Kathy L McFarland

“1 ¶ From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” (James 4:1-3 AVRLE)

85. The arguments and fights that occur among the fellowship of the faithful, spring from the lusts of individual members that do not have what they want. These members fail to ask the LORD GOD for their desires, because they will not submit to His Will. Often they ask Him with the wrong heart to gratify their lusts, rather than advance His Will and Word, and their desires for pleasure are never met. As a result of their desire and need for sensual pleasures never being fulfilled, they become bitter and angry and filled with strife, creating situations where arguments and fights can begin among the brothers and sisters in Christ.

“4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. 5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?” (James 4:4-5 AVRLE)

85. Christian men and women who hold a friendship with the world are apostates, and unfaithful enemies to the Word of God

86. The spirit of your nature is such that you have lust that occurs naturally within your being. This lust causes envy to be present, which then leads a Christian to become a friend of the world, to fulfill these desires that are ever present.

There is no other place in Scripture where the exact quote “The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy” is written precisely. James usually is so precise in his writings, yet he even has left out a pronoun in this sentence that would make interpretation more clear to us. This is important…Just because the exact rendering of the sentence is not searchable in God’s Word, the concept of a natural lustful spirit in man that causes worldliness and separation of him from the Things of the LORD GOD, is valid and supported throughout Scripture.

“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” (James 4:6 AVRLE)

87. When you are humble and accept the fact that your very nature is lustful and desires the things of the world, the LORD GOD will give you more grace to enable you to resist these cravings.

88. If you are proud of who you are and not ashamed of these lustful cravings, the LORD GOD will do nothing to help you overcome them, and will in fact resist you and oppose your doings.

“7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” (James 4:7-10 AVRLE)

89. If you want the LORD GOD to give you more grace to help you overcome your human nature of lust, then you must submit yourself to Him.

90. You must resist the devil, and this will cause him to flee from you.

91. You must draw close to the LORD GOD, and He will draw close to you.

92. You must cleanse your hands if you are sinning. This means that you stop sinning and repent in accordance with Jesus Christ’s Will for the forgiveness of sin.

93. You must purify your hearts, and quit being double-minded, by having one part of your desire focused toward the worldly natural life of man, and one part of your desire focused toward the righteous spiritual life of your Lord Jesus Christ.

94. Toil heavily (work hard) to keep yourself in the spiritual life to the point of affliction.

95. Cry and grieve for the things of your human nature that attempt to separate you from your LORD GOD. Silence the laughter of your fulfilled lusts in the world, and let it be turned into mourning for your inability to fulfill; to do this will bring you a wonderful joy in the midst of your heaviness.

96. Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up, away from the human nature of lust, and to the state of renewed righteousness and holiness!

Consideration for a Brother
“11 ¶ Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. 12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?” (James 4:11-12 AVRLE)

97. Brothers and sisters in Christ should not speak evil about each other.

98. If you speak evil about them and judge them, then you are speaking evil of the law and are judging the law.

99. If you judge the law, then you are not a doer of the law but a judge.

100. There is only one lawgiver and one Judge, our Lord Jesus Christ who is able to save and destroy. What right do you have to judge another?

“13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.” (James 4:13-15 AVRLE)

101. Don’t plan your spiritual and natural walks for tomorrow. You may not be alive tomorrow. Instead, let your attitude be that if the Lord Wills, you will do and live in the present and accomplish His Works and Will.

“16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. 17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:16-17 AVRLE)

102. Rejoicing in your self confidence and pride in your works is evil.

103. If you know to do good, and do not do it, it is a sin.

Footnotes:

adulterers – 3432. moicov moicov moichos moy-khos’; perhaps a primary word; a (male) paramour; figuratively, apostate:— adulterer. 1) an adulterer 2) metaph. one who is faithless toward God, ungodly (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

resist – 498. antitassomai antitassomai an-tee-tas’-som-ahee; from 473 and the middle voice of 5021; to range oneself against, i.e. oppose:— oppose themselves, resist.

Worksheet for Lesson 7

141. Where do the arguments and fights among the fellowship of the Faithful originate from? James 4:1-3 (85)
A. Satan
B. Demons
C. A lack of Faith
D. From the lusts of members who do not have what they want

142. Why do these members fail to ask the LORD GOD for their desires? James 4:1-3 (85)
(May be more than one answer)
A. Because they know He will not give them what they want
B. Because they are too busy with their spiritual lives to keep track of their needs
C. Because they do not want to bend to the Will of the LORD GOD
D. Because they are too busy working hard to provide it themselves
E. Because they ask Him with the wrong heart to gratify their lusts rather than advance His Will and Word

143. What happens to these Faithful members when their desires for pleasure are never met? James 4:1-3 (85)
A. They leave the church
B. They repent of their sins
C. They become bitter, angry and cause arguments and fights among their Christian brothers and sisters
D. They become leaders and teachers of the Word of God

144. What are Christian men and women who hold a friendship with the world called? James 4:4-5 (85)
A. Apostates
B. Unfaithful enemies to the Word of God
C. Adulterers and adulteresses
D. All of the above

145. How does lust enter into a person? James 4:4-5 (85)
A. Through the doings of devils
B. It is in your nature naturally
C. Through the temptations of evil
D. All of the above

146. What does lust create? James 4:4-5 (86)
A. Envy
B. Conscience
C. Opportunity
D. All of the above

147. What does the envy lead to? James 4:4-5 (86)
A. A Christian becoming a friend of the world
B. Higher spiritual growth
C. Study of the Word of God
D. All of the above

148. What must you do to receive more grace from the LORD GOD to enable you to resist the cravings of lust? James 4:6 (87)
(May be more than one answer)
A. Struggle to be a better person
B. Avoid the places in the world that exploit your weakness and cause loss of control
C. Humble yourself
D. Accept the fact that your very nature is lustful

149. What will the LORD GOD do if you are not ashamed of your lustful cravings? James 4:6 (88)
(May be more than one answer)
A. He will do nothing to help you overcome them
B. He will resist and oppose your doings
C. He will have compassion and mercy on you
D. He will expose you to more spiritual things to remove you from your cravings

150. Let’s Talk
What struggles with lust for worldly things have you overcome through the Grace of the LORD GOD?

What struggles for the sensual and pleasurable things of the world continue to chase after you and your weaknesses?

How does a True Christian deal with the lusts of sexuality that are normally present in the body, when exposed repeatedly to the immoralities and sexually explicit materials that are constantly on view by the world?

How does a True Christian understand the difference between lusts of his sexuality, and normal, God-given expressions of sexuality that are good and right to experience?

How does a True Christian come to grips with the success and riches of a world full of people, who have every toy that they lust after, money that they desire, and every success they work for, when the Christian must often fight and work hard for every morsel received?

