JAMES CHAPTER 2 --------- Brotherly Love

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INTRODUCTION

Jude devotes this part of his letter to testing.     In General the purpose of tests vary. In the academic world tests are administered to gage the progress of a student.  Ideas, hypothesis’, and plans are tested to gage their worth.  Love is also tested to find its depth.

Jude asks 10 questions in chapter two.  No one likes tests. So why did Jude ask so many rhetorical questions in this chapter?

I believe these questions were meant to cause the ready to think and perhaps look deep within himself.

OUTLINE
CHAPTER 2

Respecting others………………………………………………..1-7

The royal law ……….……………………………………………8-13

Faith and works ……..………………………………………..14-26

CHAPTER TWO Verses 1-7
Respecting Others

1  My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism.  2  For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, 3  and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?  5  Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?  6  But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court?  7  Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called?

*We will now discuss each of these verses separately.

  (1)  We who are children of God have received the gift of salvation not for anything we have done, but rather that we were predestined (Pre-known) before the foundation of the world.  A gift given to us by grace should not be hoarded and shared with only those who you happen to like.  Jesus treated all who came to Him the same, with no partiality given to any.  In God’s eyes all who have accepted His Son are seen through the blood of Jesus and therefore spotless and equal, none being better than the other.  When greeting a brother or sister in Christ we too should see them as God sees them; equal in every respect. 

Our testimony becomes tarnished if we fall into a click.  No church is immune from clicks.  Those people who have more in common with each other tend to gather together and fellowship more, or may socialize with the other members of the click exclusively.

(2-4)  A.B. Simpson ; is the founder of the Christian and missionary alliance church.  Simpson pastored a large Presbyterian church in New York.  He met with great resistance from his church leaders, because he was inviting immigrants into the church. He was deeply convicted by the Holy Spirit to minister to the immigrants; who were pouring into NYC.  He believed there should be no partiality in the church.  Because he could not convince the church of the error of there ways, he resigned from the church and formed the C&MA.

Rather than take an accusatory approach, James decided he would illustrate Christ like behavior through a story.  His story illustrates giving preferential treatment of one person over another, for any reason was wrong.  There were not a great many people guilty of giving preferential treatment, but even a few was far too many.  Once a seed is planted it must be nurtured to come to life and if weeds (sin) are not plucked out, these weeds/sins will take over the entire garden.

The very act of preferential treatment, in your heart or actions establishes yourself as judge and jury.  James goes further and states those that do this do so for selfish reasons.  Often times we see people put others down just to make themselves look and feel better.

(6 & 7 )  James, showing his love and concern for the wellbeing of the church, felt it necessary to stress the importance of non-partiality. 

Jesus ministered to all who would listen.  Jesus did not come to save only the righteous but rather all who were lost, which included both rich and poor.  Jesus spent the majority of the time witnessing to the poor.    Jesus knew the poor had great needs while the rich, having much in earthly possessions, had fewer needs, and would not hear the truth (Mark 10:25 ). 

Ian Mackervoy writes: “God chose those whom people in the world consider poor to be rich in faith. God has not limited his choice to poor people, but they have been his first choice.” 

Why did Mackervoy say the poor was God’s first choice?

We will see the answer in the next few verses.

The Royal Law
verses 8-13

adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.  12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty.  13  For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment. 8   If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.  9  But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.  10  For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.  11  For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not commit murder.” Now if you do not commit

  What is the Royal Law?

(8)  This is called the Royal Law because of its originator, Jesus.  Laws are usually given to keep people from doing certain things.  God’s Royal Law is different in that it tells people what God expects from us.  Jesus gave us this law which was recorded as follows: John 13:34, which says “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” When a person loves another they do not put themselves above that person, nor do they draw judgements about the one they love.  This new commandment Jesus gave became part of the Law of God. 

