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Showing posts from September, 2020

Jesus: The Believer’s Inheritance

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  It is fascinating to observe when people talk about inheritance, ones mind would immediately cater properties, wills, houses, jewelries, and other material things. All of which are centered on material temporal things.   In 1 Peter 1:4 , although The Apostle Peter used the term “inheritance” once in his letter, Apostle Paul on the other hand, mentioned this term in his letters several times. ( Eph_1:14 , Eph_1:18 , Eph_5:5 , Col_3:24 ,) But what is so significant about this particular emphasis of Peter? After all, he made a brief description of the inheritance (verse 4-5) a believer will obtain now that he is part of God’s family.   The term “inheritance” is not something new among Jewish ears. Going back to the OT, when God divided the promised land among the 12 tribes of Israel, every tribe received a portion of the land as their inheritance, except for the tribe of Levi…”the priestly tribe”. They were the only tribe that didn’t get one. God’s reason for doing so is interesting. Th
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James 3:7-12 - The Test of the Tongue (contd.)

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Context—James continues to make his argument about the tongue: James 3:7-8– “no human being can tame the tongue,” although every kind of animal (beast and bird, creeping things, and sea creatures) “can be tamed or has been tamed by mankind.” The point is this: while man is able to restrain beasts and every kind of creature, he is powerless to keep his own tongue under control. The tongue “is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” To put simply, the sinful nature of man makes his tongue impossible to restrain. The tongue bears or brings death. It is deadly!  James 3:9-10– “From the same tongue come blessing and cursing.” Note the inconsistency and hypocrisy—with our tongue, “we bless our Lord” and with it “we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.” See Gen 1:26-27. How can we curse people when to do so would clearly be an insult to the One in whose image man has been created? James 3:11-12– “Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Recall Ex
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James 3:3-6 - The Test of the Tongue (contd.)

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Context—James continues to make his argument about the tongue: James 3:3- a bit is a metal piece placed behind the teeth in the horse’s mouth connected to the reins, the purpose of which is communication and primarily, control. The whole body of the horse is guided by the use of such a little metal piece! James 3:4- a very small rudder guides or controls the direction of large ships! James 3:5- “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire.” James’ emphasis- The tongue is very  small but powerful in what it can do or cause! Consider again the analogies used:  1) A horse is very strong; yet, a small bit is enough to control its whole body! 2) A ship is a large vessel; yet, a small rudder controls its direction, wherever the will of the pilot directs! 3) A forest can be huge; yet, it can be set ablaze by just a small fire!  James 3:6- “The tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness.” Consider the extent of da
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James 3:1-3 - The Test of the Tongue

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The tongue is one of the indicators of what is in the heart. See Luke 6:43-45, Mark 7:14-23, and Matt. 15:11-20. Consider Isaiah 6:1-7 where we see Isaiah’s response as he is exposed to the holiness of God. Isaiah uses the “tongue” as a measuring gauge for his sinful condition.  James, in chapter 3, elaborates further on what he has said before: “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless” (James 1:26). James 3:1–“Not many of you should become teachers”— Is James discouraging believers from teaching? The answer must be “No,” especially in light of Heb. 5:12 and the Great Commission. James’ point may be better understood in view of Matt. 23. His point is that we ought to be careful and cautious in handling God’s Word. See 2 Timothy 2:15 and Rev 22:18-19. God’s Word should be taught accurately. Therefore, James reminds the believers to not be too quick to teach. James 3:2– “We all stumble in many ways”— To “
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