James 1

James 1:1

Greeting – James 1:1 gives a brief salutation or greeting to the Jewish believes in the Diaspora. James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. James 1:1 — “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” – Comments - It is important to note that James, traditionally identified as the brother of the Lord Jesus Christ, does not base his authority in this Epistle on his physical relationship to the Lord, but rather, upon his spiritual office as a servant of Jesus Christ, and we know from Church tradition, as the first bishop of the church in Jerusalem. James 1:1 — “which are scattered abroad” - Comments - The English phrase “which are scattered abroad” in James 1:1 is translated from the Greek word διασπορϊά, from which we derive the English word “Diaspora.” God was able to use the dispersion of the Jews across the known world as a foothold of faith to spread the Gospel. This “Diaspora” is mentioned in two other New Testament passages. John 7:35, “Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?” 1 Peter 1:1, “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, John Calvin writes about how the Diaspora of the Jews took place, “When the ten tribes were banished, the Assyrian king placed them in different parts. Afterwards, as it usually happens in the revolutions of kingdoms (such as then took place,) it is very probable that they moved here and there in all directions. The Jews had been scattered almost unto all quarters of the world. He [James] then wrote and exhorted all those whom he could not personally address, because they had been scattered far and wide.”[81] [81] John Calvin, Commentaries on the Epistle of James, trans. John Owen, in Commentaries on the Catholic Epistles (Edinburgh: The Calvin Translation Society, 1855), 278.Every city that Paul the apostle entered, he first found the synagogues and preached to the Jews. It was only after the Jews rejected the message of Jesus that Paul went to the Gentiles. God had prepared an ideal time when the Greek language was universally known, the Romans had build the infrastructure of roads, and the Jews, who were looking for their Messiah, had spread their synagogues throughout the civilized world. James 1:1 — “to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” - Comments - James, as the first bishop of Jerusalem and the author of this epistle, would have, no doubt, seen the church at Jerusalem as the center of Jewish Christianity. Jews from around the world would come to the Jewish festivals annually, and they saw Jerusalem as the center of their faith, and themselves as Jews, the twelve tribes of Israel, scattered abroad. Peter, the apostle to the Jews according to Galatians 2:8, also refers to the Diaspora in his first epistle, considering them to be Jewish Christians. This is because Peter did not want to infringe upon Paul’s ministry out of respect by preaching to the Gentile converts in these same regions of the world. Galatians 2:8, “(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)” Jerome (A.D. 342 to 420) calls “the strangers” in 1 Peter 1:1 “believers in circumcision”. Thus, he makes this an epistle to the Jewish believers, as Peter is an apostle to the circumcision. “Simon Peter the son of John, from the village of Bethsaida in the province of Galilee, brother of Andrew the apostle, and himself chief of the apostles, after having been bishop of the church of Antioch and having preached to the Dispersion –the believers in circumcision, in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia–pushed on to Rome in the second year of Claudius to over-throw Simon Magus,” (Lives of Illustrious Men 1) Why would James make a distinction between Jewish and Gentile Christians? Most likely it is because he did not want to infringe upon Paul’s ministry to the Gentile converts. Therefore, in James’ ministry to the Jewish Christians who lived in the same region of the world as the Gentile converts, he was careful not to exercise authority over the Gentile churches founded by Paul. James and Peter both were ministers to the Jewish nation. In light of this, they did not want to boast of laboring in another man’s field. Even Paul was careful not to do the same in his ministry to the Gentiles. Note: 2 Corinthians 10:13-16, “But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand.” So, both James and Peter address the Jewish converts who had scattered with the persecutions that had arisen by the time of the writing of their epistles, in respect of Paul’s converts who were living in these same parts of the world. This is one of the reasons that this epistle is the most Jewish writing of the New Testament. The early New Testament church did not make the distinction between the Jewish religion and a separate Christian religion that we do today. These were not two different religions, but, rather, one was a greater revelation of the Messianic promise. Paul went so far as to call the Jews his brethren: Romans 9:1-3, “I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:” Spiritually, we also are Abraham’s seed, grafted to the true vine. Romans 11:24, “For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?” Galatians 3:7, “Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.” Therefore, this epistle is also used by the Gentile Christians. James 1:1 — Word Study on “greeting” – The Greek infinitive χαίρειν is used in James 1:1 as a formula of greeting, which comes from χαίρω (G5463). In this elliptical form it is called an epistolary infinitive, and is used only three times in the New Testament. It not used by Paul, Peter, or Jude in opening any of their epistles. Thus, it is unique to the New Testament epistles in opening James. It also occurs also in the letter that James wrote to the churches in Acts at the first council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:23). This similarity in style is evidence that James, the leader of the Jerusalem council in Acts 15, is the same James who wrote this epistle. This infinitive is also found in the opening of the letter of Claudius to Felix (Acts 23:26). Acts 15:23, “And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:” Acts 23:26, “Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.” We also find this Greek infinitive χαίρειν used as an absolute infinitive in Romans 12:15 and twice in 2 John 1:10-11. Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” 2 John 1:10-11, “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”

James 1:2-27

Introduction: Two Paths to Choose - After greeting his readers (James 1:1), the author addresses their present condition of hardships and trials. James begins by stating the theme of this epistle, which is that our faith in God and our patience to obey His Word will produce perseverance to overcome the trials of life with joy (James 1:2-4). James 1:2-27 will shows us that we can respond to trials in two different ways. If we will humble ourselves and seek God’s wisdom, trials become tests of faith. As we patiently obey God’s Word, we develop maturity in our character (James 1:3-4), which eventually results in a crown of life (James 1:12). If we face trials with a proud heart and seek to do things our own way, we find that trials then become a temptation to do evil.

If this situation, our fleshly passions and carnal reasoning lead us into sin, and when we follow sin long enough, it results in death (James 1:13-15). Thus, the journey that we take initially depends upon how we face trials, with humility or with pride. Trials " (Humility: The trial becomes a test of faith) Patience " Maturity " Crown of Life Trials “(Pride: The trial becomes an temptation to do evil) Lust " Sin " Death We can also see God’s redemptive plan for us reflected in the words “faith, patience and completion,” which can be translated “justification, perseverance, and glorification.” The underlying theme of the epistle of James is the saint’s perseverance in the faith amidst the trials of this Christian life. This journey of perseverance must be walked out joyfully if one is to find the strength to endure its trials, for the joy of the Lord is our strength. We first make a decision to endure trials joyfully (James 1:2). This decision is based upon the hope that is set before us (James 1:3-4) (compare Hebrews 12:1-2). Once this decision is made, we must start the journey by getting divine wisdom (James 1:5). At first, walking in divine wisdom is not easy, for we have not tested it in our lives, having lived with carnal reasonings (James 1:6-7).

