“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” James 2:14
 
God’s View of the Poor:
 
“Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.” 1 Peter 1:17
 
 
“Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.”Acts 10:34-35
 
If we view the poor differently than God we are wrong. We are sinning. Seeing some people as more important, more valuable than any other people is wrong. This too is a sin.
 
“There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.” Romans 2:9-11
 
The state of our country now: riots, screaming, divisions, blaming, pointing of fingers; accusing, violence, fear.
 
This is wrong. We are wrong. Each of us must take responsibility for ourselves, for our own actions and attitudes.
 
“Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” James 2:5
 
Jesus’s view of the Poor:
 
Luke 6:20
“Looking at his disciples, he said:
“Blessed are you who are poor,
    for yours is the kingdom of God” Luke 6:20
 
 “I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” Revelation 2:9
 
We should not see ourselves as better than anyone, and we should not see ourselves less than anyone. All are equal in value to God. This is the perspective we must have. Every person we meet is loved by God. When we look at someone we are looking into the face of someone loved by God.
 
“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are” 1 Corinthians 1:26-28
 
“But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?” James 2:6-7
 
Even in the courts of America, the “land of the free” if you have enough money you can get by not being punished for horrendous crimes (Shannon gives examples). Our money and accomplishments do not impress God. A sin is a sin. If we have committed a sin we are sinners, no better or worse than any other sinners (including those sins we in society would call the worst sins).
 
“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,”you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.”If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.” James 2:8-11
 
If we fulfill the two greatest commandments we will fulfill the entire law. We will be doing God’s will. We will be honoring God. Love God and love people with all we are and all we have and all we do.
 
“Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 25:37-40
 
So….do!
 
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment” James 2:12-13
 
If you see a need, fill it. If you can’t fill it on your own, seek the help of others. Do something. Do what you can. When God gives you an opportunity, take it. Don’t pass that open door. If you do you will regret it and wonder what God could have done.
 
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their 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
 
There is often a lot of debate about faith vs. works but it is not an argument. We know we are saved by faith, not works. But if we have faith it will be visible in the things we do.
 
 “But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” James 2:18-19
 
Go forth and Do!!
 
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:35-40

​James 1 – Consider it all Joy
 
General letter to all churches – scattered – This world is not our home
James 1:1  James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:
Greetings.
John 17:14 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.
 
James 1:2 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds
-Why should we consider it joy?
-wouldn’t it be better to just be comfortable?
-wouldn’t it be awesome to live a life of ease as a Christian?
-who likes to be tested anyways?
Comfort and easy living was never promised, never possible.
John 16:33 33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Luke 14:27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
1 Peter 4:12 12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
 
We will be tempted, we will have struggles, we will live a life in contest against the world.
Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
1 John 5:19  We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.
So why should be consider it joy when we face trials?
Trials – PT – Testing – Airborne School – Elite – training + testing + achievement
 
James 1:3-4 knowing that the testing of your faith produces [a]endurance.  4 And let [b]endurance have its perfect [c]result, so that you may be [d]perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Trials and testing strengthen us, not to harm us, but to ready us for the temptations of the world. God loves us enough to test us, refine us, make us ready for what the world will bring against us.
1 Peter 1:7 so that the [a]proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which [b]is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
Proverbs 17:3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,
But the Lord tests hearts.
 
But what of we can’t figure this out? What if we don’t understand the need for testing? What if, like a child, we just don’t get it?
 
James 1:5 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and [a]without reproach, and it will be given to him.
 
Jesus answered those who asked him in faith. Many times the disciples asked in faith for clarification. But they asked in FAITH. To those who asked in an attempt to test him, to trap him, he gave no answer, only rebuke.
Matthew 23:27 27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness
 
James 1: 6-8 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 [a]double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
 
If you are asking, seeking answers, looking for wisdom, make sure that it is in faith. Do not be double minded! Either you are seeking or you are trying to reason, trap God into giving you something. Why bother? If we simply ask, he will give freely.
Matthew 7:9-11  Or what man is there among you [a]who, when his son asks for a loaf, [b]will give him a stone? 10 Or [c]if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!
James 1:12 12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has [m]been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him
There it is again, perseverance, endurance.
Luke 6:20-23 20 And turning His gaze toward His disciples, He began to say, “Blessed are [j]you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are [k]you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. 22 Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man. 23 Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For in the same way their fathers used to [l]treat the prophets.
1 Peter 3: 14  14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you [a]are blessed. And do not fear their [b]intimidation, and do not be troubled
1 Corinthians 9:25  Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
 
