Ephesians Notes

Notes on Ephesians

*NOTES section of my notes is from the Study Bible Notes at the bottom of each page.  They will be bolded whereas my own personal notes and thoughts will not be bolded.  Scripture is bolded & italicized.

NOTES:  1:1 Paul had not appointed himself in the apostolic ministry, nor had the early church.  Rather, he had been chosen and commissioned by God Himself.   Thus he was not merely offering private opinions, as a gifted but fallible human teacher might do; rather, he was God’s apostle, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and his words carried God’s authority.

-This is striking to me because someone recently described to me several of the books written by Paul as “the ravings and opinions of one man.   These aren’t the words that Jesus himself said”.   Trying to discount some of what Paul had said because it doesn’t fit with her life or what she wants to hear.    This conversation has been niggling in my mind since we had it- I knew what she said wasn’t true but did not have the chapter & verse in mind to convey the truth.  I’m storing this away to remember in the future if it comes up again.

Ephesians 1:9 having made known to us the mystery of His will

-good reminder to me that GOD will let us know his will for our lives if we will only pray for wisdom.

Ephesians 1:17-18 may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling

-again, we can have “wisdom” and enlightenment.

NOTES: Salvation requires not only God’s initial action but also your response.  There are basically three aspects of God’s salvation or deliverance: justification, sanctification, and glorification.  Justification is God’s deliverance from sin’s penalty.   When a person accepts Christ into her life, she becomes totally free from the penalty of sin and spiritual death.

-When I read 1 Timothy 3:16 I was confused by these two lines “Justified by the Spirit” and “Believed on in the world”.   This gives me the answer for the first line.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

-As I am reading scripture, I am seeing this as a theme running throughout the books that I’ve read.    Good works can be indicative of someone who is saved but they are not the source of salvation and should not be confused as such.   It can be very easy to get comfortable with our good works and forget that it is only by God’s grace that we are saved.   Also, this answers those who think they will get to Heaven because they are a “good person”.

Ephesians 4:1-4 I…beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

-are we (Christians in general) concerned with “lowliness” or do we (all to often) want recognition for our what we have done, how Spiritual we are, etc.  Are we longsuffering with one another or quick to take offense against our brothers & sisters in Christ?  Do we endeavor to “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” with one another?

Ephesians 4:17-18 you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart;

-stuck on this line “futility of their mind”… alienated…ignorance…blindness

Ephesians 4:23 be renewed in the spirit of your mind

-thinking about this- being “renewed in…your mind”.  Reminds me of Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend”.   Not only does reading scripture renew the spirit of our mind, but I also think challenging discussions with a brother or sister in Christ can do the same.

Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.  And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God

-to often I think we focus on being a better Christian… like so-and-so is when our focus should be on becoming more like Christ.   I know I have often been guilty of this- wanting to emulate several examples of Godly women in my life- either Gramma Mary, my cousin Susy, etc.   In reality, I should be focused on becoming more like Christ.   God has formed each of us with such individuality and uniqueness that I think it is impossible to look like another Godly woman- how God manifests Himself in our lives is going to look slightly different for each woman.   How useless it would be for me to try to emulate  So-and-So’s gift for caring for the sick when my spiritual gift might be hospitality (or whatever).   In trying to emulate someone else I’m ignoring the gifts and direction and God has for MY life.   Also, this could easily stray into “idolizing” territory- which we need to be careful to stay away from.

Ephesians 5:3-5 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for the saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks…that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetousness man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

-it is interesting to me that “covetousness” is included with these seemingly bigger sins of fornicating, idolatry, etc.  Another good reminder on how important it is to strive towards contentment in our lives.

Ephesians 5:10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.

-I think much of what I wrote in reference to Ephesians 5:1 could be applicable here as well.    What is acceptable to the Lord?  Again, we must  pray and ask for His wisdom and direction.  And also recognize that this will look differently in each person’s life.

Ephesians 5:15-16 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time

-This echoes Joel 2:25 I will repay you for the years the locust has eaten. Ugh- so often I feel I’ve wasted so much time with the children- I can always see areas of their training that I’ve neglected, wish I had been a bit more fun when they were really little & not been so stressed out & exhausted.   I can only pray that the Lord will redeem these years- I wish he’d speed up the sanctification process with me!

