James 1:1-8

“From James, a slave of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes dispersed abroad. Greetings! My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything. But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed around by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, since he is a double-minded individual, unstable in all his ways.”

— ‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭8‬‬

Only two or three men could possibly be the James here. The apostle was murdered in AD 42 (Acts 13). The most likely option is James, the brother of Jesus. This leaves the remarkable classification of “slave of God and Jesus.” Post resurrection, James’ view of his half-brother changed, and he became the leader of the church in Jerusalem (see Acts 15). He is fully surrendered to Jesus as Lord. Some argue against him as author based on grammar and his lack of mentioning Jesus, but there are counter arguments that can be discussed elsewhere. 

Diaspora: scattered tribes. Jewish Christians ran away from Jerusalem. This started in Saul’s persecutions, but also by Agrippa I in AD 44. Acts 11:27-30 talks about a famine at this time period. Poverty greatly affected all, and Christians were no exception. Wealthy landowners would certainly have sided with Agrippa and his view of believers. James’ book is begging believers to put faith in practice and care for one another. 

After greeting the 12 tribes, James turns to the most pressing issue that would be facing these people scattered throughout the empire: some form of persecution. Since James is probably the earliest book written in the NT (probably early 40s), this is probably not like the full blown persecution of Nero or later emperors. But these people are facing trials, perhaps ostracized from family, business deals not going through, etc. This maybe similar to the audience in 1 Peter. 

This theme of calling for joy in the middle of danger relates to other passages in James: how do poor and wealthy relate to one another? Where do we find wisdom? How does believing in Jesus affect everyday life? 

James 1:2 is one of those verses that seems nearly impossible to obey. 

Testing/trials is same word here and in v. 12-13. It certainly has negative connotation (tempted to sin) in vv 12-13, but here it can’t mean that. James uses the idea of wisdom to relate the two. James is probably using the term in a neutral way and surrounding verses inform his intended meaning each time.

I always hesitate to classify everything in my life as a “trial.” Considering what this audience was facing or Christians around the world are facing, there’s certainly a spectrum of “various kinds of trials.” But the need for endurance remains. 

Specifically, I would think these trials are those that are “testing faith.” Forcing these people to question if God cares, or if Jesus is worth it, or if they need this Christianity thing at all. I don’t know of many situations that make me ask those questions, but sure I’ve been on that spectrum of line of thought. Haven’t reached the end of that path, but those questions are rough. 

Those types of situations rarely produce a joyful emotion. That’s way down the list of responses. But biblical joy is never based on a whim or bubbling over just from reaction.

James gives a reason for joy, so it does imply some thought process. Testing faith produces endurance. It makes the faith stronger. It shows me that God’s power and presence is real. It shows that my situation is not nearly as fearful as I anticipated. It demonstrates that Christ is worth my faith and worth following.

There’s some similarity to Abraham in Gen 22 and Job here. Testing faith isn’t always for God’s benefit. He knows our heart, how we’ll respond. But a trying situation will demonstrate to us His love and presence. It may be more for our benefit.  Cf Rom 5:2-5; 1 Pet 1:6-7

The word “lacking” obviously links vv. 4-5. When we’re surrounded by a chaotic situation, we definitely need wisdom. And God loves to give it to those who are seeking it. 

I don’t think James is condemning all doubt. We are going to have seasons of questions that need answers, where we wrestle with our faith. But James is talking about asking for wisdom, knowing that God will give it. 

Double minded is a person who has a divided attention. Per the context, it seems he/she is doubting that God will give wisdom. Other passages talk about double mindedness, and could mean devotion to God is divided for other things. This individual is unstable and unable to receive from God.

1 Corinthians 10:1-13

“For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they were all drinking from the spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ. But God was not pleased with most of them, for they were cut down in the wilderness. These things happened as examples for us, so that we will not crave evil things as they did. So do not be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” And let us not be immoral, as some of them were, and twenty-three thousand died in a single day. And let us not put Christ to the test, as some of them did, and were destroyed by snakes. And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel. These things happened to them as examples and were written for our instruction, on whom the ends of the ages have come. So let the one who thinks he is standing be careful that he does not fall. No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it.”

— ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭1‬-‭13‬‬ 

V 13 is great on its own but it makes so much more sense with the whole chapter (and chapters 8-10) in full force. This section covers the Corinthians’ question about food offered to idols. Though Paul’s instructions are similar to the meat/vegetables discussion in Romans 14-15, the conclusion is much more nuanced. He has different advice whether fellow eaters are unbelievers, believers, where you bought the meat, whether you pray over the meat, etc. In sum, meat is meat, and God has given us all things to eat. No problem. It’s pretty much always a matter of conscience. But if the eater is viewing the eating of meat as participating in idolatry, or if eating the meat is causing someone else to participate in idolatry, then it’s a no go. We can see this in the other passages of ch 8-10. This passage uses the children of Israel as an example. 

The fascination here is the use of the OT in the NT. In fact, this is the text that has caused many people to realize that NT authors do weird things with OT texts. The rock was Jesus?!?!?!

All under the cloud: Got it, they followed the cloud by day

All passed through the sea: Red Sea, check

Paul does something by using the word baptism to see the children of Israel identify with Moses as the people of God. He’s making a connection between Moses and Jesus. The old and new covenants. This may be the link between Moses and Jesus, where Moses is a type  type of Jesus, but Jesus always raises the pattern or fulfills it in a better/more complete way.

Spiritual food: manna. Yet, Paul may be linking the food to relying on Jesus for sustenance. I don’t think Paul uses John imagery often (i.e., feeding of 5,000 or “eat my flesh”), but it could be Eucharistic. Especially when seeing eating food offered to idols, or eating the flesh of gods.

Rock was Christ is classic midrash. Paul actually didn’t make this up. There are intertestamental writings that talk about God being the source of sustenance throughout the wilderness. Moses hit the rock for water twice, once at the beginning and end of the wilderness wanderings. Jewish rabbis concluded that it was the same rock, yet, since they must have needed water for the entire time in the wilderness, the rock must have followed them the entire time. Couple this with the verse about water gushing from the well (Num 21:16-18), and God was the source. Paul simply adds that Jesus was the rock that followed them.

Yet, we know that the Israelites took all these blessings for granted. Whether the Moabites (Baalam) or just the simple golden calf, they began to worship idols. And every time they did, it led to destruction. 

We have these stories as examples and for instruction. We have come before the living God. And Paul says the ends of the ages has come. And no one is able to stand on his own. We need to hold each other accountable and help one another endure. No person is an island in faith, and no one can be prideful. We must depend on one another, because we are weak humans.

These temptations (v. 13 finally) are common. The worship of idols has been around since the beginning, and if God’s chosen people were miserable —given all the blessings and up close views of His glory they received—we best be careful of falling into idolatry. 

But God is faithful. Praise God it’s not really up to us. His faithfulness is more stable and secure than ours. Temptation is strong, but He always provides a way to escape. 

The final infinitive is debated. Many translations have purpose/result “so that you can endure it.” I sort of favor the explanatory interpretation. “The way out is enduring it.” It doesn’t really make sense that escaping results in enduring the temptation or I need to escape with the goal of being able to endure it. But the way to escape is to endure the temptation. And God is faithful to see me through it. (And the believing community).

Probably many more details in this passage, but the rest of these chapters help fill in the gaps.

Romans 5:1-5

 “Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of God’s glory. Not only this, but we also rejoice in sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

— ‭‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭5‬‬

NPP again is going to debate this meaning of righteousness, whether the traditional/reformed imputation of Christ’s righteousness or the more familial approach that God has accepted us as one of His own. I haven’t studied this facet of NPP to know why they have to disagree so much. My assumption is that traditionalists accuse NPP of not going far enough and remove the basis for being accepted into God’s family.

The result is the same per the next phrase, we have peace with God. See textual criticism post on whether that word is indicative or subjunctive. The relationship has been restored. Reconciliation is made, and I don’t know how you reach a place of reconciliation without acknowledging a broken state prior to this. So those who deny wrath or holiness, I need to read more on their understanding of these first few chapters of Romans. I do know wrath is never mindless, spontaneous, emotional reaction. It is a character trait of holiness that must respond to sun appropriately.

Faith brings a state of righteousness and access to grace. And therefore, we rejoice because we have hope of God’s glory. Sounds awesome. Can anything go wrong at this point? 

We also rejoice in suffering, because we don’t jump straight to experiencing God’s glory. We mature in this life. Paul lists the stages in that journey and I don’t think it’s one cycle or even a straight progression. Probably multiple times and many steps forward and backward. 

But in every stage we have hope, which comes from the love of God. NET says there’s a good chance this is both our love for God and His for us. Perhaps. In light of preceding topics and 5:7-11 (particularly v8), I lean towards His love for us.

And the Holy Spirit is essential in reminding us of all these things, see ch 8. So much in these 5 verses. This is the whole book of Romans in a few sentences. 