 
The difference between trials and temptation.
James 1: 13-14 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted [a]by God”; for God cannot be tempted [b]by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.
Seeming contradiction : Genesis 22:1 Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.”
Nissah – to try or to test – KJV says tempt
 
What is the difference between trials and temptation? Motivation.
IF from God, it is for your good, if from satan, it is to make you fall.
James 1:15 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin [a]is accomplished, it brings forth death.
Wages of sin, the sinful man nature, is death. Don’t see temptations as trials, see them for what they are.
 
James 1:16 16 Do not be [a]deceived, my beloved brethren
 
Every good thing is from God. Not the world. Temptation is telling us that temporary reward is better than eternal. That immediate satisfaction is enough in itself. Remember, we are only here for a short time, eternity awaits.
 
James 1:17 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 [a]shifting shadow.
 
Hebrews 13:8 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
John 14:6 6 Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me
John 10:30 0 I and the Father are [a]one.”
Malachi 3:6 “For [a]I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, [b]are not consumed.
God wants only the best for us!
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans that I [a]have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope
Romans 6:23  For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Corinthians 10:13 13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
OFTEN MISQUOTED!
 
Application

1. Be what you are meant to be – followers of Jesus Christ!

 
James 1:18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be [a]a kind of first fruits [b]among His creatures.
Firstfruits – the very best, the first of the harvest, the perfect offering, brought for the by the word, Jesus. Cain vs Able

1. Act like you know what you are doing, follow the example of Christ

 
James 1:19 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;
Quick to hear – listen
Slow to speak – be still
Slow to anger – Forgive
Matthew 6: 14-15 14 For if you forgive [a]others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive [b]others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.
Ravi Zacharias

1. Receive and bear fruit

James 1: 21 21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all [a]that remains of wickedness, in [b]humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.
Parable of the sower, well worked, fertile ground, garden.

1. Be a doer, not just a knower

 
James 1:22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.
1 John 3:18  Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.
Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.
Luke 6:45 The good man out of the good [a]treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from [b]that which fills his heart.
John 14:15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
 
So why should we consider it joy? Because we have been chosen, we have been set apart. We are God’s children, his team, identified as his. These things we face we face because we belong to him. That is a reason for rejoicing! 

Good morning. I'm a bit late. We had graduation yesterday and then I couldnt' get the recording uploaded for some reason. It was a good sermon. See Shannon's notes Below:
Seeing through the eyes of Jesus – Matthew 9
Telescope to see the stars
Magnifying glass to see closely
Microscope to see tiny creatures, viruses
What these all have in common is lenses – purpose filled to see more clearly
Parrot and Jesus the Doberman
The eyes of Jesus see more than our eyes see
WE need eyes of discernment for spiritual matters.
Be careful that our discernment is not judgement
Psalm 119:66
Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
    for I trust your commands.
Matthew 7: 1 -2
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Jesus was careful, however.
John 2: 23-25
23 Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name.[a] 24 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. 25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person
Matthew 7:6
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

• Don’t’ be deceived either. Farmer and the snake

Matthew 10:16
16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
Nothing is hidden from God.
Heb 4:13
13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account
Discernment is used to guard our spirituality, but is also and instrument of healing if we add grace
Spiritual development  - Proverbs 14:6
The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none,
    but knowledge comes easily to the discerning
Comes from -anointing of the Spirit, Study of God’s Word, experience of God’s Grace
Human nature is to judge  - look at our society – everyone wants to blame someone else, no one wants to solve the problems!
 
James 4: 11-12
11 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister[a] or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?
 
