James (written)

Tuesday, 13 August 2019

You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. James 4:2

James turns to a literary technique known as an anaphora to reveal what is going on inside man. This is a technique which consists of repeating various words or sets of words, particularly at the beginning of each sequence of clauses, in order to produce emphasis. In this verse, he begins with, “You lust and do not have.”

The idea here is that of a person desiring something that is outside of his normal ability to obtain. The word translated as “lust” signifies something that is truly yearned for. On the night before the crucifixion, Jesus said, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” It is the same word as James uses here. And so it can be positive or negative. What James is speaking of is this intense desire, but the individual does not possess what is desired, and the implication is that it is beyond him to possess it.

Next, he says, “You murder and covet and cannot obtain.” The result of the lusting has led to the next step of the process. The idea here is that the person is willing to go as far as murder to obtain what he has. The subject “you” throughout the thoughts in this verse is plural. It is a general thought that any person he is addressing is liable to fall into this pattern. There is the intent to murder being worked out in the person based on the coveting. The violation of the Tenth Commandment results in a violation of the Sixth Commandment. Again, what is desired remains out of the ability to obtain.

James next says, “You fight and war.” The localized “murder,” turns into a general battle as part of a greater war. The word translated as “war” is introduced here, and it will next be seen six times in the book of Revelation.

The increasing measure of destruction in James’ words shows that man is never satisfied with what he has. We lust after something, we will kill for it because we covet it, and after that, we are willing to go into battle for it. And all of this, James says, remains elusive. His final thought of the verse is, “Yet you do not have because you do not ask.”

What we know does not belong to us, and which is forbidden to us (such as another man’s wife), is the last thing that we would ask for from God. He has already told us that what we seek after is not available. However, if we come to God and desire for His will in what we ask, then we will be given what we desire – which is His will. He will not give us another man’s wife because it is His will that we do not have what we lust after. However, for that which is in accord with His will, when we ask for it in prayer, we can be sure that He will provide it.

The problem with us is that when we ask for something in His will, we are looking for what we want, not knowing what His will for us is. And so when we don’t get what we want, we assume God did not provide according to our prayer. But the exact opposite is true. We prayed for His will, He provided what is in accord with His will (even if we received nothing physical or tangible), and whatever we now have is exactly what He intended for us to have.

Praying for God’s will in a matter means that whatever comes our way after that prayer of faith is God’s will for us at that time. From there, we cannot go out and do something which is against God’s will (as stated in His word) and claim that it was given to us according to His will. What comes our way in life, if it is in accord with His will, must always be in accord with the word. We can never go around His word and say that what we have is in accord with His will for us in our lives.

If we have cancer, and we pray for God’s will to be done, and then the cancer spreads, can we blame God? The very cancer in our body is a part of the unfolding of our life. It was no surprise to Him at all. We can pray for the cancer to be removed, but we are to accept that it may not be. All must be accepted as being according to His will. James will continue to explain this in the verses ahead.

Life application: Normally a counselor won’t be so direct with his words, but will rather talk around a subject and allow the one being counseled to come to an understanding of the problem through questioning. But James pulls out his boxing gloves and gives the old one-two across the chin.

“You’re a stubborn mule. You want things and don’t get them and here’s why.” He explains that we would rather kill and covet, quarrel and fight than merely ask God for the things we desire. Why would we do this? James will give us good reasons in the verses ahead, but it should be painfully obvious that if we are willing to kill for something we don’t receive then one of the reasons is that it is something we shouldn’t have in the first place.

If we have to go to such extreme measures to obtain a desired object, relationship, job, etc. then we’ve made it an idol in the place of God. One main purpose of God’s commandment to not covet was to tell the people that what He provides is sufficient. We should be content with that.

A second purpose is to show us our immense need for something greater; because by our very nature we cannot fulfill the law, “Do not covet.” As Paul said, “Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20).

The law makes nothing perfect. It was merely given to lead us to a realization of how sinful we truly are. Once we get that, then we can finally see our need for Jesus. If you’re struggling with overwhelming desires, hand them over to the Lord and ask for His strength in dealing with them. He prevailed and through Him, you can too.

Lord God, desiring things that we don’t have seems to be the norm in our lives. Help us to be content with what You have given us. When there is something we don’t have, but which we hope for, give us the patience to work for it rather than burn with unhealthy desire leading to coveting or worse. Grant us this wisdom so that we might not sin against You. Amen.

