Galatians 5:13

Verse of the Day Devotion: Galatians 5:13 

“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” – Galatians 5:13 

The salvation that Christ brought to us is a salvation of freedom.  Freedom from the law and the requirements to do certain works in order to guarantee our salvation.  His is a complete freedom from all the burdensome rituals and ceremonies of the Mosaic law.  His is a salvation of grace. 

Now, one verse above this we see that there were people, probably teachers, who were positing thoughts into their minds regarding the law.  The main idea he brings up is circumcision.  It appears they were trying to get new converts to submit to being circumcised.  “Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.”  Galatians 5:2-4.  In those days, if a Jewish man, or one who is converting to Judaism via becoming a proselyte, was not circumcised, then in essence they were not accepting the covenant with God.   This was no doubt the part of the law that was pushed upon the new Galatian, believers by these false teachers.  Paul then, in verse twelve, in a sarcastic manner, tells the church he wishes these teachers would cut themselves off from the Church.  “I wish that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves.” Galatians 5:12. 

Back to our focus verse, after he informs the church that for freedom Christ set them free, he then warns them that this is not a freedom to sin.  Back when I lived in Central North Carolina, I met a young man in a church who was married with one young child.  During a discussion with him, he admitted to having an affair with another woman.  When I questioned him about this, he told me that because he was saved, he was free to do anything he wanted.  It was OK to sin because Jesus already forgave him.  This idea is known as Antinomianism.  It means ‘against the law’, which is the belief that since we are under grace, the moral law is of no use.  The verse often used is “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9.  They obviously do not know what this mean.  However, they ignore a clear verse in Paul’s writing to the Romans where he says, “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?” Romans 6:1-2.  And we are to keep the commands of God.  Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” John 14:15. 

In verse one we read, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore, keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”  Galatians 5:1. He set us free from the yoke of slavery to the law and saved us through grace.  However, we are not at liberty to satisfy the desires of our flesh.  It is by grace we are saved.  However, Paul tells us that instead of being a slave to sin, we should, in love, be a servant to one another.  We should help each other in many ways, including their physical, emotional and spiritual needs.  This is not to aid in our salvation, but a way to share and express our love for each other.  This is what we should be about.  Salvation is by grace, but our calling is, in love, reaching out to the lost and helping and teaching our brothers and sisters in Christ. 

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Colossians 3:14

Verse of the Day Devotion: Colossians 3:14 

“Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” –  Colossians 3:14

This verse is basically at the heart of the Christian faith.  Going back a few verses, we see how we are to be toward others.  “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.”  Colossians 3:12-13.  Paul first tells  them they were called of God to be His.  This had been, in times past, only spoken of the Jews.  The scribes, pharisees, and other leaders believed they were the only ones chosen to be God’s people.  Paul encourages them that these leaders were wrong, for God has called them also to be His. 

And because they, as well, were chosen by God to be His people, they must love all as God does.  They are to be merciful to others.  The idea of the phrase ‘put on’ in verse 12 is that we are not simply to act as if we are merciful, but we are to truly be merciful to all.  In all cases of this kind, we are to, as Adam Clarke put so well, let our heart dictate to our hands.  We must act to help those in need because of true compassion we have for them.  It should not be out of self-aggrandizement, but because we genuinely care for their predicament.  We should absolutely love all, and desire to help those who cannot, at this time, help themselves.  He then lists characteristics that should be exhibited, those being compassion and kindness.  We need to be humble, knowing that we could find ourselves in their position.  And we are to be patient and gentle, showing that we care about them and want to help.

He then goes on to say we should forgive others who wrong us.  This is a true showing of our love for them.  It is a difficult experience to be hurt by another.  It can be difficult to endure at times.  I remember when I experienced this at a former work place.  The company brought in a project manager to oversee a major overhaul of our financial applications.  He was not an easy person to work with, and once he reported to my direct supervisor something wrong  I had not actually done.  I received a call from her asking me what had happened.  Afterwards, I went to him personally letting him know what actually occurred and He called her to clarify.  Now, I will not say I was perfect in this, however, I told him I forgave him and we moved on.  However, I believe God used this to help me learn how to address problems like this.