So much truth to feed our mind. So much emotion to fill our heart. 

That one phrase is haunting…rejoice in suffering. Cause I know those early Christians had true suffering. May I continue to mature on the path to experiencing God’s glory.

1 Timothy 6:11-16

 “But you, as a person dedicated to God, keep away from all that. Instead pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness. Compete well for the faith and lay hold of that eternal life you were called for and made your good confession for in the presence of many witnesses. I charge you before God who gives life to all things and Christ Jesus who made his good confession before Pontius Pilate, to obey this command without fault or failure until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ – whose appearing the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of Lords, will reveal at the right time. He alone possesses immortality and lives in unapproachable light, whom no human has ever seen or is able to see. To him be honor and eternal power! Amen.”

— ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬-‭16‬‬

Previous paragraph and following paragraph discuss those with riches. Paul rebukes the wealthy and then gives them commands on what to do instead of pursuing money. Then here in the middle are commands for Timothy, his young protege/ambassador left at Ephesus to oversee the churches there. (Not the pastor)

First, he should keep away from pursuing/dreaming about money. As many have said, having money is fine but building one’s life around it is so dangerous and actually pointless. We’d have to look at previous passage for why. “All kinds of evil.”

Paul (assuming he wrote these books for now) lists several other attributes worth pursuing. Lay hold of eternal life may sound strange to someone with background of strong “assurance of salvation.” But over and over in NT we see emphasis on endurance, need to pursue eternal life while following Jesus. Yes, God preserves/keeps His own, but faithfulness on our part is important. Not really worth debating, since passages emphasize both sides.

Paul says to seize it, and not make it questionable basically. Timothy made confession either at his baptism or ordination of some sort. Lots of witnesses just as Jesus had at His trial.

Without failure?? Wow, high standard, but wavering (at least for Timothy) has consequences. A faithful life is necessary. Not pursuing riches but righteousness and and gentleness and love. 

Just read a book that focused on this term of Jesus’ appearing not coming, as if He will just become visible, not necessarily descend in clouds. Basis of thought depends on where heaven actually is (he thought another dimension basically, and heaven will become one new earth. Heaven and earth overlap now). There are other reasons for Jesus not to descend, per se, since a descent on one side of earth is an ascent from the other hemisphere. But God can do things however He wants. There are verses that say all will see Him. I’ll focus on that.

He alone has immortality. So we don’t have immortal souls? We won’t live forever? Same author reached this conclusion. God gives immortality/eternal life to those who believe. What about unbelievers? This position is annihilationism, and has some merit, but I’m not there yet. Does God give immortality to all people to give eternal life or judgment forever? Hmm.

Paul doesn’t focus on these implications. He jumps straight to praise for all that God is. He alone is worthy. 

Then he gets back to yelling at the haughty rich people.

Hebrews 10:19-39

 “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the fresh and living way that he inaugurated for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in the assurance that faith brings, because we have had our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. And let us hold unwaveringly to the hope that we confess, for the one who made the promise is trustworthy. And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works, not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day drawing near. For if we deliberately keep on sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins is left for us, but only a certain fearful expectation of judgment and a fury of fire that will consume God’s enemies. Someone who rejected the law of Moses was put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much greater punishment do you think that person deserves who has contempt for the Son of God, and profanes the blood of the covenant that made him holy, and insults the Spirit of grace? For we know the one who said, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But remember the former days when you endured a harsh conflict of suffering after you were enlightened. At times you were publicly exposed to abuse and afflictions, and at other times you came to share with others who were treated in that way. For in fact you shared the sufferings of those in prison, and you accepted the confiscation of your belongings with joy, because you knew that you certainly had a better and lasting possession. So do not throw away your confidence, because it has great reward. For you need endurance in order to do God’s will and so receive what is promised. For just a little longer and he who is coming will arrive and not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith, and if he shrinks back, I take no pleasure in him. But we are not among those who shrink back and thus perish, but are among those who have faith and preserve their souls.”

— ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭19‬-‭39‬‬

This is the fourth of five warning passages in Hebrews. These grow in fierceness throughout the book. Very difficult to understand, but it can be helpful to look for discussion of five topics throughout these passages: spiritual descriptions of audience, description of sin, promised consequences of sinning or repenting, how they should respond, confidence in God. 

Also genre of Hebrews is important and historical context: persecution. Written to primarily Jewish Christians. These people are being tempted (probably bc of persecution) to return to former Judaism. 

Too long of a passage to walk through each phrase. Overall message is that we have access to God because of Jesus’ sacrifice. Endure. Endure. Endure. Do not turn back. Judaism does not equal following Jesus/Christianity. 

