May 11
________________________________________
HUMAN VERSUS GODLY WISDOM
13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, free of hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. – James 3:13-18
________________________________________The book of Proverbs has a lot to say about wisdom. It is an instruction manual for wisdom. Why is Proverbs so important? Proverbs compiles many different instructions for living life effectively so that those who want to serve God can stay in the path of wisdom. Proverbs 1:7 clearly states the theme of the whole book: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Is it any wonder why James would want us all to know the essence of wisdom in our lives?
In verses 13-16, James gives an illustration of what human wisdom is. He says that if one thinks he is wise, let him manifest it in his actions. Someone who claims they are wise and have bitter jealousy, selfish ambition, arrogant and are liars are devoid of true wisdom. He says that human wisdom doesn’t come from above, but is earthly and demonic. He further gives a picture what this human wisdom usually brings about: chaos, disorder and all kinds of evil things. This kind of wisdom does not acknowledge God as the beginning of knowledge. They do not know him who is the source of all wisdom.
In verses 17-18, he presents what godly wisdom is. He describes it as pure, peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and manifests good fruits, impartial or fair, free of hypocrisy. In other words, there is no falsehood or pretense. It results in righteousness and those who uses godly wisdom brings about peace.
How come the world cannot discern godly wisdom? Because they do not know God and therefore do not fear him. Without the knowledge of God, there is no fear of God. How can godly wisdom exist without the knowledge of God?
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why do some people think that their knowledge is true and righteous wisdom?
Tag Archives: ILMA BARAYUGA-DOHERTY
IRREPRESSIBLE TONGUE ILMA’S VLOG
May 10
________________________________________
IRREPRESSIBLE TONGUE
See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, the very world of unrighteousness; the tongue is set among our body’s parts as that which defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. 7 For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. 8 But no one among mankind can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who have been made in the likeness of God; 10 from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way. 11 Does a spring send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, bear olives, or a vine bear figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh. – James 3:5-12
________________________________________
In this letter, James continues to warn the believers about a part of our body that is pervasively evil and irrepressible: the tongue. In verse 5, he likens it to a forest set ablaze by such a small fire. Just like how one small gossip can ruin someone’s character or a relationship or even an entire community.
In verse 6, James elaborately explains the damage a tongue can do and where it comes from. He says that the tongue is the one that defiles a person. It brings about trouble which is the fire that is actually brought about by hell itself. What a scary thought it is to think that this part of our body can lead us straight to hell.
In verse 7, he talks about the untameable tongue that we have by comparing it to every animal species on earth. He says that the beasts, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea can be tamed but the tongue cannot. He continues on in verse 8 to say that it can never be tamed because it is evil itself and full of deadly poison. In verses 9-10, he proves his point by illustrating that we praise the Lord by it and also curse other creation created by God in his own image. He warns the believers that this must not be the case in Christians.
In verses 11-12, he challenges the believers to examine their hearts when he asked the question “Can a fig tree bear olives or vine bear figs?” This question means that if you are in Christ, your mind is going to be renewed and you won’t allow evil to come out of your mouth. It makes us examine if our hearts and minds are in sync with our mouths.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• If James claims that the tongue is irrepressible, who can tame it then?
THE SMALL PART THAT BOASTS
May 9
________________________________________
THE SMALL PART THAT BOASTS
Do not become teachers in large numbers, my brothers, since you know that we who are teachers will incur a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to rein in the whole body as well. 3 Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their whole body as well. 4 Look at the ships too: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are nevertheless directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot determines. 5 So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. – James 3:1-5
________________________________________
According to healthline.com, the average tongue length is about 3 inches. The tongue is critical for speech, swallowing, and breathing. Onhealth.com says that the tongue is all muscle, but not just one muscle – it’s made up of 8 different muscles that intertwine with each other creating a flexible matrix, much like an elephant’s trunk. It’s called a muscular hydrostat, and the tongue muscles are the only muscles in the human body that work independently of the skeleton. Your tongue muscles do have amazing stamina and are used constantly for eating, talking, and swallowing. The tongue just never seems to get tired! Interesting that it works independently of the skeleton. No wonder, we can’t easily control it. The fact that it never seems to get tired maybe the reason why it never stops talking, swallowing or breathing.
