John 3:3 “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God… unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”The work of the Holy Spirit with regard to regeneration is a key issue in John 3, and it answers many of the questions posed about the Holy Spirit’s work. Regeneration, or being “born anew,” might be defined as the sole wor...

James 1:18 In the exercise of His will [God] brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.            Though some might blame God for tempting them with evil, James says that this is impossible. God certainly tests His people to mold us after His will, but He never tempts us to evil. Temptations come from our own lusts, and when we are carri...

James 1:16-17 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.Since “Do not be deceived” is a present imperative, the gist of it is more like “Stop being deceived.” James is thus attempting to put to rest the idea that had crept into the minds of some C...

James 1:14-15 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.Sadly, man’s nature is to sin, a disease that always leads to death (Rom. 6:23). As Paul said, “Through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all, for all si...

James 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.            Since the Greek term behind “trial” (peirazō) can also translated “temptation,” context must determine the English translation. Trials are clearly the topic of vv. 2-4 & 12, but in v. 13 the context shifts to temptation, James distinguishing...

James 1:9-12 But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; 10 and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away. 12 Blessed...

James 1:5-8 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all ...

James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.            Since the trials of life are God-given and have a divine purpose, it is no wonder James tells Christians to “consider it all joy…when you enc...

James 1:1b-2 …to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. 2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials…The nation of Israel began with Abraham and his grandson Jacob, whose name God later changed to Israel, who birthed 12 sons. These became the 12 tribes of Israel. Though one nation under David and Solomon (circa 1000 BC), they split in 930 BC into 10 tribes ...

James 1:1a James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ…            The author of the epistle calls himself “James.” Among Christ’s 12 disciples, the name James appears three times. There is James, the son of Zebedee—brother of John (Matt 10:2; Luke 6:14), James the son of Alphaeus (Matt 10:3; Luke 6:15), and James the father of the other disciple named Judas (Luke 6:16; John 14:22; A...

Hebrews 13:22-25 But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23 Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you. 24 Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you. 25 Grace be with you all.            Concluding his epistle, the author was clearly not writing for the s...

Hebrews 13:20-21 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, 21 equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.            Although this benedictory passage needs little commentary,...

Hebrews 13:18-19 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things. 19 And I urge you all the more to do this, so that I may be restored to you the sooner.            The anonymous author of Hebrews, though clearly known to his audience, asks for prayer in vv. 18-19. From v. 18 it appears that a false accusation had been leveled agai...

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 But we ask of you, brothers, that you know those who labor among you, and lead you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and that you regard them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another (Legacy Standard Bible).       Paul traveled extensively preaching the cross of Christ, planting churches (cf. Acts 13-28), and installing leaders—the elders and...

Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.Church leaders have the God-given task of caring for Christ’s Church on earth—serving His people, preaching His word. They are to preach Scripture, reprove, rebuke, and exhort—in season and ou...