James 1:21-27 Part 3

July 12, 2014   James  1:21-27             Part 3

 

James 1:21-27 NKJV  

(21)  Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.  (22)  But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.  

(23)  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;  (24)  for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.  (25)  But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.  (26)  If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless.  (27)  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. 

We are in the.   

The next section, book of James, the believer in the midst of a trial needs to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath. 

James 1:19 NKJV  So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 

Vs. 19 can be considered the theme verse or subject-matter for this letter. 

Swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath or anger; This can be viewed as a measure of maturity.   

We covered:

Being swift to hear: We should always be open and listening to others. We should be gathering information and learning in whatever situation we are in.  We need to be listeners.

Slow to speak. Oh, if we learn to engage our minds before we let out the clutch. A pause for reflection could spare us so much damage. We need to control our mouths.  A constant talker will not hear what is really being said, between the lines. 

We cover that we are ambassadors that Paul tells us, we represents Jesus to others and many time we do not do what as we should do. 

Slow to wrath or anger,  

This wrath is not directed toward God, but directed toward other individuals and especially religious controversy or debate (we can add politics to this). 

We are to govern and restrain our temper; we are not to give in to excited and angry passions. 

Pro 16:32 NKJV  He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. 

James 1:20 NKJV  for the wrath (anger) of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 

We found this so hard:  When we become angry, it is very hard to build Godly righteousness of God.  Our natural reaction is to retaliate, at least verbally. But this response does not glorify God.  

We found Paul tells us in Eph "BE ANGRY, AND DO NOT SIN". 

Then we found Paul said Vengeance is Gods and He will repay.  Jesus will right the wrong. 

The righteousness of God requires MATURITY! 

Jas 1:21 NKJV  Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 

This verse gives us a window right into James’ world-view and thoughts: 

The implanted word shows that James is addressing believers who have already received the word 

James is contrasting something’s to lay aside all filthiness and wickedness that is around us which threatens us, but rather humbly accepts the Word that is implanted in us which can save us. Contrasting.   

Remember, Peter at Pentecost ask, what must we do to be saved and Peter said, same as what James just said. 

Acts 2:40 NKJV  And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation." 

Paul said in  

Philippians 2:15-16 NKJV  that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,  (16)  holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. 

We need to get rid of our filthiness, save ourselves from this crooked and perverse generation.  Why, so we might be lights in the world. 

How do we do it, but by the implanted Word of God and the Word is the light and will Expose darkness. 

What are some of the conditions today and how have we become a crooked and perverse generation. 

·      Sanctity of marriage – same-sex marriage and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues. 

·      Sanctity of the family – divorce, spousal and child abuse, abortion 

·      Corruption in the Courts (Supreme and lower court decisions) 

·      Changing the education of history in America in the public schools 

·      Changing the government structure 

·      Attacks and media bias against Christianity, Jesus promise this 

We are living in the results and fruits of a worldview that has no absolute truth and whose ethics are based upon an individuals “feelings”? Satan moral issue or the works of the flesh. 

Since we are born of God, we should judge within ourselves how we live according to the Word of God.    

Mat 7:24-27 NKJV  "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:  (25)  and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.  (26)  "But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:  (27)  and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall." 

Very simple parable, but yet, do we really apply it to our lives, but do we really build on the rock, which is Jesus our Lord and Creator.  

In order to prepare our mind to receive the Words of Jesus, we must put aside anger and evil thoughts. 

We cannot minimize the danger of doing evil in the light of this verse. 

We pray for safety rather purity because we do not see impurity as dangerous. 

Biblical repentance should not be only, a cry out to God, “I don’t want to be like this anymore!”  But my response should be, to what is happening, is where the danger lies. 

“...meekness” does not mean weakness: force under control of faith. Moses was the meekest on the earth (Num 12:3), but of great power, but gentleness.  For us to get upset because of evil schemes is to doubt the justice of God. 

Col 3:12 NKJV  Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 

Doers of the Word 

Jas 1:22 NKJV  But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 

This is one of the key verses in the Book of James.  We need to put the Word into practice. 

Believers who hear the Word of God must receive it with a teachable spirit, obeying it and  applying it to our daily lives. To hear and not obey is to be deceived.  Again, James looks to the Sermon on the Mount.

Mat 7:21 NKJV  "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 

How does one become a “hearer only”?  Let’s take a look at 4 of them, but we can add more if we want to. 

1. Comparing ourselves with others:  We have the belief that different things are true, right, etc., for different people or at different times. Our points of view is only relative, according to differences in perception and consideration.  When comparing ourselves with another and saying that what I do is not as bad as what other individuals actions. 

Gal 6:4 NKJV  But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 

2Co 10:12 NKJV  For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.       

2. By being superstitious.  We want to rely on something sort of magical. The nation of Israel did the same thing, placing their faith in an object instead of the Lord Himself.   