Then, in our focus verse, Paul says, “Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”  Colossians 3:14.  Again, we see the term ‘put on’ used.  We are to genuinely love our brothers and sisters, as well as those who are not yet saved, and not just put on a show.  False love tends to make itself known and will show itself in disunity.  Peter put it this way.  “To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:8-9.  The world is watching us.  They will know when our love is genuine.  They will also know when it is not.  Therefore, let us put on genuine love and we will be able to make a vast difference in a world that that so needs to see it.    

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

1 Timothy 2:1

Verse of the Day Devotion: 1 Timothy 2:1 

“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,” – 1 Timothy 2:1 

In Chapter one, Paul speaks about false teachers and their need to warn others about them.  “As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith.”  1 Timothy 1:3-4.  There were many who taught false doctrines and Paul wanted to let them know that what they were doing was wrong.  They were not to focus on the law as the Jews did, but the grace of God through the sacrifice of Christ.

In chapter two, he is now giving Timothy advice to follow during church meetings.  He tells them, in our focus verse, to start off with prayer for all people in this world.  “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.”  1 Timothy 2:1-2.  The goal of Christians is to go out and spread the good news of Christ to all, no matter their position in society.  To the kings and nobility, as well as the poorest and ignored.  They were not to skip anyone but reach out to all with the truth.  And the reason?  “This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:3-4.  God desires that all people be saved, that all would enter the Kingdom of God with Him forever.

Going back to our focus verse, we see what we can do to make a big difference in our calling.  We are to pray for all people who still need to hear the gospel and accept it.  We are to pray for those who have heard but not accepted the message that Jesus loves them and desires for them to accept His work.   We are to pray with fervency that the unsaved will give their lives over to Him.  We should not overlook anyone, no matter how insolent they may be to us.  God loves all people, and because we are called to imitate God, we must love them as well.  “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Ephesians 5:1-2.  Jesus came to provide a way of salvation.  We should show all what that path is and how to receive it.  We were not worthy of eternity with God because of our sins, but Christ paid the price for us.  Therefore, all can become worthy through the work of Christ.  Not anything we have done, but because the penalty was paid via the perfect sacrifice.

Every time we gather together as Christians to worship and praise our wonderful God, we should start with lifting up those who do not understand and have neglected so great a salvation.  We should lift them up, asking that God will guide us to them to share the truth, giving us the words to say as well as what to do in order to help them see the truth.  He then tells them that  “Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.” 1 Timothy 2:8.  And “Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness.” 1 Timothy 2:9. 

We are all to present the truth to everyone in a way that people will be willing to accept it.  We are to pray, lifting up hands without wrath and dissension, and we are to present ourselves in a Godly way to those we witness to.  Everything we do, every word we speak, and every attitude we have should be good and acceptable to God.  When this is the case, many wonderful things can take place in the lives of those we are sharing with. 

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Matthew 10:34

Verse of the Day Devotion: Matthew 10:34 

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” –  Matthew 10:34

Some people read this verse and are confused because throughout the scriptures Jesus is referred to as the Prince of Peace, one who brings peace.  “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6.   The angels declared this at His birth.  “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Luke 2:14.  Note here that on earth, there will be peace among those who please God. 

Now, Christ was not saying that the purpose of His coming was to produce discord and content.  For He is called the Prince of Peace.  What is meant is that it is one of the effects of His coming.  Unfortunately, persecution would come.  “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues; But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues;” Matthew 10:16-18.  And then continuing this thought, “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.” Matthew 10:21-22.

Jesus did not come here to cause division but to bring salvation.  The wickedness of men, not the teaching of Christ and the gospel, is the cause for all the hostility.  It is the evil that exists in this world.  We as Christians are to strive to bring peace.  “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9.  We are called to bring peace to everyone.  We are to do everything we can to prevent contention and strife.  Paul put it like this.  “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” Romans 12:18. 

When He returns, and His kingdom has arrived, then we will be in perfect peace with no end to this peace,  for all will be made right.  “Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.  There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him;  they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. 

And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever.” Revelation 22:1-5.  We can live at peace here because Christ is always with us.  However, eternal,  unending, and perfect peace will happen when He comes to take us home.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Matthew 16:24

Verse of the Day Devotion: Matthew 16:24 

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” – Matthew 16:24 

Earlier in this chapter, Jesus asks His disciples an intriguing question.  “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” Matthew 16:13b.  They answered with several names, John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the other Prophets.  Then He asks the same question, this one specifically to them.  “But who do you say that I am?”   Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:15b-16.   He then blesses Peter and says this was revealed to him by His Father in Heaven.

