April 29
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WHAT DOUBTING DOES
5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. – James 1:5-8
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In this letter, James explains to the Jewish Christians who were living in Palestine the generosity of God in verse 5. He reminds them that if they lack wisdom in anything, they should ask God and He will give them lavishly without disapproval or disappointment. In our current times, this will be very hard to do with those who do not know God, that is why this message is addressed to Christians. The difference between an unbeliever and a believer is that the believer will run to God and rely on Him for every little or big thing.
In 1 Kings 3:7-13, King Solomon’s request to God was to have a discerning heart to govern the people he will rule because he knows it was a privilege to govern God’s special people.
He asked it with such humility when he said in verse 7 that he was just a little child and don’t know how to carry his duties. In verse 9 he asked him to give him wisdom to rule so that he knows what is right and wrong. God was pleased with the posture of his heart and the priority he placed on wisdom instead of riches. So, God lavishly gave him wisdom, wealth and honor as well. James reminds them how generous our God is.
However, there is a condition or pre-requisite for the believers to be granted such requests. In verse 6, he says that one must ask in faith without doubting. As we all know, faith in Hebrews 11:1 means the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. Therefore, if we doubt, we do not have assurance and hope. This is why James further gives us a picture of what doubting does for a person who asks something from God. In verse 6, he likens the doubter to the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. In other words, that doubter is bordering in unbelief, which is the opposite of faith. In verse 7-8, he spells out the consequence of a person asking without faith: that person will receive nothing from the Lord because he is a double-minded person and very unstable in all his ways. James is almost saying that if you are asking God without believing that he will give it to you, what’s the point of asking? You probably shouldn’t bother to ask if you are faithless. You won’t get your request anyway because of the unbelief.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it easy to ask something from God and not have expectancy?
Monthly Archives: April 2021
PERFECTION IN CONTENMENT ILMA’S VLOG
April 28
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PERFECTION IN CONTENMENT
James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.2 Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance
4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. – James 1:1-4
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According to the English Standard version translation introduction to this book, James the brother of Jesus wrote this book which is stated in Matthew 13:55 and leader of the Jerusalem church (Acts 15). It was probably written about AD 40-45 to Jewish Christians living outside Palestine. The Theme of his book focuses on how Christians must live out their faith. They should be doers of God’s word, not just hearers. James wrote this at the time when the Christians were suffering persecution and living in poverty. They were in social and spiritual conflict. Many believers were living in a worldly manner. James corrects them and challenges them to seek God’s wisdom to work out these problems.
In the opening of this letter of James, he introduces himself as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is interesting that he didn’t claim to be Jesus’ brother, but his servant. That tells us that our physical life is not as important as our spiritual life. He may be a brother in this world, but in the spirit realm, he is a bond-servant of his Master, Jesus Christ.
At the start of his letter, he encourages the believers to have a different attitude towards trials and sufferings. He wants them to see these trials as an opportunity to be joyful. This message is going to be laughed at by the world because the world wouldn’t want suffering. He further explains that the reason to have a spirit of joy is because these are avenues to test their faith. If faith isn’t tested, it is not going to endure. When we are tested, we become strong to face adversities. When we are able to push through these testing, we will produce endurance. James tells the believers that once, they have endured, they will be perfect and complete needing nothing. The perfection he is actually referring it is “contentment.” It is contentment that brings about joy, not material things.
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REFLECTION
• Why do many of us misconstrue perfection for being without fault when it means “contentment” in God’s economy?
ABANDONED BY ALL BUT THE LORD STOOD BY ILMA’S VLOG
April 27
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ABANDONED BY ALL BUT THE LORD STOOD BY
16 At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. 17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus remained at Corinth, but I left Trophimus sick at Miletus. 21 Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, also Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters.22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.- 2 Timothy 4:16-22
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In the closing of this last letter of Paul to Timothy, once again he revisits his journey as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. He recalls the beginning of his persecution and how almost everyone deserted him. In verse 16, we have another glimpse of Paul’s forgiving heart when he said that he doesn’t count it against anyone who has deserted him. In verse 17, he focuses on what is more important: that the Lord stood by him and strengthened him so that he can fulfill what he was appointed to do. He was to bring the gospel to the Gentiles, so that they too, may be saved.