If we will humble ourselves before the Lord (James 1:9-18), He will show us exactly what to do to walk through each trial victoriously (James 1:19-27). Thus, the author will take us on a series of lessons in order to learn how to walk in the wisdom of God so that we can persevere. We can be certain that God’s plan for our lives always leads us into victory (Romans 8:37, 1 Corinthians 15:57, 2 Corinthians 2:14). Romans 8:37, “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” 1 Corinthians 15:57, “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:14, “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.” This passage in James 1:2-27 gives us the steps to overcoming trials by faith in God. Outline - Note the proposed outline:

1. Facing the Trial — James 1:2-42. Asking for Wisdom — James 1:5-83. Responding with Humility or with Pride — James 1:9-184. Become Doers of God’s Word — James 1:19-27 The Purpose of Trials - We must ask the question within the context of Jas 1:2-27 of why God allows such difficult trials to come our way. The answer can be found in the fact that these trials give men an opportunity to demonstrate their love for God.

We see a clear example of this in the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eve. They faced a trial when the serpent tempted them to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The Lord had told them to eat from every tree in the garden except this tree. God did not put this tree in the Garden because He wanted Adam and Eve to sin, but rather, it was the one tree that God would use to give them a trial, or test, of faith as a way that they could demonstrate their love to Him. Unfortunately, Adam and Eve chose the path of lust, sin and death. Patience and Prayer - The need for patience (James 1:2-4) and prayer (James 1:5-8) is found in the opening verses of this epistle. We find this same theme of patience (James 5:7-11) and prayer (James 5:8-20) in the closing passage of this same epistle. The greatest example of patience in the Old Testament is Job, while the greatest example of the power of prayer was prayed by Elijah when he shut up heaven. Both of these examples are given in the closing passage; for it is through patience and prayer that we find the strength to endure trials while counting it all joy.

James 1:5-8

Asking for Wisdom - If we want God to bring us safely through this trial, the first step is to ask God for wisdom (Proverbs 4:7), and then stand firm and believe that He will show us the way (James 1:5-8); and according to James 1:5 God will always respond to those who come to Him in genuine faith. James will first lay a foundation of how to develop our faith in God in James 1:5-27 before giving us practical wisdom that will help us live by faith and overcome trials. However, we first learn to seek the Lord in faith believing that He will answer our cry. Proverbs 4:7, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Asking in Faith - Note these insightful words from Frances J. Roberts regarding praying in faith: “Behold, I am the Lord, Thy God; is anything too hard for Me? I am the light of the world, and the greatest darkness shall never be able to quench that light. I shall be to thee a cloud to preserve by day and a pillar of fire to protect by night. Both in the sunshine and in the darkness, I shall be near thee. Thou shalt delight in Me in thy joys; and in the place of difficulty My love for thee shall be as inescapably real as a blazing pillar of fire. Yea, all I was to Israel, and more, I shall be to thee. For have I not promised to give thee the desires of thine heart, and the heathen for thine inheritance. “Let no fear hinder. For he that wavereth receiveth not. But keep thine heart single and every alien thought thou shalt rebuke in My Name, for it is of the enemy. For he knoweth full well that he has no defense against pure faith. Only if he can succeed to plant some seed of doubt can he hold back the blessing of heaven among the people of God and nullify the witness to the lost. So hold fast thy profession of faith, for there is a great recompense of reward. (Or we may say, the inheritance of faith is a most rewarding recompense.)”[92] [92] Frances J. Roberts, Come Away My Beloved (Ojai, California: King’s Farspan, Inc., 1973), 107.James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5 — “If any of you lack wisdom” – Comments - Why is the need for wisdom brought up in a passage about how to endure temptations? Because it is by wisdom that God shows us the way of escape, or the way to endure trials. Thus, wisdom is the greatest need at that time in a person’s life, the need to know God’s ways and to be able to make decisions that will lead a man through hard and difficult times; for a person must be able to stand upon God’s word without yielding or compromising. The conditional clause, “If…” implies that we may already have divine wisdom for this particular situation. When we serve the Lord for a long time, we learn how to respond to particular situations. If this is a new situation, we certainly need wisdom from God. It is divine wisdom that will show to us the difference between walking in hypocrisy and true religion (chapter 1-2). It will show us how to control our tongue during trials (chapter 3). It will keep us walking in humility (chapter 4). True wisdom will teach us patience and perseverance (chapter 5). James 1:5 — “let him ask of God” - Comments - Kenneth Copeland once said that when his wife was dealing with a potentially deadly disease with her liver, he was praying in as many different ways about the situation as he knew how to pray, yet they were not getting results. They had stood upon healing Scriptures and spoken the Word of God. Then, they had consulted a doctor, who had recommended a medication that had severe side effects. The doctor had also told them that this problem was incurable, and that medication was the only solution, which would have to be taken for a lifetime. One day, the Lord spoke to him and said, “My Word says that wisdom is not a principal thing, it is the principal thing. In the book of James, when you encounter trials, you are to count it all joy.