 Shortly after this, Jesus foretells His death and resurrection.  “From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day.”  Matthew 16:21.  Peter than took Him aside and told Him “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.” Matthew 16:22b. After which Jesus responded, “But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.” Matthew 16:23.  This is a strong rebuke to Peter.  Not long before, Jesus blessed him because he heard from God and told all that He was the promised Christ, God’s Son.  Now, Jesus rebukes Peter for not looking at what God was doing through Him, but what man wanted.

Jesus had just declared what it would mean to fulfill the role of Messiah (Verse 21), that being to suffer many things from the Jewish leadership, and then be killed, but after this rise from the dead after three days.  Now, He addresses the disciples and spells out the consequences of following Him.  He does this in two parts.  The first is “If anyone wishes to come after Me,” Matthew 16:24a.  This question can be worded as “If you are really willing to follow me.”  He is with them now, but He will die at the hands of the Jewish leadership.  Were they truly willing to follow Him wherever it took them?  Then Jesus explains what truly following Him means.  “he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24b. 

First, they must deny themselves.  They must renounce any selfish pursuits that get in the way of pursuing Christ.  Second, they must take up their cross.  They must embrace any situation which God has appointed for them, and suffer through any trials, troubles or difficulties he may have to endure when walking the way of a true Christian.  Even if it means their death.   And they must follow Him.  They must imitate Jesus, do what He does, suffer all that is required to do the will of God and please Him and His Father. 

And He not only spoke these words to them, but to us as well who desire to follow Him.  These days are becoming more difficult.  Christians are being looked down upon, ridiculed, and sometimes enduring abuse at the hands of those who hate us.  And it will only get more difficult as we get closer to His return.  So, do we desire to follow Him more than anything else in our lives?  Do we submit our lives to Him, renouncing our own likes and pursuits when they get in the way of His desires for us?  Are we willing to endure anything no matter what to continue following Him?  These are difficult questions.  However, this should be our goal as Christians.  And remember, God will always be with us and give us the strength to endure anything if we sacrifice all for Him.  “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

John 8:32

Verse of the Day Devotion: John 8:32 

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” –  John 8:32 

This verse is the culmination of a statement Jesus made to Jews who came to believe in Him.  “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine;” John 8:31  This is an important truth we all need to take hold of and not let go.  The key here is ‘continuing in His word’.  John is basically saying it is not enough to receive God’s truth by reading His word or listening to messages from the bible.  Just hearing it will not be enough: we must retain it and then walk in it.

Now, I want to say that the beginning of learning the truth is in being introduced to it, therefore it is critical that we read and study His word, and go places where His word is taught.  However, this is simply the beginning.  We must also retain it and walk in it.  The theologian Adam Clarke put it beautifully when he said, “And it is only when we receive the truth, love it, keep it, and walk in it, that we are the genuine disciples of Christ.”  We must see His word as the most important reading material we have.  In James we see a similar sentiment.  “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.”  James 1:22.  The idea of deluding oneself is that by hearing the word, we deduce that this is all that matters, whereas the important thing is actually being  obedient to it.  I remember when living in a small town in North Carolina we attended a church that many of my co-workers went to as well.  They however did not live it out at work.  They would curse, speak in a rude and dirty manner, and thought nothing of it.  This is the deception spoken of by James.  They merely went there to hear His word, but not obey it.

Now, we come to our focus verse where Jesus tells us why the application of God’s word is important.  “and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:32  He is not saying that if they memorize His word, being able to speak it when applicable, that this is all that matters.  It is not to know it mentally, but to know it experientially.  If we love it and live it, making it who we are, it will go a long way in freeing us from the slavery of sinful ways.  Paul, in his letter to the Romans put it like this.  “Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?  But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.” Romans 6:16-18.  Note the words, “you became obedient from the heart”

So, by studying and applying God’s word to our lives, being totally committed to living it out completely, we will know His truth.  And if we know His truth this way, then it will set us free from the bondage to sin.  There may be times we faulter, but if we do sin and hate that we did, we have an advocate.  “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9  He loves us this much to set us free if we desire to be free. 