On a commentary on verse 17 “I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion” – Adam Clarke said that Paul escaped the imminent danger at that time. Probably he was seized in a tumultuous manner, and expected to be torn to pieces. The words “to be rescued from the mouth or jaws of the lion”, are a proverbial form of speech for deliverance from the most imminent danger. Several writers think Nero to be intended by the lion, because of his rage and oppressive cruelty. But Helius Caesarinus was at this time prefect of the city; Nero being in Greece. He was a bloody tyrant, and Nero had given him the power of life and death in his absence. The apostle may mean him, if the words be not proverbial. “rescued out of the lion’s mouth.”
In verse 18, we hear Paul’s faith in action who firmly believes that the Lord is his rescuer from every evil deed. He knows that the Lord is the one who will deliver him and bring him to his kingdom and Paul, worships and praises the Lord to whom all glory for ever and ever belongs to. He mentions all his friends and co-workers for the Lord in the closing salutation of this letter.
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REFLECTION
• Why should believers not be bothered if everyone abandons them?
PREACH THE WORD, CORRECT, REBUKE & EXHORT ILMA’S VLOG
April 25
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PREACH THE WORD, CORRECT, REBUKE & EXHORT
I solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction. 3 For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires, 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth and will turn aside to myths. 5 But as for you, use self-restraint in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; 8 in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. – 2 Timothy 4:1-8
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In this letter, Paul charges Timothy to preach the word. He desires God’s word to be declared and explained. Paul’s constant theme in his letter to Timothy is about the importance of Scripture. He mentioned previously how the word of God is beneficial for correction, rebuke and exhortation. Paul repeats these same words this part of his letter. As the pastor of the church, Timothy was urged to preach the word in all season. In other words, he wants it to be declared and taught at all times.
He wants the pastors to correct, rebuke and exhort with much patience and give all the training needed for the believers to grow in righteousness and in their walk with the Spirit. Why is it important to preach the word? Paul explains it in verse 3: for there will come a time when people would not want sound teaching. Instead, they want to hear teaching that will please their ears and satisfy their cravings. They do not want to hear the truth, but listen to lies and myths.
So in verse 5, Paul cautions them to always have self-control in all things, to endure and to evangelize in order for their ministry to be fulfilled. In verse 6, he is telling Timothy that his time is coming and he has finished the race to keep his faith. It is almost a farewell letter to his beloved spiritual son, Timothy. As if he is giving his last will to him. What a selfless person Paul is that even in his last moments, he is still thinking of the believers.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think some believers are scared to preach the word of God?
ALL SCRIPTURE IS GOD-INSPIRED ILMA’S VLOG
April 24
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ALL SCRIPTURE IS GOD-INSPIRED
10 Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! 12 Indeed, all who want to live in a godly way in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13 But evil people and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.
– 2 Timothy 3:10-17
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In this letter, Paul once again commends Timothy and the believers about their journey with him as a believer. He encourages Timothy by affirming him how he had been faithful in emulating him in all his teachings, in his conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance and persecutions and sufferings as well. In verse 12, he reminds them how different the life of a believer is as compared to the world. He reminds them that when they committed their lives to Jesus, they will definitely encounter persecutions. He actually expects them to embrace sufferings and persecution because it is inevitably a part of a Christian’s life. In verse 13, he differentiates the lives of those who choose to live godless lives. The result of this choice is more deceptions and a depraved mind.
In verse 14, Paul lovingly continues to affirm his spiritual son by recalling how godliness was taught to him since he was a child and in verse 15 talks about the Holy Scriptures that were responsible for his growth in wisdom and in his salvation. Earlier in his letter, he mentions the godly influences in Timothy’s life who are his mother and grandmother.
Verse 16 is bringing the purpose of Scripture to Timothy and all the believers. He says that all Scripture is inspired by God. In other words, everything in the Scripture comes from God himself. He explains the purpose of Scripture in a believer’s life: it is for teaching, for scolding, for discipline and correction, and for training in godliness and righteousness. It is necessary so that the believer will be fully able and equipped for every good work.
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REFLECTION
• How has Scripture been influential in your godly living?
