THE WORD OF GOD

THE WORD OF GOD.

James 1:12-27 (NASB) 12  Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13  Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14  But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15  Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. 16  Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17  Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. 18  In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. 19 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20  for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. 21  Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. 22  But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. 23  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; 24  for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. 25  But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. 26  If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless. 27  Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

WE HAVE A LOT TO COVER TODAY SO I DON'T WANT TO DELAY ANY BECAUSE FOR US TO GO THROUGH THIS WE SHOULD BE DONE BY 7 PM TODAY.

IN THIS PASSAGE THERE ARE MANY GOOD VERSES THAT APPLY TO ALL OF LIFE.

LAST WEEK WE DISCUSSED THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TRIAL AND A TEMPTATION.

TRIAL BEING A TEST FROM GOD TO SHOW US HOW WE ARE DOING IN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM.   HE USES THESE TRIALS FOR OUR OWN BENEFIT TO GROW US INTO COMPLETE FULL GROWN LITTLE CHRISTS.

James 1:12 (NASB) 12  Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

A TEMPTATION IS WHEN WE ARE DRAWN TO SIN AGAINST GOD BECAUSE OF OUR FLESHLY DESIRES.   THESE TEMPTATIONS ARE NOT SIN BUT IF WE ENTERTAIN THEM THEY LEAD TO SIN.  THEY WILL HINDER OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR SAVIOR AND AFFECT OUR WITNESS AND TESTIMONY FOR OUR SAVIOR.

James 1:13-15 (NASB) 13  Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14  But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15  Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.

SO WE CAN ENDURE TRIALS BUT EVEN EMBRACE THEM KNOWING THE PROMISES OF GOD IN HIS WORD AND THE RESULTS OF THE TRIALS.   WE CAN ALSO RESIST TEMPTATION KNOWING THE PROMISES OF GOD  IN HIS WORD.

HERE'S SOME MORE GOOD STUFF FOR US

James 1:16-17 (NASB) 16  Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17  Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

GOD HAS GIVEN US GOOD THINGS AND EVERY PERFECT GIFT HAS COME FROM GOD TO HELP US AND TO BLESS US.  HIS DESIRE IS FOR US TO BE COMPLETE,  PREPARED FOR EVERYDAY AND THE THINGS THAT COME.   WE HAVE HOPE IN HIM,   WE HAVE JOY IN HIM AND WE HAVE PEACE IN HIM.

GOD IS THE SAME YESTERDAY TODAY AND FOREVER.   THE THINGS THAT PLEASED GOD IN THE PAST STILL PLEASE HIM TODAY.

THE THINGS THAT OFFENDED GOD IN THE PAST STILL OFFEND HIM TODAY.

IT IS THROUGH HIM AND HIS WORD THAT WE CAN ENDURE THE TESTS WE NEED AND ALSO WE CAN RESIST THE TEMPATIONS THAT CAUSE US TO FALL AND TO FAIL.

EVEN BETTER ANY OF THOSE THINGS  JESUS PROMISES THAT GOD THE FATHER WILL GIVE US HIS OWN HOLY SPIRIT.

Luke 11:13 (NASB) 13 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?"

AS CHILDREN OF GOD WHO ARE ABUNDANTLY SHOWERED WITH GOOD GIFTS FROM GOD,  GRACEOUS, VALUABLE SATISFYING,  BEST FOR US BLESSINGS; WHY SHOULD ANYTHING EVIL HAVE ANY ATTRACTION AT ALL TO US.

JAMES SPEAKING TO HIS FELLOW CHRISTIANS IN SAYING DON'T BE DECEIVED IN THINKING GOD IS GIVING US SOMETHING THAT IS WELL,  NOT REALLY BAD BUT IT IS OK.    I THINK THIS IS FROM GOD AND I'M GOING TO EMBRACE THIS.  THIS WILL MAKE ME HAPPY AND THAT IS WHAT MY FATHER WANTS FOR ME.

DO NOT BE DECEIVED JAMES SAYS.

WE CAN KNOW FOR SURE 17  Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.    IF YOU WANT SOMETHING THAT GOES AGAINST SCRIPTURE IT IS NOT FROM GOD.

AND GOD WILL NOT CHANGE HIS CHARACTER FOR YOU TO ACCOMMODATE YOUR DESIRES.

AS A CHILD OF GOD WE NEED TO EMBRACE HIS CHARACTER IN SCRIPTURE AND REVEL IN THAT, BECAUSE WE KNOW HOW TO PLEASE HIM AND WE KNOW WHAT OFFENDS HIM.

SO WE KNOW HOW TO LIVE.

THIS NEXT VERSE IN  VERY SIGNIFICANT ABOUT OUR SALVATION EXPERIENCE

James 1:18 (NASB) 18  In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. DO YOU KNOW HOW SPECIAL YOU ARE AS A CHILD OF GOD?

LISTEN IN KJV

James 1:18 (KJV) 18  Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. John 3:16 (KJV) 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

GOD IN THE FORM OF THE 2ND PERSON LEFT HEAVEN CAME TO EARTH AND BECAME THE SON OF GOD.  THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON   JESUS.

JAMES TELLS  US THIS

James 1:18 (KJV) 18  Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

ORIGINAL TEXT SAYS   HAVING WILLED IT,  HE BROUGHT FORTH US.

BECAUSE GOD CHOSE TO,  SO THAT WE COULD ALSO BE A SON OR DAUGHTER OF GOD; BY AND THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD AND HIS SPIRIT WE CAN BECOME CHILDREN OF GOD

THE FIRST FRUITS WERE THE FIRST AND THE BEST OF THE CROPS THAT WAS WHAT THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL WERE TO BRING TO GOD AS AN OFFERING.