(9 & 10 )   There is a saying that respect is earned; and this is correct.  However James is talking about basic respect here, which is due all people.  We are all equal in God’s eyes one no better than another.  God does not say I prefer this one because he gives more money than that one.  Consider the story of the poor widow and what Jesus taught (Mark 12:41-42).

God’s Law in its entirety must be obeyed.  Anyone who violates any portion of the law violates the entire law.

(11)  We have spoken of the law of love.  This law is one section of God’s law.  When people think of God’s law the Ten Commandments come to mind; and rightfully so, however the Ten Commandments are only part of God’s Law. Many people forget Jesus’s commandment to love one another which is part of God’s law.  To violate any part of God’s law is a sin and carries the same punishment.

What is the law of freedom? 

(12) The law of liberty/freedom is the law of God.  In following God’s law we are set free from sin and the resulting judgement of that sin.

(13)  James is telling his readers of the seriousness of violating any part of God’s law.  For those who do not follow God’s law the judgement will be severe.  To those who gave no mercy, none shall be given.  The Law of love will be satisfied by those who show mercy.

We are not to stand in judgement of others, but rather show compassion and mercy.  Judgement has been given only to Jesus (John 5:27; Luke 1: 37).   God has forgiven those who have accepted Jesus.  Jesus purchased our freedom with His own blood; we did not deserve mercy.  However He gave us mercy because of His love. 

Faith and works

14  What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?  15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?  17  Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.   18 But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”  19  You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.  20 But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?  21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar?  22  You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” and he was called the friend of God.  24  You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. 

(14)  Faith is based in love.  If we do not have love for one another; our faith is hollow and is without substance.  The proof of our faith in our belief in Jesus as Lord and Messiah is shown by our works.  Jesus showed us His love on Calvary.  This agape love is shown through our works. (John 3:16, 13:35, 17:23; Matthew 25: 34-40) .

(15, 16)  As humans we have five basic needs; food, water, clothing shelter, and most importantly a Spiritual need.  These basic needs fall into the category of urgent needs.  Physical needs must be met to sustain the body.  Our spiritual need, that is to know and draw closer to Jesus, must be satisfied to complete us as children of God.

Do I give money to beggars who appear in need, but maybe panhandling in order to buy drugs?

This is a question you will not be able to answer on your own.  Therefore If you have the resources, and the Holy Spirit moves you to give do so. 

All questions should be ready to provide the information needed for a person to fulfill their spiritual need.  The Christian who has the means to furnish these five needs and does not, has failed to obey the Royal Law (John 14:21). 

(17,18)  James is telling his readers to bring their faith to life with works in accordance with the Royal Law.  Without works your faith is dead serving only you.  Faith that is expressed through action is shared to all who receive, and or witness your faith through your deeds.

Johann A. Bengel writes: “Faith" is said to be "dead in itself," because when it has works it is alive, and it is discerned to be so, not in respect to its works, but in respect to itself.”

(19)  There is but one God.  Other references to monotheism are found in: Malachi 2:10, I Corinthians 8:6, Ephesians 4:6.  In John 10:30  Jesus states: “I and the Father are one.”   Which identifies Him as God.  The belief in monotheism (the belief in one God) was begun with the Jews, and later adopted by thee Christians.  The difference being Christians believe, as John did, that Jesus and the Father are one, whereas Jews do not. Lucifer and his demons all believe in one God, and believed Jesus to be the Son of God (Mark 3:11).  Demons fear even the name of Jesus because they know He has power over them.  Believing in the existence of God does not by itself save you.  Salvation only comes in the acceptance of Jesus as the perfect Lamb of God; who was slain to set the world free from sin.

(20) James begins this verse with a question, “are you willing to be instructed?” When speaking of faith James is not just considering the basic definition of faith “…the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrew 11:1) but rather a broader definition.  In this broad definition the apostle Paul writes:   “For in it (faith)the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith (Romans 1:17)”.  Paul, probably quoting Habakkuk 2:4, is telling his readers in Rome; by putting their faith into practice they become living testimonies of Gods righteousness.  I believe James had this same quote in mind when he wrote this passage.  James continues his plea in verse 21.