1Sa 4:3 NKJV  And when the people had come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, "Why has the LORD defeated us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from Shiloh to us, that when it comes among us it may save us from the hand of our enemies." 

Israel kept losing in battles, took their faith in the Ark, not the Lord. 

We can use an object, like the Bible, the church, a lot of time it is people, leaders in charged instead of the Lord Himself.  We want to put our confidence in our Lord and Creator, not in things.  

We have example after example from the Old Testament where Israel put their faith in other things, nations, people, etc.  Look at what happen to them.  When they put their faith in God, God delivered them through the trial.   

We have a tendency to ascribe mystical value to things and conditions rather to keep our focus on our relationship with our Lord and Creator. 

3. By emotion, instead of understanding. Responding to a message because our heart was stirred. How long will this last, until we are out of the church building.  I think of the altar calls from Evangelists coming to a town.   

We should be anchor in what God has said through His Word and not in a presentation from someone. 

Heb 6:19 NKJV  This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, 

4. By having head knowledge, rather or instead of being obedient; knowing all the doctrines and checked verses, if we do this, then we are likely to leave confusion and different sides behind us rather than relationships. This is one of the reasons churches split up. 

Psa 133:1 ISV  A Davidic Song of Ascents. Look how good and how pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! 

1Pe 1:23 NKJV  having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, 

Having been born again by the Word we are called to walk in obedience to the faith revealed in the Scriptures. To do otherwise is to be self-deceived, thinking that head knowledge is all that is required.  Many people writing in the Christian field and you can see there is head knowledge, but very little commitment to the person and the relationship. 

How do we become a “doer of the Word”?  Let’s look at 4 things again. 

1. By looking intently: with great effort or determination, searching the Scriptures; digging, not just devotional reading.  Invest in a good study Bible and resources.  Yes, we do need devotional reading, but more important is searching the Scriptures.  

John 5:39 NKJV  You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 

Act 17:11 NKJV  These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. 

Do not believe what I say, but look it up yourselves to prove it to yourself. 

2. By continuing: regular and make it a habit, not just occasional.  Set a time each day if possible. 

Act 17:11 NKJV  These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. 

3. Not forgetting: learning Scripture;  not just memorizing, but learn the Scripture and principles behind it.  How do we learn the Scriptures, by picking a book and try to understand it.  Go through any Book by verse by verse and try to really understand it.  

This is what we are doing here.  

2Peter 3:18 NKJV  but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 

John 14:26 NKJV  But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 

4. By Doing: applying Scripture to our life.  As we mediate on the Scriptures we can see where we can apply the scriptures in everyday life and situation.   

Luke 12:12 NKJV  For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say." 

We need to be serious about this. 

Jas 1:23 NKJV  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror or glass; 

Jas 1:24 NKJV  for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 

If we are just a hearer of the Word and not a doer of the Word, we look at ourselves in  mirror, behold myself and show who I really am, then I go my way and I quickly forget all about it.   

We forget what we see (how we compare ourselves to the Words in the Scriptures)  and goes on with life without thinking about it.  When I compare my life to the Scriptures and observes the flaws, then walk away and promptly forget.  The Word must be impressed in me by doing it. 

I heard this playful pun: “The law is like a shaving mirror.. It shows us who we are…. but the law doesn’t shave us.  We are shaved by grace.” 

If I hear the Word, and don’t do what it says, we are treating the Word as if it were useless. I am deceiving myself about the very nature and purpose of the Word of God. 

James 1:25 NKJV  But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. 

God's law was given so that all people, you and me, could see how sinful we were. 

Gal 3:19 NKJV  What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. 

Rom 5:20-21 NKJV  Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,  (21)  so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

The Law of God is the Law of Liberty or freedom, because it is a law producing freedom from the serving the sinful passions and lusts.   

Psa 119:45 NKJV  And I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts. 

We shall be blessed in the very act of keeping or observing the law. It will produce peace of conscience; it will impart happiness to our minds; it will exert a good influence over his whole soul.  

Psa 19:11 NKJV  Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward. 

The Words of Jesus will set us free, and when we look into it, we are impressed by it, and when we obey it, the Jesus promise we shall be blessed in the doing or following His Way of Life. 

More so, the Fruit of the Spirit.   

James is the only one that uses the “law of liberty” two times ) also James 2:12. Read Psalm 119, covers this. 

How “liberty?” 

John 8:36 NKJV  Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. 

Psa 19:7-11 NKJV  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;  (8)  The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;  (9)  The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.  (10)  More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.  (11)  Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward. 

The Law of God is a law of Liberty, why: 

The Law keeps us from falling into a pit, a form of liberty  

Psa 119:85 NKJV  The proud have dug pits for me, Which is not according to Your law. 

The Law keeps us from falling into a snare, that someone lays for us.

Psa 119:110 NKJV  The wicked have laid a snare for me, Yet I have not strayed from Your precepts. 