Then, the first prayer that you are to pray is for wisdom. Kenneth Copeland said that he began to ask God for wisdom. The next day, the Lord gave him a word of wisdom about the situation, and showed him what to do. He and his wife began to look in health food stores for the product in the drug that was to cure the problem, without having to take the drug, with all of its side effects. As he followed that leading from the Holy Spirit, a path began to become visible to them about what to do. They found a particular health food to eat that quickly corrected the problem, and his wife, Gloria, has not had that problem again.[93] [93] Kenneth Copeland, Believer’s Voice of Victory (Kenneth Copeland Ministries, Fort Worth, Texas), on Trinity Broadcasting Network (Santa Ana, California), television program.Proverbs 4:7, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” The YLT says, “The first thing is wisdom–get wisdom, And with all thy getting get understanding.” James 1:5 — “that giveth to all men liberally” - Comments - Notice that James does not make a distinction here between the saved and the lost person, between Christians and non-Christians. This is because God is a good God, who loves all of mankind, who will reach out and touch any life that will reach out to touch him. Notice how Jesus taught, in the Sermon on the Mount, how God blesses all mankind, the good and the evil. Matthew 5:45, “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” James 1:5 — “and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” – Comments – When bad things happen to us, we can easily fall into condemnation and blame ourselves because of failures. We begin to look for failures in our own lives, and we can find plenty of them. Thus, James 1:5 tells us that we can still come to God without Him being angry with us and ask for wisdom in faith. We must learn to come to God under all circumstances, even if our failures have caused our problems. James 1:5 — Comments - We all need wisdom, whether leaders like King Solomon or ourselves. In this verse and in James 1:17, James begins to describe God as a good God. The Jewish Christians, who were likely the original recipients of this epistle, knew the God of the Old Testament as one of wrath and judgment. They did not see God as personal and concerned about the details of their lives. When a person goes through a trial, he needs to be encouraged to draw near to God, since such a person often feels weak and unworthy to ask God for help. He may feel that it was his own fault that brought on such a problem.

Thus, this verse tells us that God is good to all who call upon Him, in any spiritual condition, and they are qualified to receive divine wisdom. Jesus himself, revealed to his disciple that God is a good God: John 14:8-9,“Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?” James 1:5 also describes the way God gives. He gives cheerfully, gladly, generously, and He does not give grudgingly or unwilling, as man sometimes gives. God does not give while remembering the past sins. Rather, God gives “generously”; that is, He gives to us more than we asked Him to give. Often, when I have faced a situation, I have learned to whisper a short prayer asking God for wisdom. Without fail, the Lord gives me an inspired idea to help. When the Scripture tells us that God gives to all men liberally, it means that He gives it at all times and in all seasons. In other words, He does not withhold it to those who ask. The phrase “and upbraideth not” means that He does not make us pre-qualify for it by living up to a certain standard. His wisdom is always available for us at all times and seasons of our lives. James 1:5 — Illustration - In January 1996, had just met my wife. We were together organizing our day in my hotel room. Since we were about to go to the bank and get cash for my traveler’s checks, and knowing that I needed my passport as an I.D., I discovered it missing. I looked everywhere in this small hotel room, and that did not take long. Here I was, overseas with a missing passport, and I had to be at work 8:00 a.m. Monday morning.

After a second time going through the room, I sat down beside my wife, took her hand and together we asked the Lord for wisdom. I then laid down on one bed and she sat on the other bed (for we had never even kissed), and I waited upon the Lord. In a few minutes, I had a word of knowledge, jumped up, walked over to the dresser, pulled it out from the wall, and my passport fell onto the floor. It had slipped out of my luggage and fell behind this piece of furniture. God’s Word is so true. All we have to do is ask.

I have prayed many times for such wisdom, and the Lord had never failed one single time to give me insight into a situation, and most of the time, if I would then wait upon Him, I would receive wisdom immediately. James 1:5 — Scripture Reference - Note a similar verse: Proverbs 2:6, “For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. James 1:6 — “But let him ask in faith” – Comments - God has required that man live by faith and trust in Him since the beginning. In order to move God in one’s behalf God has established the divine law of faith and trust in Him (Habakkuk 2:4, Hebrews 11:6). Faith in God is man’s way of giving to God his own love and devotion. When we love God He loves us back. He gave us the institution of the family so that this type of reciprocity can be demonstrated on a human level every day. “nothing wavering” – Comments – More often, when we ask for divine wisdom in the midst of life’s circumstances, we do not see immediate intervention. We must believe that God is at work, turning even difficult situations around. We should remember that such circumstances were not created in a day, and they often do not subside in a day as well. When we have asked for wisdom, we should move forward in faith, believing that God is on our side. If a man wants God’s wisdom and he asks from God, then turns around and yields to the circumstances of life, he compromises God’s ability to deliver him through a trial. This kind of man is always at an indecision and doubt in everything he does in life (James 1:8).

His lifestyle is characterized by failure. He will be a man that does not stick to any commitment in life, a job, a marriage, and he does not complete any task that he begins. Habakkuk 2:4, “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.” Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Keith Moore said, “Doubt despairs, complains and is sad, but faith rejoices, gives thanks and is glad.”[94] A person who asks in faith is a person who “counts it all joy” in the midst of his circumstances. [94] Keith Moore, interviewed by Kenneth Copeland, Believer’s Voice of Victory (Kenneth Copeland Ministries, Fort Worth, Texas), on Trinity Broadcasting Network (Santa Ana, California), television program.Let our minds be filled with the Word of God and not a bunch of carnal-minded reasoning. Then, we will not waver. The Scriptures tell us that Abraham “staggered not” at God’s promises (Romans 4:20). The word “staggered” is the same Greek word that is used here as “wavering.” Abraham did not waver as he asked for God’s guidance and wisdom. He considered not his circumstances, and stood on the promises of God. Romans 4:20, “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;” “For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed” – Comments - A wave is tossed by the wind from above and by the current from beneath. John Bengel commented that this is figurative of someone being tossed from without, by circumstances, and from within, by emotions and doubt.[95] The trials of life come in manifold and divers temptations, as mentioned in the opening verse. Thus, the waves of the sea tossed about in so many unpredictable ways represent these trials of life. Note how a wave goes up and down, and how the tide goes in and out. Nothing in nature serves as a better illustration of a wavering heart. The waves at the seashore are moved about endlessly. It is the movable item in creation. [95] John Albert Bengel, Gnomon of the New Testament, vol. 5, trans. William Fletcher (Edinburgh: T. & T. Clarke, 1866), 5.The idea of tossed faith in James 1:6 creates an image of someone running about looking for an escape, looking for an answer to a problem, but never resting in the Lord and waiting on Him for direction. Scripture References - Note similar verses: Isaiah 57:19-21, “I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him. But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” Ephesians 4:14, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;” James 1:7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. James 1:7 — Comments - God requires an act of faith and trust in Him from man in order to move in his behalf. There is no exception to this law of faith. Although he may continue to receive food, raiment, the sun and the rain, yet he will not receive one answered prayer. We need to ask according to God’s will if we are going to receive. Of course, God sovereignty intervenes in the affairs of nations and people in order to affect His divine plan of redemption, but the context of this passage refers to an individual’s personal relationship to the Lord, serving Him on a daily basis. In this sense God requires that a man live by faith, which is his way of demonstrating love and devotion to his Maker. James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. James 1:8 — Comments - A double-minded man tries to keep one foot in the kingdom of God and another foot in the pursuits of the world. God calls this sin (James 4:8). Regarding the phrase “in all his ways,” this man is not only unstable in one area of his life, such as his prayer life, but he becomes unstable in all walks of his life. James 4:8, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”

