Firstfruits of God

Introduction

Introduction

I would like to start by reading

Introduction

I would like to start by reading

James 1:18 ESV

18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

James 1:18 ESV

Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

James says that God brought us forth, or created us, to be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. This is supposed to give us a sense of purpose and meaning. This evening I would like for us to look at what it means to be a kind of firstfruits of God’s creatures.

James 1:18 (ESV) Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Where does firstfruits come from?

James says that God brought us forth, or created us, to be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. This is supposed to give us a sense of purpose and meaning. This evening I would like for us to look at what it means to be a kind of firstfruits of God’s creatures.

OT

Where does firstfruits come from?

OT

When we look into the Old Testament we see God give a command to the Israelites to offer the firstfruits of their sons, their flock and their field to God. This offering was supposed to be considered the most holy and best of what they had. The giving of it was intended to remind them of the steadfast love that God has shown them in providing them with everything they have. This would take place multiple times a year with a special feast also devoted to the offering of firstfruits. It happened on the day after Sabbath, the first day of the week. One of the instances where they offered the firstfruits of the harvest to God is especially interesting because it shows the attitude they are supposed to have when they offer it. In we see Israel being commanded to describe what they are doing when they offer the firstfruits to God after they enter the land in .

Deuteronomy 26:5–11 ESV

5 “And you shall make response before the Lord your God, ‘A wandering Aramean was my father. And he went down into Egypt and sojourned there, few in number, and there he became a nation, great, mighty, and populous. 6 And the Egyptians treated us harshly and humiliated us and laid on us hard labor. 7 Then we cried to the Lord, the God of our fathers, and the Lord heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. 8 And the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great deeds of terror, with signs and wonders. 9 And he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. 10 And behold, now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground, which you, O Lord, have given me.’ And you shall set it down before the Lord your God and worship before the Lord your God. 11 And you shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house, you, and the Levite, and the sojourner who is among you.

When we look into the Old Testament we see God give a command to the Israelites to offer the firstfruits of their sons, their flock and their field to God. This offering was supposed to be considered the most holy and best of what they had. The giving of it was intended to remind them of the steadfast love that God has shown them in providing them with everything they have. This would take place multiple times a year with a special feast also devoted to the offering of firstfruits. It happened on the day after Sabbath, the first day of the week. One of the instances where they offered the firstfruits of the harvest to God is especially interesting because it shows the attitude they are supposed to have when they offer it. In Deuteronomy 26 we see Israel being commanded to say this to the priest after you bring in your harvest once you enter the land of promise. Notice how they were supposed to describe what they are doing when they offer the firstfruits to God after they enter the land in Deut 26:5-11.

(Deuteronomy 26:5–11, ESV) “And you shall make response before the Lord your God, ‘A wandering Aramean was my father. And he went down into Egypt and sojourned there, few in number, and there he became a nation, great, mighty, and populous. And the Egyptians treated us harshly and humiliated us and laid on us hard labor. Then we cried to the Lord, the God of our fathers, and the Lord heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. And the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great deeds of terror, with signs and wonders. And he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. And behold, now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground, which you, O Lord, have given me.’ And you shall set it down before the Lord your God and worship before the Lord your God. And you shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house, you, and the Levite, and the sojourner who is among you.

This idea of offering to God your firstfruits was the showing of gratitude and recognition that God has been faithful to His promise to bring the children of Israel into the land. We can see that from the Israelite’s perspective, they offer it because everything they enjoyed was from Him. From God’s perspective, v. 18-19, we can see that he wants to have a people who are His holy and treasured possession so accepting this offering in some way solidifies that they are just that.

In , God calls young Israel the holy firstfruits of his harvest.

This idea of offering to God your firstfruits was obviously a showing of gratitude and recognition that God has been faithful to His promise to bring the children of Israel into the land. We can see that from the Israelite’s perspective, they offer it because everything they enjoyed was from Him. From God’s perspective, v. 18-19, we can see that he wants to have a people who are His holy and treasured possession so accepting this offering in some way solidifies that they are just that.

