Bible Study Title - Capitol Commission
Who’s the Boss?
26 February 2013
RON J. BIGALKE, PASTOR/MISSIONARY, CAPITOL COMMISSION, 912.659.4212
Bible Study Title
Ron J. Bigalke , PhD / PO Box 244, Rincon, GA 31326‐0244 / www.capitolcom.org / [email protected]
CAPITOL BIBLE STUDY 152 nd General Assembly ( twice every Tuesday )
• TUESDAY @ 7:30 AM in 123 CAP • TUESDAY @ 12 NOON in 123 CAP
Capitol Commission Bible Study is Tuesday, 26 February 2013 James 4:11—5:6 – “Who’s the Boss” Richard Greenham served as pastor from 1570-90 in the small village of Dry Drayton, which was five miles north of Cambridge, England. His proximity to Cambridge made it easy for travelers to visit with him. Greenham was renowned for his godliness, biblical proficiency, practical counsel, and diligent work. Nevertheless, he believed that his ministry was ineffective. Although those beyond his own congregation were blessed through his ministry, Greenham’s own people demonstrated little spiritual maturity. Among the Puritans, a rhyme developed with regard to his ministry: “Greenham has pastures green, but flocks full lean.” When he resigned from his pastorate, Greenham told his successor, “I perceive no good wrought by my ministry on any but one family.” Nevertheless, there was much effectiveness to Greenham’s ministry. At the time in which Greenham ministered in rural England, there was much spiritual sowing to be accomplished; however, the time for spiritual reaping was still in the future. Part of the sowing was training the next generation of English ministers. Although there was no provision during Greenham’s time for the practical training of ministers, there were many travelers who were mentored by Greenham as they visited his home. Consequently, “literally thousands of English lay people were, by the 1620s, in some sense the flock of Richard Greenham” (Parker and Carlson, Practical Divinity [Aldershot, England: Ashgate, 1998] 21-22). God did bless the teaching ministry of Greenham, yet his legacy was evident in the next generation. Would you be willing to serve in a manner comparable to that of Greenham? Certainly, it is wonderful when people are responsive to the revelation of God’s Word. Moreover, it is encouraging in the political realm when people respond in an upright manner based upon God’s truth, and it is
also heartening to witness practical benefits of godly and wise legislation that will have enduring qualities that are beneficial for people. Greenham stayed in Dry Drayton for 20 years, and instructed those whom God brought to him. He did many good works, yet the fruits of his labor were primarily in the next generation. Greenham humbled himself to pursue the will of the Lord, which is not always so easy. The pursuit of God’s will necessitates that one must be disciplined, humble, repentant, and unwavering in commitment to His Word (after all, He is boss). Pursuing the will of God always brings good; however, the good fruits of our labors may take time to appear. Furthermore, the individual responsible for the good may not always receive the recognition and thankfulness for their labors; nevertheless, God will receive the glory and honor for the good. Pursuing God’s will be good when peace, purity, and righteousness appear. God’s people can always be assured that God will produce a good result when they submit themselves to His will (Rom 8:28). Are you pursuing God’s will? Do you feel the desire to quit because such pursuit seems too difficult and ineffective? James 4:7 reads, “Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Those who heed the divine appeals of God’s Word will find the stamina to do God’s will and will receive honor from the Lord for a job well done as a good and faithful steward (Jas 4:10; cf. Matt 25:21).
WHO’S THE LAW AROUND HERE? (Jas 4:11-12) Honor among men and women is relative; therefore, if one seeks glory for self, such a pursuit will inevitably result in criticizing and judgment of others. If one is to be exalted, then others must be diminished in comparison (2 Cor 10:12). Human pride does not merely demand that oneself is honored; the prideful person demands to be honored more than their contemporaries (cf. 1 Sam 18:6-11). How does speaking against others constitute judging the law? When we denounce and disparage others by means of accusations or rumors, we act as autonomous and self-appointed adjudicators and judges of faith and morals. God is the only “Lawgiver and Judge,” thus only He has the ability to enforce His laws and to accomplish His purposes. God calls His people to heed His law, not to replace the judgment of Scripture with one’s own words (John 5:45; 12:48). A slanderous individual usurps the sole prerogative of God (Tit 3:1-7). James 4:11-12 indicate the displeasure of God toward who practice slander. Christians, especially, need to consider this message because Scripture emphasizes that judgment belongs to God (Rom 12:14-21). The calling of the church is to respond in love rather than with bitter criticism. Of course, the most loving response toward those who are not “born again” is to proclaim the good news of saving grace on the basis of faith (trust) in Jesus Christ. As “the pillar and support of the truth” (1 Tim 3:15), the church
Capitol Commission Bible Studies Tuesday (26 February) @ 7:30am – 8:00am, 123 CAP Tuesday (26 February) @ 12 Noon – 12:45pm, 123 CAP (lunch will be provided with thanks to ministry donors)
Georgia Who’s the Boss? must frame the primary issues of belief and practice upon the authoritative, holy, and inspired Word of God.
(Jas 5:1-6) James 4:13-17 focused upon arrogance and pride in planning life decisions without consideration for the Lord God. As an example of such living, the worldliness of a self-centered businessman was provided. James 5:1-6 thus indicts the wealthy who abuse the power of their riches and who oppress those in need. The denunciations and prophecies of judgment might be addressed to a mixed group (some of which may be Christians and others are not). Therefore, while these verses may appeal to Christians to repent of their sin, it also warns of the consequences for those who do not. The fact that James 5:1-6 does not use the term “brethren” (cf. 5:7, 10) indicates that it is more likely that the individuals addressed demonstrate the attitudes and behavior of those who are not Christians; rather, it is the church who became victims of the rich.
