So what? Why study God's Mission? How is it supposed to change my life? We have read that one can only know their purpose in life in the context of something greater. A single gear only finds its purpose in its correct placement in a watch. It is not enough that one studies God's Mission and fully understands it. One must take it further. It is not enough to know, one must then believe it, and act on it. It does not benefit an individual if something is understood but does not change their behavior. "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead (James 2:14-17)."
We do not turn into spiritual adults overnight. It is a lifelong process that never ends. Growth starts with Knowing God. When you gain this knowledge you then can believe it. If you truly believe in it, you then can act on it. How does one's faith grow? It first starts with growing in knowledge of God, which leads to a growth in belief in God, and growth in works for God.
So what? The study of God's Mission is a study in God. The more we know about God the more we can properly worship and serve God, which is glorifying God, which is God's Mission.
Interact with Scripture/QuestionsRead James 2:14-26. See how there is a three fold process of faith: Knowing, Believing and Doing. If one is left out the process is incomplete. How are you seeking to grow in your knowledge?
How are you seeking to grow in your beliefs?
How are you seeking to grow in your actions?
What is God teaching about himself in this passage?
Special Study End Passage: Read Psalm 23. Read this familiar passage with new eyes. Read it with God's Mission in mind. See how complete our lives can be and will be because of God's Mission, which is the praise of his glory.
Prayer: Ask God to help you grow in Knowing, Believing, and Doing of his mission.
Scripture ReferencesJAS 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? [15] Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. [16] If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? [17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
JAS 2:18 But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. [19] You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder.
JAS 2:20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? [21] Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? [22] You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. [23] And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. [24] You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.
JAS 2:25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? [26] As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
A psalm of David. PS 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
PS 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
PS 23:3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
PS 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
PS 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
PS 23:6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
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