James 1:9-18

Responding to the Trial with Either Humility or with Pride - In our seeking Him, we must humble ourselves and receive the wisdom that God gives to us (James 1:9). Humility is the door that leads us to our destiny of joy (or rest) in the midst of trials. But the door of earthly riches gives only temporal benefits and will pass soon away (James 1:10-11). Though the proud will reject God’s ways, it is this wisdom that will bring us to victory (James 1:12). Trials and temptations offer us opportunities to demonstrate our love and devotion to God (James 1:12). When we yield to these earthly temptations we do so because of our own selfishness (James 1:13-14).

The proud will find himself tempted into sin because of his fleshly passions and eventually be overcome by the trial (James 1:13-15), and this road leads to death (James 1:15). So, we are warned not to take this path of death (James 1:16).

James 1:17-18 then tells us the reason we can safely humble ourselves to God’s Word, since only good things coming from God (James 1:17); and since He begat us with the Word of Truth to be a first fruits of His new creation (James 1:18), then he only has good plans for us. He also says this because he wants his readers to understand that the trials they are facing are not from God. It is not and never has been His nature to bring trials into people’s lives that lure them into sin. James has just stated this in James 1:13, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.” Rather, God’s will for our lives is to partake of His eternal nature and kingdom, which is proven by the very fact that we have been born again as new creatures in Christ, longing for our complete redemption in glory, which James calls the “crown of life” in James 1:12. God’s purpose for us, even in the midst of trials, is to walk in the character of His first-born creatures (James 1:18). This is our divine calling within the context of the theme of the epistle of James, which is the perseverance of the saints by our works. Outline – Here is a proposed outline:

1. Humility: The Poor and the Brevity of Life — James 1:9-112. Facing Temptations — James 1:12-163. God is a Good God With Good Plans for Us — James 1:17-18