Jeremiah 2:1–3 ESV

1 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem, Thus says the Lord, “I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed me in the wilderness, in a land not sown. 3 Israel was holy to the Lord, the firstfruits of his harvest. All who ate of it incurred guilt; disaster came upon them, declares the Lord.”

(, ESV) The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem, Thus says the Lord, “I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed me in the wilderness, in a land not sown. Israel was holy to the Lord, the firstfruits of his harvest. All who ate of it incurred guilt; disaster came upon them, declares the Lord.”

In Jeremiah 2:3, God calls young Israel the holy firstfruits of his harvest.

In this text He is saying that Israel is the best of the nations. This idea of firstfruits is that, from God’s perspective, this is the best part of the fruit of God’s labor and it belongs to him! In that text you see God judging any who would try to take Israel away from Him. He is protecting them as His treasured possession. The Jeremiah text in particular uses firstfruits the way James uses it.

(Jeremiah 2:1–3, ESV) The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem, Thus says the Lord, “I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed me in the wilderness, in a land not sown. Israel was holy to the Lord, the firstfruits of his harvest. All who ate of it incurred guilt; disaster came upon them, declares the Lord.”

NT

In this text He is saying that Israel is the best of the nations. This idea of firstfruits is that, from God’s perspective, this is the best part of the fruit of God’s labor and it belongs to him! In that text you see God judging any who would try to take Israel away from Him. He is protecting them as His treasured possession. The Jeremiah text in particular uses firstfruits the way James uses it.

NT

James 1:18 ESV

18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

The words are spoken in a way that conveys Christians as the best and most holy of all God’s creatures. It was the case for Israel in their youth and must be the case for Christians forever. James mentions this phrase so briefly but it carries great importance for Christians.

In the New Testament the idea of a harvest is seen throughout Jesus’ teachings and parables. Jesus at one point calls for the apostles to pray for reapers to go gather up the harvest. As the church spreads to new areas the first converts are also called the firstfruits, but this is not the way that James is talking about the dispersed Christians.

Transition: So why does James bring this up? Why is it important for Christians to understand that God has brought us forth to be a firstfruits for him?

Look again at James and read verse 18 recognizing that he is talking to the dispersed Christians who will soon be creating those new converts. “Of his creatures” shows that this is not talking about the firstfruits of his church, or of a particular area.

Is this important?

James 1:18 (ESV) Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Transition: The words are spoken in a way that conveys Christians as the best and most holy of all God’s creatures. It was the case for Israel in their youth and must be the case for Christians forever. James mentions this phrase so briefly but gives it such importance for Christians.

Why is this important to them?

God brought these Christians forth in order to be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. We see their purpose in this phrase, and, as with any statement of purpose, this phrase was intended to motivate those dispersed to remain faithful. The reason God brought them forth and made them alive again was so that they can be of some benefit to Him. God doesn’t want a harvest that is close to spoiled and unworthy to eat. The Israelites would do that sort of thing all the time, offering up blind and lame animals, and the prophets condemned them for it. James wants them to recognize that they are supposed to be the best and most holy of all of His creation while they are surrounded by those who aren’t brought forth by the word of God. Christians are offering their lives to God to be God’s treasured possession. “Firstfruits” encourages them to follow after everything that James says throughout the entire letter even though they are dispersed and have lost the constant building up and encouragement of being with the Christians in Jerusalem.

Is this important?

As the Israelites were told to remember their deliverance and were supposed to have gratitude in their hearts by giving their firstfruits, God expects these Christians to do the same. God’s deliverance is so great that Christians dedicate their lives to becoming something that God will consider to be His firstfruits, a treasured possession out of all of creation.

Why is this important to them?

God brought these Christians forth in order to be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. We see their purpose in this phrase, and, as with any statement of purpose, this phrase was intended to inspire, specifically those in the dispersion. The reason God brought them forth and made them alive again was so that they can be of some benefit to Him. God doesn’t want a harvest that is close to spoiled and unworthy to eat. The Israelites would do that sort of thing all the time, offering up blind and lame animals, and the prophets condemned them for it. James wants them to recognize that they are supposed to be the best and most holy of all of His creation while they are surrounded by those who aren’t brought forth by the word of God. Offering their lives to God to be God’s treasured possession. “Firstfruits” encourages them to follow after everything that James says throughout the entire letter even though they are dispersed and have lost the constant building up and encouragement of being in Jerusalem.

