James (written)

Tuesday, 18 June 2019

Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. James 1:18

James now speaks of the faith of the believer and how it comes about. The words here are to be contrasted to those of verse 15 –

15) Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

18) Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

James had spoken of the bringing forth of death through one’s own desires. Now he speaks of being brought forth (to life), as he says, “Of His own will.” In other words, the contrast is between what man wills, with its resulting negative effects, and of what God wills, with its resulting positive effects.

An obvious question, and one which divides scholars, is “What does, ‘Of His own will,’ signify?” Does James mean that God’s will is being worked out apart from man’s will, or does it speak of God’s will being followed by man in order to work out His determined end?

The first is known as monergism. Monergism comes from two words which signify “one work.” It signifies that God’s will is solely seen in the process of salvation – apart from man’s will. The second is known as synergism. This speaks of a cooperation of two or more agents to produce a combined effect. To determine which is correct, more needs to be considered.

James next says that it is of God’s own will that “He brought us forth.” The word used is the same as in verse 15. This now is its second and final use in Scripture. It is a medical or physical word which signifies the closing of a pregnancy. Thus it is to bring forth as a child.

In the course of nature, a child has no part in his bringing forth. If this were merely speaking of a physical birth, the answer to the question concerning man’s will would be clear. But James doesn’t stop there. He next says that this bringing forth is “by the word of truth.” To understand what James is referring to, a comparison to the same thought in 1 Peter is necessary –

“Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, ²³ having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, ²⁴ because

“All flesh is as grass,
And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass.
The grass withers,
And its flower falls away,
²⁵ But the word of the Lord endures forever.”

Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you. 1 Peter 1:22-25

Peter explains that “the word of truth” is speaking of the word of God, meaning Scripture, and specifically “the gospel.” Albert Barnes rightly states –

“With the word of truth – By the instrumentality of truth. It was not a mere creative act, but it was by truth as the seed or germ. There is no effect produced in our minds in regeneration which the truth is not fitted to produce, and the agency of God in the case is to secure its fair and full influence on the soul.”

James is showing the difference between choosing the natural inclination of man through desires and enticements and choosing that which God offers through the word of truth. It is obvious, based on the presentation by James, that what is being spoken of here is a synergistic model.

God’s will (Of His own will) is revealed in Scripture. However, that will can be accepted or rejected. If it is accepted, it brings forth the new being through the act of regeneration. The will receives the word and believes it and the Holy Spirit regenerates the man. James then says there is a purpose for this. It is so “that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.”

Another obvious question arises with these words, “Who is ‘we’ referring to?” James’ words could be speaking of the Christians of the apostolic age only. He could be referring to all Christians at all times too. Or, he could be referring to the believing Jews of his day. First, the letter is written (as it says in verse 1:1) “To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad.” Secondly, the apostles had no idea what an “apostolic age” meant. They didn’t know if Jesus was coming back before their deaths or not. The answer is that James is referring to the Jewish believers of his time as “a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.”

It was understood, even at an early age, that Gentiles were coming to faith in Christ. This understanding led James to equate the Jews as “a kind” of firstfruits. It was already understood that Christ is “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” That is speaking of the resurrection of Christ. As Christ arose, so will those who are in Christ.

However, there were also firstfruit offerings brought forth at the time of Pentecost. The firstfruits indicate a portion of a whole which is taken and offered as representative of a greater portion. These early Jewish believers were considered as the consecrated portion and the first of the Lord’s brought-forth creatures. This is why he says, “a kind of firstfruits.” It shows that he is speaking in figurative terms. The addressed portion is given to represent the whole.

Life application: James speaks here of being born again as is stated in John 3:3-6. Jesus didn’t make it optional; you must be born again in order to enter the kingdom of God. This doesn’t mean rolling around on the floor or speaking in odd tongues. Rather, it means being born from above; from a divine source. Hyper-dispensationalists say that the term “born again” only applies to Jews. Reformed theologians say that a person is “born again” first by the Spirit. In this, he is then enabled to believe. He then believes, and then he is saved. In other words, they separate the idea of being born again from being saved.

Both of these ideas are foreign to Scripture, and they both come from taking the words of Scripture completely out of context. It is sad too, because if someone says, “I’m a Christian, but not ‘born again,’” then he isn’t a Christian. The two are inseparable. Or, if a person believes that he is “regenerated in order to believe,” meaning born again first, then how can he know that he is really saved? Maybe his experience came from being light-headed because of not enough water to drink on a hot day.