PROPHETIC MESSAGE ABOUT THE LAST DAYS ILMA’S VLOG
April 23
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PROPHETIC MESSAGE ABOUT THE LAST DAYS
But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, slanderers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful
unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to a form of godliness although they have denied its power; avoid such people as these. 6 For among them are those who slip into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, worthless in regard to the faith. 9 But they will not make further progress; for their foolishness will be obvious to all, just as was that also of Jannes and Jambres. -2 Timothy 3:1-9
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In this chapter, Paul gives the believer a glimpse of the coming corruption that is brought about by men who prey on people with weak faith. Despite the fact that Paul is in prison, his thoughts are always about how to ensure that the gospel is preached and followed by those who become believers of Christ. He reminds that Timothy needs to be strong in the Lord in order to lead the family of believers and not be timid or shy as he previously mentioned earlier in this chapter in 2 Timothy 1:7. God didn’t give us timidity or shyness but of power, love and discipline. He clearly rebukes Timothy when he gives in to fear because that doesn’t come from God.
Paul makes his admonition backed up by the prophetic message that will happen in the last days by enumerating to him the signs of such times. He paints a clear picture of how people would be at the final days. He describes them as lovers of self and money, arrogant, slanderers, rebels, unloving, malicious gossips, worldly and hates righteousness and lovers of pleasure.In verse 6, he cautions them of men who victimizes and captivates weak women who are weighed down with sins and are impulsive. He mentions Jannes and Jambres who opposed Moses. According to gotquestions.org, long-standing Jewish tradition says that Jannes and Jambres were the two chief magicians who withstood Moses and Aaron in Exodus 7. According to one midrash, the two magicians left Egypt with the Israelites after the first Passover (see Exodus 12:38) and were later instrumental in promoting the worship of the golden calf that Aaron made (Exodus 32).
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REFLECTION
• How must we believers take Paul’s warning on the signs of the final says.
SANCTIFIED TO BE USED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK ILMA’S VLOG
April 22
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SANCTIFIED TO BE USED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK
20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver implements, but also implements of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honor while others are for dishonor. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be an implement for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. 24 The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged, 25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will. – 2 Timothy 2:20-26
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In this letter of Paul to Timothy, he explains to him how important it is to know the different vessels around his house that can be used by the Master. Some of them are made of gold, silver, wood or earthenware as materials. Paul probably wants the believers to imagine themselves as the vessels that can be used by the Master who is the Lord Jesus Christ for every good work he wants done.
In verse 21, Paul emphasizes the importance of cleansing each vessel so that it can be used by the Master for honorable purposes. Sanctification only happens when someone becomes a believer because the Holy Spirit lives in them. They won’t have the ability to be cleansed if they haven’t believed in Christ. Without the Holy Spirit, no purification can happen. Without sanctification, we cannot serve the Lord for the good works He wants to use us for.
In verse 22, Paul tells the believers to give up desires and chase after righteousness, faith, love and peace. He also cautions them of the danger of foolish and ignorant speculations because it only results in conflicts and division.Paul describes in this letter how the Lord’s servant must be: they are not quarrelsome, kind to all, a skilled teacher, patient when wronged, gently rebuke others. It is very important that these guidelines be observed by the people of God so that sanctification may continually happen so we call all be vessels of the Master.
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REFLECTION
• How are you keeping yourself pure as a vessel to be used by the Master?
IF WE ENDURE, WE WILL REIGN WITH CHRIST ILMA’S VLOG
April 21
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IF WE ENDURE, WE WILL REIGN WITH CHRIST
8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, 9 for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. 10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. 11 The statement is trustworthy: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;12 If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He will also deny us;13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
– 2 Timothy 2:8-12
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In this letter, Paul reminds the believers of Christ’s resurrection. Paul explains why he suffer the hardship of being imprisoned and treated as a criminal even though he was doing the work of the Lord Jesus Christ: to bring the gospel and the word of God to as many people as possible. In verse 9, he proclaims that even though he is imprisoned, the word of God isn’t. It is interesting how he talks about the word as never captured. It is almost like saying that because the truth sets us free, it will never bring us into captivity. What brings slavery in our lives? Isn’t it our human cravings and desires? Isn’t the word of God the one that frees us from all sins and all our bondages?
In verse 10, Paul explains the reason why he endures all things. He does it so that those who are chosen by Christ, may be able to receive the salvation he offers. Endurance is a must in a believer’s life. Without it, he cannot grow. James 1:3 says that the testing of our faith produces endurance. The New Living Translation phrases the same verse as: For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. The ensuing verse says that when endurance is fully developed, one will be perfect in contentment, needing nothing. Without endurance, we won’t be able to mature and grow our faith.