Transition: The practical commands throughout the letter are here to prepare those Christians who are dispersed in order to make them into a pleasing and acceptable firstfruits for God. The Christians who are dispersed need this inspiration to remain faithful in the midst of great hardship.

Why is it important to us?

As Israelites were told to remember their deliverance and were supposed to have gratitude in their hearts by giving their firstfruits, God expects these Christians to do the same. The main difference is that His act of deliverance is so great that they dedicate their lives to becoming something that God will consider to be His firstfruits, a treasured possession out of all of creation.

We too fall into that category of firstfruits for God as well. As Israel was considered holy to the Lord so are we and we can also feel motivated by knowing that God expects us to be the best and most holy of all His creatures. We were recreated as Paul says in to be to the praise of His glory! He wants us to be His treasured possession.

Transition: The practical commands throughout the letter are here to prepare those Christians who are dispersed in order to make them into a pleasing and acceptable firstfruits for God. The Christians who are dispersed need this inspiration to remain faithful in the midst of great hardship.

Why is it important to us?

If we considered ourselves a part of that harvest, wouldn’t we want to be the firstfruits? Wouldn’t we want to be the best and most holy part that is offered to God and have God see us as His own possession?

We too fall into that category of firstfruits for God as well. As Israel was considered holy to the Lord so are we and we can also feel inspired by knowing that God expects us to be the best and most holy of all His creatures. We were recreated as Paul says in Ephesians to be to the praise of His glory! He wants us to be His treasured possession.

Transition: So now the only question is how? This verse is the hinge verse that marks the end of the introduction and the beginning of a letter full of practical commands to accomplish this purpose. I would like to look at how the entire introduction (1-17) leading up to this verse can help prepare us to become firstfruits for God as the rest of the letter commands.

How do we prepare ourselves to be firstfruits?

If we considered ourselves a part of that harvest wouldn’t we want to be the firstfruits? Wouldn’t we want to be the best and most holy part that is offered to God and have God see us as His own possession?

Transition: So now the only question is how? This verse is the hinge verse that marks the end of the introduction and the beginning of a letter full of practical commands to accomplish this purpose. I would like to look at how the entire introduction (1-17) leading up to this verse can help prepare us to become firstfruits for God as the rest of the letter commands.

This is the big question we need to answer. James words this text in a way that gives us hope, but still we need to know how. Where do we start?

How do we prepare ourselves to be firstfruits?

He says that we were brought forth for this reason after spending 17 verses telling us how to prepare ourselves for this life of trials. To be the firstfruits of God is not going to be an easy task. It will require a rewiring of our brains and we will have to have the diligence to grow mentally. Let’s see what he says about how we can prepare to be firstfruits.

Four things to focus on in trials

This is the big question about which we have to want to know the answer. James words this text in a way that gives us hope, but still we need to know how. Where do we start?

He says that we were brought forth for this reason after spending 17 verses telling us how to prepare ourselves for this life of trials. To be the firstfruits of God is not going to be an easy task. It will require a rewiring of our brains and we will have to have the diligence to grow mentally. Let’s see what he says about how we can prepare to be firstfruits.

All of is about the ability to stand fast in the midst of trials. So James is telling us that in order to become firstfruits we need to focus on four things when we are faced with these trials. As we go through these four things notice how all of them have to do with improving our outlook on the trials and, consequently, our ability to handle trials in general.

1. Grow tough and mature with joy in trials

Four things to focus on in trials

All of James 1:1-18 is about the ability to stand fast in the midst of trials. So James is telling us that in order to become firstfruits we need to focus on four things when we are faced with these trials. As we go through these four things notice how all of them have to do with improving our outlook on life and, consequently, our ability to handle trials in general.

James wants the firstfruits to grow to maturity and be joyful about the growth process. Last time we looked at verses 2-4 and saw how trials make us more steadfast and help us grow. The analogy for us would be the need to develop a root system that will hold us fast when the storms pummel us. Think for a moment about how much a plant has to endure in order to get to the final harvest time. They have to endure many storms, scorching heat, periods of drought, and disease. The main point is to see how these trials are to be looked on with an attitude of joy because of the opportunity they provide for us to develop that mature root system.