Matthew 7:3
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
James 1:5
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you
What does it look like to see through Jesus’ eyes?
-19th century painter Joseph Turner was confronted by a woman who said “Why do you paint with such extravagant colors? I have never seen colors like that in nature”
-Turner’s response, “ but wouldn’t you like to, Madam?”
Matthew 9
Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. 2 Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”
3 At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!”
4 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? 5 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 6 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” 7 Then the man got up and went home. 8 When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man.
The Calling of Matthew
9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.
10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’[a] For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Jesus Questioned About Fasting
14 Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?”
15 Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.
16 “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. 17 Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
Jesus Raises a Dead Girl and Heals a Sick Woman
18 While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.” 19 Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples.
20 Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. 21 She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”
22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.
23 When Jesus entered the synagogue leader’s house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes, 24 he said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. 25 After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. 26 News of this spread through all that region.
Jesus Heals the Blind and the Mute
27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”
28 When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”
“Yes, Lord,” they replied.
29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; 30 and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” 31 But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.
32 While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. 33 And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”
34 But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.”
The Workers Are Few
35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
 
What I would have seen vs. what Jesus saw.
Vs. 2 Paralytic – faith of friends plus  unspoken repentance of paralytic
2 Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”
Vs. 3-4 – nothing – Jesus saw evil thoughts
3 At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!”
4 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?
 
Vs. 9 – traitor to the people – Matthew as a new disciple
9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.
Vs. 10-13 – Jesus eating with sinners – people in desperate need of his presence and healing
10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’[a] For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
 
Vs. 20-22 – Unclean woman bumping Jesus – Jesus saw secret sickness and faith
20 Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. 21 She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”
22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment
 
Vs. 23-25 – Dead girl – just sleeping!
 When Jesus entered the synagogue leader’s house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes, 24 he said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. 25 After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up
Vs. 35-37 – Chaos and a fallen world – Jesus saw every type of person in the crowd, individually
35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
Jesus response:
          1, Compassion, not judgement
          2. Teach, not condemnation
          3. Provides healing, fulfilling real needs
          4. Sees right past the sin, straight to the conditions
We need to pray that we develop the eyes of Jesus

• The Church cannot be idle in a broken world
• Not good enough to speak the truth and not live it
• Not good enough to diagnose the world’s problem and send them home to fix it themselves
• Not good enough to think we are being helpful when we are not willing to do something ourselves

When we really see through the eyes and heart of Jesus – through his lens – then people will see the reflection of Jesus within us, and we will be his instruments for change.
If you don’t like what is going on, change it. Start a fire. BE the revival. Be the difference in the individual lives of the lost. Don’t just tell people, Show people the heart of Jesus. 

Following are Shannon's notes from today's sermon:

Jesus is Enough! The Fullness of Christ
Colossians 2: 1-7
Vs. 1 Context – Colossian church – Paul never visited – writing from prison in Rome –
I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally
Vs. 2 – The goal – Encouragement – discouraged Christians are easy prey, for the world, the flesh, the devil.
 2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ
-Knit together in love, united
John 17:21-23
21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
Colossians 3:14
14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
-full riches of complete understanding – explanation of the fullness of Christ, the completeness.
What is the “Mystery of God”?   What is our understanding of the mystery of Christ?
        The character and person of God in Christ
John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
 
 
John 14:6-7
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
7
If you really knew me, you would know [2] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."
 
Col 2:3
 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 
Apoknuphos – hidden – Gnostic’s “special” knowledge only for the few
The wisdom IS Christ Jesus. If we understand Jesus, if we have a relationship with him and truly have him within our hearts and our lives, that is the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Understanding the concept of the Creator – Him – and the created – us – and the relationship that we have only through the love of God in the person of Jesus Christ!
When we understand Jesus, we understand everything. Seek that hidden treasure by getting to know him better, getting into the Word, seeking for ourselves the understanding.
Each of us is responsible for the attainment of this knowledge. It is deeply personal.
John 6:40
For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”
John 14:23
Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
Col 2:4
 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 
False teachers – easy lies – fallacy –
 
1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
 
Matthew 7:15
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves
1 Tim 4: 1-3
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
If we know Jesus, personally, intimately, and are in the Word, we will not be led astray – it is amazing how simple that is. If someone challenges you, look for truth in the Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to interpret for you, pray.
 
Col 2: 6
 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him
The greatest heresy in the time of the Colossians, and in our own time, is that we can perfect in the flesh what has begun in the Spirit! We can’t justify ourselves, or sanctify ourselves, only Christ.
Galatians 2:16
know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in[a] Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.
Romans 3:28
28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.
 
Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Ephesians 2:8
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--
Why do we try and complicate it? Jesus is sufficient. The gift of salvation is received from God by grace as a gift, not by our own efforts. The Colossians were under the threat of the same human condition that we are, the fatal human flaw of believing that we need to “earn” something or it isn’t “fair”, that there has to be “more to this”
 
Application
Colosssians 2: 7
7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
We are to continue to live IN Him
1. Rooted IN Him
Jeremiah 17:7-8
 
7 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
    whose confidence is in him.
8 They will be like a tree planted by the water
    that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
    its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
    and never fails to bear fruit.”
 