In verse 11, Paul reiterates the resurrection promise. If we died with Christ, we will also live with him. In other words, when believers accepted Jesus, they die to their old selves, and are resurrected and reborn in the new nature in Christ. In verse12, Paul reminds the believers again that if they endure, they will also reign with him, but if we deny Christ, He will also reject us. But in verse 13, it shows us the faithfulness of Christ: if we are faithless, he remains faithful.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important for Christians to grow in endurance?
SUFFER HARDSHIP AS A GOOD SOLDIER OF CHRIST
April 20
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SUFFER HARDSHIP AS A GOOD SOLDIER OF CHRIST
You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also. 3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him. 5 And if someone likewise competes as an athlete, he is not crowned as victor unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. – 2 Timothy 2:1-7
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In this letter of Paul to Timothy, he reminds them to be strong and be able to depend on the grace that the Lord Jesus has granted them. In verse 2, Paul wants them to pass on all the teachings that they have learned from him so that the teachers will propagate and teach the gospel. Nothing will be kept within them, but everything they have learned from Paul will be extended and expanded so that the gospel will be preached everywhere.
In verse 3, he advises them to suffer hardship just like a good soldier would. This concept of embracing suffering is something that is counter intuitive to the world. Humans in general will avoid suffering and chase after the easy life. The cost of being a disciple is high as Luke 14:25-33 indicates. Someone who isn’t willing to give up life’s conveniences and comfort must re-think if they can really afford to be a follower of Christ. Some people think that declaring some words to be a Christian is good enough be a follower. It is interesting how Paul likens a disciple as a soldier, who undergoes rigid training to ensure that he is ready for the battle (suffering or hardships). If he wasn’t trained enough, he could either be killed or be defeated in the battle. In verse 5, Paul also mentions the athletes who competes following certain criteria and rules. In verse 7, he also likens the believers to a hard-working farmer who needs to be rewarded for his share of the crops that he patiently and diligently sowed.
Some people are not willing to suffer any hardship, let alone be a soldier for Christ. Have you trained in righteousness? Have you given up the comforts of life just to be a good follower of Jesus? Are you willing to die and give up your own life for the sake of Jesus or for the sake of someone else? Are you able to let go of all things that hinder your walk with Christ?
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REFLECTION
• What areas of your life still needs training to qualify to be a soldier for Christ?
FAITHFUL TO SOUND TEACHINGS AND THE CAUSE OF CHRIST ILMA’S VLOG
April 19
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FAITHFUL TO SOUND TEACHINGS AND THE CAUSE OF CHRIST
13 Hold on to the example of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 Protect, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.15 You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains; 17 but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me— 18 the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day—and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus. – 2 Timothy 1:13-18
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In this letter of Paul to Timothy, he advises them to cling to the word of God, which he calls sound words. Sound words would be synonymous to wise words. It is only the word of the Lord that can bring wisdom. He is the source of all wisdom. If we do not know him, and we do not know his word, we will be unable to have a sound mind. Many people think that intelligence is all we need. Not all intelligent ideas are true. Only truth sets one free. Truth comes only from the source of all things, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a sad fate to watch many people cling to false teachings and ungodly beliefs. It only leads to more darkness and confusion. This is why Paul couldn’t help but remind them the importance of sound doctrine and teachings. Many people perish from believing false teachings.
In verse 14, Paul warns the believers to ensure that they protect the truth. They need to walk constantly in the Spirit who gives them these true words from God. Once, they fail to walk in the Spirit, they will be led to walk in the flesh, which will eventually lead to sin. How do we protect the treasure of God’s word and the gospel? We abide in Christ and have fellowship with Him, God the Father and the Holy Spirit. We read, meditate and obey the word of God so we can test the spirits whether they come from God or not.
Paul mentions in verse 15 some of these believers who have failed to protect the treasure of the truth and have walked away from him and from the faith, Phygelus and Hermogenes. In verse 16, he commends Onesiphorus, who faithfully treasured the gospel and was never ashamed of Paul’s imprisonment. Instead, he eagerly supported Paul and looked for him. Paul also mentions how Onesiphorus have continued to serve the church in Ephesus.
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REFLECTION
• Why is faithfulness an important aspect of a Christian’s life? What happens when we aren’t devoted and loyal to the truth and the true gospel?