Daily Writing

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.

Thursday, 13 June 2019

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. James 1:13

James continues on with the matter of temptation, as in a trial which could lead one to fall short of what is right. In such a situation, he says, “Let no one say.” Nobody has a right to do what he will state in this verse, and so no one should even think about uttering such a thing, thus bringing such a false accusation towards God. The state in which he is referring to is “when he is tempted.” The word signifies to make proof of something. It can be a test or a temptation, and it is the context which determines which is being referred to. In this case, it is speaking of being tempted. In such a case, the person should not say, “I am tempted by God.”

The idea of being tempted is to allure one away from what is right. The sense of the Greek is “from God,” not “by God.” In other words, it is not speaking of God directly tempting someone, but rather by any type of temptation which could proceed from God. Matthew 4:1 makes this evident –

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”

God will not be the active source of temptation. This doesn’t mean that temptation may not come, but it is not within the working of God to actively say, “I will tempt this person into sin.” Rather, the coming verse will show us where the source of that temptation lies. For now, James simply goes on to show that it is impossible for God to tempt someone with the words, “for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.”

Albert Barnes states, “The object seems to be to show that, in regard to the whole matter of temptation, it does not pertain to God.” There is nothing in God that would actively bring such a thing about. As the Creator, He is incapable of being tempted because all things are from Him and belong to Him; there is nothing by which He can be tempted. He is perfectly complete in Himself. The fact that temptations exist does not mean that they are a part of His intentions for us. This, however, does not mean that they are not unknown to Him. What is certain is that if the will of God is followed exactingly, then being seduced by temptation is excluded; it can be completely overcome.

For example, in the Garden of Eden, there was enough abundance that Adam and Eve could have gone on forever and ever without being tempted. Instead, they were tempted, but it was not by God. If they had stuck to His word, they would still be in Eden and enjoying their lives there today. As noted, how temptation is brought forth will be explained by James in his words to come.

Life application: We can’t blame God when we fall into sin – no matter what type of sin or what severity the sin is. Our temptation is not from God. Despite this, God is active in keeping us from greater temptation than we can bear –

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

The source and the objects of our temptation are no greater than any other people experience. In addition to this, God always provides a way out of our temptation – such as when Joseph was tempted by Potipher’s wife. Therefore, if we fail to respond correctly and instead act on our inappropriate desires, we really only have ourselves to blame.

If you are being tempted by something right now, the best thing for you to do is to trust in God, pray for His help, and find the exit which the Bible promises God has already provided. Trust Him and His promises, and never accuse Him of being the One who has stirred up your evil desires.

Lord God, You word reminds us of our struggles. From it, we know what we should do, but we also know the temptations that we constantly face. Open our eyes to the avenue of exit You have already provided for us when such times arise, and keep us from the sins which will surely result when we act upon our temptations. Strengthen us according to Your great mercy. Amen.