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Hebrews 8:13

Verse of the Day Devotion: Hebrews 8:13 

“When He said, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear.” – Hebrews 8:13 

When God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, He set up a covenant with His people which was called the Mosaic covenant, because it was given to Moses on Mt. Sinai.  The roots of this Old Covenant actually can be traced back to Abraham, the forefather of Israel.  It was a conditional agreement that God made with the Israelites via Moses.  Under the Old Covenant the people were required to keep the Law and then God would protect and bless them.   And every year, the High Priest was to enter the Holy of Holies. Where God’s presence dwells, and to make a sacrifice, first for their own sins, and then the sins of the people.  The main idea of the Old Covenant was to keep the Law, and then offering a sacrifice if they fail to, for the sin of not obeying.

In the New Covenant, we have one sacrifice that will address all our sins, and the sins of all mankind.  No need for any daily or yearly sacrifice, but one sacrifice, already made by Jesus the Christ.  And since He was perfect, with no sin, there is no need for Him, our High Priest, to offer a sacrifice for Himself.  His death pays the penalty for all of our sins if we accept the work done for us through Christ dying on the cross and the rising from the dead.

And the new covenant is one where, as John wrote, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” John 14:15.  Our love for Christ should be such that we desire with all of our being to obey Him.  As a Pastor friend of mine said many times, “It is not that we have to, it is that we get to.”  I have carried this word for a long time.  We should go to church not because we have to, but because we get to.  We should help our neighbor not because we have to, but because we get to.  We should study His word not because we have to, but because we get to.  This is a totally different idea than the Old Covenant.  We should be a servant of God because we desire to, we have a passion to, and that we would do anything to please Him.  If we only serve Him because we are simply following rules and do not desire or have a passion to, how different are we then the Jews who simply followed the law because they believed they had to?

I want to encourage us all to develop such a relationship with God that, regarding our service and worship of Him, our “have to”  turns into “get to”.  It is then that our life will be filled with more peace and joy then ever before. 

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Mark 13:33

Verse of the Day Devotion: Mark 13:33 

“Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come.” – Mark 13:33

Our focus verse was said by Jesus just after He had given the disciples teaching on His return.  He spoke of times of tribulation and trouble, where many of His followers will be arrested and face incredible persecution.  He alerts them that troubled times will come, but He has told them so they will remember and be prepared: using the fig tree as an example.  “Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. Even so, you too, when you see these things happening, recognize that He is near, right at the door.” Mark 13:28-29  The idea is that when certain things happen, we are alerted that something is coming, In His example, when the branches of the fig tree becomes tender and sprouts its leaves, we know that summer is near. 

He, however, cannot tell them when these days of trouble will come, for He does not know.  “But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” Mark 13:32 The only one who knows is the Father.  The angels in heaven do not, and neither does He, only the Father does.  But Jesus does know the signs of His return.  “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then shall he send his angels and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.” Mark 13:24-27 

Now, not only did He tell the disciples these things, but by virtue of the scriptures, He has told us as well.  And we are seeing some of these signs in our time.  I am not saying we see them all, but we do see the time of His return is no doubt drawing near.  And because we see these signs, we must be on our guard.  And this is what our focus is telling us.  “Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come.” Mark 13:33.  There are a couple reasons I want to point out as to why it is essential, we keep watch.  First, to make sure you are not deceived.  “And Jesus began to say to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. Many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He!’ and will mislead many.” Mark 13:5-6.  We must stay in the Word so that we know the difference between what is true and what is not.  We must not allow the enemy to deceive us in this way.  And because we are studying His word, we should take it and tell as many as possible the truth of His coming.  “The gospel must first be preached to all the nations.” Mark 13:10. This may very well be the last opportunity we have to evangelize to many in our culture.  The world needs to hear the truth, and it is our responsibility to allow God to use us for this purpose. 

And finally, we need to be on the alert so that we will be ready.  We have no idea when He will come, and it is easy to become indifferent about something we have been waiting a long time for but has not yet happened.  We must stay passionate about our faith, staying in His word, spending concerted time in prayer and conversation with God.  We must spread His word to those who do not know Him and encourage and train those who do.  We must do all we can to bring glory to God and listen to His leading.  He is giving us all the information we need.  We just need to see it and act accordingly.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

John 17:14

Verse of the Day Devotion: John 17:14  

“I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” – John 17:14 

This verse is found in what is known as the High Priestly Prayer, because Jesus, who is praying here, took on the role of High Priest.  The office of High Priest started at Mt. Sinai when God gave the Law to the Israelites through Moses.  Aaron was chosen, along with his descendants,  to be priests who were responsible for interceding on behalf of Israel before God.  One priest was selected as the High Priest who would take it further by entering the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement to offer the sacrifice that would temporarily cover the sins of the people.  “Now when these things have been so prepared, the priests are continually entering the outer tabernacle performing the divine worship, but into the second, only the high priest enters once a year, not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins of the people committed in ignorance.” Hebrews 9:6-7.  Jesus came here to take the role of the perfect High Priest, one who did not need to address His own sins for He was and is without sin, therefore His was not a once a year requirement but a once for all eternity.