“Keep on sinning” is not same as 1 John 3. This is not just a habit of sinning. I understand this at least as relying on sacrifices to cover sin. Generally it means remaining in Judaism. If we take away Jesus, “no other sacrifice remains.” Where else can we find forgiveness? Judaism or any other religion does not reconcile humans with God. 

Rejecting Christ profanes the blood of the covenant. Makes it useless. 

Descriptions of these people make it sound like their saved. Same as in 6:1-4. Probably because author is speaking to mixed audience. (Obviously this is one of the most heated aspects of debate). Hebrews is written in sermon form, so to me it make sense that he is writing as if everyone is saved but pleading for those thinking to walk away, not to do so.

How can a community endure best? By spurring one another to love and good works. This is encouragement, accountability, service, support for each other. Hard to do this in isolation. V. 25 really isn’t talking about going to a church building each week. It certainly includes regular worship services, but it’s much more meaningful than that. There are no Lone Ranger Christians. We need community. Do not abandon one another. That leads to not spurring each other to love and good works. That leads to going back to sacrifices and ultimately leaving Jesus. Stick together.

But author has confidence that people will endure. In ch 6 he makes this explicit that God is faithful and will preserve them. 

We are those who have faith…And ch. 11 explains what that faith is like. 

I love the book of Hebrews. It’s so much more than just the “Jesus is better” book. It’s a comparison of New and Old covenant. It’s a plea to stick with Jesus because He is the only source of hope and life. He reconciles human to deity. Through faith and endurance of this world’s pain and anger (toward them), believers find their joy.

Romans 15:4-6

 “For everything that was written in former times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through encouragement of the scriptures we may have hope. Now may the God of endurance and comfort give you unity with one another in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

— ‭‭Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭4‬-‭6‬‬

V 4 is an explanation of v. 3, where Paul quotes from OT to try to prove that Jesus was foretold as not thinking of Himself but others. This is a whole study of how NT authors used OT passages, and it’s not always (in fact, rarely is) a simple prediction-fulfillment. Often used Jewish rabbi interpretation techniques, allegory, pattern fulfillment, etc. Very interesting study.

But v. 4 summarizes it well. Everything formerly written is for our instruction. It still applies. Of course, we have to understand it well. And there’s still debate as to how many meanings and how many applications, but that’s too much for here. The purpose is that we have hope. So that we are encouraged to endure.

These verses close 2 full chapters on living together as strong/weak brothers and striving for unity regardless of secondary/tertiary issues we don’t agree on. Paul prays for unity. As we gain encouragement from the Scriptures, looking at the example of Jesus, we can strive for unity, so that the Father receives all the glory. It’s not about us.

Hebrews 12:7-13

 “Endure your suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? But if you do not experience discipline, something all sons have shared in, then you are illegitimate and are not sons. Besides, we have experienced discipline from our earthly fathers and we respected them; shall we not submit ourselves all the more to the Father of spirits and receive life? For they disciplined us for a little while as seemed good to them, but he does so for our benefit, that we may share his holiness. Now all discipline seems painful at the time, not joyful. But later it produces the fruit of peace and righteousness for those trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your listless hands and your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but be healed.”

— ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭7‬-‭13‬‬

Endure is word for patience/endurance. “Suffering” is implied in NET from context. And “as discipline” could also be purpose phrase “to become disciplined.” 

This is good example of having “key verse” in context (v. 11). Entire book of Hebrews is unknown author (pastoral relationship) admonishing mixed group of people Jews and Gentiles to hold to Jesus rather than return to Judaism in face of imminent hard core persecution (ch 12…you have not yet). This would be tempting since the old ways are comfortable, familiar, and “so close” to gospel.

5 warning passages provide structure of Hebrews, and chapter 12 (v 14-29) is perhaps most forceful. These verses seem to discuss discipline of random sin. “God getting His silly children back in line.” This is much more serious.

Need to do more study on why author would want to see persecution/suffering as discipline. One main point is to encourage audience. You are legitimate children of God. You are in the family. And from ch 6. God is faithful to His family. If there’s ever worry about whether you’re in or out, have confidence in God’s faithfulness to His own.

Not sure suffering is discipline in the way we think about it. But suffering (in this case, persecution) is evidence of being in God’s family. Otherwise believers would be one with culture and feel no friction. So author tells audience to accept suffering. Don’t avoid it. That would mean denying faith, turning from Jesus, and as chapter ends…well, it’s not good.