Ephesians 5:27 Wives, submit to your own husbands

-Echoes 1 Peter 3:1 Wives…submit yourselves to your own husbands (and several other verses)- emphasis on obeying your OWN husband- not someone else’s husband or someone else’s idea of what you, as a wife, should be doing.   All to often we (the general “we”) neglect to actually ASK our husbands what they want us to do, what is important to them or not important, etc.   We might ask our friend, our sister, our spiritual mentor, etc. but never actually get around to asking our husband!   The one person that God wants us to really ask!

Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

-I’ve wondered about this verse before- I need to be careful of this when I’m playing & teasing the kids- need to not let it go to far.

Ephesians 6:9 And you, Masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

-the part about showing “no partiality” reminds me again of how the Lord does not show favoritism and it is something we should not allow in our own relationships.

NOTES: Thus the principles are also appropriate in employment relationships.

Ephesians 6:11-17 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shot your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

NOTES:

v.14 (truth) Often a person knowingly allows herself to believe a lie because of fear or self-pity.

v.15 (Gospel of Peace) The believer is to about her Father’s business, which is to spread the gospel of peace and reconciliation.

v. 16 (Faith) Satan is “the accuser of our brethren” and instills “doubt, fear and guilt”.  Faith acts as an invisible shield that deflects such false accusations.

v. 17 (Salvation) Assurance of salvation is a mighty defense against doubt and insecurity.

NOTES: The believer’s sword may be understood to be either “supplied by the Spirit” or “used by the Spirit.”  Paul further identified this sword as “the word of God”.  “Word” most probably refers to specific sections of Scripture the Holy Spirit brings to mind to meet a particular need.   Jesus’ use of specific sections of Deuteronomy in His encounter with Satan in the wilderness exemplifies this.

1 Timothy Notes

Lots of notes and thoughts from this book.   I’ve bolded and italicized the scriptures.  “Notes” in bold refer to notes that were in my study bible that I thought were interesting.    Lots of good spiritual meat in 1 Timothy.

1 Timothy 1:4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes, rather than godly edification

Notes: Women should preserve modesty in both dress and attitude.

“modesty…in attitude”- wow, such a huge struggle for me.  I desire to have a “meek & quiet” spirit but it is surely an uphill battle for someone with my temperment.

1 Timothy 1:6-7 turned aside aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm

-again, thinking about “idle talk”.   Also how someone can teach and yet “understand neither what they say nor the things which they affirm”.

1 Timothy 1:13 I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief

-this passage is puzzling to me- I wonder if this could apply to those in times past who never even heard the gospel- think isolated tribes in the Amazon who lived several hundred years ago?

1 Timothy 2:2-6 we may lead a quiet and peaceable life  in all godliness and reverence.  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth…who gave Himself a ransom for all…

-These verses seem to speak against the idea of predestination to me.

1 Timothy 2:9-13 that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.  Let a woman learn in silence with all submission.  And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.

Notes: For the great majority who were from the lower classes, this ostentatious attire could have proven a barrier to their sharing in the life of the church… “in silence” meaning “quietness”, a more appropriate meaning since women did normally speak in the worship assembly…In the NT the verb “teach” nearly always refers to teaching in group settings…some women were violating God’s pattern of authority and submission through their teaching in the assembly.

Also, from “A Time for Remembering: The Ruth Bell Graham Story” this quote on appearances: “I’ll just pray God will open Bill’s eyes and heart to realize what a stumbling block a Christian’s appearance can be to the unconverted, and not be too concerned with offending the saints.  How difficult it is for a girl to see anything attractive in Christianity when Christians look so unattractive.  It has become a matter of deep conviction with me.  We Christians, through frowning upon relatively harmless playthings like makeup, bleached hair, nail polish, etc., make the Christian life a bugbear to young converts instead of a joy.  I think it is especially easy for [people] to mistake their prejudices for their convictions.” (page 106)

1 Timothy 2:15 she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love and holiness, with self-control.

Notes: women will be saved…through faithfulness to their appointed role, summed up in the example of motherhood.

1 Timothy 3:11 Likewise their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.

Notes: The text remains clear that their ministry was one of service.

-good list of attributes to aspire to.

1 Timothy 3:16 God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.

-what do these two phrases mean?  “justified in the Spirit” and “Believed on in the world”.

1 Timothy 4:3-5 commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.  For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

-could this apply to restrictive and/or fad diets that people always seem to be on?   The blood type diet, the South Beach diet, the Atkins diet, etc.   As opposed to something that simply encourages balance in all things such as Weight Watchers or First Place.

1 Timothy 4:7-8 reject profane and old wives fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.   For bodily exercise profits little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.