1. Grow tough and mature with joy in trials

2. Grow wise with faith in trials

James wants the firstfruits to grow mature and be joyful about the growth process. Last time we looked at verses 2-4 and saw how trials make us more steadfast and help us grow mature. The analogy for us would be the need to develop a root system that will hold us fast when the storms pummel us. Think for a moment about how much a plant has to endure in order to get to the final harvest time, they have to endure many storms, scorching heat, periods of drought, and disease. The main point is to see how these trials are to be looked on with an attitude of joy because of the opportunity that they provide us to develop that mature root system.

James wants the firstfruits to be wise and have faith in God’s abilities. When we are in the midst of the trial, James gives us assurance that we can look to God for wisdom.

2. Grow wise with faith in trials

(ESV) — 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

James 1:5–8 ESV

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

James wants the firstfruits to be wise and have faith in God’s abilities. When we are in the midst of the trial, James gives us assurance that we can look to God for wisdom.

Verses 5-8 show us that we can get wisdom from God which is a huge benefit for our growth and development as we endure trials. We all search for wisdom in trials. We want the ability to find answers and come out of the trial still standing. James informs us that the source of that wisdom is God Himself. Wisdom is the ability to use the information in a way that benefits us and glorifies God.

Can you imagine a plant not knowing how to grow a root system or withstand the storms? God put that ability and intuition in the plant. In the same way, God gives us intuition and wisdom to survive the trials. In Norman Geisler’s book, I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist, he points out that God also gave each of us a brain with the capacity to hold a ton of information. He says that if you placed books on the seats and on the court of Madison Square Garden you could stack them until you fill the entire stadium with books. Now imagine a library that size. How could you find anything in it? James says that we need to rely on God to give us the indexing system that will spit out the right page of the right book from our library at the right time. We have to have faith that God will put this wisdom in us to withstand the trials, glorify Him, and continue to grow and be fruitful for Him.

James 1:5–8 (ESV) — 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Verses 5-8 show us that we can get wisdom from God which is a huge benefit for our growth and development as we endure trials. We all search for wisdom in trials. We want the ability to find answers and come out of the trial still standing. James informs us that the source of that wisdom is God Himself. Wisdom is the ability to use the information in a way that benefits us and glorifies God.

3. Be Humble with Love for God in trials

James wants the firstfruits to boast in their trials’ ability to humble them and exalt God, who they love most. No matter what the nature of our trial is, James wants the firstfruits to have love for God and a realization that He is going to bless me with the crown of life in the end.

Can you imagine a plant not knowing how to grow a root system or withstand the storms? God put that ability and intuition in the plant. God also gave each of us a brain with enough room for information to overfill Madison Square Garden with books. Now imagine a library that size. How could you find anything in it? James says that we need to rely on God to give us the indexing system that will spit out the right book from our library at the right time. We have to have faith that God will put this wisdom in us to withstand the trials, glorify Him, and continue to grow and be fruitful for Him.

James 1:9–12 ESV

9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. 12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

(ESV) — 9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. 12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

3. Be Humble with Love for God in trials

Verses 9-12 show us that the outcome of our life won’t depend on the starting point. Whatever our starting circumstances are, whether we are lowly or wealthy, we will all have to make our focus to remain steadfast in our faithfulness to God. For the lowly, notice how the lowly brother’s trials don’t need elaboration because having little is a trial unto itself. They can boast in their exaltation before God because they know humility in this world. For the rich he elaborates by saying that humiliation is what the rich can boast in because they must recognize that letting go of the earthly pursuits in life will allow them to pursue God. Whatever kind of harsh environment we are growing in, James wants us to love God most of all.

James wants the firstfruits to boast in their trials’ ability to humble thems and exalt God, who they love most. No matter what the nature of our trial is, James wants the firstfruits to have love for God and a realization that He is going to bless me with the crown of life in the end.