The Law keeps us from falling Into bondage, from someone, sin or addiction  

Psa 119:92-93 NKJV  Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction.  (93)  I will never forget Your precepts, For by them You have given me life. 

Psa 119:133 NKJV  Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me. 

The Law illuminates our path, Walk In the dark in the house, we can stub our toes or stumble.  I seem to be doing more of this. 

Psa 119:105 NKJV  Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. 

The question I have to ask myself, Do I really set a priority on seeking this blessing?  It says, a doer of the work, will be blessed.  Do I really set in my life to seek this blessing  A doer of the Law. 

Psa 1:1-6 KJV  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  (2)  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.  (3)  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.  (4)  The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.  (5)  Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.  (6)  For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. 

We are blessed because we (1) studies intently, (2) meditates (continues) (3) does not forget His Word of Truth (4) puts truth into practice 

Remember:  Just listening to the Word of God won’t help us with the tests God sends. But a commitment to doing the Word will lead to blessing in all we do.  Our words must match our lives and our lives must match our words we are called to walk in obedience to the faith revealed in the Scriptures. To do otherwise is to be self-deceived. 

James 1:26 NKJV  If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless or vain. 

Ouch. A most critical measure of spiritual maturity, control of the tongue.  

Interesting use of a bridle, as a horse is restrained with a bridle, we need to restrain our tongue. 

This is what David said: 

Psa 141:3-4 NKJV  Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.  (4)  Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, To practice wicked works With men who work iniquity; And do not let me eat of their delicacies. 

Our prayers should be to have rain over own conduct. 

“Religion” is only used 5 times in the New Testament, plus religious is used 2 more times for a total of 7 times. 

This person seems to be religious by not bridling his tongue may be indicated by foul language, double talk, lies, criticism, sarcasm, ridicule, or other means.  A person who talks this way and acts religious is ‘double minded’ as we covered in an earlier session. 

The Greek word here means “worshipping”  

James 1:27 NKJV  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. 

Pure and undefiled religion:  Just take care of people. 

To manifest real concern to others, esp. for the needy; To go to see, to look after, to be ready to aid them, because it is an imitation of what God does. Works of charity and mercy are the proper fruits of religion. 

Psa 68:5 NKJV  A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, Is God in His holy habitation. 

Psa 146:7-9 NKJV  Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The LORD gives freedom to the prisoners.  (8)  The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous.  (9)  The LORD watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked He turns upside down. 

Any practice of Christianity that does not exhibit this concern for others in action, is: (1) deceptive: it misrepresents the truth about God’s own heart; and (2) worthless because it is of no value to God. 

The second part, to walk personally in wholly from separation from all uncleanness and arise above the worlds concerns.  This is really 3 parts, (1) direct attention to ourselves  (2) inward purity (3) polluted from the world. 

We live now in a world that is hostile to Jesus Christ and His body, the Church of God.  The United States in the past have been a place of safety for Christians to worship the Lord God.

Pure religion does not merely give material goods for the relief of the distressed, it also oversees their care

Paul gives us some instruction on what is a widow is and what they are to do.  Yes, they are to do things.   

1Ti 5:3-16 NKJV  Honor widows who are really widows.  (4)  But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God.  

(5)  Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.  (6)  But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives.  (7)  And these things command, that they may be blameless.  (8)  But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.   

(9)  Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man,  (10)  well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.  (11)  But refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry,  (12)  having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith.  (13)  And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.   

(14)  Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully.  (15)  For some have already turned aside after Satan.  

(16)  If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows. 

Today, we have a system of social security and help there.   

Give example Mr. Kendrick and his service with widows.  

To keep oneself unspotted from the world. 

This is a matter of serious obedience on our part 

To walk personally in holy separation from all uncleanness, and rise above the world’s sinful activities.   

By the ‘world’ is here meant not merely earthly things so far as they tempt to sin, or worldly lusts, but the world as the enemy of God, the rival of God in the human heart; all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life 

Rom 12:2 NKJV  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. 

1Jn 2:14 NKJV  I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one. 

1John 2:29 NKJV  If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him. 

1John 3:7 NKJV  Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 

This verse directs our attention to ourselves;  

1 John 3:17 

Proverbs 21:13 

James is not just a moralist, one who keeps a list of ethical guidelines to live the happy and respectable life.  James is one who is committed to demonstrate that he owns everything to his king.  This is a big difference.  We should not confused the externals with his real mission is.   

The nature of James’ teaching is to encourage the application of God’s nature and His will to our Walk, to our Christian practice. We need to live identifiably as His first fruits in His redemptive work through Christ. 

I have to ask myself if there is anyone in my life that doubts my commitment to our Lord and Creator, Jesus the Messiah. 

I then need to ask myself, if I was taken to court, could I be convicted as a Christian in a court of law.  We need each of us to ask the same question.