Rather, we are given birth through the “word of truth.” Jesus is the Word of God and He is revealed in the word of God, meaning Scripture. It is through faith in Him alone that we receive this new birth. We are presented with the information, and then we have a choice to make. This does not mean that God is denied glory. Salvation is wholly of the Lord. There is no deed of the flesh that merits it; no goodness good enough to satisfy the debt we owe. Instead, the transfer is made in Jesus Christ. We accept His cross and He gives us His righteousness. He did the work; we believe and receive.

The problem with monergism is that it fails to make a distinction between the work necessary for salvation, and the process of salvation. All work is accomplished by Jesus Christ. There is no “thing” that we can do to merit salvation. However, the process of salvation says that man must believe in the work of Jesus Christ in order to be saved. Belief is not a work. James shows us this in his words of Chapter 1 of his epistle.

In the end, the process of salvation is so simple that many fail to understand it. Paul calls it a “stumbling block” because of its simplicity. Don’t trip over it yourself, but rather accept by faith what Jesus has done. Be certain of your eternal destiny; call on Jesus Christ today!

Thank You, O God, for Your sure word of truth that points us to the wonders Jesus has accomplished on our behalf. May we never take for granted the splendor of His work. Help us to be wise, understand what He did for us, and then receive that good news to the saving of our souls. And then, help us to keep our eyes and our thoughts fixed on Him – to Your glory alone. Amen.

Monday, 17 June 2019

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17

James has been talking about evil desires and how they produce sin; sin in turn produces death. Now he abruptly changes his angle and speaks of the good and perfect gifts which come down from the Father of the heavenly lights. This is done to contrast the death which we have earned through being enticed to sin. No such thing is to be found in that which comes from Him.

The first words of this verse form a hexameter. Some suppose that because of this, the words are part of an ancient poem. Or, it could be that James was purposefully forming them in this way on his own. Either way, he starts this thought with this hexameter, “Every good gift and every perfect gift.” Two different words are both translated as “gift.” The first is a verb which indicates the act of giving. The second is a noun which refers to the gift itself. A more literal and understandable translation would be, “Every good giving, and every perfect gift” (YLT).

In this, the contrast is made. Man falls into temptation through his own desires. He is enticed by them, and by them he sins. However, God only gives that which is beneficial and His act of giving is inherently good. And what He gives is perfect, meaning it is complete in all its parts and it lacks nothing. Such gifts from God are (as James tells us) “from above.”

Though God is omnipresent, He is always considered above. In this, the imagery is that of a Father presenting gifts to His children who eagerly wait for them with outstretched arms. With this idea developed in the mind with the words “from above,” James then confirms it by saying, “and comes down from the Father of lights.”

The verb is a present participle. It reads, “and is coming down.” It speaks of something which is continuously repeated. God habitually provides that which is good and perfect because He is the “Father of lights.” The Greek has a definite article here. It reads, “Father of ‘the’ lights.” It is speaking of the sun, moon, and stars as heavenly bodies. In the Greek translation of the Psalms and Jeremiah, the term is used when referring to the Lord. He is the Creator of them, and the One who sustains them even now.

James then describes the heavenly Father by saying, “with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James had to pull out his science book to make this description, because the terms he uses here are technical in nature. The word translated as “variation” is parallagé. It is found only here in Scripture and it signifies a parallax. This is the effect “whereby the position or direction of an object appears to differ when viewed from different positions, e.g. through the viewfinder and the lens of a camera” (Online Dictionary).

The word describes a transmutation of phase or orbit. If you hold your thumb out in front of you and close your left eye first, and then your right eye, the position of your thumb will change slightly. This is a trigonometric parallax, or simply a parallax. The author seems to have chosen this word specifically for his audience to make it completely clear that there is no “shift” or “change” in God – even in the slightest.

A parallax will occur when a reference changes even minutely – such as in the atomic level. But in God there is simply no parallax at all. This is why the description “Father of lights” is chosen. If our field of view changes in the slightest, our view of the stars will change. But with God, who created and sustains the stars, there is no change at all. No matter how we view God, there will never be any change in Him.

This is further described by James with “shadow of turning.” As lights move, shadows will move in accord with the source of light. As heavenly bodies move, there will be eclipses of other bodies. However, there is no such change in, or obscuring of, the glory of God. His radiance is not in any way affected by the creation. Rather, His glory transcends the creation because He is omnipresent.

This unchangeable nature of God is confirmed by several other verses of the Bible, such as Malachi 3:6 and Hebrews 13:8. This is also confirmed by philosophic considerations about God. As He created time, space, and matter, He is outside of those things. They have no bearing on Him. Therefore, He must be One (monotheism), and He must be unchanging.

