James 1:17

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” ()

These are “spiritual blessings” ().

God is the Author of mercies, special and saving grace and regeneration (1:18).

"Every good and perfect gift”

These gifts all lead to our eventual perfection.

The initial saving grace, grace that grows and matures us, and grace that will bring us to that final and eternal state, is a gift of God!

Though eternal death be our wages, yet eternal life is a gift ().

From initial salvation to glory is all by the gift and from the free mercy of God!

“is from above”

That is from heaven.

Our gifts were fashioned and designed there and “above” is all their aim to lead us and is the place where they’ll be fully enjoyed (Read )

“in heavenly places” is where these gifts originated and it’s where they’ll all culminate one day.

“coming down from the Father of lights”

“Father” is the first cause of these gifts. He’s the creator of these gifts.

the Father of lights,

As the glorious Father is the author of all perfections!

“who does not change like shifting shadows.”

God always remains the same.

Knowing that God is the Author of all things that are good helps to protect us from many things.

(1.) Glorying in ourselves. Who would magnify himself in that which is from above?

(2.) Insultation, or vaunting it over others. Had we all from ourselves, the highest might have the highest mind; but ‘who made you to differ?’ .

So then, if God is the Father of lights, then apply yourself to God!

If you want the light of grace, or knowledge, or comfort, you must shine in his beam and be kindled at his flame.

We are dark bodies till the Lord fill us with his own glory.

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord shines over you.” ()

We, like the moon, are dark bodies, and have no light rooted within ourselves; the Lord must arise upon us before we can shine.

So also in point of comfort:

"Those who look to him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed.” ()

2. It showeth the reason why wicked men hate God: , ‘Light is come into the world, and men love darkness rather than light;’ and again,

‘They come not to the light, for their deeds are evil.’

Men that delight in darkness cannot endure God, nor anything that represents God.

Rachel could not endure Laban’s search, nor wicked men God’s eye. He is the Father of lights; he hath a discerning eye, and a discovering beam.

He is the Father of lights; he hath a discerning eye, and a discovering beam.

3. It presses the children of God to walk in all purity and innocency: ‘Ye are children of light, walk in the light,’ .

Walk so as you may resemble the glory of your Father:

faults in you, like spots in the moon, are soon discerned.

You that are the lights of the world should not shine dimly; nay, in the worst times,

like stars in the blackest night, you should shine brightest; therefore the apostle saith, , ‘Shine as stars in the midst of a perverse age.’