Morning Moments

JAMES Devotional Outline with Notes (cont)

Chapter 2

Worthwhile Works

Eph 2:10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Good works is one of the reasons God left us here after He saved us. If there is any question regarding a believer's "good works" one may wish to examine the following verses:

Acts 9:36. Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
Rom 13:3. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
1 Tim 2:10. But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
1 Tim5:10. Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
1 Tim 5:25. Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
1 Tim 6:18. That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
2 Tim 3:17. That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Titus 1:16. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Titus 2:7. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
Titus 2:14. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Titus 3:8. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. 14. And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
Heb 10: 24. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Jas 3:13. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
1 Pet 2:12. Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Have we gotten the message yet?

Good works is the manifestation of good faith or godly works is a revelation of God's faith in us.

It is too easy for us to go to one extreme or the other regarding faith and works. We are saved by faith alone, but the faith of the Son of God by which we are saved, does about doing good just as our Lord did. The workings of God through a yielded man/woman/boy/girl are GOOD WORKS. "DO unto others" - that is an active command, just as much as "SERVE one another as I have served you."

Impartial 2:1-7

It is a paradox that God should care so for each and every individual and not care more for one than another. Those of of with children and grandchildren sometimes have a difficult time not having favorites, even though we might not admit it or confess it. Let's face it, one who is respectful and obedient is certainly preferred over one who is stubborn and argumentative. It doesn't necessarily mean that we love one more than the other but there is a natural and normal resistance toward the one who is stubborn and argumentative.

Look at this example: Can a gift be given in faith and not be a cheerful gift, but an obedient one? I think so! Have you never said to God, "Lord, I am doing this in simple obedience to you although I do not feel good about doing it?" If you haven't, bless your proud heart.

I believe that even Abraham in the sacrifice of his son obviously struggled UNTIL he believed that God would raise his son from the dead. It was a crisis of belief. The struggle usually proceeds the submission, but sometimes it works in reverse.

The fact is that we are to be impartial!

No Regard for Persons

2:1. My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
We live in a partial world! Models are thin or at least not obese. Billboards do not advertise liquor with the drunk in the street but with beautiful people. The exercise equipment people do not show those who did not drop the 30 or more pounds but those who did (if the models dropped any at all).

Try to get a job looking like a street person. Make an appointment with any important person without appearing presentable. This world is all about beautiful people, but the truth is that most of us are not beautiful. That's the exciting thing about the "tech world" - if you are smart, you don't have to be well dress or pretty. People even prefer their pastors to be well groomed and handsome.
The truth is that we are pretty much respecters of persons and God says "Don't Be!"