Monday, 12 August 2019

Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? James 4:1

James has been contrasting that which is heavenly wisdom from that which is earthly and reflects no true wisdom at all. He has shown what the results of the two are as well. He now asks, “Where do wars and fights come from among you?”

Is he referring to actual wars and fights among the Jewish believers? Or, does this extend to all of the Jewish people as a collective whole? Or, is this a general statement concerning the cause of such things in humanity? The answer is probably the latter. Humans are humans, regardless of race, culture, nationality, etc.

Further, the word translated as “wars” is one which speaks of actual battles. It can be used figuratively as well, but it is speaking in a broad term about the impetus behind such a war. The word translated as “fights” governs a whole sphere of words, and so it signifies strife, contention, quarreling, and so on.

The two words are given to include the whole round of such violent interactions between people. James is asking his audience where these things arise from. His answer is, “Do they not come from your desires for pleasure?” Here, the word translated as “pleasure” is hédoné. One can see the source of our modern word “hedonistic.” This is speaking of sensuous pleasure, and that pleasure which is looked to as an end in itself. It is not a godly pleasure, but one which is opposed to godliness.

Such desires well up in man and they cause all kinds of vile urges and motivations which can easily lead to wars and fights. As James says, it is these which “war in your members.” The verb here is a present participle. The war is ongoing and active. The word goes beyond just the act of fighting, but in everything that is involved in serving in the military. It is the service of a soldier which is warring inside of us because of our desires for pleasure.

Even Plato understood this precept. In Phaedo 66c, he says, “The body and its desires are the only cause of wars and factions and battles; for all wars arise for the sake of gaining money, and we are compelled to gain money.” It may even be that James was aware of Plato’s words and used the idea in his epistle. Paul cited Greek philosophers on several occasions. These are universally understood precepts because they come directly from the state of humanity.

James will continue with this line of thought, and he will also speak of the cure for it in his words ahead.

Life application: Think about it, if we didn’t have pride we wouldn’t care if we were offended and the fight would never get started. If we didn’t want things we didn’t have, we wouldn’t envy others and steal, kill, or lie to get them.

Admittedly, desire can also be used as a force for good; innovation comes from a desire for these things as well, but it is being channeled properly rather than improperly. Motivation causes us to work within our means for a good purpose, but envy causes us to go beyond our means to attain the same thing. Such is the case concerning the battle within us. We need to quench unhealthy desires and emotions and work towards our goals using proper levels of motivation.

Think on any issue where sin is involved and you will see that the problem could have been resolved from within the person by merely handling what happened differently.

When a candidate for public office lies about his qualifications, he is working outside of his true life story to achieve a goal. However, he could just as easily use the same precept as a point of complement to those who actually have such qualifications. This is just one example which reflects the nature of sin in all of us. We need to be extremely careful that when the internal battle begins, we quench the unhealthy desires before sin gets a foothold.

Lord, Your word is like a mirror that we hold up in order to see ourselves, and right in it, we can see our own failings exposed. We often lose those battles we face and that in turn ends in sin. Please give us the wisdom, the courage, and the fortitude to fight the battle and to prevail in it before sin is released in our lives. In this, You will be exalted through our faithful Christian walk. Amen.

Sunday, 11 August 2019

Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:18

In the previous verse, James described “the wisdom that is from above.” In his list, he said that it is “full of mercy and good fruits.” Now he takes that concept to discuss one of those fruits, beginning with, “Now the fruit of righteousness.”

This is a term found first in the book of Proverbs. There Solomon says –

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
And he who wins souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30

It is seen again in Amos –

“Do horses run on rocks?
Does one plow there with oxen?
Yet you have turned justice into gall,
And the fruit of righteousness into wormwood.” Amos 6:12

The term is found elsewhere in the Old Testament in various forms, and it is found several more times in various forms in the New Testament. Paul speaks of it in Philippians 1:11 –

“…being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

James is taking these examples from the body of literature he was aware of (meaning the Old Testament), and he is using them to express in his own way the words of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount. There Jesus said –

“Blessed are the peacemakers,

For they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9

Jesus speaks of those who make peace, and the result of that. This continues with his words which explain that the fruit of righteousness “is sown in peace by those who make peace.” One must sow in order to have something come up from the soil. When one plants in peace (contrasted to the “envy and self-seeking” of verse 3:15), the fruit of righteousness will spring forth.