-Stuck on the phrase “exercise yourself towards godliness”.   Exercise is work, effort, a commitment to continual effort towards improvement.   I am so often frustrated by my seeming inability to conquer certain sins in my life- this verse reminds me to “keep fighting the good fight”, to keep on working, making an effort towards overcoming those sins- namely anger.

1 Timothy 4:14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you…give yourself entirely to them”

-Paul encouraged Timothy to not “neglect” his spiritual gifts of preaching and teaching & in fact to “give yourself entirely to them”.   What are my spiritual gifts?   How can I exercise them more fully in my life?

1 Timothy 5:1-2 Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger en as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity.

-”Do not rebuke” says to me not to correct them, but instead to “exhort” them.    How does this work practically?    I think I am not sure exactly what this verse means or how this would look in real life.

1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

-Funny that I should read this today as my sister takes her ex-husband to court for non-payment of his child support (and alimony).

1 Timothy 5:13 they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busy-bodies, saying things which they ought not.

- Paul, talking about young widows and why they should remarry as opposed to staying single.  I’ve seen this phrase, or some version of it, several times lately in readings of scripture.  Clearly God wants women to keep busy & avoid excessive talking.

1 Timothy 5:17 especially those who labor in the word and doctine.

-not entirely sure what this means but I think it is encouraging us again to be “doers not hearers only” of the Word.

1 Timothy 5:21 doing nothing with partiality.

1 Timothy 5:22 Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.

Notes: In Paul’s exhortation on personal purity, he pointed out that an ascetic practice that adversely affected health would not keep a person pure.

-This is interesting to me.   “Nor share in other people’s sins: keep yourself pure”-  So we shouldn’t be to hasty to involve ourselves in the affairs of others?   And yet we are to be “doers” of the Word?  I suppose we are to be “wise like a serpent, gentle as  a dove”- continuing in good works but doing so prayerfully and with wisdom.

1 Timothy 5:24 Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later.  Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.

1 Timothy 6:4-5 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and desstitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.  From such withdraw yourself.

-good reminder to not get to involved with “disputes…arguments over words”.

1 Timothy 6:6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain.

-Love this as contentment is a trait I value highly.

1 Timothy 6:20 avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge.

Notes: Paul never condemned those who were wealthy, for he knew God loved to provide abundantly for His children’s needs.   Instead, he was concerned that they not arrogantly make riches an idol in which they trusted for security.  Further, he wanted them to share with those in need and thereby lay up eternal rewards for themselves.

Notes on 2 Timothy

2 Timothy 1:9 and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose
-Again affirming that although works are a good thing for any mature Christian to do, our salvation is not secured by them- we are saved because God has a purpose for us, not because of our “good” works.

2 Timothy 1:12 for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
-Love this, it is like a line of poetry.

Notes: Eunice and Lois are living testimonies that nothing in a mother’s life is more important than a personal and vibrant faith modeled before her children.
(in reference to the beginning of the book where Timothy’s faith and heritage are outlined.  “genuine faith…which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice”.)

2 Timothy 2:14 not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers.
-is this a version of “don’t sweat the small stuff”?

2 Timothy 2:16 shun profane and idle babblings
-I wish I understood what qualifies as “idle babblings”.

2 Timothy 2:22-25 pursue righteousness…avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.  And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition.
-outlines so much of what I lack- gentleness, patience, humility….

2 Timothy 3:5-7 having a form of godliness but denying its power.  And from such people turn away!  For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
- I don’t ever remember reading this verse before but Wow- I had to sit back and reread it several times.
-”having a form of godliness but denying its power”- is it possible that this is talking about people like Oprah who are “spiritual” and say that they believe in Christ yet continually deny his power of salvation?
-”creep into households and make captives of gullible women…always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”.  Makes me think of women I know who are always searching, reading the newest “spiritual” book, following the latest “spiritual” fad- always looking, always searching yet they do not or can not see the power of Christ right before their very eyes.