Now, in our focus verse, Jesus declares in His prayer a very definite truth that was not only applicable to the time He was in, but also today.  He starts with “I have given them Your word,” John 17:14a.  Jesus spent three years preparing His disciples by teaching them what is in His word.  He taught them what they are to do, and what they are not to do.  He also tells them why and why not, and how they need to be totally devoted to Him and His Father.   And we can see that this was successful for they went out into the world and brought many to Christ and then trained them in His ways, so they could go out and bring more into the kingdom.

He then ends this with, “and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” John 17:14b.  The Jewish leadership as well as many of the pagan gentiles were very devout in their beliefs and hated those who spoke against what they believed.  A perfect example of this was Jesus’ persecution and eventual crucifixion by the Jewish leadership because He was countering what they were teaching and undermining their instruction.  They were of the world, but Jesus and the disciples were not, therefore they taught against what the world loved and practiced.

Now we see this happening in the world today.  Many countries, especially North Korea, China and many Islamic countries already harshly persecute Christians in an attempt to convert them to their way of thinking.  Many times, this leads to the death of the Christian.  However, we are now seeing hatred of Christianity throughout the whole world, including the United States.  People want to do what they want, and they despise those who declare it as sin.  We need to understand that this was prophesied throughout the scriptures.  We will go through tough times because of our beliefs and devotion to Christ.  We need to pray that God will prepare us for these days so we can remain strong and true to our God.  He will never leave us alone but will always be with us.  We must trust in Him, for a beautiful eternal life awaits us after we stand firm in the faith.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

James 2:26

Verse of the Day Devotion: James 4:26  

“For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” – James 4:26

There are two basic ways to look at the concept of works as described in the Scriptures.  Unfortunately, we see both ideas be walked out today by those in our churches.  Many people believe that as long as they do good works, they will be OK when Jesus returns.  This was the way the Jewish people saw works.  However, this is not totally the truth.  Works is essential in our life as a Christian.  But not in becoming a Christian.

In ancient Jewish tradition, works was the way Jews believed they were able to please God.  We see this in how strictly they followed the law.  Micah lays out how this is basically flawed. “With what shall I come to the LORD And bow myself before the God on high? Shall I come to Him with burnt offerings, With yearling calves? Does the LORD take delight in thousands of rams, In ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my rebellious acts, The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” Micah 6:6-7.  This was how the ancient Jews believed they showed their faith to God, by keeping the law.  But Micah goes on to state this in not the case.  “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8.  Following the law was not what pleased God, but it was how we lived our lives

The law was not meant to address our sins, but to show us what our sins are, and ultimately our need for salvation.  “What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, You shall not covet.” Romans 7:7. This shows that the law / works had nothing to do with us being declared righteous, it is faith.  In the Old Testament, we see essentially the same thing.  “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.” Habakkuk 2:4. Those who are proud and haughty believe they themselves have addressed their sins, not realizing that it is faith in God that will address them, not anything we do. 

So, we see that the law simply shows us our sins but does not address them.  It is faith in God and the works He has done.  However, our declaration of faith is not enough.  We must live out our beliefs as well.  James lays this out perfectly.  “What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, Go in peace, be warmed and be filled, and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?” James 2:14-16.  He then culminates this thought in the next verse, “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.” James 2:17

So, faith is proved by our works.  A declaration of our faith in Christ without a change in our lives that shows our love for Christ and our fellow man: a life that brings glory to God through our works, shows we do not really have faith at all.  It turns out only to be meaningless words.  And just as our focus verse says, faith without work is dead, just like the body without the spirit is dead.  True faith is giving up our old life with its sinful ways and replacing it with God honoring works that fulfills our calling as servants and children of God.  It is only then that the world will see our faith and desire to know more.   

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.