What experience can you share where you have witnessed definite wicked forces trying to destroy the Christian reputation by taking advantage of the lusts of the Faithful?

What types of lusts are being drawn out repeatedly through the use of the Internet, and what damage is being done to a Christian as a result?

What measures can Christian Brothers and Sisters take to uphold and protect each other from succumbing to their lusts?

151. What must you do to have the LORD GOD give you more grace to help you overcome your human nature of lust? James 4:7-10 (89)
A. Submit yourself to Him
B. Make promises that you can’t keep
C. Try to resolve the temptations of lust by yourself
D. All of the above

152. How do you cause the devil to flee from you? James 4:7-10 (90)
A. Hold up a silver cross
B. Ignore him
C. Resist him
D. Fear him

153. How do you have a relationship with the LORD GOD that He draws close to you, and lifts you up and away from the human natures of lust, and to the state of renewed righteousness and holiness? James 4:7-10 (91-96)
(May be more than one answer)
A. You must draw close to Him
B. You must cleanse your hands if your are sinning
C. You must purify your hearts
D. You must focus on the Kingdom of God, and not on the world
E. You must work hard to stay in the spiritual life, to the point of affliction
F. Cry and grieve to the LORD GOD for the things in your nature that separate you from Him
G. Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord

154. What are you guilty of if you speak evil about a Christian Brother or Sister? James 4:11-12 (97-100)
(May be more than one answer)
A. Gossip
B. Malice
C. Speaking evil of the law
D. Judging the law

155. How should a Christian plan for and prepare the works of tomorrow? James 4:13-15 (101)

A. A Christian should not plan for tomorrow, for he may not even be alive
B. A Christian’s attitude should always seek the Will of God
C. A Christian should always do and live in the present and accomplish His Works and Will as they are revealed
D. All of the above

156. (Personal Contemplation) Why is rejoicing in your self- confidence and having pride in your works evil? Why is knowing to do good and not doing it a sin? James 4:16-17 102-103)

“1 ¶ My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” (James 3:1-2 AVRLE)

72. It is a tough job being a Teacher of the Word of God. The Teacher exposes himself to a heavier judgment in the case he commits transgression in his teachings. A person should not even consider being a Teacher of the Word of God if he is not able to handle the Word perfectly, and able to control and restrain his natural and spiritual life. A Teacher of the Word of God is a dangerous profession and one that puts the Teacher at great risk of severe judgment.

“Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.” (James 3:3 AVRLE)

73. A Teacher of the Word of God leads a student like a horse with a bit in his mouth. The teacher guides them, and they follow, as their entire life is turned around.

“Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.” (James 3:4 AVRLE)

74. Even the greatest of ships that are driven by the strongest of winds are easily turned with a small rudder, whenever the steering is violently shaken.

That is the job of a Teacher of the Word of God; to turn the sinner’s life around when his steering is being violently shaken by the conflicts of the spiritual nature of righteousness and the natural nature of sin, to encourage their walk with Jesus Christ.

It will probably come as no surprise that the topic of a Teacher of the Word of God is near and dear to my own heart. Every minute of every day, the responsibility that I am given by the LORD God to effect change in the students I teach is always on my mind.

My bosses are the LORD God and Jesus Christ, and they monitor my teachings very closely. If I do not do my job perfectly and to His Will, I risk serious judgment and even death. That is how dangerous the job of Teacher of the Word of God is. It holds tremendous accountability and is not a job one would want to take on without consideration.

I am a Teacher of the Word of God because that is what He has trained me to be for all of my life. It is the reason that I live, and it is my focus of everything I do. I have been prepared and groomed from my childhood to assume these responsibilities. I am not sharing this because of pride and self-focus, but because it is important to understand the extensive training, focus and responsibility that is given a Teacher of the Word of God long before he assumes that position.

I am deeply concerned with the newest movements that are occurring all over the world. False teacher movements in the guise of manipulated apostolic fervor are springing up all over. These movements are taking young Christians and calling them teachers and sending them out into the world to preach and teach. They were not made Teachers of the Word of God by the LORD God and Jesus Christ. Instead, they were made teachers of false doctrines by men who desired to accumulate wealth through their actions. As a result, many young Christian converts are being deluded into believing that they can receive baptism one day, and the next day, go out and teach the world, as respected Teachers of the Word of God. They are sorely mistaken, and are playing with fire, and are in danger of angering the LORD God greatly and facing terrible consequences.

I spoke to one young man who was spreading false teachings throughout the world using Internet forums (the maker of thousands of false teachers) as his platform. His teachings were so against the Word of God, and he had no accountability for anything he said. He was sincere in his faith, but tricked into believing that he was moved to teach. He did not know his Bible and relied on the moving of his spirit to say what he needed to say.

In my business, you can’t do things like that. You cannot become a Teacher of the Word of God and not have the accountability to perfectly handle the Word of God and assume the responsibility of all things that go along with it. This young man is in serious danger, and I hope he heeds my warnings and turns to the Word of God, for his future does not bode well without the Truth being present in his chosen work.

That is what James was talking about, and that is what I am talking about. To be a Teacher of the Word of God is powerful and dangerous work and must be performed to perfection. It is not a job that should be attempted by all Christians!

“5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” (James 3:5-6 AVRLE)

75. The tongue of a person defiles the whole body. It is a little member of the body, but boasts great things, and can make a matter great with just a little use.

76. The tongue is a fire filled with sin. It controls the course of nature and derives its fire from the wickedness of hell.

“7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:7-8 AVRLE)

77. Every beast, bird, serpent and thing of the sea is tamed by mankind, but the tongue of man cannot be tamed.

78. The tongue is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

“9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” (James 3:9-10 AVRLE)

79. Out of the same mouth we bless God and curse man. This is not the way it should be.

“11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.” (James 3:11-12 AVRLE)

80. A fountain can not have both sweet water and bitter. A fig tree cannot bear olive berries or a vine cannot bear figs. A fountain cannot yield both salt water and fresh…then how is it that a mouth can yield both blessings and curses?

“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.” (James 3:13 AVRLE)

81. A wise man with knowledge speaks good works in his teachings with the meekness of wisdom.

“14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” (James 3:14-16 AVRLE)

82. If you have bitterness, envy and strife in your hearts don’t try to teach the Word of God or try to teach lies in contrary of the Word of God. Where envy and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work coming from the sensual world. If you are trying to teach the Word of God in the midst of confusion and evil works, your effort will be in vain, and your spiritual and physical well being in jeopardy.

“17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” (James 3:17-18 AVRLE)

83. The wisdom that comes from the LORD God is pure. This pureness of wisdom brings peace, is gentle, easily persuaded and obeyed, full of mercy and good results, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. This list of qualities of wisdom are the requirements that the LORD God has set forth to be a Teacher of His Word, as well as a good checklist for a student to compare to the one who teaches him, to verify the validity of his status.

