Devotional: James 1:2-12, Matthew 5:1-16
Reflection
- Read James 1:2-12
- Read Matthew 5:1-16
Discussion
I think Christianity sells more if we make it more friendly. If we use encouraging messages about a god who wants to make you mighty in this world and give you all sorts of riches without you lifting a finger. That version of Christianity appeals to our selfish, materialistic world. What we read today in James 1 and Matthew 5 paints a picture that is something of the opposite. Look at the list of things we should be – none of them align with the image of a substantial person in the world’s eye.
- Steadfast under trial
- Hungry and thirsty for righteousness
- Poor in spirit
- Mournful
- Meek
- Pure in heart
- Merciful
- Peacemaker
- Persecuted
- Reviled
Connection
How would the American church look differently if people ought to be meek and pure in heart?
How would your home be different if you were a merciful peacemaker more often?
How can prayer and studying the Word be a catalyst for steadfastness under trials of many kinds?
When did you realize that your faith in Christ would result in persecution and being reviled? Does that make you want to try something else?
Expansion
Salvation and Preservation
God saves people by their faith in Him alone according to His grace alone through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ alone, not on the basis of any human work. All of the redeemed are immediately indwelt by the Holy Spirit and justified before God beginning the transforming sanctification of the whole person the fruit of which is shown by their attitude and conduct. Having been saved by faith, we are justified in Christ before God, forgiven of our sins, and held eternally secure by Christ alone forever where we will one day assume a glorified condition with Him forever. From beginning to end the salvation of people is entirely a work of God to bring glory to His name.
Acts 8:27-30, Ephesians 1:3-14, Ephesians 2:1-10, 2 Timothy 1:8-9, 2 Timothy 2:24-26, John 1:12-13, Romans 6:16-18, Romans 9:10-24, John 6:43-45, 1 Timothy 2:3-4, Ezra 18:23, Romans 10:10-21, 2 Peter 3:9, John 12:32, Romans 14:10-12