SO HOW MUCH DOES GOD LOVE YOU AS A CHILD OF GOD.    HE CHOSE YOU AND LED YOU AND WHEN YOU ACCEPTED THE GIFT OF SALVATION HE NOW DESIRES YOU TO BE THE FIRST FRUITS,   THE BEST COMPLETE MATURE BOND SERVANT OF JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD;   A CHOSEN CHILD OF GOD.    THIS HAPPEN THROUGH HIS WORD.

James 1:19 (NASB) 19  This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; James 1:19 (KJV) 19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

BECAUSE OF WHAT WE JUST DISCUSSED.   MY MUCH LOVED BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST.

James 1:19 (NASB) 19  This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;

THIS VERSE IS AWESOME.   YOU CAN APPLY THIS IN EVERY PART OF YOUR LIFE.

WITH YOUR WIFE!!!!!!!!

WITH YOUR PARENTS!!!!!!!!!

HOW ABOUT YOUR KIDS!!!!!!!!!

HOW ABOUT YOUR BOSS,  FRIENDS  OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS.

YOU WANT TO MAKE A LASTING ON ANYONE YOU DO THIS.

NOW A DISCLAIMER    QUICK TO HEAR, IS NOT LOOKING LIKE YOU ARE LISTENING.

ORIGINAL SAYS TO COMPREHEND BY HEARING.

THEN AFTER UNDERSTANDING   WE ARE TO THINK BEFORE WE SPEAK

VERY SLOW TO GET ANGRY.

BUT THIS IS NOT THE BIG PICTURE IN THIS VERSE.

TO GET THE BIG PICTURE HERE WE MUST READ ON.

James 1:19-27 (KJV) 19  Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20  For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. 21  Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. 22  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 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: 24  For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 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.

DO YOU SEE IT. IN ALL OF THESE VERSES,  WHAT IS  THE CONTEXT.

TODD FRIEL IN HOW TO STUDY SCRIPTURE HE SAY THE MOST IMPORTANT THING

CONTEXT CONTEXT CONTEXT.

THE ENGRAFTED WORD   THE PERFECT LAW OF LIBERTY.    THE WORD

James 1:19 (KJV) 19  Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: THREE THINGS IMPORTANT COMMANDS FOR THE CHILD OF GOD.

1.  BE QUICK TO HEAR.    QUICK TO COMPREHEND BY HEARING THE WORD OF GOD.

TO HEAR GOD'S WORD WITH A SUBMISSIVE ATTITUDE.

THE EAGER DESIRE TO READ, HEAR, TO MEDITATE ON,  TO HEAR PREACHED THE WORD OF GOD.    TO KNOW THE PROMISES OF GOD

TO KNOW THE WILL OF GOD,

TO KNOW GOD INTIMATELY COMES FROM HIS WORD.

LET EVERY CHILD OF GOD BE SWIFT TO HEAR THE WORD OF GOD.

2. TO BE SLOW TO SPEAK IS SOMEWHAT TIED TO QUICK TO LISTEN.

THE THOUGHT IS TO UNDERSTAND THEN AFTER THOUGHT SPEAK.

WHEN LISTENING TO GOD'S WORD OR EVEN READING GOD'S WORD WE MUST NOT SPEAK OR EVEN ESPECIALLY LET YOUR MIND RUN ON WHAT YOU WOULD SAY OR HOW YOU WILL RESPOND.   OUR FOCUS IS NOT ON SPEAKING BUT LISTENING.

MAYBE YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS IN CONVERSATION WITH OTHERS WHERE SOMEONE IS TALKING TO YOU AND SAYS SOMETHING THAT OFFENDS YOU AND YOUR MIND TAKES THE COMMENT AND RUNS WITH IT SO THAT YOU CAN'T HEAR.

THE IDEA HERE IS WHEN THE APPROPRIATE TIME TO SPEAK COMES WHAT IS SAID SHOULD BE CAREFULLY THOUGHT OUT.

AS A CHILD OF GOD WE NEED TO SPEAK THE TRUTH IN A WAY THAT BUILDS UP OTHERS AND GLORIFIES GOD.

3.  SLOW TO GET ANGRY.  IF YOU ARE SLOW TO SPEAK AFTER UNDERSTANDING A SITUATION AND YOU GET RIGHTEOUS ANGER IT MUST COME OUT WITH THE PURPOSE TO EDIFY OTHERS AND GLORIFY GOD.

MOST OFTEN THE WRATH/ ANGER OF MAN HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH GOD.

IT USUALLY COMES IN DEFENSE OF OURSELVES.

JAMES GIVES US INSIGHT ON HOW TO BE MATURE AND COMPLETE IN THIS LIFE

James 1:20-27 (NASB) 20  for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. 21  Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. 22  But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. 23  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; 24  for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. 25  But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. 26  If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless. 27  Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

THE WORD OF GOD  THE WORD OF GOD THE WORD OF GOD THIS IS THE CONTEXT.

THIS IS WHAT THE CHILD OF GOD NEEDS MORE THAN ANYTHING.   THE WORD OF GOD.

IN THE WORD WE FIND THE PROMISES OF GOD.

James 1:2-4 (NASB) 2  Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3  knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4  And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.Psalm 119:105 (KJV) 105

James 1:2-4 (NASB) 2  Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3  knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4  And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. AS A CHILD OF GOD YOUR ASIGNMENT THIS WEEK IS TO READ THE 119 PSALM.   ALL 160 VERSES WHICH SPEAK OF THE WORD OF GOD.