84. A True Teacher of the Word of God gives the students teachings in peace, to only the students that make peace.

The chaos and wickedness of the world, embroiled in the envies and strife coming from the evil works, and making violence and anger a common environment, prevents the teaching of the things of God.

It is only when the students come to the Teacher in peace, and the Teacher exhibits that peace that comes from pure wisdom given by the LORD God, that one can be reassured that the instruction is being given in the Truth of the Word of God.

Becker Bible Studies Insert

Test for False Teachers

REMEMBER: ONE “YES” ANSWER TO ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS PROVES THAT THE TEACHER IS A FALSE TEACHER, AND HIS WORDS SHOULD BE DISREGARDED!!!

A “true teacher” is a person who teaches the Word of God through divine direction.

A “false teacher” is a person who does NOT teach the Word of God through divine direction.

Characteristics of False Teachers

1. Grace-perverters Galatians 1:6-8
2. Money-lovers Luke 16:14
3. Christ-deniers 2 Peter 2:1
4. Truth-resistors 2 Timothy 3:8
5. Fable-lovers 2 Timothy 4:3,4
6. Destitute of truth 1 Timothy 6:3-5
7. Bound by traditions Matthew 15:9
8. Unstable 1 Timothy 1:6,7
9. Deceitful Ephesians 4:14
10. Lustful 2 Peter 1:12-19

#1 Grace-perverters
Gal 1:6-8

1. Does the teacher say that God does not love you?

2. Does the teacher say that God’s love must be paid for by money or possessions?

3. Does the teacher say that God only loves you if you are deserving?

4. Does the teacher say that God is not compassionate toward man?

5. Does the teacher accuse or ridicule our God for a lack of tolerance or patience?

6. Does the teacher say that God has chosen him to control the direction of his follower’s lives?

#2 Money-lovers
Luke 16:14

7. Does the teacher pay closer attention to the ministry of ritual, rather than the ministry of love and mercy?

8. Does the teacher base his teaching on or place excessive worth on money?

9. Does the teacher encourage students to be superior to others?

10. Does the teacher sneer, ridicule or condemn followers of Jesus?

#3 Christ-deniers
2Pet 2:1; 1 Tim 4:1-5; James 3:17

11. Does the teacher act secretive with his knowledge and teach that events or happenings will occur at specific times that only he knows?

12. Does the teacher deny or reject Jesus or His gift of salvation?

13. Does the teacher speak of things that are not sanctified by the Word of God or your prayers?

14. Does the teacher focus on the earthly, natural, demonic life and exclude the wisdom that comes from Christ?

15. Are the teacher’s teachings impure, chaotic, harsh, unreasonable, merciless, unstable, or hypocritical?

#4 Truth-resistors
1 Tim 6:5; 2 Tim 3:8; Ex 7:11; Rom 1:28

16. Does the teacher appear evil, depraved, unprincipled or wicked?

17. Is the teacher immoral or cause his followers to be immoral?

18. Is the teacher rejected by God and beyond salvation?

19. Does the teacher use trickery, sorcery, magic or enchantment to sway his students?

20. Does the teacher challenge God to prove his authority and power?

21. Does the teacher lead his students into mental error or false judgment?

#5 Fable-lovers
2 Tim 4:3,4; 1 Tim 1:4

22. Does the teacher speculate rather than confirm?

23. Does the teacher focus on genealogies by tracing family descent?

24. Does the teacher’s teachings involve supernatural or imaginary persons, embodying popular ideas on natural or social phenomenon?

25. Does the teacher instruct on widely held, but false notions?

26. Does the teacher “tickle the ears” by telling his students what they want to hear?

27. Does the teacher use popular media, special effects or flair to entertain rather than teach the gospel?

28. Does the teacher use music, TV, movies or computers to snare his students?

#6 Destitute of Truth
1 Tim 6:3-5

29. Does the teacher distort the truth by disagreeing with a known fact or a known reality?

30. Does the teacher fail to teach the words of our Lord, Jesus Christ?

31. Is the teacher unrighteous, unlawful or immoral?

32. Does the teacher’s knowledge conflict with his behavior?

33. Does the teacher’s beliefs and actions appear to be without a “good sense” basis?

34. Does the teacher’s teachings lead to wickedness or evil?

35. Is the teacher proud, showing a high opinion of his own dignity, importance or superiority?

36. Does the teacher appear to “know nothing”?

37. Is the teacher excessively fond of questions, to show off his intelligence rather than God’s glory?

38. Does the teacher vigorously focus on the words of his answers rather than the truth?

39. Does the teacher cause envy or jealousy among his students?

40. Does the teacher create bitter conflict or strife among his students?

41. Does the teacher create an air of evil suspiciousness around his students?

42. Does the teacher argue with other teachers, attempting to persuade with evil teachings?

43. Does the teacher think that the number of students indicates the godliness and rightness of his teachings?

44. Does the teacher treat the students meanly, worthlessly, disgracefully or dishonorably?

#7 Bound by Traditions
Matt 15:9; Is 29:13; 2 Tim 4:4,5; Titus 1:10-12

45. Does the teacher worship God in vain (without real significance, value or importance)?

46. Does the teacher rely on tradition and rote, rather than the moving of the Holy Spirit?

47. Is the teacher bound by traditions claiming divine authority without documentary evidence?

48. Is the teacher’s instruction based on myths and commandments of men rather than the truth?

49. Is the teacher an unruly, a vain talker or a deceiver?

50. Is the teacher unable to digest new knowledge because of laziness?

51. Does the teacher instruct for the sake of sordid gain?

52. Does the teacher attempt to undermine the teachings of the student’s family?

53. Does the teacher demand isolation from family and friends?

#8 Unstable
1 Tim 1:6-7
54. Does the teacher use idle talk and stray from sound doctrine?

