Daily Writing

Monday, 1 July 2019

…have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? James 2:4

James now completes his thoughts concerning “partiality” which began in verse 2:1. The NKJV says, “have you not shown partiality among yourselves.” This makes it sound like he is confirming his idea in 2:1 concerning partiality. However, he gives an entirely different word here than there. In 2:1, he mentioned partiality with the word prosópolémpsia. He now speaks not of partiality, but of division by using the word, diakrinó.

The thought is correctly reflected in the Aramaic Bible with, “are you not divided in your souls.” As Vincent’s Word Studies states, “The meaning here is, therefore, that, in making a distinction between the rich and the poor, they expressed a doubt concerning the faith which they professed, and which abolished such distinctions.”

He is referring not to the partiality of verse 2:1, but of the faith itself. The faith of the people is to say, “We are all one in Christ” (see Galatians 3:28), but by making decisions based on partiality, the faith itself is divided in the mind of the people. How can there be no distinction in Christ if we are making such distinctions? It shows a people who have two minds which are not in agreement.

Understanding this, he then says that this reflects that they have “become judges with evil thoughts.” Christ is one, and those in Christ are one. But in dividing believers as they have, they reflect a mind with evil thoughts concerning dividing the parts of a united whole.

A suitable example of what this is referring to might be displaying this attitude towards one of the fifty states within the United States of America. Each is to have equal representation in the Senate based on statehood – two senators. And each is to have equal representation in the House based on population – 1 representative for a set amount of people within each state.

However, because one state has lots of representatives (equate this to the rich guy with the gold ring and the fancy duds), the president says to a senator representing that state, “You come sit here at my table.” However, another state has only a few representatives (equate this to the guy in dirty clothes), the president says, “You wait over there in the chair by the door.” In so doing, he has shown partiality which is not supposed to exist in dealing with the states, and he has become divided in his mind concerning the intent and purpose of the constitution which frames the government. In this, he has become a judge with evil thoughts.

Life application: Be careful how you look on others and accept them as God’s image-bearers regardless of their status according to the world. Instead of degrading others, let us ever exalt the Lord. We all belong at the same level as we live in His presence and as we worship His glory –

“Let us go into His tabernacle;
Let us worship at His footstool.” Psalm 132:7

Lord Jesus, may we feel the conviction of having shown preference to others based on their position, dress, wealth, and so on over those who are less fortunate in this world. Give us the ability to see others as you see them – looking on the heart and beauty of the inner-man rather than the externals, which are so fading. May You be pleased with how we treat our fellow men. Amen.

Sunday, 30 June 2019

…and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” James 2:3

The Greek word translated as “pay attention” gives the sense of a favorable viewing and showing preference. In comes this guy with a gold ring and shining clothes, and he is immediately regarded in a favorable light, even without knowing a thing about him. He could be an arrogant, controlling, manipulating person, but he is given high regard simply because of his fancy duds. And so you say to him, “You sit here in a good place.”

The Greek more closely reads, “You sit here, honorably.” He is so seated simply because of his external appearance. This spot is what Jesus spoke of in Matthew 23 –

“But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. ⁶ They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues.” Matthew 23:5,6

The person is given high regard based only on the fact that he looks good. On the other hand, in walks the poor guy in the stinky, filthy clothes. Without knowing a thing about him, you make a value judgment. He might be the nicest guy in town. He might be humble, caring, selfless, and honorable in all he does. But, because of his disgusting external appearance, you say to him, “You stand there.”

He isn’t even given a seat to sit on. But maybe he has been working all night, and that is why his clothes are filthy. Without even knowing his circumstances, he is made to stand through the meeting. This, while the other guy slept all night and had time to put on his nice clothes, eat a big breakfast, and then take a donkey-cab to the synagogue without being overworked in the slightest.

Or, you might – fortunately – have a wee little room left for the poor guy to sit, and so you say, “Sit here at my footstool.” The Greek reads more closely, “You sit here under my footstool.” How nice of you. You are elevated and have a footstool, and this poor guy sits not on your footstool, but in a position which is directly on the floor at a lower level than where your filthy feet are. He gets to look at your dirty feet, despite his beautiful nature, simply because he is wearing dirty clothes. However, the other guy, a real “jerk” by every sense of the word, sits honorably.

Life application: Once we find out who a person is, if we are caring of such things as good morals and an honorable character, the externals don’t matter to us. But our first impressions often guide us to want to be closer to those who are more presentable externally.

Without knowing anything else about people, we will naturally incline towards those who present themselves in a clean and orderly way. This is because we can make value judgments based on externals. However, taking these value judgments and acting on them alone can lead us to showing inappropriate favoritism. Let each of us be careful in how we evaluate others. Instead of jumping to snappy decisions based on externals alone, let us look deeper and try to determine the true quality and character of the inner man.