(21) God put Abraham to the test, asking him to sacrifice his only son (a foreshadowing of Jesus’s sacrifice).  God knew how much Abraham loved Him and the depths of his faith.  The test was for Abraham and his sons sake.  To show Abraham that God would provide.  The test also showed Isaac that his faith in his father was justified by his father’s faith in God.

As Christians our faith must be tested from time to time for the same reasons that Abrahams faith was tested.  

(23)  James is quoting Genesis 15:6 in saying Abraham was righteous with God, in that he believed in God and His promise to him.  Abraham, by faith, obeyed God and set fourth for the land he was promised; not knowing anything about this land.

In this verse we see the phrase “ and it was reckoned”.  This phrase in Greek is chashab khaw-shab'  which has several meanings, however the meaning most significant here is regard or valued.   God valued Abraham acceptance of God’s love, and because of this love Abraham had faith in God and His promise.  Abraham did not earn, nor could he have earned Gods love; His love was given to him by grace. 

(24)  Knowing what faith is, and its origin, and by Abrahams example, we can now see faith must produce works to be righteous.  Failure to put your faith into works avails nothing; whereas works of faith yields the blessings of God fulfilled in your life.

25  In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?  26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

*Click on link If you are not familiar with the Harlot Rahab.

 The word justified was translated from the Greek: dikaioo dik-ah-yo'-o from 1342; to render (i.e. show or regard as) just or innocent:--free, justify(-ier), be righteous.

We read in  Hebrews 11:31 “By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.”  

Now Rahab was a harlot (a sinner by her actions).  However   she obeyed the word of God as given to her through Joshua’s spies .  We see an example of faith, in the story of Rahab; faith put into action.  Because of her demonstration of faith she was saved from death.  Had Rahab not believed in what the spies told her, and failed to have faith she would have perished along with all the residence of the city.  We do not know if she was forgiven of her sins, only that she was not killed. 

Just as a body is dead if it does not have a spirit, so also is faith dead, if it has no love producing works (Galatians 5:6 ).

    

JAMES CHAPTER ONE The Testing of Your Faith

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(#) This is a verse reference number

Introduction to James

James was the half-brother to Jesus.  He was born of Joseph and Mary; whereas Jesus was born of God and Mary.  We are not sure of when or how James was converted to Christianity.  We can speculate from 1 Corinthians 15:7, Jesus Himself converted James from Judaism to Christianity.  James became a very important leader with great authority in the Church (Acts 12:17; 15:13-29; 21: 17&18). 

James places his emphasis on Christian living.  There is no doubt James reflects the divine teaching and mind of Jesus.  James was concerned more about ethical and moral standards rather than writing of church theology.    

Chapter Synopsis

“He addresses the dispersed twelve tribes, James 1:1. Shows that they should rejoice under the cross, because of the spiritual good which they may derive from it, especially in the increase and perfecting of their patience, James 1:2-4. They are exhorted to ask wisdom of God, who gives liberally to all, James 1:5. But they must ask in faith, and not with a doubting mind, James 1:6-8. Directions to the rich and the poor, James 1:9-11. The blessedness of the man that endures trials, James 1:12. How men are tempted and drawn away from God, James 1:13-15. God is the Father of lights, and all good proceeds from him, James 1:16-18. Cautions against hasty words and wrong tempers, James 1:19-21. We should be doers of the word, and not hearers merely, lest we resemble those who, beholding their natural face in a glass, when it is removed forget what manner of persons they were, James 1:22-24. We should look into the perfect law of liberty, and continue therein, James 1:25. The nature and properties of pure religion, James 1:26, James 1:27.” [ADAM CLARKE]

Greeting
Verse 1

1  James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.

Even though James was half-brother to Jesus, he assumed the role of a servant to God; referring to Jesus as the Christ only once (James 2:1). James avoided any appearance of vanity or boasting being the brother of Jesus.  James, now an apostle of Jesus did not come to the realization of who Jesus was until after His resurrection. 