55. Is the teacher unable to provide confirmation of his belief?

#9 Deceitful
Eph 4:14

56. Does the teacher educate using different types of doctrine?

57. Does the teacher use trickery, the practice of deception, shrewdness or fraud to gain students?

58. Does the teacher use forms of dishonesty, underhandedness, misleading or false scheming to instruct the students?

#10 Lustful
2 Pet 2:12-19; Phil 3:19; Jude 1:12; Rom 6:16

59. Does the teacher speak evil of the things he doesn’t understand?

60. Is the teacher prone to corruption, bribery, swindling or dishonest dealings?

61. Does the teacher partake in carousing, drunkenness, sexual promiscuity or sensuality?

62. Is the teacher’s character full of spots, stains and blemishes that he has tried to hide from others?

63. Does the teacher entice unstable souls?

64. Does the teacher follow the way of false gods?

65. Does the teacher have the presence but no message?

66. Does the teacher’s message change often?

67. Does the teacher manipulate, falsely flatter or entice lusts of the flesh?

68. Has the teacher been given knowledge of Jesus Christ, then turned his back on Him?

REMEMBER: ONE “YES” ANSWER TO ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS PROVES THAT THE TEACHER IS A FALSE TEACHER, AND HIS INSTRUCTION SHOULD BE DISREGARDED

Footnotes:

Ten Characteristics from The New Strong’s Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible; “Supplement” Copyright  1984, Thomas Nelson, Inc. Complete Topical Index to the Bible; page 72

Worksheet for Lesson 7

126. Why is being a Teacher of the Word of God such a tough profession? James 3:1-2 (72)
A. The Teacher exposes himself to a heavier judgment in the case of transgression
B. The Teacher must handle the Word of God perfectly
C. The Teacher must be able to control and restrain his natural and spiritual life
D. All of the above

127. What is meant when James likens a Teacher of the Word of God as “putting bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us”? James 3-3 (73)
A. The Teacher forces a student to be like a beast of burden
B. The Teacher guides a student, and through their obedience, their life is turned around
C. The Teacher uses a student to advance, and the student remains lowly
D. The Teacher guides a student to obedience to magnify his works in heaven

128. What is meant when James likens a Teacher’s power to the great ships “driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm”? James 3:4 (74)
A. The Teacher violently shakes the student into submission
B. The Teacher is able to turn the student’s life by blowing fierce winds of anger
C. The Teacher is able to turn the student’s life when he is being buffeted and violently shook from the conflicts of the spiritual nature of righteousness and the natural nature of sin.
D. I don’t know

129. Who are the bosses of a Teacher of the LORD GOD? (Notes)
A. The LORD GOD and Jesus Christ
B. The spiritual growth of the Teacher is the controller of all he teaches
C. The Church Council and committee of Elders
D. The students and their needs

130. When does a Teacher of the LORD GOD risk serious judgment, and even possible death? (Notes)
A. If the Teacher does not do the job, and uphold the Word of God perfectly
B. A Teacher of the Word of God is holy and righteous, and will not face serious judgment
C. If a Teacher does not have many students that receive his teachings
D. If a Teacher fails to follow the doctrines of the Catholic Church

131. Let’s Talk
What are some of the newest movements of False Teachers that are occurring today?

How are False Teachers able to gain students through manipulated apostolic fervor?

How can we protect the young and immature Christian from being overcome by the promises of increased power, respect, community and reward that is promised by the False Teachers?

How can we ensure that our Teachers of the Word of God are focused on the things that the LORD GOD Wills us to learn?

How effective is the “False Teacher Checklist” in exposing the False Teachers and revealing the True Teachers of the Word of God?

132. What member defiles the whole body? James 3:5-6 (75)

A. Mouth
B. Tongue
C. Speech
D. Ears

133. How does James describe a person’s tongue? James 3:5-10 (76-79)
(May be more than one answer)
A. It is a fire filled with sin
B. Its fire controls the course of nature
C. The tongue is set on fire of hell
D. Unruly
E. Evil
F. Full of deadly poison

134. What things are tamed by mankind? James 3:7-8(77)
(May be more than one answer)
A. Beast
B. Bird
C. Serpent
D. Thing of the Sea
E. Tongue

135. (Essay)What examples does James use to prove that we cannot bless God and curse man out of the same mouth and remain holy and righteous? James 3:11-12 (80)

136. How does a wise man with knowledge speak good works in his teachings? James 3:13(82)
A. With the meekness of wisdom
B. With the sensitivities to the students needs
C. With the natural affairs of man mixed with the spiritual things of God
D. All of the above

137. If a Teacher of the Word of God has bitterness, envy, and strife in his heart, what should he do? James 3:14-16 (82)
A. Hide it from his students
B. Don’t teach
C. Repent and restore his spirit
D. Pray for strength and continue teaching with endurance

138. If a Teacher tries to teach the Word of God in the midst of confusion, evil works, and strife, what results? James 3:14-16 (82)
(May be more than one answer)
A. No learning takes place
B. The teacher’s spiritual and physical well being are in jeopardy
C. Every teacher has a bad day every now and then
D. The students will leave that teacher and find another

139. (Essay) What is the nature of the wisdom that comes from the LORD GOD? James 3:17-18 (83)

140. What atmosphere is present when a True Teacher of the Word of God gives the things of the LORD GOD’s Word to students? James 3:17-18 (84)

A. Confusion
B. Anger
C. Emotional releases
D. Peace

“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?” (James 2:14 AVRLE)

63. If a man has faith, but does not act on that faith, it cannot save him.

This statement is not the usual debate of the doctrine of salvation by faith, works for reward. Faith is what you believe and works is what you do as a result of that belief. It is through Faith in Jesus Christ that we receive salvation, and it is through our works that we receive reward.

In this statement, however, James is not discussing the salvation of a soul, but rather saving the life of a man. His point is that you can believe all things, but if you are not strong enough to act on your beliefs, you can not save yourself.

It is the doing of the belief that makes the saving possible. Thinking about it is without benefit, if action is not taken on that belief.

“15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?” (James 2:15-16 AVRLE)

64. If a brother or sister in Christ is naked and hungry, and you tell him to be at peace, warm and fully satisfied in hunger, rather than feed and clothe them, it is going to be unprofitable. If the natural life needs are not met in our Christian brothers and sisters, then the beliefs of the spiritual realm will not benefit them at all. A cold, hungry, naked person who is given teachings in faith, is still cold, hungry, and naked with no ability to understand. Clothe and feed that person with the works of your faith, and you will have a person ready to hear the Word of God, and become a worker in faith with you.

“17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” (James 2:17-18 AVRLE)

65. Faith without works is dead. Faith without works cannot be seen.

66. Faith can be shown by your works.

“19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:19-20 AVRLE)

67. It is good that you know that there is only One LORD God, but that faithful knowledge does not make you uniquely righteous. Even the devils themselves know there is only one LORD God, and they tremble at His name. The difference between a man of faith, and the devils themselves, is the work that is accomplished as a result of faith.

A Side Note: Worldly people often profess their goodness and greatness by saying “I believe in God”, as they stand offended by a Christian in their presence. This arrogant profession of belief is neither noble nor notable. The devils themselves know there is only one LORD God! The difference between a person of the world, and the wicked devils, is that the devils fear the LORD God and tremble at His Name. How much lesser is a worldly person with the profession of a hollow belief said without fear?

“21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” (James 2:21-24 AVRLE)

68. Abraham was justified by works when he offered Isaac his son upon the altar. He did not just tell the LORD God that he had faith in Him, He acted on that faith in accordance with the LORD God’s Will. As a result, his faith was proven and made perfect.