Lord God, help us to be people of character by being people who do not show favoritism towards others simply because of their external appearances. Fine clothes and gold jewelry don’t make a person more respectable or honest. And dirty clothes doesn’t mean a person has bad character. Help us, Lord, to look deeper than externals when we meet people along life’s highway. Amen.

Saturday, 29 June 2019

For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, James 2:2

James now makes an interesting statement saying, “For if there should come into your assembly.” The word translated as “assembly,” is sunagógé, a synagogue. The word is seen fifty-six times in the New Testament, but this is its only use when speaking specifically of a gathering of believers in Christ Jesus.

It is used in the gospels and in Acts many times, but it speaks of a meeting of Jews in the ordinary sense. It is used twice in Revelation when speaking of the “synagogue of Satan,” meaning the Jewish assembly which rejects Christ throughout the church age. However, James writes now of the synagogue when referring to believers in Christ. Hence, it is a taste of what is seen in blooming in the world today, that of the “Messianic Synagogue.”

It is another good indication that James, though writing to believers in his own day, is an epistle which prophetically looks to the state of the world in the end times, just prior to the return of Christ.

Of that type of gathering, James notes that there may come in “a man with gold rings, in fine apparel.” The word “rings” is actually singular in the Greek – “a gold ring.” The word for “fine” is lampra, and it signifies “shining,” or “splendid.” It is an adjective which describes our modern day “lamp.” This guy is really something. He is obviously wealthy.

However, along with him someone else arrives. He is “a poor man in filthy clothes.” The word translated as “poor” signifies “bent over.” He is destitute and beggarly. His outward appearance may seem objectionable to those around him, especially because of the word translated as “filthy.” It is a word found only here and in Revelation 22:11. It gives the sense of being foul or squalid. When used in regards to morals, it would be a wicked person. The appearance of these two is completely the opposite. James is comparing the external appearance of them to help us make right judgments. This will continue for the next few verses.

Life application: What would you do if you faced this situation? Let’s add to it and ask, “What if the man in fine clothes smelled heavenly because of some great aromatic oil like patchouli, but the poor man in shabby clothes smelled worse than a cow stall in summer?” How would you react if they both came to a Bible study in your living room? Pastors have to face this from time to time and they have been known to fail… money is a great enticement.

People in the congregation are no different, we gravitate toward those whom we can benefit from or whom we don’t find repulsive. However, the biblical model is that we should treat all equally and not respect one over another based on wealth.

It is the wealthy who look down on others, as if they are less worthy; it is the wealthy who look down on those who drive cheaper cars; and it is the wealthy who look down on those who live in a different and less affluent neighborhood. And yet, we gravitate towards them because we feel we can somehow improve our status by being around them.

The same is true of any movie star or radio personality. Despite having glamour and wealth, they are often the most mixed up and insecure people around – having drug, alcohol, and family problems in abundance.

Instead of judging by appearance, we need to evaluate others based on who they are as individuals. In particular, we should look at their potential in Jesus Christ. If we do this, then the externals of those we encounter will fade away and the true beauty or ugliness of that person will be evident.

Lord Jesus, give us hearts to deal fairly with others despite their external appearance or social status. May we not show preference to anyone because we can benefit from them, but let us deal with all men according to the wise principles we learn from Your word. This we ask so that You will be pleased with our hearts as we interact in all of our relationships. Amen.

Friday, 28 June 2019

My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. James 2:1

With the words, “My brethren,” James is seen to be addressing believers, specifically Jewish believers though (see verse 1:1). That he is not merely addressing Jews in general is confirmed by the next words of the verse, “do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ…” It is with certainty that he is speaking to those who are saved through faith in Christ Jesus, whom he then calls “the Lord of glory.”

The words, “the Lord,” have been inserted by the translators, but they are rightly inserted for clarity. Simply stated though, it says, “of glory.” The Greek has an article before “glory,” and so it more accurately reads, “the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of the glory.” This then expresses the state which Christ possesses which is above all things, and of which He spoke in John 17 –

“I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. ⁵ And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.”

Paul refers to Christ in the same manner, using the same descriptor, in 1 Corinthians 2 –

“which no one of the rulers of this age did know, for if they had known, the Lord of the glory they would not have crucified” (YLT).

James identifies Christ in this way, saying that we are not to hold to the faith of Him “with partiality.” This now helps to explain why He has focused on Christ as “the glory.” The scholar Bengel explains –

“Christ is Glory; and therefore faith in Him is glorious, and the faithful are glorious. This glory of the faithful is far above all worldly honour; no respecter of persons acknowledges it.”

In other words, if we show favoritism to one person over another when they are in the same type of human body as we are, then we are holding an earthly position of one over another despite the glory they possess because of being in Christ. If one were to exalt a handful of unrefined ore over a cup of gold, it would make more sense than showing favoritism of one over another. A better example might be holding a bucket of the dust of the earth up and saying it has more value than that of a man. Though man was brought forth from the dust, the sum of his parts combined with the breath of life in him, makes him of far greater value than simply the materials of which he is comprised.