James 1:12-16

Facing Temptations – James 1:12-16 describes the two different paths, or options, that people have to choose from when facing temptations. Everyone faces temptations, but not everyone overcomes them. The person who responses to temptations by asking for wisdom and placing his faith in God embarks on the path of perseverance, which choice results in a crown of life; but for those who respond to temptations by following their passions and desires give birth to sin which ends in death. James 1:6 gives the warning to believers not to go down this path of error. God created every human being with five sense-gates: hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting and feeling. Most information that we receive enters throughout ears and our eyes. Once this information enters into the mind, which is the seat of our will, intellect and emotions, we must make a decision whether to embrace the information or thought, or to reject it. If we embrace it, our heart opens up and we receive the information. Then we will have our bodies act out the ideals that we have embraced. When an evil temptation enters our minds, we who have a pure heart do not lust after it nor desire it. The man with a wicked heart will embrace the temptations within his heart because of his evil desires (James 1:14). He will then tell his body to commit such sins (James 1:15). After living a life of pursuing those lusts, and having been brought into the bondages of sin, he will eventually die in those sins (James 1:15). It is not a sin to have bad thoughts or to feel temptations. We cannot keep our minds from seeing and hearing evil As a child of God, we must choose by our own will to reject such thoughts and cast down evil imaginations. For example, God placed within the Garden of Eden the tree of the knowledge of good and evil to test man’s love and devotion to Him. God did not tempt man to eat of the fruit of this tree. Rather, Adam and Eve were drawn away from God’s Word to follow the words of Satan because of their own lusts and desires (James 1:14). The pursuit of their own desires gave birth to sin and sin brought forth death (James 1:15). Those who resist such worldly temptations demonstrate their love to God (James 1:12). We find a similar description of the progressive order of sin leading to destruction in 1 Timothy 6:9, “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” The Process of Sin and Death – James 1:13-15 gives us the process of lust, sin and death. This sequence of events stands in direct contrast to the process of Christian maturity described in James 1:2-4. Those with a humble heart can face a trial joyfully in faith, which produces steadfastness, which develops into maturity. But a proud man who lacks wisdom will face a temptation by yielding to its enticement, which produces sin, and then sin matures into death. “no man…every man” - The process of lust-sin-death is not only at work in the life of a sinner (Romans 6:23), but the Word of God says “any man.” This process can be at work in the life of a believer if he does not quickly repent of earthly sins. Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Thus, we understand that James 1:12-16 is referring to believers. Note: Romans 6:16, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Romans 8:6, “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” 1 John 5:16, “If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.” James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12 — “Blessed is the man” – Comments - We find this teaching style in the Beatitutes in the Sermon on the Mount. James 1:12 — “that endureth temptation…to them that love him” - Comments - Love is willing to endure (1 Corinthians 13:7). 1 Corinthians 13:7, “Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” James 1:12 — “he shall receive the crown of life” – Word Study on “crown” – The Greek word στέφανος refers to a victor’s crown, while the Greek word for a king’s crown is διάδημα. Comments - The use of the word “crown” in James 1:12 implies that there is a victory that must be won. The battle is overcoming earthly lusts and sins and doing God’s Word, which leads to victory in every area of our lives. James 1:12 — Comments - A trial is an opportunity to prove our love and devotion to God. For example, in the Garden of Eden God did not stop the serpent from coming and tempting Adam and Eve to sin. God deliberately placed a tree in the Garden called the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil to test man; for without the ability to choose between right and wrong, man’s love could never be tested. Thus, God wanted to prove man’s love for him by giving him a choice to obey or disobey. When Adam and Eve were tempted to partake of this tree, they demonstrated their lack of devotion and love towards God by pleasing themselves. This is why James 1:12 says, “which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” When we endure temptations and overcome sin, we show our love towards God. The process of a trial, endurance and a reward described in James 1:12 not only applies to our promise of eternal life. It reveals to us the process of training and reward that the Lord takes us through on many occasions in Christian journey of this earthly life in order to perfect us for His service. When we overcome temptations and endure hardships, we set ourselves up for a greater anointing and office of ministry. This verse describes the process of sanctification that every believer is asked to pursue. For example, the Lord once said to me that every time Paul was imprisoned he anointing increased, meaning his crown in this life of overcoming trials was a greater anointing. The rest of the epistle of James will guides us through the steps of overcoming temptations. Some believers will not endure such temptations. Many will be caught up in the pursuit of this world (See the Parable of the Sower). Many will not endure sound doctrine: 2 Timothy 4:3, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;” Romans 8:6, “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Proverbs 16:25, “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 10:22, “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: James 1:13 — “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God” – Comments - James 1:13 tells us not to blame God for difficulties in this life. This is a mistake that many believers make during difficult times. They are taught that every single thing that happens to them is within God’s will for their lives. The difficult with this way of thinking is that when difficult times come, people can become angry with God, thinking that He is the ultimate cause of such problems. It is Satan who comes to steal, kill and destroy men’s lives, but God’s will is that we have an abundant life of joy. In the Garden of Eden the Lord did not bring the serpent to Adam and Eve to tempt them. Rather, the serpent had a legal right to be there and to do what he did. John 10:10, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” James 1:13 — “for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth He any man” – Comments - In James 1:13 the statement, “neither tempteth he any man” should end with the implied phrase “with evil.” However it is not written, as is so typical of Greek syntax. So this phrase could read, “for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man (with evil).” James 1:13 — Comments - Although God does not tempt us towards evil, He does test our faith. Note: 1 Chronicles 29:17, “I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.” 1 Thessalonians 2:4, “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.” For example, when your child is about one year old, it is time to learn to walk. You hold him up and turn loose, teaching him to stand up by himself. This is a trial for the child. In the same way, the Lord is trying to get us to grow in our faith. Genesis 22:1, “And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.” John 6:6, “And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.” Satan tempts us in our fleshy realm with evil enticements. God deals with our faith, testing our hearts in order to teach us how to exercise our faith. There are two examples in the Old Testament of the Lord tempting people to do something against the Lord’s will in order to test their obedience. In Jeremiah 35, the Lord told Jeremiah to bring the Recabites into one of the chambers of the Temple and offer them wine. Since their forefather has commanded them to abstain from wine, they refused. God was so pleased with them for refusing the wine that Jeremiah offered them that He pronounced an eternal blessing upon them. In 1 Kings 13, the man of God cried against the altar upon which king Jeroboam was about to burn incense. On his way home, an old prophet of Bethel met him in the way and tempted him to disobey the Lord’s commandment by coming to his home and dining. Afterwards, this old prophet spoke divine judgment upon the man of God and a lion slew him as he departed for home. James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. James 1:14 — Word Study on “tempted” – Jack MacGorman says πειράζω refers to “enticement to moral wrong.” This type of temptation seeks to establish “a beach-head at the point of desires, at work in our God-given capacities.” Temptation tries to makes us “suspicious of God, making God capricious in denying us delights.”[96] [96] Jack MacGorman, “Class Lecture,” GREEK 432 – New Testament Greek II, Spring 1982 (Fort Worth, Texas: Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary), comments on James 1:14.Word Study on “drawn away” – MacGorman says ἐξέλκω describes a fisherman using a lure.[97] [97] Jack MacGorman, “Class Lecture,” GREEK 432 – New Testament Greek II, Spring 1982 (Fort Worth, Texas: Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary), comments on James 1:14.Word Study on “enticed” – MacGorman says δελεάζω describes a hunter baiting a trap.[98] [98] Jack MacGorman, “Class Lecture,” GREEK 432 – New Testament Greek II, Spring 1982 (Fort Worth, Texas: Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary), comments on James 1:14.Comments – All of us face temptations. When we yield to them, we cannot blame anyone but ourselves. However, it is important to note that James will later tell his readers to resist the devil, which implies that the devil is often the source of such trials and temptations that befall our lives. James 4:7, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” We begin to see references to the carnal man emerging in the epistle of James. This is the man who is led by fleshly passions (James 1:14) and emotions (James 1:20) rather than the spiritual man who is led by the implanted Word of God which must be received in meekness. The spiritual man walks through temptations by faith in God, while the carnal man is moved by his fleshly nature. Illustration (1) - We find a biblical illustration to this in Numbers 11:34, “And he called the name of that place Kibrothhattaavah: because there they buried the people that lusted.” Illustration (2) - As a young boy, I stuck my finger between the two rods of a table leg. The rods came together at the bottom. As a child, I was enticed and lured by the discovery of just how far I could slide my little finger down between an ever-decreasing gap. I pressed my finger tightly as far down as I could get it. When the game was over, and I began to pull my finger out, it was stuck. I had to call for mother to put soapy water on my hand in order to free the finger. James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. James 1:15 — Comments - The word “conceived” literally means, “to claps, seize” (Strong). This word clearly describes the biological process of the fertilized egg entering the womb and “seizing,” or embedding itself into the wall of the womb. Yet, in the New Testament times, man did not yet know this magnificent process of God’s creation in reproduction. James 1:15 illustrates the process of lust-sin-death by using the process of birth. The way a child was conceived and born in the womb was a great wonder and amazement to the people of the Bible. So, also is the amazing process of how people go so easily and willingly thru the process of sin until death seizes them (Ecclesiastes 1:5). Ecclesiastes 11:5, “As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.” Just as it takes time to conceive, grow a child in a womb, and give birth, so does it take time for lust to reach its final destination of death. This is where man is so deceived. A carnal man begins to think that sin has no consequences during the period that things seem to be going well in the midst of sin. In time, death will come. Death will come at its proper time, just as the birth of a child comes, suddenly and unexpectedly. Someone once said: Sow a thought, reap an action. Sow an action, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a destiny. Bob Nichols said, “Sin will keep you longer than you want to stay; it will take you further than you want to go; and it will cost you more than you want to pay”[99] [99] Bob Nichols, Sermon, Calvary Cathedral International, Fort Worth, Texas.Illustration - Jack MacGorman said that in school he had become rebellious. His father set a rat trap in the tool shed and caught a rat. He held the trap up and said to his son Jack, “You see the rat in the trap?” After pausing, he continues, “If we are going to catch another rat, we need to clean the trap. Not another rat in the country is stupid enough to hit that trap. Wouldn’t it be good if men were as smart as rats? The devil has not cleaned a trap since the Garden of Eden; yet men, day in and day out, still hit those bloody traps.”[100] [100] Jack MacGorman, “Class Lecture,” GREEK 432 – New Testament Greek II, Spring 1982 (Fort Worth, Texas: Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary), comments on James 1:15.James 1:16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.