Maybe this is why James tackles this very small part of our body that can do so much good or harm to ourselves and to others. In the same letter succeeding these verses, he explains how powerful this little part is that can set a tiny spark and get a forest on fire. He also mentions that it is very wicked and corrupts the entire body in James 3:6 and can set your whole life on fire. It is described as untamable because it is full of evil and deadly poison.
He warns all believers about this small part of the body that boasts of great things. He especially admonishes teachers because they have a stricter judgment on them since they have a bigger responsibility to ensure that they do not cause the stumbling of their students.
Isn’t James wise to caution us about something that we think we have control over?
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why so we think that we can control our tongue when the bible says we cant?
FAITH PERFECTED ILMA’S VLOG
May 8
________________________________________
FAITH PERFECTED
19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. 20 But are you willing to acknowledge, you foolish person, that faith without works is useless? 21 Was our father Abraham not justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 In the same way, was Rahab the prostitute not justified by works also when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. – James 2:19-26
________________________________________
In this verse James preaches about how faith is perfected. In verse 9, he explains to the those who have committed their lives to Jesus that faith is not just believing in Him. As he mentions in verse 9, even demons do that. So, what difference does that make between believers and demons?
In the next verses, he gives us examples of those who have perfected their faith. In verses 21-23, he shows the story of Abraham whose faith is coupled with works, which resulted in the perfection of his faith. His faith was proven by his willingness to give up his own son to obey God, that is why he was considered righteous and a friend of God. It was by this perfected faith that he became the father of all nations.
In verse 25, Rahab sampled the saving faith by helping the spies that Joshua sent to check the land of Jericho. Rahab took the risk of hiding these spies because she has heard of the stories of the God of the Israelites who have delivered them from all the Egyptians. By ensuring that the Israelites captured Jericho, she proved her faith with works of helping the Israelites fulfill God’s plan for his people.
In verse 26, James reiterates the importance of the presence of the Spirit in our lives because our bodies would be dead without the Spirit. He likens this to faith. Without works, faith will be dead. Sadly, the world has twisted the true meaning of faith. The world looks at faith on a different lens, where faith is working for their own salvation. The bible tells us that God chose us first, even the ability to accept Him comes from him alone.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why do some believers think that faith isn’t an action word?
SAVING FAITH ILMA’S VLOG
May 7
________________________________________
SAVING FAITH
14 What use is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? 17 In the same way, faith also, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.18 But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” – James 2:14-18
________________________________________
In this letter, James explains what saving faith is. True believers know what faith means. We are all familiar with the definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1 which says that is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith it is impossible to please him God. Paul says in Romans 10:17 that faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
James takes faith further in verses 15-16 by illustrating a clear example of what it means. How can one say they have faith, when they are not able to respond to someone in need when they have the opportunity to do it? We are all responsible for ourselves, but Jesus also said that we need to love one another. How can we say we love someone and not show it to others especially when they are in need? How can we not make sacrifices by letting go of our conveniences and comforts to help those who are in need? All the gifts given to us are supposed to be shared, not hoarded for our own purposes alone. How would you feel if someone claims they love you, and yet don’t have faith in you or show you that you are there to provide for their needs?
In verses 17-18, he proves the importance of saving faith. Faith has to be manifest in good works. True and saving faith is always manifest in the way we live. It has to bear fruits of kindness, love, generosity, hospitality and care to others. Dead faith is when a believer doesn’t show in his/her life the fruits of the Holy Spirit. James says that your faith is not just inside your heart. It is clearly demonstrated in your life and your relationships.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why do you think it is important to wear your faith, especially towards unbelievers?
• What happens when someone who don’t know God witnesses your saving faith?