69. Because Abraham believed the LORD God and acted in faith, he was made righteous and called the Friend of God. This work based on faith that was accomplished by Abraham is proof that through works a man is justified, and not by faith alone.

“Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?” (James 2:25 AVRLE)

70. Rahab the harlot was also justified by her works when she had received the messengers and sent them out another way to save them.

“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (James 2:26 AVRLE)

71. Just like the body without the spirit is dead, so is faith without works is dead also.

Worksheet for Lesson 5 (Part 2

118. (Let’s Talk)

What use is faith, if works do not come from it?

If a person has faith in Jesus Christ, but lacks the will to build on the Foundation of Jesus Christ through the doing of His Word of God, does that man receive valid salvation?

If a person loves Jesus Christ and the LORD God, yet conforms to this world, with his personal lusts and desires being fulfilled, and neglects to implement the Word of God, is that man considered a Christian who walks with Jesus Christ?

If a person adopts a lifestyle of pleasure and worldliness, but at the same time confesses the Lord Jesus Christ, and gives tithes to the poor on a regular basis, does that person belong to the Kingdom of God?

If a person that claims to be a Christian, walks on a good path with Jesus Christ, yet often strays to fulfill his lusts, and then returns to the same walk over and over and over, does that person receive spiritual growth as a result?

What examples can you share of pretend Christians who know the Word of God, and understand what they should do, but instead do nothing but profess with their lips their beliefs, without implementing the things that the LORD God would have them do?

What examples can you share of fake Christian leaders who are guiding unsuspecting young and immature Christians off their spiritual path, who disregard the Word of God, and do works in conflict with the faith they profess?

What examples can you offer of a faithful Christian that has walked strongly in faith and demonstrated that faith through focused and faithful actions based on the Word of God, in spite of the hardship, trouble and oppression that has come?

What examples can you offer of the wicked and arrogant Christian fakes who gain benefit and recognition as a result of “being a person of God”, who can quote scripture and verse, who can sing praises in perfect pitch, yet who pervert and hide the Word of God from their actions when they are not being watched?

119. What results if you tell a naked and hungry Christian that he should have faith and fill peaceful, warm and fully satisfied in his hunger? James 2:15-16 (64)
A. It is unprofitable
B. You will make the hungry Christian less faithful because he would still feel cold and hungry
C. Confusion between the faith and resulting works would occur
D. All of the above

120. Why is faith without works dead? James 17-18 (65, 66)
A. It cannot be seen
B. Faith without works is not dead
C. You are saved by faith, and works are not necessary
D. You must have works to be saved, or you are dead

121. (Essay) What is the differences between a person of faith, a devil and a professing person of the world with regards to their belief in the LORD GOD? James 2:19-20 (67)

122. When was Abraham justified by his works? James 2:21-24 (68)
A. When His name was changed from Abram
B. When he offered Isaac to be sacrificed upon the altar
C. When he was praying to the LORD GOD in the desert
D. When he was contemplating all the good things of the LORD GOD

123. What results when you do an action on your faith in accordance with the LORD GOD’s Will? James 2:21-24 (68, 69)
(May be more than one answer)
A. Your faith is proven
B. Your faith is made perfect
C. You are made righteous
D. You are called a Friend of God

124. How was Rahab, the harlot, justified by her works? James 2:25 (70)

A. By repenting of her sinful ways
B. By receiving the messengers and sending them another way to save them
C. By converting to Judaism and becoming one of God’s People
D. All of the above

125. (Complete this Scripture sentence…) “For as the body without the spirit is dead so faith without _______________________ is dead also.” James 2:26 (71)

“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.” (James 2:1 AVRLE)

“Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.” (Leviticus 19:15 AVRLE)

54. The faith of our Lord Jesus Christ was first established with the laws, ordinances and statutes of His Jewish roots. He learned as a young child to respect the poor, and to not automatically honor the person of riches, but to judge each person in righteousness on his own merits.

“2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?” (James 2:2-4 AVRLE)

55. If you choose one person over another and treat them more special because of their appearance or station in life, then you are guilty of judging with evil thoughts. An example is given of a man entering into the presence of assembled faithful with a gold ring and great looking clothes. A poor man in dirty and shabby clothes enters also into the congregation of believers. James points out that to have respect to the splendid clothes and offer him the best seat in the house, but to the poor and dirty man ordering him to stand or sit at your feet, makes you a judge with evil thoughts.

I thought I did a pretty good job at showing impartiality for people; it is just part of my particular nature to not notice the things of wealth, poverty, race, stature, or station in life. It was nothing I did to not pay attention to these things; the LORD God just made me that way, and it’s never been a big deal to me.

Or so I thought. Several years ago, we celebrated the Jubilee Year, a time when the LORD God’s people forgive debts, and give freely in a dedicated way of all they have to those who need. We committed ourselves to honor our LORD God by accomplishing all that we could in giving to the poor when they came seeking. Our hearts were filled with joy daily, as we offered a hand up in the name of Jesus Christ. We opened our home to many who came and sheltered them, fed them and spoke the messages of Jesus. We would buy food for those who hungered, and gave clothes to those who had none. Anything asked of us during this year, we provided; if that took selling some of our beloved possessions, or spending our last penny, we would give what was asked, faithfully knowing that the LORD God would provide as we needed.

Then something terrible happened that ruined my pure heart. One of the homeless men that we had provided a house to live in, spoke some of the cruelest seven words to me that I have ever heard. These seven words nearly stopped my giving to anybody, ever again. He said:

“You’re a Christian. You have to provide”

I felt like a sap. I felt used. I felt angry inside. From that moment on, every time a poor person would come to me with a hand out, I would look to them with concealed disgust and know that they were not coming because of the grace of the LORD God and Jesus Christ, but merely coming because they knew that “I am a Christian. I have to provide.”

My heart was becoming hardened to the poor. I noticed that every time I gave, that it empowered them, and caused them to have almost an air of superiority over me, as they took more and more from me, with absolutely no interest in the things of Jesus Christ and the LORD God.

Then one day, I was visiting a small church in the Pacific Northwest. The congregation of believers were mostly upper middle class, and the Pastor was well spoken, well groomed and powerful in the local council of churches. As I entered into the church, I noticed a dirty, smelly, mentally challenged man walking in ahead of me. I saw the Pastor stand in front of him, and prevent his entry. The man started crying and pleading with the Pastor to let him in to pray. The pastor refused, and the poor man left cursing the Pastor and the congregation for their wickedness.

The Pastor turned to me, and those cruel words were spoken again. He said, ”He thinks because we’re Christians, that we have to provide. But I am responsible for the families of my congregation, and I cannot allow the dirty riff raff to destroy our good works and disrupt our praises to God.”