James 1:9–12 (ESV) — 9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. 12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

The riches of this earth don’t compare to God and His promises. We have to make sure that we aren’t getting our focus mixed up. Everyone around us pursues earthly crowns and success, but we have to make the relationship we have with God our greatest asset. James spends extra time discussing how the one who is pursuing riches will not endure the trial by using an illustration of the sun burning that plant up. This reminds me of the rocky and thorny soil in Jesus’ parables where it is said…

Matthew 13:20–22 ESV

20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.

Verses 9-12 show us that the outcome of your life won’t depend on the starting point. Whatever our starting circumstances are, whether we are lowly or wealthy, we will all have to make our focus to remain steadfast in our faithfulness to God. For the lowly, notice how the lowly brother’s trials don’t need elaboration because having little is a trial unto itself. For the rich he elaborates by saying that humiliation is what the rich can boast in because they must recognize that letting go of the earthly pursuits in life will allow them to pursue God. Whatever kind of harsh environment we are growing in, James wants us to love God most of all.

Matthew 13:20–21 ESV

20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.

(ESV) — 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.

The “root in himself” is a love for God that exceeds the love for self and the love for worldly riches. Humility will grow when we continue focus on God’s love as revealed through Christ and His lowliness and His suffering for us.

The riches of this earth don’t compare to God and His promises. We have to make sure that we aren’t getting our focus mixed up. Everyone around us pursues earthly crowns and success, but we have to make the relationship we have with God our greatest asset. James spends extra time discussing how the one who is pursuing riches will not endure the trial by using an illustration of the sun burning that plant up. This reminds me of the rocky soil in Jesus’ parables where it is said…

Matthew 13:20–21 (ESV) — 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.

Transition: Maturity, wisdom, and humility are joined to joy, faith, and a love for God. All of these are qualities that will take great effort to build in our trials, but they are essential attitudes to prepare us to be firstfruits.

4. Control desires with gratitude in trials

The root in himself is a love for God that exceeds the love for self and worldly riches. Let’s be sure that we aren’t focusing on the wrong thing.

Transition: Maturity, wisdom, and humility are joined to joy, faith, and a love for God. All of these are qualities that will take great effort to build in our trials, but they are essential attitudes to prepare us to be firstfruits.

The fourth thing to focus on is how our trials pull us away from doing the other three. Along with the trial comes temptations and falling to the temptations can wreck our preparations to be firstfruits. How difficult is it to have joy, faith, and love when the world tempts us to have sin, doubt, and hate? We don’t want to be mature, wise, or humble when everything is going wrong! We want to do what makes us feel better and sometimes that is not what is best for us.

(ESV) — 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

James 1:13–18 ESV

13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

4. Control desires with gratitude in trials

James wants the firstfruits to withstand the disease that is created inside when they desire things that are against God’s will. That disease of our own lustful desire is not some external disease created by the trial, but an internal disease created by the plant itself. If we die, it is not because God brought the trial. It’s not because we were tempted by God. As James says, God doesn’t tempt anyone. God allowing the trial to take place does not put Him at fault for the temptation that we feel as a result of our own desires. I am at fault for my inner desires. God only does things that are good for His treasured possession.

The fourth thing to focus on is how our trials pull us away from doing the other three. Along with the trial comes temptations and falling to the temptations can wreck our preparations to be firstfruits. How difficult is it to have joy, faith, and love when the world tempts us to have sin, doubt, and hate?

This means that, if I want to be the firstfruits of God, I need to get a grip on my desires. Self-control is not taught today. Many parents don’t have self-control and, even if they do, they aren’t teaching their children to have it. Our desires are the single most important thing to protect against the deception of corruption because the disease will spread throughout your whole body and kill you. Accepting a desire into your mind is like swallowing a pill. Then, that pill dissolves in your system and inside is a virus that wreaks havoc on your body. Then if you don’t seek help that virus kills you. You can’t help the fact that the pill is on the side of the road as you walk, but you are the only one responsible if you pick it up and put it in your mouth. Take every thought captive and don’t let the desire into your mind. If it gets in there, make the effort to remove it. God’s doesn’t want His firstfruits to open themselves up to disease.