Life application: If you sometimes have doubts or questions about your faith in the Christian God, don’t! The Bible absolutely confirms God’s nature; a nature we can determine from reason alone. You are on exactly the right path when you call on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior – He is the image of the invisible God and our only path of restoration to our infinite, unchanging, and glorious Creator.

Lord God Almighty, You who alone are unchanging and beyond our ability to comprehend – thank You for every good and perfect gift in our lives. Thank You for our Lord Jesus Christ also. He who came to reveal You to us. May we never forget that He is the greatest expression of Your unfailing love for the fallen sons of Adam. In His name we pray. Amen.

Sunday, 16 June 2019

Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. James 1:16

There are certain means of conveying an idea which permeate any culture or society. The words here show that this is the case with those at the time of James. The reason this is so is that the same type of general statement is made by both Paul and John elsewhere. One example of this would be –

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, ¹⁰ nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. ¹¹ And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

The same pattern follows in 1 Corinthians 15:33, Galatians 6:7, and a similar pattern which is seen in 1 John 3:7. In each of these examples, there is a thought expressed which is understood as a certain truth. After the words, “Do not be deceived,” comes a thought which corrects an opinion or idea which is false.

As you can see from the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 6, the first statement is that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God. Then comes the “Do not be deceived.” This is followed by a list of people who will not inherit it. James is doing that now.

James has defined the process of sin and how it comes forth. He will next relay a correction of someone’s idea that God is the source of sin by showing what He is actually like instead. Paying attention to cues such as these will help correct faulty thinking which may exist in one’s mind.

James then closes the verse with, “my beloved brethren.” He is ensuring that his words are taken as they should be. They are given in a spirit of love and fraternity towards those who are in Christ and may simply need a correction of an incorrect impression about such things.

Life application: James’ words, “Do not be deceived,” remind us that when temptation comes it may appear alluring, right, acceptable, or even useful at first. This is no different than the temptation at the fall –

“Then the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die. ⁵ For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’” Genesis 3:4, 5

This temptation – the way it was presented – surely made disobedience seem right, acceptable, and even useful. Certainly it was alluring. However, it was a deception which led to agony and sorrow for the world’s fallen children. This is how Satan works to this day. Think carefully about the things happening in your own life which seem so very right on a multitude of levels, but which you know deep inside are wrong. The end never justifies the means if it involves disobedience. Your deception will lead you to sadness and pain for yourself or others, and to a loss of fellowship with God. Because of God’s great love for those who are in Christ, forgiveness has already been obtained, but the consequences of the action will follow through regardless. Be wary and do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.

Yes Lord, Your divine hand of wisdom is needed in our lives. The deceptions we face are often hard to discern, and temptation is hard to avoid. But grant us a spirit of understanding and give us the ability to choose the obedient exit rather than the door which is open to disobedience. This we pray in the name of Your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus. Amen.

Saturday, 15 June 2019

Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. James 1:15

James equates the process of sin occurring to the way a person is conceived, born, and grows. In the previous verse, temptation was seen to draw the person away, enticing him (the union). When this occurs, that desire conceives (the state of being pregnant). Eventually, birth is the result, but the birth here is sin. From there, he says, “when it is full grown.” There is a point where sin’s effects take hold. At that time, the inevitable state is that it “brings forth death.”

James’ words are not specifically given as a study on the concept of original sin, but rather he is using these images to show that what occurs does not find its origins in God. As it said in verse 1:13, “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.” He is showing how the birth of sin comes about through our own improper desires, and how it is brought forth and matures.

In his words, James places an article before the word “desire.” It says, “the desire.” It is the particular desire which begins to foment in the person. There can be good desires and there can be bad desires. James is speaking of “the desire” which comes from being tempted as mentioned in the previous verse. It is this which then continues the process of bringing forth death.

What James is speaking of here is similar to what Paul says in Romans 7:7-11. Paul’s words, however, are meant to more specifically reveal the way that sin’s effects arise from the giving of law, including the doctrine of original sin. James is showing how sin’s effects well up in a person without God being the Source of what occurs. In the end, both speak of sin bringing forth death.

Paul’s concept is of spiritual death, a disconnect from God. He refers to death which is brought forth from the state of sin. James is referring to how sin will lead to death in whatever form it comes about. A person may be enticed to sleep with an adulterous woman. In this, he may be shot by an angry husband. A person may be enticed to rob a bank. In this, he may be shot by an armed guard. A person may be enticed to get drunk and go carousing. In this, he might get run over, drown in a ditch, fall off a bridge, etc. He refers to death which is brought forth from the act of sin.

