James 1:12-27
Q.1. What makes us commit sin? Why is it wrong to accuse God of tempting us to do evil? What makes God ultimately a good God? – (Jms.1:12-18)
Ever since the Fall of man, people have had a problem with sin. Since all have sinned, some have concluded that God made us that way, and He is therefore responsible. James exploded such myths and explained – 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death (Jms.1:14-15). God made us sinless. He placed Adam and Eve in a perfect environment. God was good to the creatures He had made, and nothing about His goodness has changed – Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow (Jms.1:17). Not only is God always intrinsically good, He excels in expressing His goodness, by lifting His own elect onto a pedestal – … so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures (Jms.1:18). What did James mean? The Feast of First fruits was a wave offering of sheaves offered to God in faith before the main harvest was gathered in. It was given in the belief that God would provide them with a greater harvest than the sample they offered. Christ’s resurrection from the dead was equivalent to this feast (see 1 Cor.15:20). Seven weeks after First fruits was celebrated, Israel was called to remember the Feast of Weeks (i.e. Pentecost), which was a Harvest Thanksgiving celebration. The Day of Pentecost marked the giving of the indwelling Holy Spirit to believers. This foreshadowed a mighty harvest of souls (see Acts 2:1, 41, 47). As a proof of God’s goodness and grace, those believers were a ‘First fruits’ and guarantee of the saving of countless saints thereafter.
Q.2. How should we live as God’s children? Why do actions speak louder than words? What does Christian liberty look like? – (Jms.1:19-25)
James outlined numerous practical changes that would take place when sinners were converted. When that happens, we are declared righteous, then the Holy Spirit helps to make us what we have been declared to be in Christ. This takes place when we – … receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls (Jms.1:21). However, James, with his practical bent, wanted his readers to understand that he was not talking about just knowing or talking about the truth. This truth we claim must be practiced. Consequently, he wrote – prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves (Jms.1:22). The kind of truth that James was speaking about is a truth that gives us the liberty and power to change – But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does (Jms.1:25).
Q.3. What did James mean by spirituality and religion? What exposes the reality of many who claim to be religious? What does true religion look like? – (Jms.1:26-27)
By definition, religion is the belief in and worship of a supernatural being controlling power, especially a personal God or gods. James was challenging those who claim to be religious. He provided a grid by which to measure the genuineness of such claims. What he declared was very practical – 26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world (Jms.1:26-27). The way by which we communicate with others reflects on the God in Whom we believe. This is also true of the way we treat others – especially the needy and the defenseless. True religion expresses itself in private holiness, that spills over into words and deeds. On this basis, many world religions are false.