 
 
2. Built up IN Him
Matthew 7:24-25
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
Ephesians 2: 19-22
Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Strengthened IN the faith
Romans 8:38-39
38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Mark 11: 22-24
22 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. 23 “Truly[a] I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Phil 1:6
6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
 
3. Overflowing with thankfulness
Philippians 4: 4-7
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Below you will find Shannon's sermon notes:

The tale of two fishermen
A preacher who has spent a fruitless day fishing picked out three fat fish in the market. "Before you wrap them," he said to the store manager," toss them to me, one by one. That way I'll be able to tell the congregation I caught them and I'll be speaking the truth.
 
You are being sought – and called!
Jesus used the physical world to explain the spiritual.
 John 1:14 - 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Luke 13: 18-19 -18 Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? 19 It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.”
Jesus met people where they worked and lived. He did not wait for them to come to him. Synagogue – Moses seat
Jesus sought – Luke 19:10 - 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Matthew 18:12-14 -12 “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13 And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14 In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.
Let’s look at one example of Jesus calling someone to follow him.
Luke 5: 1-11
 
Luke 5:1  Jesus was teaching the crowds
  One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret,[a] the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God.
Luke 5: 2-3  Jesus got into Simon’s boat!
2 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

• He didn’t ask, he just got in
• Simon owed him  - Mother-in-law Luke 4
• Needed not only the boat, but experienced rowers to keep the boat steady
• He sat down and taught
• He used the world that Simon knew, and was master of, a boat.
• Sound travels over water 7x as strong as land – more heard the message

After speaking, when it was just Jesus and the boat crew.
Luke 5:4 - 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
-strange request, no one fished in deep water
-Simon’s world, not Jesus’
-fishing always done near shore, at night when fish were feeding
-fresh water
- men were tired, not only fished all night, but just held the boat for Jesus
Simon’s response:
Luke 5:5 - 5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

• Master – Epistates – Chief or Boss
• A little sarcastic
• Sure, boss, if you say so
• You rabbis think you know it all, hopeless to catch fish, we’ll show you. What do you know?

 
The miraculous catch
Luke 5: 6-7 - 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

• The catch of a lifetime – hitting the lottery
• Why did Jesus just give this knowledge away – business secret, riches – giving away the fishing hole
• Jesus wasn’t concerned with the money, the fish, he wanted people!

Peter and the others acknowledge Jesus – Peter vocally
Luke 5:8-10 - 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.
-They had just heard Jesus preaching
- Simon acknowledges his sin – doubt
- understands that God is at work here, Jesus met him where he worked
-Kyrios “Lord”
-first time “sinner” is used in the gospel of Luke
Jesus makes the call.
Luke 5: 10-11 - Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him

• Don’t be afraid – follow me!
• Fishing skills needed
• Fisher of men
• Catching for the Kingdom
• Seek and save – find the fishing holes

 
Application
Jesus came to seek and save the lost.
Luke 19:10 - 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Eziekel 34:16 - 16 I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice
_- all Simon needed was to acknowledge his need – he was lost!
Peter, the Rock

• First to verbally proclaim that Jesus was the Messiah
• Impulsive – cuts off the ear of the servant with a  sword
•  sometimes wavering – denies Jesus suffering
• Denies knowing Jesus three times
• One of the first to see resurrected Jesus

John 21:15-17 - 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 
We are all being called
John 15: 18-19 - 18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you
Paul acknowledges his need of Jesus – and Jesus call to him.
1 Tim 1:13-16 - 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.
Fishers of men- builders, wranglers, farmer, peacemakers, teachers …
Matthew 28:19-20 - 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
John 8:12 - 12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
We are called to carry on the calling
2 Timothy 2:2-3 - 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
John 12:26 - 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
We called to worship
John 4: 23 - 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.
God is seeking each and every one of us, to worship in Spirit and in truth – that means you!
 
Grace is this, that God loved us first. He didn’t wait for us to acknowledge Jesus to save us. He didn’t wait for us to find him, He sent his son to die for us so that we might be found. He is still seeking.
Romans 5:8 - 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
You have been paid for, ransomed, made free to choose. You are sought. Are you willing to answer the call?