The sense of James’ words is that there is a plant (or tree) called “Righteousness.” That is what will spring forth when planted by those who make peace. When peace is made, the sowing of Righteousness is done in peace, and the result of that process issues forth Righteousness. This is the heavenly wisdom which arises and it is revealed in the many traits mentioned in verse 3:17.

Life application: Just as a sower needs good soil and the right conditions for his grain to be plentiful, James says that we will produce a harvest of righteousness when we sow in peace. Sowing seed in an environment of envy and self-seeking leads to chaos and complete dissatisfaction in our lives.

But if we turn our attitude towards peace and contentment instead, what will spring forth is a righteous life which is honoring to God. The amazing thing about this is that so many people hear this type of admonition week after week in sermons and then walk out of the church with their ears still closed to the very message that can actually bring about the joy they are missing in their lives.

Jesus didn’t speak his words for “somebody else,” and James isn’t relaying this message for “another time and place.” These things pertain to our lives, right here and right now. The world we live in is materialistically centered, and our priorities get completely out of whack with envy as new innovations come out almost daily. Our eyes are never satisfied with what we have and there is simply no peace in our lives.

But if we can just set aside these motivations and seek after peace and contentment, there we will find the better harvest James speaks about. We are only given one chance to get this life right, so look to the wisdom James relates – your harvest will be wonderful.

Glorious God – turn us into peacemakers who bear good fruit in this life. May we not spend our time rushing after worldly possessions and chasing after the latest things. It is time for us to direct our eyes, our hearts, and our souls to raising a harvest of righteousness which will be to Your glory and for our eternal happiness. Hear our prayer, O God. Amen.

Saturday, 10 August 2019

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. James 3:17

The previous verse spoke of confusion and every evil thing being present when one is envious and/or self-seeking. James now contrasts that with true wisdom. He says, “But the wisdom that is from above.” This then is heavenly wisdom, it is that which comes from God, and it is that which the follower of Christ is to apply to his life.

The first of such attributes is that it is “pure.” The word is hagnos. It signifies that which is free from ceremonial defilement. In the sacrificial system of Israel, all animals presented to the Lord were to be without blemish. Such animals looked forward in a physical reality to the spiritually pure Messiah to come. Christ came, born without sin, and He was perfectly pure and without any defilement. Thus, when He was presented to Israel, John the Baptist proclaimed in John 1:29, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

Next, the wisdom from above is “peaceable.” It is a word which results from knowing the Lord’s will and then obeying it. It is reflective of Christ Jesus who said, “I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me” (John 5:30). Christ Jesus both knew the will of His Father, and He was obedient to that will. This then is our model to emulate.

James then adds that such wisdom is “gentle.” It gives the sense of being equitable. It is gentle as in being truly fair and following the spirit of the law because it notes what is really at stake. One can see this time and again in Christ who looked beyond the words themselves to an understanding of why the words were given, because He gave them. For example, He said in Mark 2:27, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” Further in Matthew 12, He said, “But if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. ⁸ For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

James next adds to his list, “willing to yield.” It is a single word in the Greek which is found only here in the Bible. It signifies an attitude which is easy to come to terms with due to already being willing. One might say, “reasonable.” This does not mean, however, that it is a willingness to do something wrong in order to appease. Rather, it is always willing to yield in order to continue that which is right. A great example of this is found in Paul –

“For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; ²⁰ and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; ²¹ to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; ²² to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. ²³ Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.” 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

James continues with, “full of mercy.” One needs look no further than the example of the woman caught in adultery in John 8 to see this quality on display. It was Jesus, the Incarnate Lord, who gave the law. And yet, when asked how the matter should be handled, He chose to have the people around him evaluate themselves first. After they did, and realizing that they too were all guilty, we read –

“And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. ¹⁰ When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, ‘Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?’ ¹¹ She said, ‘No one, Lord.’
And Jesus said to her, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.’” John 8:10, 11

James moves next to “without partiality.” This is an extremely rare word. It is found only here in the Bible, and it is also rare even in classical Greek. It signifies “indistinguishable.” There is nothing uncertain or ambiguous involved. This is seen in the Lord when he would call out the fault of leaders while highlighting the right conduct of the common people. This was not showing favoritism of one category over the other, but he was bringing the state of both to a point where the leaders could see that they were, in fact, no better than those they judged unfairly – whether they acknowledged it or not. This was called for, explicitly, in the Law of Moses –

“You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small as well as the great; you shall not be afraid in any man’s presence, for the judgment is God’s. The case that is too hard for you, bring to me, and I will hear it.” Deuteronomy 1:17

James finishes his list with “without hypocrisy.” The Greek word gives us a taste of the root of our modern word hypocrisy – anupokritos. It signifies that which is sincere and genuine. There is no hidden agenda behind the actions of the individual. The exact opposite is found in those who challenged Christ Jesus. In Luke 20:20, it says –

“So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, that they might seize on His words, in order to deliver Him to the power and the authority of the governor.”