The words stung my ears, and brought focus to my hatred of the poor. I left that church, and I left my hatred, I left my self-focus, and I left my judgment of others with evil thoughts, on the steps of that church that day. If the people of the LORD God do not have room for the poor to pray with them, if they do not have the tolerance to allow differences to be in their midst, then they are not followers of Jesus Christ, worshippers of the LORD God, nor adherents to His Word.

I finally got it! There are wicked worldly people among the poor and there are holy, faithful people among the poor. I nearly let a very wicked act by a bad poor person cause me to remove the love of Jesus Christ from many righteous and holy poor people. And I nearly entered into a congregation of truly wicked rich people, who would prevent a poor man from praying in their presence. I suspect the hand of Satan himself was directing this orchestrated attempt to cause me to hate the poor, and I resolved from then on to aggressively prevent his attempts.

The ways of the world have caused many of our Christian brothers and sisters to resent the poor. There is a difference between the wicked worldly poor, and the righteous and holy faithful poor. That difference is the line that Christian brothers and sisters can use to measure their obligations. The LORD God does not want the wicked worldly to prosper, period. It is the righteous and holy poor person that James is speaking of, and it is the righteous and holy poor people that we are obligated and honored to respect and uphold when we are graced with their presence.

The Word of God is clear: “For if there come unto your assembly”… then they are coming into the spiritual realm and faithfully walking toward the LORD God, with a holy walk more righteous than a rich man can ever know!

“Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?” (James 2:5 AVRLE)

56. The LORD God has chosen the poor of this world and made them rich in faith, and heirs of His Kingdom which he promised to those that love him.

“But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?” (James 2:6 AVRLE)

57. If you have been looked down upon and oppressed by rich men who thought themselves better than you, then it would make no sense that you would do the same as a Christian, to the poor.

“Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?” (James 2:7 AVRLE)

58. You are a CHRISTIAN, a follower of Jesus Christ! Do not cause evil to be spoken about those who choose to walk and serve Him!

“If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:” (James 2:8 AVRLE)

59. You will do well to keep the royal law of our King Jesus Christ is his words “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself”.

“9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. 10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” (James 2:9-10 AVRLE)

60. Partiality is more than error in judgment. If you show favor toward some people, and discriminate against others, you are committing a sin. You are a transgressor because of this sin.

“10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.” (James 2:10-11 AVRLE)

61. You can be righteous and keep the whole law of God, but if you break one law, you are guilty of all. You are a transgressor of the law regardless if the transgression was one of murder or one of discrimination against a person.

“12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” (James 2:12-13 AVRLE)

62. The law of liberty gives you the freedom to choose what you will do and what you will speak. If you choose to judge others without mercy, you will be judged without mercy.

Footnotes:

blaspheme – 987. blasfhmew blasphemeo blas-fay-meh’-o; from 989; to vilify; specially, to speak impiously:— (speak) blaspheme(-er, -mously, -my), defame, rail on, revile, speak evil.

respect – 4380. proswpolhptew prosopolepteo pros-o-pol-ape-teh’-o; from 4381; to favor an individual, i.e. show partiality:— have respect to persons.

Worksheet for Lesson 5 (Part 1)

106. What was the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ first established on? James 2:1, Lev 19:15 (54)
A. Practice of the Catholic Religion
B. Laws, ordinances and statutes of His Jewish roots
C. Evangelism of the day
D. Christian Doctrine

107. What human relations lesson did Jesus learn as a child concerning the respect of people? James 2:1, Lev 19:15 (54)
A. Respect the poor
B. Do not honor a person of riches because of the riches
C. Judge each person in righteousness on his own merits
D. All of the above

108. What are you guilty of if you partially choose one person over another because of their riches? James 2:2-4
A. Judging with evil thoughts
B. Lust
C. Coveting
D. All of the above

109. (Let’s Talk)

What examples can you share that illustrates the use of partiality in world affairs?

What examples can you share that illustrates the use of partiality in spiritual affairs?

What is the description of a wicked, worldly poor person?

What is the description of a holy, faithful poor person?

What examples can you share that illustrates the differences between the wicked, worldly poor and the holy, faithful poor?

Where does your line lay in your contempt for the wicked worldly poor and your honor of the holy righteous poor?

Frankly speaking, how can you learn to not have awareness for the things that a poor man brings into your presence (such as unfamiliar odors, clothes and behaviors), and discover the nature of the man through a spiritual and natural process?

Frankly speaking, how can you learn not to be moved toward the rich automatically, desiring their attention and approval for the things that you do?

Frankly speaking, how do you lesson the power a rich man possesses in your congregation, when you are so dependant on his money for your church to survive?

Frankly speaking, how do you increase the participation of a holy and faithful poor person, so the faithful can be honored by his presence and uphold his walk with Jesus Christ?

110. What does the LORD GOD give the poor of this world? James 2:5 (56)
A. Richness in faith
B. Heirs of His Kingdom
C. Privilege of loving Him
D. All of the above

111. If you have ever been looked down upon and oppressed by a rich man, then what would make no sense? James 2:6 (57)
A. That you would feel inferior and lower than him
B. That you would do the same thing to the faithful poor as a Christian
C. That you would feel as if you did not belong in his presence
D. That you would feel that he has power over you

112. What can you do to uphold the name of “Christian”, and “Follower of Jesus Christ”? James 2:7 (58)
A. Give to the poor
B. Preach to the lost
C. Do not cause evil to be spoken about those who choose to walk and serve him
D. Establish ministries

113. (Essay) What is the “royal Law” of our King Jesus Christ that is recorded in scripture? James 2:8 (59)

114. If you show favor toward some people and discriminate against others, what are you guilty of? James 2:9-10 (60)
A. Committing a sin
B. Error in judgment
C. Being a human being
D. Bringing a social order to things

115. What is your spiritual status if you keep the whole law of God, but you break his law against discrimination? James 210-11 (61)
A. You are a transgressor of His Law
B. You are as guilty of breaking His Law as a murderer is
C. You are a sinner and have need for repentance and forgiveness of sin
D. All of the above

116. What law are you exercising if you choose to judge others without mercy? James 2:12-13 (62)
A. Law of sin
B. Law of man
C. Law of liberty
D. All of the above

117. (Essay) What will you receive if you judge others without mercy? James 2:12-13 (62)

Maintaining the Ability to Respond to the Word of God
in the Time of Trials and Tribulation

“19 ¶ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20 AV)

47. You must maintain righteousness during the trials and tribulations that come your way, in order to respond quickly to the LORD God’s Word and Will as you are moved. There are three steps you must do to maintain righteousness during the trials and tribulations that come upon you. …

Three Step Righteousness Posture for times of trouble

1. You must be swift to hear – You must be alert and able to swiftly hear and understand the situations as they develop.

2. You must be slow to speak – You must wait in patience for the situation to unfold in its entirety, so you can fully analyze and respond correctly according to the Will of the LORD God.