While Paul was commissioned to bring the gospel to the Gentile, James’ mission was to the converted Jew.  The Christian Jews were spread though out the Roman empire.  It was ordained by God that the converted Jews be dispersed throughout the known world.  Christopher Wordsworth writes: “The dispersion of the Israelites, and their connection with Jerusalem as a center of religion, was a divinely ordered means of propagating Christianity. The pilgrim troops of the law became caravans of the Gospel.”

Why is Our Faith Tested?
Verses 2 - 11

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.

Even though Saul, the persecutor, was now Paul the apostle, Christian Jews still faced many hardships and ridicule testing their faithfulness. 

Why did God test their faith in this way?  God allowed their testing to strengthen them.  Like a piece of steel it must first be tempered in the fire and hammered into shape before it becomes a sword.  Faith that flees at the first sign of trouble is useless, producing nothing of use.  It is a phenomenon that where religious persecution exists, the numbers of those practicing this religion grows.  Some of our biggest church are growing because they are located in countries which prohibit Christian teaching.

   

5  But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.  7  For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8  being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

For those who prefer the King James translation, the word “But” is omitted.  The original Greek manuscripts do have this word.  James uses “But” to draw attention to how difficult reaching a point of wanting nothing (V4) can be, and therefore his advice is to seek wisdom from God; having faith without doubting that God will provide it in abundance (K.J. liberally); see also Mark 11:23 & Matthew 21:21 .   Having doubt causes a person to be swayed easily, making such a person of little use.  Henry Alford writes “God gives without adding aught which may take off from the graciousness of the gift.”

Doubt is a tool of Satan, who uses it to confuse and sway believers away from the Lord.

 

9  But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; 10 and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away.  11 For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.

James is speaking to those who are poor, who may feel inferior to the more affluent.  Often when our earthly possessions are meager compared to others, we might feel worthless, forgetting perhaps our hopeful future with God.  In God’s eyes material wealth is unimportant when compared to the value of one's soul; the proof being in Jesus’ sacrifice on Calvary.  So therefore rejoice in your hope.

(10) There are some with great wealth who do not flaunt their wealth and are humble; while others boast of their wealth saying look what I have achieved.  The humble man will have riches in heaven while the boaster will not receive God’s blessings.  The rich man might enjoy his earthly possessions while they last; however if this rich man places these earthly things, which are temporal, above God who is infinite, he is endangering his eternal soul. 

(11)  James draws an illustration which his readers would be very familiar with.  Israel is a dry arid place.  The land receives very hot south-east winds off the desert.  This wind could burn the vegetation in an hour.  The sun in the summer is very hot and could dry up the vegetation in a days' time.   This was an excellent example of how easily worldly possessions can be taken away.

So is it bad to be wealthy?

James is not saying it is a sin to be rich, but rather he is saying if you are blessed with wealth, the Christian should not boast of it; lest they become corrupted by the power wealth brings.  Wealth in and by itself is not the evil it is the lust for money which is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10); in that it replaces God in men’s hearts.  Jesus has warned us that “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” and It is simpler for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a man of wealth to come into the kingdom of God.”  (Mark 10:25; Luke 18:25; Matthew 19:24 ).

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.

Literal translation of “been approved” is having been tested.  If we were to substitute the first part of this verse it would read “… a man who has been tested…”. [2]

The term “the crown” is translated from the Greek word stephanos stef'-an-os from an apparently primary stepho (to twine or wreathe); a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fillet.[2]  Paul in his letter to Corinth compares the wreath received in the games as temporal whereas the wreath Jesus will give us is eternal (I Corinthians 9:25 ).