James 1:17-18

God is a Good God with Good Plans for Us – James 1:17-18 gives us an exhortation to seek God in the midst of trials. These verses simply expound upon the previous statement in James 1:5 about asking God for wisdom, who gives to all generously and does not upbraid us for it. Why does James make these statements in James 1:17-18 about only good things coming from God (James 1:17) and how He begat us with the Word of Truth (James 1:18)? It is because he wants his readers to understand that the trials they are facing are not from God. It is not and never has been His nature to bring trials into people’s lives that lure them into sin. He has just stated this in James 1:13, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.” Rather, God’s will for our lives is to partake of His eternal nature and kingdom, which is proven by the very fact that we have been born again as new creatures in Christ, longing for our complete redemption in glory, which James calls the “crown of life” in James 1:12. James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17 — “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” – Word Study on “gift…gift” – Two different Greek words are translated “gift” in James 1:17. The first Greek word δόσις (gift) refers to the act of giving, while the second Greek word δώρημα (gift) refers to the gift itself. In the same way, the Greek word βρω̂σις refers to the act of eating, while the Greek word βρω̂μα refers to the food itself. Comments - Oral Roberts teaches that God is a good God. He says, “Something good is going to happen to you.”[101] In other words, He has good plans for our lives and wants to give us good things. We see this stated by our Lord Jesus Christ in John 10:10 when He told His disciples that He came that we might have life, and that we might have it more abundantly [101] Oral Roberts, A Daily Guide to Miracles and Successful Living Through SEED-FAITH (Tulsa, Oklahoma: Pinoak Publications, c1975, 1976), 48-9.John 10:10, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Bill Wiese contrasts God’s gifts to mankind to the conditions in Hell, where there are no gifts from Heaven.[102] Wiese was taken to Hell in 1998, and recalls his experiences in his book 23 Minutes in Hell Wiese.[103] He explains that God is light, and in Hell there is no light, because God is not present in Hell (1 John 1:5). The darkness is so thick that nothing is visible except the flames of Hell. Darkness penetrates every part of Hell. He also explains that God is love (1 John 4:7; 1 John 4:16), and in Hell there is absolutely no love for one another. Every demonic creature in Hell is full of intense hatred towards mankind. God’s mercy is upon the earth, and is extended towards mankind.

His mercy is in the heavens (Psalms 36:5). In Hell the demons show no mercy and compassion towards the people that they torment for eternity.

They work tirelessly to put as much pain and suffering upon their human victims as possible. On earth mankind experiences grace and truth through the redemptive work of Christ Jesus on Calvary (John 1:17). In Hell no human is given grace or mercy for eternity, but torment and terror. On earth men quench their thirst with life-giving water (Deuteronomy 11:11). In Hell there is no water, so that tormented souls thirst eternally (Zechariah 9:11). In Hell there is no blood, because there is no life in Hell (Leviticus 17:11). On earth God gives every person physical strength to serve Him (Psalms 18:32). In Hell there is no strength, so that the tormented soul is desperate for sleep and rest, but finds none; neither does he have the strength to resist those tormenting him.

Each day mankind is daily loaded with divine blessings (Psalms 68:19), the gifts of love, mercy, health, peace, enjoyment, and rest. We have learned to live with so many blessings each day that we have become unmindful of them. As long as a person is alive upon earth, he has hope that even the worst situations can improve. However, in Hell there is no longer any hope. Hell is absent of God’s goodness. In this place of eternal torment, man is left without God’s gifts for eternity. In contrast, mankind is continually experiencing God’s goodness and gifts as long as he has breath on earth. [102] Bill Wiese, interviewed by Rod Parsley, Breakthrough (Columbus, Ohio: Rod Parsley Ministries), on Trinity Broadcasting Network (Santa Ana, California, November 2008), television program. [103] Bill Wiese, 23 Minutes in Hell (Lake Mary, Florida: Charis House, c2006).1 John 1:5, “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” 1 John 4:7, “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” Psalms 36:5, “Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.” John 1:17, “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” Deuteronomy 11:11, “But the land, whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven:” Zechariah 9:11, “As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.” Leviticus 17:11, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.” Psalms 18:32, “It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.” Psalms 68:19, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.” James 1:17 — “and cometh down from the Father of lights” – Comments - The phrase, “and cometh down from the Father of lights” tells us that God is the Creator of all things, who provides good things to mankind through His divine providence and omnipotent power. James 1:17 — “with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” - Comments – Nothing in God’s creation is more stable and unchanging than God Himself. In James 1:17, James uses an illustration out of nature that is most subject to change. These are the shadows from the sun. This shadow will be ever changing it position during the process of the sun moving across the sky during the day. At no time during the day is the shadow stationary. In addition, each new day brings the sun’s rays into a different angle upon the earth, so that each day of the year, a shadow finds itself changing its position. A shadow is the most illustrative example of change that can be found in nature. In James 1:17 the divine attribute of unchangableness is referring to the Father, although this is also an attribute of the Trinity: God: Psalms 90:2, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” YHWH: Malachi 3:6, “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” The Lord: Psalms 93:2, “Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting.” The Word: Psalms 119:89, “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” Jesus Christ: Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” The Holy Spirit always speaks what He hears: John 16:13, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” James 1:17 — Comments - When we are tossed about with the trials of life (James 1:2), we need to know that we can turn to a God who changes not. It is not the severity of the storm that determines the outcome, but rather the stability of the Savior, who is the anchor of our soul. James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. James 1:18 — “Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth” – Word Study on “begat” - This same Greek word is used in verse fifteen, “brings forth death.” Comments - In contrast to sin giving birth to death, God’s word brings forth life. Comments - If we were born again by the “Word of Truth,” then we are sustained by the same Word. Thus, the next passage will teach us to follow this Word by becoming doers of it and not hearers only: Receive the Word of truth — James 1:19-21 — Be swift to hear this Word of truth — James 1:19 Be doers of this Word of truth — James 1:22-25

James 1:19-27

Become Doers of God’s Word – In James 1:19-27 James exhorts the Jewish believers to be doers of the Word of God, and not just hearers. The epistle of James alludes to the assembly of the early Jewish converts in the Temple and synagogues (James 2:2) a number of times, as the Old Testament Scriptures were read to them (James 1:19-27) by a scribe or teacher (James 3:1). We can imagine Jewish believers assembling in the synagogues, or among themselves, both hearing the Scriptures read to them, and discussing its interpretation in light of Jesus Christ as the Messiah. When we ask God for wisdom in the midst of trials, and if we humble ourselves and are willing to listen to God, He will surely speak to us. Thus, the next step in overcoming trials is to respond in obedience to what God tells us to do. James 1:19-21 tells us that we have to make a decision when facing each trial in life in order to pass the test. We decide whether to receive God’s Word and obey it, or reject it and do things our own foolish way, which often is an angry response (James 1:20), since a trial often involves someone doing us wrong. James will later discuss these two decisions in James 3:13-18 as decisions of earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom. James 1:22-27 will explain the difference between false humility and true humility.