3. You must be slow to wrath – You must stay level headed and focused. The enemy would like nothing better than for you to lose your temper to wrath. The loss of such intense anger seizes your mind and prevents you from accomplishing or hearing the righteous Works and Will of your LORD God.

The times of trials and tribulations are increasing in intensity and frequency for Christians all over the world, and things are promised to get worse, before they get better, by the Word of God. Christians are able to face these trials and tribulations in faith because their LORD God has given them exact instruction in how to behave in these critical times. It is crucial that you follow these instructions completely.

If you fail to hear the Word and Will of the LORD God in the critical time of trials and tribulations, when the wicked of the world are trying to ensnare and destroy you, then you are going to be on your own and facing their wiles by yourself. The only way you can have the LORD God’s support, is if you respond as He says. If you can’t hear Him, or understand His instructions, then count on trials and tribulations being very costly to both your natural and spiritual life.

You can be certain that the enemy is fully aware of your inability to hear and understand the LORD God’s Will and Word if you are angry and embroiled in the chaos and clutter of emotional and physical attacks. When you are in the midst of your battles, everything that can be done by the other side to cause you to speak without thinking, or to lose your temper in an outburst of emotion, will be attempted.

It is in the wicked forces best interest to put you at a place where you can not hear your LORD God! What better place than inside yourself, seething and exploding in anger at the injustices that will be directed toward you!

One trend that we are now seeing among many of our students’ spiritual lives, are the trials and tribulations that come to them as a result of a past “lust”. Lusts of past times that used to paralyze many of our students, were overcome through prayer and practice and the Grace of the LORD God. That’s what good Christians do; they grow and overcome the things that prevent them from being righteous and holy.

Apparently, the evil forces are unaware of this growth, and place them in tribulation with matters that they had overcome. The lust is not present, and the sin does not happen, and the evil attempt to move the Christian away from his walk with Christ fails.

But this is the interesting part. Several of our students report that even though the tricks were easily recognized because they no longer carried the sin, they could have still been caught up in the turmoil that was produced in the attempt to create chaos, anger and an inability for them to hear the Word and Will of God. Evil did not just use the trick of tempting the lust of a person, but they also used the trick of disrupting through chaos and an emotional string pull and blackmail in an attempt to cause the Christian to fall. If it were not for the student’s commitment to swiftly hear and understand, and be slow to speak and slow to get angry, they would have surely fallen as a result of the method of delivery, rather than as a result of the actual temptation.

“Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:21 AVRLE)

48. You must lay aside any immorality that exists inside you. If you have something nasty going on in your private life, you have to get rid of it. If your nature is such that you have an excessive abundance of naughtiness, let it go.

Notice how we’re not saying the word “sin” here. There is a quality of our nature that is a weakness that can be used against us during times of tribulation. We’re not talking about sins here, we’re talking about things that go on behind closed doors; things that certainly aren’t sinful, but because we do them, we become dirty in our own mind, and when we fill filthy and worthless is the time the tribulations began in earnest.

So, let’s do some plain talk. Sexual lusts and unnatural acts fall into this category often. The things that happen between a husband and a wife in their lovemaking are not sinful, nor are they judged by the LORD God as a sin. If an act, however, causes your partner to feel dirty, and that feeling increases to the point of filthiness, the act must be laid aside. We must not subject ourselves or our loved ones to a place where filthiness is the norm. If we remain dirty, we are a prime target for trouble, and it will surely come!

Another example of excessive naughtiness is when you seek naughty revenge when you are slighted, or set people up for falls just for the fun of it, or create situations of emotional turmoil and then back away. We all know what naughty is, and God’s Word says if you are excessively naughty, get rid of it.

So how do we know when things that are not sins, but are ensnaring and trapping us with their dirtiness?

49. The Word of God is engrafted into every Christian. The Word of God is implanted in you, and as a Christian filled with the Holy Spirit, you are able to discern right and wrong things. You automatically know the things that are nasty, and you know the things that are naughty, and you know the things you need to throw away and get rid of.

You don’t have to search scriptures, and you don’t have to go to a priest to know of the things that are making you feel dirty. The nasty things are in direct conflict with the Word of God that is engrafted inside you, and as a result, you know you are dirty. You are not going to rid yourself of dirtiness by going to a twelve step program, or a self help book, or a guru on top of a mountain. You can wash yourself every day for the rest of your life, and not get rid of the dirtiness that we’re talking about. And, this is important:

The blood of Jesus Christ will not wash away the dirty things of your nature that are not sinful, but just nasty…There is only one thing that can rid you of the nasty and naughty habits of your nature. You have to stop doing them.

It is because the Word of God is engrafted into a Christian, which allows him to feel that nastiness to the point of rejecting it, and restoring righteousness and holiness as a result. Praise God for the engrafting of His Word!

“22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” (James 1:22-25 AV)

50. You must do what the Word of God says. Hearing the Word of God is just half of the requirement of serving Him. Hearing is not enough. you must do it also!

If you do not obey the Word of God in your actions, then you will lose yourself!

We have a student who could quote scripture, pray loudly, sing on tune and bring joy into our presence every week. He would listen to our lessons and participate in the discussion and worksheets fully, but, when it was time to live his life, he made a mess of it.

He knew that living with a girl without being married was wrong, and he knew his drinking and partying was causing troubles with some of his friendships, but the “Lord knows I love him” and those things didn’t matter.

He wasn’t deliberately sinning and he certainly wasn’t doing the bad and terrible things of the wicked worldly. But, .he was doing things that he believed in his heart were wrong, because he had heard the Word of God speak on the subjects.

The thing he couldn’t understand is why his life was going so badly downhill. He liked to blame his spiritual and natural troubles on walking the line that separates them too closely, in an effort to win converts for the Lord. Sometimes he would use the excuse that He was a normal man that had gone to war and deserved the little vices that fell his way. It didn’t matter what excuses he used for his personal justification, it still didn’t change the fact that he was losing himself and his faith because he was hearing the Word of God, but failing to implement the Word in his life.

The loss of yourself and everything you hold dear is the price you pay for hearing the Word of God and not doing it. We often tell our new students that if they are not prepared to implement the things they learn through the study of the Word of God, it would be better for them to leave before they learn it. Because once the Word of God is heard and understood, you are accountable to do exactly what the Word says. Period.

51. If you realize that you have the freedom to choose the life you want, and you choose to hear the Word of God, and not grow forgetful with it, but build your life on the Foundation of Jesus Christ, then you will be blessed greatly.

Every human being, including the Christian Faithful, has the perfect law of liberty that allows them to choose the life they want to live. Woe to those who choose to hear the Word of God and not do it. Blessings to those who choose to hear the Word of God and do it!

