Tag Archives: Christians

No Hypocrisy

12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

James 4:12

Christians are never to judge others in a hypocritical way. We all need to realize that we are sinners with blind spots and we may not have all the information. The Lord will judge and we can trust that God’s judgement will be righteous and holy.

Christians need to be discerning in their lives. God’s people are called to test, try, and obey. Yet, we ought to never judge with harshness and hypocrisy. Let us trust in Lord that He will sort everything out in the end.

Tony French

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Slander

11 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 

James 4:11

The principle from James 4:11 is simple and to the point—don’t slander fellow believers. We are not to judge the intent of the hearts of others. We should be working to reign in our own hearts and desires.

Obviously, Christians should not slander anyone regardless of whether they are a Christian or not. The precept here is in the context of the teaching of James about how Believers are to interact with one another.

May God help us to love and not slander those in our path.

Tony French

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Hypocrisy

11 Does a spring send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?12 Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, bear olives, or a vine bear figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.

James 3:11-12

One of the great temptations that Christians face is that of hypocrisy. Believers, of all people, should strive to make sure that our testimony of Christ’s salvation matches up with our daily living. When the two are misaligned, God’s people are exposed to ridicule and are in danger of being ignored by lost people and the world alike. May God help His people!

While Christians do sin from time to time, it is imperative for all the converted to practice personal holiness and allow their “walk” to line up with their “talk.” Sin should be the exception in the life of a believer and not the rule. 

Tony French

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Action

15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?

James 2:15-16

Saving faith will lead to concern for others in the life of the Believer. A faith that saves will prompt the Believer to meet practical needs as much as they can when the situation arises. A fellow Christian who is need of clothes or food should be able to count on other Christians to help them in their time of need.

Simply giving verbal assent to others who are lacking is unprofitable and silly. Believers cannot say “be warmed, be filled” and refuse to help those in desperate circumstances.  True saving faith will result in actions, not just words. 

Tony French

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Persevere

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

James 1:12

The apostle gives Believers everywhere assurance and hope as face the worst days of their lives. Trials and tribulations will come to everyone. Christians, however, persevere during the difficulties because they have the promises of God. True Christ-followers receive eternal life with Jesus. And nothing can take that away.

The crown mentioned in verse 12 is the crown of life, or the crown of eternal life. Those who are truly saved will persevere. We may sin and we may make mistakes. But, the true Believer will not quit and give up. They keep on going even when it’s tough. The ultimate reward is life with Christ for all eternity.

Are you ready to give up? Realize that God is with you and that your trials are leading you to Christ.

Tony French

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Our Faithful God

Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments; 

Deuteronomy 7:9

God is faithful. He is constant each day and there is no shadow of turning in Him. Here are three aspects of God’s faithfulness to His people.

God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.   1 Corinthians 1:9

Our Lord is faithful to call us, save us, and transform us. Christians have been brought into fellowship with God through Christ our Lord. His blood was shed in order to cleanse us and bring about the forgiveness of our sins. The Almighty is faithful to secure us forever through His power and might.

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.   1 Corinthians 10:13

The Holy One is faithful to bring us through times of temptation and testing. He will give us strength to bear up under the temptation and give us a way to escape. Christ will enable us to endure in the time of testing because He is faithful. We can be sure of this promise of God!

But as God is faithful, our word to you is not yes and no.   2 Corinthians 1:18

God is faithful to keep His Word. In this passage, Paul pledged to keep his word to the church at Corinth because the Lord is faithful in completing His Word. We never have to wonder if God will come through for us. We know He will keep His promises because He is faithful and He cannot deny Himself.

Thanks be to God for His faithfulness that endures to His people!

Tony

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