James 1:13–18 (ESV) — 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

James wants the firstfruits to withstand the disease that is created inside when they desire things that are against God’s will. That disease of our own lustful desire is not some external disease created by the trial, but an internal disease created by the plant itself. If we die, it is not because God brought the trial. It’s not because we were tempted by God. As James says, God doesn’t tempt anyone. Him allowing the trial to take place does not put Him at fault for the temptation that we feel as a result of our own desires. I am at fault for my inner desires. God only does things that are good for His treasured possession.

Verse 17 shows us that God is the source of gifts to help us in the midst of our trials. We have to wonder what kind of gifts does He provide and how? In order to answer that, I’d like us to look closer at 17 and 18. The way that He says He provides gifts is interesting. He says those good and perfect gifts are from above, coming down from the Father of lights… Then, He goes on to say that He brought us forth to be firstfruits through the word. The idea in these two verses is that God planted the seed of the word in us and has given rain and sunshine from above to help us grow. In the midst of all the trials that go on in our lives, we must realize that God is always there. He steadfastly provides us with what we need to endure and grow to the point of being the best and most holy of all of His creation.

We need to trust that the one who provides the seed, the sun and rain is good and wants to see us through the trials of this life. He wants to help us grow into the biggest and greatest of harvests. He will help make us tough, mature, wise, humble, and controlled people who glorify His name.

This means that, if I want to be the firstfruits of God, I need to get a grip on my desires. Self control is not taught today. Many parents don’t have self control and, even if they do, they aren’t teaching their children to have it. Our desires are the single most important thing to protect against the deception of corruption because the disease will spread throughout your whole body and kill you. Accepting a desire into your mind is like swallowing a pill. Then, that pill dissolves in your system and inside is a virus that wreaks havoc on your body. Then if you don’t seek help that virus kills you. You can’t help the fact that the pill is on the side of the road as you walk, but you are the only one responsible if you pick it up and put it in your mouth. Take every thought captive and don’t let the desire into your mind. If it gets in there, make the effort to remove it. God’s doesn’t want His firstfruits to open themselves up to disease.

Conclusion

Verse 17 shows us that God is the source of gifts to help us in the midst of our trials. We have to wonder what kind of gifts does He provide and how? In order to answer that, I’d like us to look closer at 17 and 18. The way that He says He provides gifts is interesting. He says those good and perfect gifts are from above, coming down from the Father of lights… Then, He goes on to say that He brought us forth to be firstfruits through the word. The idea in these two verses is that God planted the seed of the word in us and has given rain and sunshine from above to help us grow. In the midst of all the trials that go on in our lives, we must realize that God is always there. He steadfastly provides us with what we need to endure and grow to the point of being the best and most holy of all of His creation.

We need to trust that the one who provides the seed, the sun and rain is good and wants to see us through the trials of this life. He wants to help us grow into the biggest and greatest of harvests. He will help make us tough, mature, wise, humble, and controlled people who glorify His name.

Remember your purpose and meaning in this life is to be the firstfruits of God. That means that you have been made the first and best of God’s creation. Remember you were delivered to offer your best and glorify God with your life. Don’t be like the Israelites who failed to be grateful. Our God is the one who brings us forth out of the ground and out of nothing. He starts the process of growth in us while considering us to be the best and most holy firstfruits of all His creatures. He helps us through the trials of this life. Our trials will inevitably try to stunt our growth or kill us, but God helps us grow tough, mature, wise, humble, and controlled.

Isn’t it amazing that God wants us to be His firstfruits? In the end there will be waiting for us a crown of life and we will get to spend eternity with the one who helps us grow into the best we can be.

Isaiah 55:10–13 (ESV) — 10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. 12 “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the Lord, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”

Conclusion

Remember your purpose and meaning in this life is to be the firstfruits of God. Remember your deliverance and offer your best to Him. Don’t be like the Israelites who failed to be grateful. Our God is the one who brings us forth out of the ground and out of nothing. He starts the process of growth in us while considering us to be the best and most holy firstfruits of all His creatures. He helps us through the trials of this life. Our trials will inevitably try to stunt our growth or kill us, but God helps us grow tough, mature, wise, humble, and controlled.

Isn’t it amazing that God wants us to be His firstfruits? In the end there will be waiting for us a crown of life and we will get to spend eternity with the one who helps us grow into the best we can be.