They pretended to be righteous in order to trap the Lord. On the contrary, Christ was always perfectly straightforward in all of His dealings with them, and with all people. James asks us to act in a like manner in this, and in all of the other characteristics he has noted.

Life application: In a short roundup of these words, we should seek the glory of God first and foremost. We should demonstrate the peace-loving attitude wisdom cries out for; our motives are pure. We should always demonstrate humility and a willingness to submit to those around us? By doing so, we show consideration for their station. This will, in turn, lead to peace in us.

Further, are we withholding our hand from bringing judgment on others even when they deserve it? God has been infinitely merciful to us and we need to act likewise to the greatest extent possible. Also, in Galatians 5, Paul says the fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Are these qualities evident in our lives?

James would also have us to consider if we cover our eyes to status, color, wealth, etc. in other people when we make decisions? Christ did. He forgave men of every tribe, nation, and tongue. Let us demonstrate impartiality in all of our dealings with others. And in this, rather than selfish ambition, we should always demonstrate an attitude of complete sincerity when dealing with others. In the end, only God knows the truth of your sincerity, so make sure it is sincere even to the very core of your existence and He will reward you.

Yes Lord, fill us with the fruits of Your Spirit so that we may demonstrate the wisdom that comes from heaven. Take away our envy and selfish ambition and replace those things with the goodness that can only come from You. This we pray in the exalted and glorious name of Jesus! Amen.

Friday, 9 August 2019

For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. James 3:16

Apologies for not commentary being posted yesterday. I had no internet.

James now ties verses 14 and 15 together in thought –

14 – But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.

15 – This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.

16 – For where envy and self-seeking (14)  exist, confusion (connected to the false wisdom of verse 15a) and every evil thing (15b) are there.

The thoughts are all drawn together in a masterful explanation of the matter. If there is envy and self-seeking, there cannot be order and harmony. Rather only confusion will result. The word translated as “confusion” is one that speaks almost of anarchy. There is a breakdown of the moral sphere, and the result is disorder and a situation where anything is up for grabs.

In addition to this “every evil thing” will be there. The word translated as “evil” gives the sense of that which is vile. The breakdown of morality will inevitably lead to an unholy state, and actions which are completely opposed to that which is pure, moral, and upright.

Looking at the actions of those on the left in political matters forms an exceptionally good picture of what James has in mind. They deny that life in the womb is actually human life, and they vilify those who accept God’s norms of male and female as binding. On and on they continue down avenues of depravity, and it all began with envy and a self-seeking attitude.

James will contrast such things in the coming verses.

Life application: James has pretty much summed up the entire case for evil in the world – from the fall of man down to current times. It was envy of man’s favorable position as God’s image-bearer, and also selfish ambition that he could usurp God’s authority, which prompted the devil to bring about his rebellion. Likewise, Adam was tempted with prideful, selfish ambition and he was enticed to sin –

“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

Since that time, man has been enticed into every evil practice through envy and/or selfish ambition. We now live in a relativistic world where ultimate truth is considered a myth and “all paths lead to God.” But this thought process stems directly from selfish ambition as well.

Rather than believing in man as having been created in God’s image, we follow a god created in man’s imagination. We do this because we ourselves want to be the ruler of our own fate and thus we become our own “god.” This only produces more disorder, which in turn produces more evil practices. Eventually, this can only lead to further chaos and discord.

This is where the world is heading, and the results are recorded in the book of Revelation – judgment on an unrepentant world. God has shown us His path to reconciliation; His one path. Outside of Jesus, there is only death and destruction, but in Him there is forgiveness and reconciliation. In Him alone are light, order, and every good thing.

Lord God, help us to be wise and discerning in our thoughts. Take away the darkness of envy and selfish ambition and replace it with the light of contentment and peace that is found in Jesus our Lord. This we pray so that others may come to understand the truth of Your gospel through us. Amen.