2 Timothy 3:12 all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
- note the use of the word “all” not “some”!   We should expect persecution of some sort since the verse clearly says that it will come to “ALL” who “desire to live godly in Christ Jesus”.  In fact, if we are not or have not ever faced some kind of persecution, that should probably be a clue that something is not right in our walk with the Lord.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
- “thoroughly equipped for every good work” reminds me of Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
-in order to be “complete”and ready to do “good work” we must immerse ourselves in God’s Word.
-All of God’s Word is applicable to each of us.  Good example is how I almost skipped over the verses in Titus 1 concerning the qualifications of Elders because I thought that they did not apply to me, as a woman.   However, upon reading them I discovered that there were verses that not only applied to myself in my role as a wife but also, upon reflection, I realized that these were good traits to work on instilling in Nathan- so also applicable to me as a Mother of a boy.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers, and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

This verse is interesting to me.  Love the descriptiveness of “itching ears”.   Esp. interested in “they will heap up for themselves teachers”- reminds me not to spend to much time reading anything and everything put out by Christian authors or other “spiritual” teachers/authors.   Our focus should be on Christ and what He has to say to us through God’s Word.  This is not to say that it is not acceptable to occasionally read books by Christian authors BUT there is a problem if the vast majority of our reading is focused on books about God, books about what someone interprets the Bible as saying on a particular subject, etc.   Why not just read what God’s Word has to say about a subject for yourself instead of reading what someone else has to say about it?

Bible Study Notes- Titus

Titus 1:6-9 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.  For a bishop must be blameless, as a stewards of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.

Study Notes from the Bottom of the Page:  The ability to manage his own family is a prerequisite for the elder…this would be difficult without the help of a supportive wife…. Being  hospitable is very difficult without the help of a supportive wife.

These verses & notes got me thinking about two things:
1. This is a good list of character traits and qualities to be working hard at instilling in our sons.
2. In the past, since this verse was directed towards men, I would have just skimmed over this part.  The notes reminded me of 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. Upon reading it, I can see that there is still meat in there for me, even though my initial thought was that these verses did not apply to me.

Titus 1:15-16  To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.  They profess to know God, but in works deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.

Of course, I again hear echoes of James 1:22 and being “doers not hearers only”.   Also, reminds me of the importance of guarding our thoughts, our minds, what we see & hear (remember the VBS song?  “Oh Be Careful Little Eyes what you see… little ears what you hear, little hands what you do, little feet where you go”, etc..)

Titus 2:3-5 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things- that hey admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.
Good reminder about being obedient “to their own husbands” and not getting caught up in what others think you should do, what looks good, etc.     Sobering to think how not being a Godly wife can cause the “word of God…to be blasphemed”.

Titus 2:6-8 exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed.
Another good list of traits to be thinking about instilling in our sons.  Thinking about “sober-minded” and the silliness that goes on with Nathan.    Also the terms “reverence” and “sound speech”.

Titus 2:15 Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority.  Let no one despise you.
What does this mean, “let no one despise you”?  How would you have any control over what someone else thinks of you?

Titus 3:5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.
While it is important to do good works, we should not allow ourselves to be proud about them- our salvation is dependent on HIS mercy, not our works.

Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works.
Again with James 1:22.

Titus 3:9  avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.

Titus 3:14 let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they not be unfruitful.

Notes from 1 John 1-3

From footnotes on 1 John 1:3,4 Joy would increase as believers become more intimate in their fellowship with God.  To me this says that those who are struggling with bitterness, anger, discontent, etc. do not have close fellowship with God.  Convicting to me as I still struggle mightily with anger myself.

1 John 1:5-7 God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.  If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.   But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another… Reminds me again of the verse from James 1:22 “be doers of the word and not hearers only”.   Again convicting to me as I struggle with anger in parenting and the many things I do/do not do when I know the right way according to God’s word.    Why is it so difficult to conquer this area?    To truly love God is to obey Him, so continued failure to be obedient to his Word is a sign of not truly loving Him.   Also it seems to indicate to me that a desire to have fellowship with other believers is born of being a Christian.    Fellowship becomes a desire of our heart AFTER we become a Christian, not before.

1 John 2:5 But whoever keeps his word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. Again echoing that obedience to God’s Word is evidence of our love for him.    Thinking more on what the ending means “the love of God is perfected in him”…. Possibly alluding to the process of sanctification?

1 John 2:9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now.

1 John 2:27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. Reminds me of a conversation you & I had several years ago about not listening to others so much when it comes to advice on Biblical parenting (or other issues) – the Bible is really the only source we need and should be our first resource when determining what to do/how to handle a situation, etc.   It seems to me that people (including myself) spend to much time reading various commentaries, books, etc. ABOUT the Bible without reading  what the ACTUAL Bible has to say!

Initially I was confused by these verses:
1 John 3:6 Whoever abides in Him does not sin.