Christians are called to protect the truth from attacks of falsehood (cf. 1 John 4:1-6). However, the call for pure doctrine is a call for a pure people. Consequently, a transformed life is the primary truth of the gospel of grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Rom 12:1-2). Statesman Daniel Webster (ca. 1861) wisely stated, “If we work on marble, it will perish; if on brass, time will efface it; if we rear temples, they will crumble into dust. But if we work upon immortal minds, if we imbue them with high principles, with the just fear of God and of their fellow men, we engrave upon these tablets something which no time can efface, but which will brighten to all eternity.”
WHO’S THE SOVEREIGN OF OUR LIVES? (Jas 4:13-17) Scripture indicates how easy it is for Christians to formulate goals and plans without consideration for the purpose and will of the Lord, yet to expect God to uphold them. James 4:13-17 reminds us how easy it is to plan our lives as if we control the future and have limitless authority with regard to factors affecting our lives; such self-centered planning may reflect an attitude—either intentionally or unintentionally—that God does not exist. To live contrary to God’s Word does not always manifest itself in hatred toward God; rather, one may display such attitudes by disregarding God in the planning of one’s daily activities.
Wealth is certainly not evil. The abuse of wealth as evident by selfish living and by harming those dependent upon you is wicked. The individuals addressed in verses 1-6 used their wealth solely for themselves. Consequently, “weep and howl” represents the emotional outburst of those who ignore the revelation of God, and who are then overwhelmed when they recognize their loss and suffering at God’s final judgment. The foolishness of such living is even more apparent because we are living “in the last days” (i.e. living in an age that is nearing a conclusion with the return of the Lord Jesus Christ). Consequently, the truly wise should be living in view of eternity, as opposed to storing the riches of the world because this present word and its paltry treasures will all soon disappear.
God is sovereign of our lives, and all humanity is accountable to Him (Dan 4:1-37). William Ernest Henley’s poem “Invictus” conveys the false thinking that James 4:13-17 condemns. Henley wrote of those who say to themselves,” I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” According to such a view of self, the requirements of a holy God (if He even exists are irrelevant): “it matters not how strait the gate.” The speaker in the poem “Invictus” does not fear death (“the Horror of the shade”), nor is there any concern with regard to judgment for sin (“how charged with punishments the scroll”). Why would one have such a perspective? Certainly, not because of a relationship with the Lord God and Savior, but as a consequence of one’s own perceived strength of determination to prevail. With such sentiment, the soul is “unconquerable.” How foolish to live this way! How incredibly misguided! Nevertheless, such thoughts are seductive.
Wisely did King Solomon remark, “I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind” (Eccl 1:14). “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person” (12:13). One of the most majestic of Old Testament names to describe God is the “Lord of Hosts” (“Sabaoth”), which depicts Him as omnipotent and as the One whose mighty resources are available for His people (cf. 1 Sam 17:45; 1 Kgs 22:19). As we live our lives in entire commitment to God, we have the complete resources of almighty God to guide and protect us. None of life’s hardships can vanquish us because the Lord of Hosts is our helper and source of strength. Praise God for His grace and for His glory!
“Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that’” (Jas 4:15). The brevity of human life, and the need for wisdom to live well in light of this fact is noted frequently in the Old Testament. For example, life is a “breath” (Job 7:7; Ps 39:5, 11; 144:4); it is like grass that withers (Ps 103:15-16; Isa 40:6), and similar to chaff that is scattered by the wind (Isa 40:23-24; Hos 13:3). When he learned that his wife died, Macbeth lamented, “Out, out, brief candle! Like’s but a walking shadow; a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more” (Act V, Scene 5).
Thank you for allowing Capitol Commission the honor to provide Bible studies to you. If you have any questions, please talk with us, or contact us by email or phone (912.659.4212). We are praying for you personally throughout the day and week (1 Tim 2:1-4).
About Capitol Commission Capitol Commission state directors are pastors/missionaries who teach weekly verseby-verse Bible studies for the entire Capitol community. State directors also meet personally with many government leaders to proclaim God’s grace in salvation, to encourage our leaders, pray with them, and provide biblical counsel. The mission of Capitol Commission is to reach Capitol communities for Christ—one person at a time, to disciple them, and to prepare them for a lifetime of ministry, wherever God chooses to place them. Capitol Commission is a charitable and religious nonprofit corporation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Capitol Commission is supported by the generous gifts of businesses, churches, and individuals. Capitol Commission is not state-funded; rather, those with a heart for the Capitol community fund it. Please join us in this ministry!
As those who trust in God, we must plan our lives in entire commitment to the plans and will of the Lord. We must also avoid omitting important habits from our lives, such as Bible study, helping those in need, prayer, and sharing our faith in Jesus Christ. We must not only reject sins of commission, but also sins of omission.
N EXT CAPITOL COMMISSION BIBLE STUDIES: T UESDAY , 5 MARCH @7:30 AM in 123 CAP and again @ 12 N OON in 123 CAP
Bible study luncheon provided by: donors with a heart for the Capitol community. Thank you to those whose gifts make this ministry possible!
WHO’S THE DETERMINER OF WEALTH?
