This is that…9.10.18
The Professor began His class with this question.
How many of you looked at yourself in the mirror before coming to class this morning?
Of course, everyone raised their hand. Then He said:
There is another mirror that we will study about today. That book that is sitting on your desk with your notebook is called a mirror. Why? This mirror when looked into, and studied and received into your heart, has the potential to transform not only your soul, but every aspect for success in life.
James 1:22-24
“But be doers of the word,
and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
For if anyone is a hearer of the word
and not a doer,
he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;
for he observes himself,
goes away,
and immediately forgets
what kind of man he was.”
MIRROR
Greek: Esoptron; an object for looking into
Mirrors in Biblical times were not made of glass but rather made of highly polished metal. For a person to get a more accurate picture of himself he had to view himself from different angles. This can have profound implications for us today as we study and look into The Old and New Testament Scriptures.
Another definition for the word mirror is — an example, a pattern for imitation. “She is the very pattern of honesty, integrity, and virtue.”
What is the reason that someone would forget what kind of man he is according to scripture? Did he hear the Word?
Kyle raised his hand and answered. “Well, yes, that person did hear the Word but he had no intention of doing what it said to do. As soon as he goes off about his daily routine, he disconnects from God’s Word and he goes back to his old ways. Is that right Professor?”
Yes, that’s correct Kyle.
In order for scripture to penetrate the soul and be planted in the heart, there must be humbleness of spirit and mind. That will produce an inward desire to obey what is written. This is why someone who is not submitted to God immediately forgets what kind of man he is. This is an example of self-deception.
Self-deception is the act of lying to yourself or making yourself believe something that isn't really true. Throughout your life, the truth of God’s Word will reveal hidden sins to you that need to be dealt with. It is a part of your life as a Believer. All scripture is profitable for reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16) Just as we honor God, so too His Word should be honored.
The true disciple, say the Rabbis, learns in order that he may do, not in order that he may merely know or teach.
If a teacher or preacher is resting on hearing only, he flatters himself.
But the truth of God’s Word flatters no man. God’s Word should always be carrying us into a deeper communion with the LORD. The man who never receives conviction and correction will not please God and will eventually suffer unwanted circumstances.
The Sadducees and Pharisees studied the scriptures — “ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
They were self-deceived in their relationship with God, so much so that when their Messiah came to earth, they thought Him the deceiver and a blasphemer. They looked into the perfect Law of Liberty, yet were prideful and legalistic because their hearts were not right.
Jesus said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29)
“Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:
‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth,
And honor Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.
And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ” (Matthew 15:6-9)
TAKE AN INVENTORY
Students, how’s your heart? What kind of an inner attitude do you have during your Bible Study? Are you open to being corrected? Does God's Word remain with you through the day? Do you plan to obey what you read?
Ask the LORD if you have any sin and ungodliness taking root within you. If so, repent and get back on course. Meditate on James 1:21-25 for a few days.
Always remember, Beloved, your mirror must never be the world and its ways!
THE BLESSING: HEARING AND DOING
“But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” (James 1:25)
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
This is that…which Jesus prayed for you.
“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
The Professor began His class with this question.
How many of you looked at yourself in the mirror before coming to class this morning?
Of course, everyone raised their hand. Then He said:
There is another mirror that we will study about today. That book that is sitting on your desk with your notebook is called a mirror. Why? This mirror when looked into, and studied and received into your heart, has the potential to transform not only your soul, but every aspect for success in life.
James 1:22-24
“But be doers of the word,
and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
For if anyone is a hearer of the word
and not a doer,
he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;
for he observes himself,
goes away,
and immediately forgets
what kind of man he was.”
MIRROR
Greek: Esoptron; an object for looking into
Mirrors in Biblical times were not made of glass but rather made of highly polished metal. For a person to get a more accurate picture of himself he had to view himself from different angles. This can have profound implications for us today as we study and look into The Old and New Testament Scriptures.
Another definition for the word mirror is — an example, a pattern for imitation. “She is the very pattern of honesty, integrity, and virtue.”
What is the reason that someone would forget what kind of man he is according to scripture? Did he hear the Word?
Kyle raised his hand and answered. “Well, yes, that person did hear the Word but he had no intention of doing what it said to do. As soon as he goes off about his daily routine, he disconnects from God’s Word and he goes back to his old ways. Is that right Professor?”
Yes, that’s correct Kyle.
In order for scripture to penetrate the soul and be planted in the heart, there must be humbleness of spirit and mind. That will produce an inward desire to obey what is written. This is why someone who is not submitted to God immediately forgets what kind of man he is. This is an example of self-deception.
Self-deception is the act of lying to yourself or making yourself believe something that isn't really true. Throughout your life, the truth of God’s Word will reveal hidden sins to you that need to be dealt with. It is a part of your life as a Believer. All scripture is profitable for reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16) Just as we honor God, so too His Word should be honored.
The true disciple, say the Rabbis, learns in order that he may do, not in order that he may merely know or teach.
If a teacher or preacher is resting on hearing only, he flatters himself.
But the truth of God’s Word flatters no man. God’s Word should always be carrying us into a deeper communion with the LORD. The man who never receives conviction and correction will not please God and will eventually suffer unwanted circumstances.
The Sadducees and Pharisees studied the scriptures — “ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
They were self-deceived in their relationship with God, so much so that when their Messiah came to earth, they thought Him the deceiver and a blasphemer. They looked into the perfect Law of Liberty, yet were prideful and legalistic because their hearts were not right.
Jesus said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29)
“Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:
‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth,
And honor Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.
And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ” (Matthew 15:6-9)
TAKE AN INVENTORY
Students, how’s your heart? What kind of an inner attitude do you have during your Bible Study? Are you open to being corrected? Does God's Word remain with you through the day? Do you plan to obey what you read?
Ask the LORD if you have any sin and ungodliness taking root within you. If so, repent and get back on course. Meditate on James 1:21-25 for a few days.
Always remember, Beloved, your mirror must never be the world and its ways!
THE BLESSING: HEARING AND DOING
“But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” (James 1:25)
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
This is that…which Jesus prayed for you.
“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)