LET GO OF PREJUDICE ILMA’S VLOG
May 5
________________________________________
LET GO OF PREJUDICE
My brothers and sisters, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. 2 For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and is dressed in bright clothes, and a poor man in dirty clothes also comes in, 3 and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the bright clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters: did God not choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court? 7 Do they not blaspheme the good name by which you have been called? – James 2:1-7
________________________________________
In this letter of James, he cautions all believers to watch that they do not have discrimination over people, whether rich or poor. In verse one, he warns them that they should not show any personal favoritism to anyone. The apostle Paul reiterates the warning that James says in verse one when he said in his letter to the Romans in chapter 2 verse 11. It states that God has no favoritism. Therefore, God expects his own people not to show any biases as well.
In verses 2-4, James gives an illustration to further prove his point about the importance of fair treatment to all. It is a picture of a rich man entering the assembly in contrast with a poor man in dirty clothes. The worldly person would automatically favor the one who dresses elegantly and exudes wealth against someone who looks filthy and poor. It is the world system that propagates these biases in our society. We are always aiming at power, control, wealth and anything that doesn’t exhibit such are looked down upon.
James reminded the believers in verse 5 that God didn’t choose the wealthy to be rich in faith. Instead, he left his kingdom’s legacy to the poor. Why did Jesus not come in this world rich? Why did He choose to come from a poor family? Is it not to mock the rich? In 2 Corinthians 8:9, Paul answers this question. He says that “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• What do you think is the source of biases or unfair preferences over others?
UNDEFILED AND PURE RELIGION ILMA’S VLOG
May 4
________________________________________
UNDEFILED AND PURE RELIGION
26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this person’s religion is worthless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. – James 1:26-27
________________________________________
In this letter, James drives a point to the hearts of believers. He is cautioning them to be careful how they live their lives especially if they have already heard the gospel. He also warns them how religious leaders and teachers can be so focused on the law and their teachings and may have lost sight of truth. In verse 26, he tells them to be wary of how works of religion can lead them to deception in their own hearts and minds. James wanted them to know that honesty and adhering to the word of God will make them discern what is true and what is not. He stresses the importance of bridling their tongues. The Easton bible dictionary says Hebrews mahsom’ signifies a muzzle or halter or bridle, by which the rider governs his horse. I think that what James meant here is to control one’s tongue. Why is it so important to do so? Without restraint with words, one can sin. Even Solomon cautions us in Proverbs 21:23 that whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. James explains that it leads to a deceived heart.
In verse 27, James brings the message of what true and undefiled religion is according to how God sees it. Pure religion is to take care and love the orphans and widows. You may be wondering why widows. We live in a different generation now, but in the time of Jesus widows are the most weak and vulnerable people. The notion that widows needed someone to take care of them rests on ideas about the legal and social status of women. Perhaps most important is the idea that widows could not possess their own property. A wife was dependent on her husband, and when he died, she went to live with her father’s household if he was alive, or to an adult son if she had one. Having a father or son was fortunate, because otherwise widows were entirely without resources. We are to care for the helpless and weak. As believers, we are also cautioned not to meddle with the systems of the world in order to stay pure and uncorrupted. Religion is not a denomination or church organization. It is a way of life that follows God’s law of loving the weak and vulnerable and keeping oneself holy and blameless.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• How has this teaching of changed your notion of religion based on the world?
GOD’S LAW BRINGS FREEDOM AND BLESSINGS ILMA’S VLOG
May 3
________________________________________
GOD’S LAW BRINGS FREEDOM AND BLESSINGS
22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; 24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. 25 But one who has looked intently at the perfect law, the law of freedom, and has continued in it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an active doer, this person will be blessed in what he does.
