Down the biblical rabbit hole I go....

Have you ever worked on a writing project--you know, a simple writing project--and then, found yourself writing something totally different, and complex, within the body of the simple? If you haven't, you're fortunate--if you have--I'm sorry, I feel your pain.

This third bible study has been no easy task. I've spent now, close to 4 weeks studying the 3rd chapter of the epistle of James, in what should have been a relatively easy project. I say that, primarily, because the first two study guides over James, chapters 1 and 2, come out with relative ease. I think this third chapter has spoken to me so much, so intently, that I find myself expanding too far beyond the initial message, drafting, somewhat and somehow, another study entirely within the pages of this very short chapter. I've been stuck on two areas within this chapter's outline--the severity of improper teaching (gulp) and the source of biblical Wisdom. Both of these topics strike to the very heart of me, that when I start drafting questions to help the audience discover the message, I look up to realize I've written days of worth questions that should have lasted one day. I'm in an endless cycle of minimize and fluff--one moment I have the simple, yet profound questions drafted for the final two days of study, only to read over my draft and realize I've written days worth of content. 

So, what's the answer? Another study, no doubt! I think I need a study that focuses on biblical wisdom and Godly understanding. There is so much meat to be taken from this chapter and I'm in my 3rd re-write of the same 18 passages of scripture. That's the life of the student and the teacher, isn't it? 

Thanks and happy studying....

As not to force my own opinions

No doubt, up until this point, the bible studies have been relatively easy to write, with easy being, they flowed really well and I've studied the content enough to spit out questions without delay or hindrance. That was to say--until I hit the first verse of Chapter 3.  That is what they call a roadblock. 

It's funny how the very things the Lord inspires you to do, parallel the very path you might be on in life, or more specifically, in your walk with the Lord. Verse 1 poses a point of consideration for people who aspire to, or have been called, to teach the gospel message. James is firm in his reminder that those who teach "will incur a stricter judgment" (NASB). How ironic, the very moment I decide to step further into my faith and walk with the Lord, and expand on the gifts He gave me, to write and teach, expanding on the gospel message, and I hit this roadblock that reminds me--you better be studied up!

We learn in 2nd Timothy that we should study to show ourselves approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15) and no doubt, I took that warning very seriously. I spent 2 weeks reviewing, studying and meticulously reviewing every word in James chapters 1 and 2, comparing the original Greek text to the literal translations of the NASB and KJV, to ensure the questions drafted supported the original message. For some reason I just got stuck on that 1st verse--stricter judgement. I was faced with the reality, in my own study, that to teach the gospel message requires more than studying the words, but more so, bringing yourself to a place of subjection under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Without that, I would be imposing my own opinions and that my friends, would surely invite the judgment on myself. 

I want to serve the Lord, in transparency and truth, in teaching the gospel message, as I was called to, many years ago. I have since recorded my first teaching video on the opening verses of James, chapter 1 (The Joy of Trials), and now, I am preparing the follow-up lesson to record and publish this week. I spent almost 3 weeks reading and re-reading chapter 3, to ensure the message points to the gospel, and the questions bring my audience to a place to face their sins with confidence, and not guilt and shame.

A virtual bible study group on Facebook will begin using my bible studies on the book of James, beginning next week. I can't wait for the feedback, but more so, I can't wait to hear that someone, daring to be transparent and open with their responses, is finding freedom afforded in the gospel message. If so much as one person starts the transformation walk--then I would have completed my mission.

The Epistle of James - Chapter 2 - COMMENTARY

There is so much power to be uncovered in this second chapter of the book of James, and so much study can come from unpacking and expanding on this letter.

We open the first half of this chapter in verses 1 through 8 with a challenge to examine ourselves--the heart of who we are--in relation to whom we choose to show partiality, and more so, the condition of our heart to judge others. So many times, we, as Christians, recite the famous words of John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son." You can find that on many poster boards in various sporting events. Unfortunately, we forget the follow-up context to that statement in verse 17 where we are told, "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world." It is easy, because of our human nature, to cast judgment because of sin, but it is imperative that we strive to align ourselves with the gospel, so much so, that we allow the Lord to begin working in us to see others the way He sees them--by the heart, as we are told in 1 Samuel, chapter 16, verse 7. The Lord God does not expose our sin to judge us--but to reveal to us where we are broken--so we can repent and splendor in the grace offered by the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. The example provided by James is one of a multitude of occasions where we can represent our faith by choosing to see people as the Lord God sees them, not by what they seem to have, or by what they seem to be able to provide us in return for showing favoritism.