1 John 3:9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

This footnote was helpful: Both statements use expressions that indicate a settled character, habitual practice, an engrained propensity toward sin.  Therefore, John is not denying the possibility of sin in the Christian; he is merely arguing that habitual sinning is incompatible with the Christian life.

1 John 3:10 Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother….that we should love one another…

Reminds me from the passage in Stepping Heavenward where E. Prentiss writes that the more she knows God, the more she loves God and the more she knows & loves God, the more she loves OTHERS.

1 John 3:18 let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. Again echoing James 1:33 and being “doers not hearers only”.   Thinking about “let us…love…in truth” and how that relates to speaking the truth in a loving manner, not self righteously, angrily, pridefully pointing out where others are wrong to highlight how good/holy/etc. you are.  I suspect that it is a very fine line to do so.   As someone on RGT recently wrote “you’ve stopped preachin’ and gone to meddlin’ now”.

1 John 3:24 he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him.   And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us. Excellent answer to my issue of “how do I know if I’m really saved or not?”  I do not want to be one who is standing at the door calling “Lord, Lord, open for us”  and “He will answer and say to you, “I do not know you…” (Luke 13:25).   According to this passage- the very presence of the Holy Spirit in your life is indication that you are saved.

{These notes come from an email I sent a friend.  Hence some of the commentary and reference to previous conversations, events.}

Notes from James

Notes from the book of James

I was reading the intro part to James in my study Bible- the section on “themes”, and thought to myself- I wonder why I’m being directed to this book?? As soon as I started reading James, it immediately became clear.   I read this passage and it was like a bell clanging- ding! ding!   Clue to Kelly.

James 1:22: But be doers of the word, and not hearers only.

And I immediately thought how this relates to parenting for me- how often I know what the RIGHT thing to do is and how often I fail to follow through.   To much time on the computer, to often irritable or short with the children.  I know these things are wrong, I know the right things to do, and yet I continue to do/not do them.  (being a “hearer” of the word but not a “doer”.)

This theme seems to be repeated several times throughout James,  i.e. these passages:

James 2:19  You believe that there is one God.  You do well.  Even the demons believe- and tremble!  But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? (We must do the work, the actions of faith.  Not just believe.   Echoing James 1:22)

James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. (Again, echoing James 1:22 and the theme of “doers not hearers”)  Also, I liked this note in the margins of my study Bible about this verse “Failure to do what is known to be right is sin.  The greater the knowledge, the greater our accountability.”    For me, this was also an “ouch” moment when I think of how often I do NOT do what is right, especially when it comes to parenting.

Other verses/notes that stuck out to me so far:

In light of the above, I found these verses encouraging:
James 1:5-8  If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.  For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, he is a double-minded man,  unstable in all his ways.”

I find it encouraging to think of requesting wisdom and it being granted.  I am marinating on the second part about being “double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” as I desire greatly to be steady like a rock and not “tossed by the wind”.

I am not sure what this verse means:
1 James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life…” What does “for when he has been approved” mean?  I need to get out my Living Bible and read the same passage and see if the change in wording doesn’t clarify this a bit.

Definitely an area I need to improve upon:
James 1:19-20 let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (I am also thinking about the second half of this verse and how it pertains to getting angry at someone, especially in light of not being holy or religious “enough” and how that does nothing to encourage someone towards righteousness.)

That is followed by this little piece of excellence:
James 1:26  If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.

And these two verses:
James 2:13  For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy.  Mercy triumphs over judgment.

James 4:11-12 But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.   There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy.  Who are you to judge another?

(Again, thinking about this in relation to judging others as “holy”, “religious”, “spiritual”, etc. )  Also, in James 4:22 repeating the theme of “hearers not doers”.

James 5:9  Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned.  Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! specifically “the Judge is standing at the door!”- well, obviously, if the Judge is at the door than I am not the judge!   Need to remember this.

James 5:16  The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Underlined “righteous” for my own benefit- does this mean the prayers of some are worth more than of others?  The prayers of a mature, “righteous” Christian are more effective than the new, immature Christian?   Not sure.

James 5:19-20  Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.
[Note to a friend]  This is the verse I was referring to but couldn’t remember  several weeks ago when we were talking about once saved, always saved.  To me, (and I could be wrong, you have more Bible knowledge than I do) Brethren= other believers.     So if someone “turns…back” a believer who has “wandered from the truth” and that will “save a soul from death”- that says clearly to me that a believer can “wander” from the truth (not be snatched away by the Devil, but the believer can himself choose to wander) and can, in fact, lose his salvation.