– James 1:22-25
________________________________________
In this letter, James wants to emphasize the importance of living out the word of God instead of just reading or hearing it. His recommendation is to “prove yourselves doers of the word.” What does that mean? He didn’t say study and read the word, but prove to be doers of it. The word “prove” is defined as to demonstrate the truth or existence of (something) by evidence. In verse 23-24, he explains the consequence of those who just hear the word and not do it. What interesting picture James give us when likens those who do not follow the word of God to someone who quickly forgets how he looks right after he leaves his reflection from the mirror. Isn’t this very true? We fail to remember what we have just read or studied when we don’t do it. It doesn’t become part of us. This is why the bible tells us to meditate on the word day and night in Joshua 1:8 so that it doesn’t depart from us. When we meditate on it, it becomes ingrained in our whole being, then we automatically do it. The process of reading and studying doesn’t bear fruit unless we meditate and churn on it. In verse 25, he further shows the benefit of someone who intently look into the perfect law which he calls the law of freedom. He becomes an active doer of the word. He is therefore blessed and prosper in all that he does. David talks about this in Psalm 1:2-3 when he said “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law, he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by the streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” It seems like James paraphrased this psalm of David in this letter. But I like the way James described the law in verse 25 as the law of freedom. Many of us who look at law would wonder how it could make us live in freedom. That is because the word “freedom” vastly differs in meaning according to how the world looks at it and how God meant it to be. Following God’s law brings us peace and joy if it is done in love for Him.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• How can following God’s law free us from many things?
LISTEN MORE, SPEAK LESS & REACT SLOW ILMA’S VLOG
May 2
________________________________________
LISTEN MORE, SPEAK LESS & REACT SLOW
19 You know this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; 20 for a man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore, ridding yourselves of all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.
– James 1:19-21
________________________________________
In this letter, James addresses the importance of listening. This is a very timely issue even in our current world today. In a world that propagates the self, there is very little effort placed on listening and being quiet and not attract attention. I’d like to bring you to Solomon’s view about the importance of listening and being slow to speak and slow to get angry that James is emphasizing in this letter.
• Proverbs 17:28 -Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. – Don’t we respect people who are not noisy?
• Proverbs 12:15-The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. -Don’t we loathe a “know-it-all” and who are stubborn and don’t listen?
• Proverbs 18:2 -A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. – Don’t we want to run away from talkers who don’t even think what they say?
• Proverbs 15:1 -A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. -Doesn’t our anger deflect when someone is gentle and soft?
• Proverbs 10:19 – When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. -When we talk much, don’t we open our lips to error?
In verse 20, James further explains that anger doesn’t manifest God’s righteousness. James agrees with Paul in Ephesians 4:26 when he said that we can be angry but not do it sinfully. God gave us anger so we can use it for bringing people into righteousness, not to call attention to ourselves.
In verse 21, James gives us an antidote to all unrighteousness and evil deeds: by humbly receiving the word of truth that will always lead us to the narrow path to the Kingdom of God.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why do you think people nowadays have a deficit in listening and have an abundance in talking and getting attention for themselves and being angry?
BEGINNINGS OF SIN ILMA’S VLOG
May 1
________________________________________
BEGINNINGS OF SIN
12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 No one is to say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it has run its course, brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers and sisters. 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. 18 In the exercise of His will He gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.
– James 1:12-18
________________________________________
In this letter of James, he commends those who persists under tests or temptations. He calls them blessed. How are they approved as mentioned in verse 12. Once they have endured such temptations, they become strong in the faith and that’s when they will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love Him.
In verse 13, he cautions the believers to make sure that they do not blame God for the temptations that come their way, for God never tempts them. God allows it, but it doesn’t come from Him. Do you remember the story of Job? God allowed Satan to tempt Job to test he will continue to be righteous and faithful to the Lord. The temptation didn’t come directly from God. He allowed Satan to test Job.
In verses 14-15, James gives us an explanation of the beginnings and process of sin. It starts with a desire or lust. When he entertains to give in to these cravings, the process of being tempted is conceived. After the conception of the craving has been satisfied, it is now considered sin. When one continues to feed this desire and cravings, the spirit begins to die. The flesh comes to life because it is being fed so much.
In verse 16, James stresses God’s nature. He is very generous and unchanging. He is never fickle. And every good thing comes from him. In verse 18, he gives us an escape from temptation through his word. It is only in the word, that we will have life. With that life, fruits become visible and we become born again in the new life He gave us in Christ.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why do some people think that temptation is something they cannot overcome?