James leaves us with a reminder in verses 9 through 13, that should we examine our own hearts, and remember that Jesus died on the cross while we were yet sinners (Romans, chapter 5, verse 8). How can we judge others if all sin is equal in the eyes of the Lord? Jesus did not take the cross for variations of sin--but for all sin, and all people--once (Romans 6:10).

In the second half of this chapter in verses 14 through 26, we get a major call to action--pun intended! Here James outlines very clearly and numerous times that our faith should not exist solely in our mind, or in our words--but in our actions or deeds. Faith is comprised of more than just those two elements (thoughts and words) but it is triune--threefold: belief in the mind--by the words of our mouth--and by the actions we take. It is not enough to say we believe in something--if there is no action to justify it. It is not enough to profess to know of, or believe in, the Lord Jesus--without evidence to support that belief. We who are called are chosen, and we all have the same message to share--to believe in our hearts (belief), confess with our mouths (words) and share the gospel message with others (action), making disciples (action) and pursuing the heart of the Lord in prayer (action), reading the word (action), and studying the scriptures (action). Those elements combined are what set us apart from the very demons and principalities that are aware of God's existence (belief) and even reference Him in speech (words). 

I pray you step out the boat and pursue the Lord in uncharted waters--answering His call and acting on faith in the good works He has called you to.

Be a light to the world around you.

Bobby Ozuna

The Epistle of James - Chapter 1 - COMMENTARY

 

I have heard it said many times—the book of James is a blueprint for the Christian walk. One of the simplest, yet most lacking areas of the Christian life is that of discipleship—or, as I like to say—walking along side others in their faith. It is an imperative aspect of living a Christian lifestyle. Jesus didn’t die on the cross so we can be free and delivered from our sins, only to wake up and find ourselves weighted down by tasks lists and to-do’s, or worse, burdened with religious attempts at earning salvation. That is the beauty of grace—unmerited or undeserved favor and love from the Lord. There is nothing you can do to earn your salvation—it is a gift. It is a choice. Choosing to receive the Lord into your heart and choosing again to follow Him is the fundamental principle of being a Christian.

This first chapter of James prepares us to face the inevitable—tests and trials—as part of that learning and development. Tests in academics or in athletics, or the arts, are all purposed to prepare us for the “big game” or “performance.” As Christians, we should embrace these tests and trials as a means of strengthening our trust in the God we serve. What good is a lifejacket if you are not willing to jump in the water to test and see that it will keep you afloat? That is how we should view tests and trials—not as some means to destroy us—but rather, a method to prune us and refine us and strengthen our trust, confidence, and faith in the Lord.

James also reminds us to evaluate the status of our own hearts—so we can see and discern the difference between tests and trials designed to strengthen our faith, and the temptations that result as unfaced sin in our hearts. He shows us that sometimes we fall from the choices we make, and those choices are a direct reflection of a sin struggle we have not dealt with. These types of enticement to sin vary from person to person, as each of us struggles with different aspect of sin. The good news—neither is designed to keep you under shame and guilt, but rather—to give you encouragement in your growth and awareness of where you need to step into the Lord’s grace.

He finishes this chapter with a reminder to be a doer—not just a hearer—of the Word. He challenges us to walk away from traditional man-made religious rules and instead, pursue the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord through His Word, so that you too, can become an encouragement and light to those who are struggling and walk alongside others as you grow in your faith. We should shout for joy in the freedom we experience through Christ and share that good news with others, who will turn to you and ask something like, “Why do I keep facing so many struggles?” or “Why is this happening to me?”

Oh, what an opportunity that is! It is such a blessing to have that chance to share the joy of your own personal growth and development, through the trials, tests and even some of the temptations you have wrestled with along your own path! Your story—or your testimony—is the GREATEST encouragement to others. Daring to be known and vulnerable is part of the freedom that comes with Christ—knowing, you are no longer bound by the burdens of your sins, but free to live out from under the shame and guilt of your past!

Be a light to the world around you.