Life application: The state of death because of sin which Paul speaks of dwells in us. It, in turn, leads to our being drawn into acts of sin which bring forth physical death. Paul, like James, goes on to speak of this state in Romans 7:21-25 which he calls “this body of death.” It is a state which all people find themselves in. Through receiving Christ, we are freed from the state of death (meaning the spiritual disconnect from God). Through living for Christ, we can be freed from the enticements of sin which lead to harming ourselves (including death). Paul speaks of how to prevail in this struggle in Romans 12 –

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. ² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1, 2

Although the term “living sacrifice” seems like an oxymoron, and it very well may be to the unregenerate world, it should be a daily concept for us as we walk in the salvation we received through Jesus Christ our Lord. Our lives have been freed from the penalty of sin. Now we are to have our bodies considered dead to the desire to sin. It can be done through Christ Jesus our Lord. Thanks be to God indeed! It is through Him that we are free from the sting of sin and death!

Lord, Your word is a mine of treasure for our lives. As we follow it in obedience, we can see how it will change us to be the people You created us to be. And so, give us the wisdom to be living sacrifices to You all of our days. In response to Your majesty, may we cry out always, “How great You are!” Amen.

Friday, 14 June 2019

But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. James 1:14

James has been speaking of enduring temptation, and that anytime someone faces tempting it cannot be attributed to God. As he said, “God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.” Therefore, the question is, “If God isn’t tempting me, then where is the temptation coming from?” The answer is that “each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.”

More correctly the word translated as “drawn away” is a present participle. It should read, “is being drawn away.” Likewise, the word translated as “enticed” is also a present participle. It should read, “is being enticed.” James is noting the progression of what is occurring in the person.

Here, James uses a word found only in this verse in Scripture, exelkó. It means “to draw out of the right place,” and thus to entice. It is a metaphor brought in from those who hunt and fish. Hunters may use a dead animal to lure an animal out of its den, or a fisherman may use a handmade fly or some other bait to lure a fish for the catch. This type of idea is what James now transfers to the tempting of man.

Our own desires are like a lure, enticing us and drawing us away. Once the lure is set, and the bait has been gone after, man is drawn away to his fate. Therefore, although the temptation is based on something external, it is an internal force which impels us. Therefore, God – though He is the Creator of all things, and thus the Source of all things – cannot be held responsible for the temptation which arises. Rather, man goes beyond the divinely established parameters and falls into sin on his own.

To see this actively portrayed in Scripture, take time to read the words of Proverbs 7:6-27. There, you will see a poor young soul lured in by the trap, who then finds himself caught in it because he followed the enticement of his appetite instead of following the word of God which is able to keep him from the sad path he set his feet upon.

It should be noted that the word “desires” comes from the Greek epithumia. It is used in both a good and a bad way elsewhere. For example, Jesus said, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” One can have great desire for a thing and not be sinning. Therefore, it is a matter of the heart which is being considered here. God looks upon the heart and discerns between right desires and those which are sinful.

Paul uses this term in Romans 7 to explain how the source of such desire is stirred into action –

“What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.” ⁸ But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead.”

As one can see, the source of the desire is within. The law merely brings it forth. Paul speaks elsewhere of the law written on the heart (Romans 2:15). In this, we see that there are moral laws written within us, and there are laws given which are external to us. The laws establish parameters which are set, and which then highlight the nature of the desire. Jesus’ desire (mentioned above) was within the parameters of what is allowed. However, when one steps outside of those parameters, the condition of his heart is shown forth as sinful. James will reveal this more clearly in the coming verse.

Life application: Can you remember someone blaming God for his misfortunes? Have you ever done this? It is inappropriate to ascribe evil or evil intent to God. Rather, our life and circumstances result from happenstance (read Ecclesiastes for a better understanding of this); from the devil and his demons; or from our own bad decisions. God intends only good for us, but He allows us to follow the paths of our own making.

In the end, this shows us the great mercy of God. Despite our evil desires leading us astray, God is willing to forgive us in Christ Jesus – if we call out to Him. In addition to this, God is willing to leave us here and to continue to make mistakes even after our salvation. This is so that “that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:7).

Even after coming to Christ, we fail to please God again and again. When we stand in His presence and see His majesty, we will forever sing His praises. First He saves us, and then He continues to put up with us! Let us attempt at every turn to be pleasing to Him – not gratifying the evil desires of our heart, but standing firm in Him. Rather than being dragged away by sin, let us be ever anchored to the strong and mighty Rock, who is Jesus Christ our Lord!

Lord God! Thank you for enduring us, even when we at times follow our own wayward actions. Yes, even when we are enticed and dragged away by our sins, You will have mercy upon us. But Lord, keep us from willful sin. And when we fail You, we have the surety that Jesus’ precious blood covers our misdeeds. What a wonderful God You are for giving us forgiveness through Jesus! Amen.