In order to get onto the path that leads to a crown of life we must overcome the deception of false humility. We become doers of God’s Word from a pure heart (James 1:22-25). We are justified before God by being doers of God’s Word and not hearers only. False humility is most readily seen in our acts of an unbridled tongue (James 1:26), while true humility is most clearly demonstrated in helping those who cannot help themselves, namely, widows and orphans (James 1:27). Hearers of the Word - James could have said, “You have read about the patience of Job,” in James 5:11. Keep in mind that James is writing to Jewish converts who were dispersed across the Roman Empire, and still assembling in synagogues; for James uses this word συναγωγή in James 2:2, “if there come unto your assembly.” In this assembly, the chief speaker would read the Scriptures as we see Jesus doing in Luke 4:16. So naturally, the others in the assembly become “hearers.” Thus, we can imagine James describing in James 5:11 a speaker reading from the book of Job and those seated are “hearing” the story, followed by comments about the text. This is why James uses the phrase “hearers of the word” in James 1:19-25. Luke 4:16, “And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.” We have testimony from Eusebius (A.D. 260 to 340), the early Church historian, that such public reading of the Scriptures was standard practice in the early Church. “These things are recorded in regard to James, who is said to be the author of the first of the so-called catholic epistles. But it is to be observed that it is disputed; at least, not many of the ancients have mentioned it, as is the case likewise with the epistle that bears the name of Jude, which is also one of the seven so-called catholic epistles. Nevertheless we know that these also, with the rest, have been read publicly in very many churches.” (Ecclesiastical History 2.23.25) James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: James 1:19 — “Wherefore, my beloved brethren” - Comments – We are the beloved of God because we have been begotten by Him (James 1:18). We are His children and He is our Father. James 1:18, “Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” James 1:19 — “let every man be swift to hear” - Comments – We are to be swift to hear “the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). James 1:19 — “slow to speak, slow to wrath” - Comments – The believer’s battle against swift speech and wrath describes our carnal reactions to the manifold trials mentioned in the opening verses of this epistle, which stands in direct contradiction to God’s plan for us to “count it all joy” (James 1:2). This anger can progress as described in the next verse into uncleanness and abundance of evil (James 1:20). James 1:19 — Comments – Our willingness to close our mouth and listen moves us to be slower to speak out in response; and our slowness to speak out helps us to delay our anger until we better understand a situation. However, we are not to always be silent. There are times when we need to speak out (Ecclesiastes 3:7). Ecclesiastes 3:7, “A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;” James 1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. James 1:20 — Comments - Man’s anger is slow to listen and quick to speak, while God is slow to anger. An uncontrolled tongue can create anger. The more the tongue works, the greater the anger, which progresses into “all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness” (James 1:21). When we are slow to listen to the truth and quick to open our mouths, then we are prone to easily get angry. In fact, the more we talk, the angrier we get. This is the behaviour of temperamental people.

They tend to speak quickly and aggressively. How often have I taken the time to evaluate the facts of a situation after opening my mouth, and this evaluation found that my angry reaction was unnecessary. How often I have looked back at my angry words and wished I had spoken with without the angry to accompany them. In most cases, it is entirely unnecessary to behave so angrily and foolishly. Later in the epistle of James (see James 3:2), the author will identify this ability to manage our tongue as a sign of Christian maturity. James 3:2, “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” Note John Wesley’s New Testament translation of Jas 1:20, “For a man’s anger does not lead to action which God regards as righteous.” James 1:20 — Scripture References - Note other verses on man’s wrath: Psalms 145:8, “The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.” Proverbs 14:29, “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.” Proverbs 15:18, “A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.” Proverbs 16:32, “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21 — “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness” – Comments - The filthiness and abundance of evil mentioned in James 1:21 is descriptive of the words and actions that immature believers express when easily drawn into angry. Keep in mind that many of these Jewish communities of believers that James was writing to were being persecuted and mistreated by the rich. They had just cause to be angry because of wrong-doing. Thus, James is giving them practical things to do to overcome their temptations to walk in the flesh and do evil. It is not easy to walk in the spirit under such circumstances, but it is the only way to patiently endure hardships and overcome them with joy (James 1:2), and avoid erring from the path of truth (James 5:19-20). We must remember the theme of the epistle of James, which is an exhortation to endure persecutions from without, and their objective was to strive for maturity in order to persevere (James 1:4), which results in the salvation of their souls (James 1:21). James 1:21 — “and receive with meekness” – Comments - We must open our hearts unto God’s Word, if we are going to hear His voice and understand His Word. In the same manner, when I go to pray for someone, if they are not receptive to me or to my message, then I have very little to say and my prayer for them is relatively ineffective. When someone is hungry for the words that I am ministering and they humbly receive what I am saying, God will move mightily for them in the simplest prayer of agreement. I have learned this from experience after working for seven years as an altar worker. James 1:21 — “the engrafted word” – Word Study on “engrafted” - In James 1:21 we find the only use of the Greek adjective έμφυτος (G1721) in the New Testament, which means “implanted” (Strong). The verbal form of this word is used in John 20:22 : John 20:22, “And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:” Comments - Only in humility can we come before God’s throne (Hebrews 4:16) and receive the living, breathed-upon Word. As we obey it by faith, we are promised salvation by grace. An attitude of humility must be present while studying God’s word. This attitude must be present to “hear” God’s Word: Romans 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” We are to take God’s word, not forget it, but let it create in us a Godly lifestyle. Psalms 119:11, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Proverbs 2:1-5, “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.” James 1:21 — “which is able to save your souls” – Comments - James uses the Greek word σώζω five times in his Epistle (James 1:21; James 2:14; James 4:12; James 5:15; James 5:20). The Enhanced Strong says it is found 110 times throughout the New Testament, being translated in a variety of meanings “save 93, make whole 9, heal 3, be whole 2, misc 3.” If we compare these five verses in James, it is easy to conclude that James used this word in its broadest sense. We may translate it as “deliver” in every usage and maintain an accurate interpretation of these verses and capture its broad meaning. Thus, James seems to be saying in James 1:21 that the engrafted word will “deliver” us from the sins and bondages of this world and from eternal judgment. This word implies the entire process of the redemption of our souls. This word must become a part of our lives to become salvation and deliverance in our daily lives. Romans 2:13, “For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” James 1:21 — Comments - The Lord gave me a dream in order to illustrate James 1:21 to me. I saw Kenneth Copeland when he first encountered the teachings of Kenneth Hagin. In this dream Kenneth Copeland humbled himself and embraced every single word that Hagin taught as if it were a priceless treasure. With each teaching he heard Kenneth Copeland immediately put it into practice in his life. His very life and energy and enjoyment and passion were centered around learning from Hagin. I saw the meekness of Kenneth Copeland’s heart as he listened to each teaching and the willingness to obey the divine principles that were taught.