As this is so, then the separation of the believer because of the Spirit which dwells in him as a result of faith in Christ brings him to a state of glory which is not to be diminished by earthly comparisons.

Life application: Anytime we show favoritism, we are failing to live as Christ did. The Bible says that “all have sinned and all fall short of the glory of God.” It goes on to say “but while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” There was no favoritism at all in this. Instead, Christ died for all. He made the example for us to follow. We are not to worry about those who reject Him because it is His right to avenge; they will receive their due penalty from His hand.

We, however, should attempt to never show favoritism when evangelizing, in church settings, or at any other time. Regardless of race, color, level of wealth, etc., we need to be about the same business with all. Pastors need to be careful of favoritism which leads to exalting the wealthy above those who have less. Parents need to be careful of showing favoritism or they will have one spoiled child and one angry child.

This list goes on – work partners, choosing friends, etc. The less favoritism we show, the better off we will be among others and the less bad words and strife will be directed toward us.

Lord, help us to not show favoritism. Instead, give us a willing heart to accept all people as You do. You gave Your life on the cross for them despite their situation. We were all sinners, and yet You came for all. Level of wealth, looks, race, and so on are things we look at, but You do not. Help us to love all equally as we work towards leading them to You. How glorious you are, and may Your glory rest upon all of Your people! Amen.

Thursday, 27 June 2019

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. James 1:27

James spoke of the useless religion of a person in the previous verse. It belongs to someone who “does not bridle his tongue.” Now, he uses the same word to describe religion which is “[p]ure and undefiled.” The Greek word translated as pure signifies that which is without admixture. There is no contamination in it. The word translated as undefiled signifies that which is unstained. There are no blotches upon it.

Understanding this, he goes on to show how one can identify such pure and undefiled religion “before God and the Father.” The Greek actually reads with the article before “God.” And so it says either “our God and Father,” or “the God and Father.” The article unites the two together. Separating them as is done in the NKJV translation is an unfortunate error which could lead to faulty theology.

With this correction, what James will next describe is that which is deemed as acceptable religion to the God and Father. Before stating it, he says that what is acceptable “is this.” The words do not mean that this is all that is acceptable, but that he is giving an example of what is acceptable, just as he gave what was unacceptable in the previous verse.

Understanding that, he says that it is first “to visit orphans and widows in their trouble.” James uses this example because it is something that God has always found acceptable, regardless of the dispensation of time in which the act occurs. And the reason for this is that this conduct is a reflection of His own character. Time and time again, Scripture calls out this particular aspect of God. This is seen, for example, in Deuteronomy 10:17, 18 –

“For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe. ¹⁸ He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing.”

Because God is this way, our conduct before God in a like-fashion is considered pure and undefiled before Him. And, James continues by saying, “and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” The word translated as “unspotted” signifies unstained, and thus fully acceptable. It speaks of that which is morally pure and unblemished.

Therefore, there is an active working out of one’s care of others which is united with a moral purity within the person. A person may visit orphans and widows in their trouble and yet not be acceptable to God because he is morally impure at the same time. Without the moral purity, the act is – like all other such things – exposed as a fraud before the God who searches both the hearts and minds of man.

Life application: The words of this verse are referring to a person who has called on Jesus; not everyone in general. Bill Gates, for example, has donated billions of dollars to the AIDS funds as well as other notable causes. However, one cannot buy their way into heaven and no deed is, in itself, good enough to please the Lord. This verse cannot be taken out of the Christian context and applied to non-believers.

Further, faithful Christians will be known for what they do, not for what they claim to have done. This goes all the way back to Acts 5 where a couple named Ananias and Sapphira claimed to have accomplished a righteous deed, but hid the fact that what they claimed didn’t actually match what had happened. As an example for later Christians, they were both “called home” for their wicked act. There is no reason to believe they weren’t part of the faithful believers, but their action was unacceptable.

When we care for orphans and widows, or when we do any other righteous deeds, we need to give the Lord the credit and not try to overstate what we accomplished on His behalf. In addition to this, we need to keep ourselves from being polluted by the world.

There are great disputes over what this means, and many congregations set rules based on their perception of it. This leads to legalism and a stuffy church. Instead, we need to maintain our Christian morals wherever we are and concerning whatever we are engaged in.

We have freedom in Christ to live properly in this world, just not freedom to sin while being here. When we do, we bring dishonor on the One who freed us from the power of sin. In essence, we are acting in a manner contradictory to the very message of freedom He has given to us.

Lord Jesus, it is hard to do good deeds in secret. You know our desires to be noticed, so give us a supernatural ability to overcome these feelings and to work to Your glory alone. Help our religion to be undefiled and free from the stain of sin. Give us the desire to help those who are truly in need while providing You with the credit. Amen.