James is...:
- how-to book on Christian living.
1. Confrontation
2. Challenges
3. Call to commitment

Background:
- Author: James, Jesus' brother, leader in the Jerusalem Church

Outline:

1. Genuine Religion - A Characteristics of Christian Life (1:1-27)
2. Genuine Faith - Exhort Christian act justly in society (2:1-13)
3. Genuine Faith - Relationship between faith and action (2:14-26)
4. Genuine Faith - Importance of controlling one's speech (3:1-12)
Discussion: "I like it on..."
Genuine Wisdom - The worldly wisdom Vs the heavenly wisdom (3:13-18)
5. Genuine Wisdom - Encourage you to turn from evil desires and obey God (4:1-12)
6. Genuine Wisdom - Reproves those who trust in their own plans and possessions (4:13-5:6)
7. Genuine Wisdom - To be patient with each other (5:13-18) to help each other remain faithful to God (5:19,20)

The Controversial:
- Its emphasis on “good works,”
- James Contradict Paul?

Comment: James is not writing about how to become a Christian, but rather how to act like one. Having all the correct beliefs about God will hardly suffice: even demons believe in God. Real, life-giving faith should produce motion, and James minces no words in describing the specific spiritual actions expected of Christians.

Questions:
- His words are easy enough to understand, but are we doing as he says?
- How can we be transformed?

1. Genuine Religion - A Characteristics of Christian Life (1:1-27)

Living Faith - faith need to be tested to increase endurance and a chance to grow. Therefore face trouble with great joy.
v2 "WHEN trouble come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow"
- it says WHEN trouble come, not if trouble come; meaning trouble will come and expect that it will come. Trouble could be being cursed by claiming Christian, carrying the cross, by failing from hypocrisy. When we fail (not if, because we will), don't get discouraged, face it, suck it, and take it as opportunity for great joy -- a chance to grow deeper, better endurance. It is a journey, not a distinction, but a journey with clear goals.
"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me " (Philippians 3:12-4:1)
It takes a lot of courage and humbleness to walk on this journey. We need the courage because we know we will fall, and it feels so bad to fail, yet every time when we fail, we need to get back to the house It takes courage to admit that this journey won't end until the end of our life, yet we continue press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me. We need a lot of humbleness as well because to realize that you are where you are not because of who you are, but because who He is in us.


Living Faith - Do you believe this? If you do, ask Him and you will be given, seek and you will find.
v5,6 "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask, be sure that your faith is in God alone! Don't waver for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind."
We need to have faith in God that when we ask for His wisdom, He will give it to us. Knowing that His wisdom is the way of life, and it is practical, divine (goes beyond common sense), and it is Christlike. Do you believe to His word? If you do, pray and you will be given, seek and you will find.

Romans 3:12

All have turned away,

they have together become worthless;

there is no one who does good,

not even one."

(v12, NIV)

This verse and continued quote of Psalms 14 seems to continue on the same idea as the last few verses. Simply put, no one is righteous. Not only do they not seek for God, but they seem to have turned away. The direction they are facing is opposite to God. In addition, the exception people may raise is again dismissed. Some may argue that they are good and an exception to what is being said. However, "not even one" is repeated from verse 10. This all continue to point to the focus, which is "under sin". What does it mean to be under sin? Well, we're not righteous and have turned away from God. We don't even do good, how terrible is that? The word "worthless" is even in there. It's just really sad what our situation is.

Romans 3:11

there is no one who understands,

no one who seeks God.

(v11, NIV)

This verse continues the quote from Psalms 14. Not only is there no one righteous, but no one understands or seeks for God. This is what it means to be under sin. When we are under sin, we do not understand or seek God. Our relationship with God is non-existent. We don't even seek after him. Our efforts and movements are in the opposite direction. Sin and being under sin is mainly an issue between you and God. It may affect your relations with other people; however, most people justify themselves by leaving God out of the picture. Many people look at others and compare. They will justify themselves, saying they're not as bad as someone else. However, God is left completely out of the picture. The issue isn't a comparison between you and other sinful people. Instead, the issue is between you and God. We sin, we are under sin and none of us is righteous. In addition, none of us understand or even seeks God. This is our condition and part of what it means to be under sin.