This is the reason that Copeland has one of the largest teaching ministries in the world today. His soul was delivered from worldly wisdom, his life delivered from poverty and his body from sickness. James 1:19-21 — Comments - Managing Anger – James 1:19-20 states that we are not to get angry and carryout vengeance for ourselves; but we are to give place to wrath (Revelation 12:19). Romans 12:19, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” James 1:19-21 teaches us how to manage our anger. Kenneth Copeland gives the testimony of how the Lord showed him a practical way to manage his anger.[104] He was told to immediately hold his tongue when anger comes into his spirit. He was to wait a while before speaking, and then learn to only speak the truth without an angry spirit. At first it was difficult, because he was used to speaking quickly and rashly. I began to try this for myself. Over a period of time I found that I was better able to control my own temper. Our tongue is the key to managing our anger. [104] Kenneth Copeland, Believer’s Voice of Victory (Kenneth Copeland Ministries, Fort Worth, Texas), on Trinity Broadcasting Network (Santa Ana, California), television program.James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James 1:22 — Comments – Having received the implanted Word of God, we are to become doers of it. Bob Yandian says that taking in the Word of God is being a hearer, but putting out the Word of God is being a doer. Knowledge is taking in the Word of God, but wisdom is correctly putting out, or applying this Word.[105] [105] Bob Yandian, Salt and Light: The Sermon on the Mount (Tulsa, Oklahoma: Harrison House, c1983, 1988), 11.James 1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: James 1:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. James 1:24 — Comments - When James says, “forgetting what manner of man he was,” we know that this is a description of someone who was once born again, and strays away. We note a similar statement in 2 Peter 1:9, “hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”. 2 Peter 1:9, “But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” James 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. James 1:25 — “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty” – Comments - The “law of liberty” is also called “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” in Romans 8:2. This law sets us free from the rudiments of this world when obeyed, and does not bringing us into bondage. We find real freedom in serving Christ Jesus, not bondage. Romans 8:2, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” Note: 2 Corinthians 6:12, “You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own affections.” (NASB). James 1:25 — Comments - James mentions doing and working and works throughout this Epistle (James 1:4; James 1:20; James 1:25, etc.). This is because the emphasis in James is on our actions in contrast to our heart or our minds, to bring us through the trials of life. James 1:22-25 — Comments - The Illustration of a Man Looking into a Mirror – In James 1:22-25 the author tries to explain the necessity of applying the Word of God to our lives by using the illustration of a man looking into a mirror. When we do look into a mirror we see a reflection of our outward man (our physical appearance). If we looked into a mirror and saw a dirty face, we would immediately wash up and clean ourselves. How do we see the inner man? To do this we must look into the Word of God and it will reflect the condition of the heart. This is what the author of Hebrews meant when he said, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) If we give our physical appearance daily attention by looking into a mirror and correcting any unpleasant things we see on our bodies, then we should also give our spirits the same daily attention by looking into God’s Word and making the necessary changes to our lives to conform to His Word.

This is what James means by being a doer of the Word and not a hearer only. Thus, we keep our spirit man in healthy condition in the same way that we keep our outward man in good condition. In contrast, James says that if we do not become doers of God’s Word, it is like a man who ignores his physical needs after recognizing them in a mirror and walking away and forgetting them. No one has ever looked at his own face. Our eyes are set within sockets so that we cannot directly see our face. We may be able to see the tip of our nose or lips, but we need a mirror to see our entire face. We know what we look like physically because we trust the image reflected in a mirror. In a similar sense, no one has ever seen his spirit, because it is the invisible part of man’s make-up. Therefore, it is called in Scriptures the inner man and the hidden man of the heart. The only way we can see it is through the reflection of God’s Word, which gives us a clear image of our own spirit. We must trust that what God’s Word says about our born again spirit is accurate, despite what our mind and reason tells us. James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. James 1:26 — Comments - The person’s unbridled tongue reflects back on the previous verse, which warns us to be slow to speak and slow to wrath (James 1:19). James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:27 — “To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction” - Illustration: Job 31. Scripture Reference - Note a similar verse on doing for others as a sign of genuine Christian faith, “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:18) James 1:27 — “and to keep himself unspotted from the world” - Comments - In John 15:19; John 17:11; John 17:14; John 17:16, we are “in the world, but not of the world.” John 15:19, “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” James 1:27 — Comments - James is writing to the Christian Jews of the Diaspora. That is, he is addressing all of the Jews who did not live in the land of Palestine. These Jewish converts were zealous and very religious. Therefore, James wants to give them a clear understanding of what true “religious activity” is all about. The outward sign of true godliness is to help those in need; and the inward sign of true godliness is to remain pure from the temptations of this evil world. Thus, James describes godliness from the heart as well as from our actions. Perhaps James used the examples of orphans and widows because these two groups were discusses in the Law as those whom the Jews were required to help. Within the context of this epistle, we are taught that in the midst of our trials we should help those who are less fortunate than us.