“26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. 27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:26-27 AVRLE)

52. If you piously flaunt your practice of your religion, yet fail to restrain the output of your behavior and do as the Word of God says, then you are deceiving your own heart and your religion is really useless.

53. Pure and undefiled practice of your religion requires you to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and keep yourself unspotted from the world.

You must do what you hear from the Word of God!

Footnotes:

wrath – 3709. orgh orge or-gay’; from 3713; properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e. (by analogy,) violent passion (ire, or [justifiable] abhorrence); by implication punishment:— anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

filthiness – 4507. ruparia rhuparia hroo-par-ee’-ah; from 4508; dirtiness (morally):— turpitude (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

engrafted – 1721. emfutov emphutos em’-foo-tos; from 1722 and a derivative of 5453; implanted (figuratively):— engrafted. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

perfect law of liberty – 1657. eleuyeria eleutheria el-yoo-ther-ee’-ah; from 1658; freedom (legitimate or licentious, chiefly moral or ceremonial):— liberty. 1) liberty to do or to omit things having no relationship to salvation 2) fancied liberty 2a) licence, the liberty to do as one pleases 3) true liberty is living as we should not as we please (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

religious 2357. yrhskov threskos thrace’-kos; probably from the base of 2360; ceremonious in worship (as demonstrative), i.e. pious:— religious. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

bridleth -5468. calinagwgew chalinagogeo khal-in-ag-ogue-eh’-o; from a compound of 5469 and the reduplicated form of 71; to be a bit-leader, i.e. to curb (figuratively):— bridle. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

vain – 3152. mataiov mataios mat’-ah-yos; from the base of 3155; empty, i.e. (literally) profitless, or (specifically) an idol:— vain, vanity. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

Worksheet for Lesson 4

89. Why is it important for you to maintain righteousness during the trials and tribulations that come your way? James 1:19-20 (47)
A. To prove your goodness to the LORD GOD
B. To be a role model for other Christians
C. To encourage others to be strong in the face of trouble
D. To be able to respond quickly to the LORD GOD’s Word and Will as you are moved

90. (Memorization) What are the three steps to implement when trials and tribulations come upon you? James 1:19-20 (47)
1.
2.
3.

91. What can you be certain about concerning trials and tribulations coming to you? James 1:19-20 (47)
A. They have been prophesized to come to all of Christ’s faithful
B. It is going to get worse before it gets better
C. The times of trials and tribulations are increasing in intensity and frequency for Christians all over the world
D. All of the above

92. (Let’s Talk)

What are some of the trials and tribulations that are occurring to Christian brothers and sisters that you are currently aware?

Have they successfully implemented the Three Step Righteousness Posture? If not, what spiritual advantages could have been achieved?

What damage was done as a result of not implementing these steps?

Which one of the three steps is the hardest for you to keep?

Since the wicked forces know most of your weaknesses, how do they manipulate your trials and tribulations to make you respond incorrectly to one of these three steps?

How can a husband and wife, or even Christian brothers and sisters in Christ, implement the three step righteous posture together and effectively combine forces to maintain righteousness in times of trouble?

What are the techniques that you use to hear the Word and Will of the LORD GOD in the chaotic time of trials and tribulations, when the wicked of the world are trying to trap and destroy you?

Have you ever failed a trial or tribulation, and if so, what loss did you suffer?

93. What trend is currently being seen concerning past lusts of many of our students? (Notes)
A. Trials and tribulations based on past lusts are being encountered
B. Students are unable to resist past lusts
C. Students are being mocked for their rejections of past lusts
D. All of the Above

94. Why is this trend almost laughable and completely ineffective? (Notes)
A. Mockery does not hurt nor motivate a Christian
B. Jesus Christ will forgive lapses in sin
C. Christians grow and overcome things that prevent them from being righteous. It’s what a Christian does best!
D. All of the above

95. What is the danger that lies lurking under the surface for this particular past sin temptation attempt? (Notes)
A. A Christian might return to his sin
B. A Christian might lose respect from others as he is ridiculed
C. The chaos, emotions and blackmail are stirred up so greatly, that the Christian could easily get sucked into the drama if the three step righteous posture is not assumed
D. All of the above

96. What should you do with any immorality that exists inside you? James 1:21 (49)
A. Don’t focus on it if it is not a sin
B. Allow time to bring closure to the things that haunt you
C. Get rid of the nasty things that you do
D. Take it to your focus group and have it analyzed

97. What type of things are we speaking of when we talk of filthiness and naughtiness? James 1:21 (49)
(May be more than one answer)
A. A part of our nature that is a weakness
B. A Weakness that can be used against us during times of tribulation
C. Actions that make us feel dirty in our own mind, but are not sins
D. Sexual lusts and unnatural acts that are not sinful, but make you feel nasty
E. Creating emotional responses from people just for the fun of it
F. Obtaining power over situation through your manipulation of situations

98. How does a Christian know if something is nasty or naughty but not a recognized sin? James 1:21 (50)
A. The Word of God is engrafted into every Christian through the Holy Spirit
B. A Christian can never know for certain
C. If a Christian studies hard and has a good teacher, he will know
D. Talking with a Minister, Pastor or Priest will reveal your nasty habits
99. What must you do when you hear the Word of God? James 1:22-25 (51)
A. Praise Him for his graces
B. Prepare a Bible Study and teach others
C. Go out and witness the revelations to the world
D. Do what the Word of God says to do

100. What results if you do not obey the Word of God? James 1:22-25 (51)
A. You will go to hell
B. Nothing, if you ask forgiveness of your sins
C. You are washed in the blood of Christ, and are not accountable to the law
D. You will lose yourself, and you will forget the faith and personal relationship with the LORD GOD that you once held

101. What is the “perfect law of liberty”?
A. The freedom obtained through a democracy
B. The laws of the Kingdom of Heaven
C. The right given by the LORD GOD that allow you to choose the life you want
D. All of the above

102. How can you be blessed greatly by the LORD GOD when you are aware of the choice that you have?
A. Choose to forgo your freedom to live as you want, and choose to follow Jesus Christ
B. Choose to uphold human rights all over the world
C. Choose to enable democracy to be laid in places where oppression exists
D. All of the above

103. What results if you piously flaunt your practice of religion, but fail to restrain your behavior and do as the Word of God says? James 1:26-27 (53)

A. You are deceiving your own heart
B. Your religion is useless
C. You are going against the Word of God
D. All of the above

104. What does pure and undefiled practice of your religion require? James 1:22-25 (53)
A. Weekly confession of your sins and absolution from a priest
B. Regular attendance and participation in church activities
C. Assuming leadership positions in your church
D. You must do what you hear from the Word of God

105. What is James’ focused message in His Epistle? James 1:22-25 (53)
A. You must do what you hear from the Word of God!
B. You must do what you hear from the Word of God!
C. You must do what you hear from the Word of God!
D. All of the above