Romans 3:10

As it is written:

"There is no one righteous, not even one;

(v10, NIV)

Paul has just established that everybody is under sin. He begins to backup his argument by presenting support from the Old Testament. The first quote is from Psalms 14. This is only the beginning of the quote, but it begins by saying that no one is righteous. By saying no one is righteous; some may try to make an exception for themselves. However, it even says "not even one", in case any would try to object or point out an exception. Nobody is righteous and we see from this psalm of David how this point was made clear even in the Old Testament. No one is righteous, all are under sin.

Romans 3:9

What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin.

(v9, NIV)

What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin,

(v9, ESV)

What was Paul's previous argument before he got sidetracked? Well, he was establishing that there are advantages in being a Jew. The one he lists is the fact that the Jews have been entrusted with the words of God. However, then he is sidetracked dealing with objectors, objecting to what he has said so far. Now he goes on to remind his readers what was already established. He has already previously mentioned about how both Jews and Gentiles are under sin. By saying Jews and Gentiles, or Jews and Greeks, Paul simply means everybody. Everybody is under sin. Earlier in chapter one he was already talking about the Gentiles and how they trade away the glory of God for images. God gives them over to a depraved mind. Jews are also under sin as Paul mentions in chapter two. Though they had the law, they were becoming as if uncircumcised by their breaking of the law. To be under sin is to be a slave to it and continue in it. Both Jews and Gentiles both continue to sin as Paul previously talked about.

What I found confusing was how he starts off. He begins with "are we any better?" to which I wonder who "we" is referring to. The ESV helps in interpreting it as Jews, but it also notes that the Greek simply says "are we". Having an advantage such as the one Paul mentioned earlier leads people to wonder if Jews are in fact better off. However, Paul wants to make it clear that they are not any better off. Regardless of whether you have God's words or not, everybody is under sin. Advantage or not, it should not lead to any boasting or higher level because we are all under sin.

Romans 3:5-8

But if our unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? Someone might argue, "If my falsehood enhances God's truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?" Why not say—as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say—"Let us do evil that good may result"? Their condemnation is deserved.

(v5-8, NIV)

Paul is saying that their condemnation is just. Whose condemnation is just and why? Certainly, those whom he is speaking to are justly condemned. Paul is addressing these objectors who have tried to defend themselves against what Paul has just said. They have just said that they can't be judged if their unrighteousness leads to the glorification of God through God's judgment of them. They are trying to show a contradiction in Paul's logic, but he is showing a contradiction in their logic in return. Paul may be addressing a larger group as a whole instead of only his objectors. Who are his objectors? They are Jewish legalists who boast in the law and circumcision. However, they are also those who involve themselves in word games. Paul has clearly defeated their logic as they tried to find fault in Paul's sayings. But their objection was merely a word game. They are met with the truth of God spoken by his servant Paul. However, they try to tip-toe around the truth, justifying their own actions by playing with words. Their argument is silly, and to them Paul says that their condemnation is just.

Romans 3:8

Why not say—as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say—"Let us do evil that good may result"? Their condemnation is deserved.

(v8, NIV)

This is the last point in Paul's unveiling of their contradiction. Based upon what the objectors have just said, this leads to the conclusion that we should all just continue in sin. Since the judgment of sin leads to the glorification of God, then we should sin so that God would be even more so glorified. However, this does not make sense. There is clearly a flaw in the argument if it leads to the conclusion that we should all just continue in sin. Paul is not saying this and this is what they are saying. What they are saying in their objection and trying to show that Paul is contradicting himself has a contradiction itself. We are not in any way to justify our actions to lead us to continue in sin. If we do in fact sin, God's judgment upon us is just and brings him glory. However, that is not a reason or an excuse to continue in sin. His objectors would agree that we should live according to God's word and live in righteousness. The Jews who had the law and boasted in it were all about avoiding sin. So, if what they are calling Paul out on leads to the conclusion that we should continue in sin, then they are contradicting themselves.