Ian Mackervoy writes:  “Those who overcome the trials of this life have real joy. They have proved their trust in God. They can look for the blessing that God has promised. This is the crown of life. God will give it to those who love him. It will be that better life that they will enjoy after this life ends. The crown and the life are the rewards that God will give to those who have real faith in him.”

 

It is extremely difficult to feel blessed when trials come our way.  How then do we overcome the feelings of abandonment, fear, depression, and in some instances physical pain resulting from these trials?

We must rely on our faith in the promises Jesus made “… I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20), and in John 14:18  Jesus says “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."  So therefore ask, in faith, for Jesus to give you strength and courage during times of stress (James 1:6). Remember, God allows this testing to strengthen you, and to prove to yourself, that through Jesus all things are possible.  Therefore rejoice in these trials for God loves you, and because you love Him He allows this testing.

 

Seeking Evil Instead of God
Verses 13-21

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.

When trials come it is human nature to point the finger of blame to someone other than yourself.  Far too often that finger gets pointed at God, saying how could you allow this thing to happen to me.  Often times we bring about troubles upon ourselves because we fail in trusting in God for all things, resulting in poor decisions.

Temptation is a tool used by Satan in an attempt to lure us into sinning against God (Job 1:13).  To be tempted means to be enticed to sin.  God cannot be tempted to sin, nor will he tempt you to sin.  Through Jesus we can resist any temptation Satan can bring. 

14  But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.

We are our own worst enemy.  Because of our carnal desires, we are tempted to sin.  Without Jesus we would fall prey to these temptations.  Do not cast the finger of blame at others when it is you who yielded to sin.

[6] Ian Mackervoy writes: “The source of the temptation is in ourselves. The fault is in the desires and the weakness of our human nature. Those who sin have no excuse for their sin. It was their own choice and they are responsible for it. Our desires tempt us. They make us want to do what we know to be wrong. The trap for us is our own weakness. That which is not good attracts us. We could refuse to do it. But if we do not refuse we fail and sin.”

We must therefore come before our Lord daily, asking Him in faith, to give us strength to resist the temptations of our carnal being.

15  Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.

Notice the progression towards sin.  The sin spoken of here is the unchecked carnality of man.  A man will behold the temptress with his eyes leading to lust in his heart for what he sees.  As I have said before, guard your gateways against sin.  Guard against those things that are viewed by you.  If you choose to view pornography, your eyes will awaken the lust that lies in every man; this decision will lead you down a slippery slope towards sin. 

The second portal is what you hear.  You have the choice to listen to lies and deceitfulness or to righteousness.  There is a saying that if you tell a lie often enough, you will believe that lie.  I also believe if you hear the same lie often enough you will believe that lie as well.  What you choose to listen to will bring you to destruction, or to the saving grace of Jesus; it is your choice which to listen to. 

At any point on this pathway we can choose the path of righteousness.  If we become ensnared by these traps the longer we remain in them the more difficult it becomes to recognize the danger and ask our Lord for help.  Again guard your gateways.

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.

James gives a warning here to be on guard against lies that would try to convince you God brought this thing upon you.  James tells us, and his readers God only brings forth that which is good, and there is no deceit in Him.

James calls God, the Father of lights; because He created the lights in the heavens (Genesis 4:20 Genesis 4:21 , Hebrews 12:9 ), and He himself is light, with no darkness in Him (I John 1:5).  Light coming from all directions at the same time will not cast a shadow.  James points out this type of light (God’s light) is always constant, unwavering, enveloping us, and is always pure.

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.

We see a prime example of talking without listening on Television forums, two people of opposing views, will interrupt up each other, before the other person has finished talking.  When this happens everyone loses; the one talking, the one being interrupted, and everyone else who is trying to listen.  I think, to some extent, we can all plead guilty to this.  When a person talks he hears only his own voice, which cancels out the others voice.  Not only is this extremely rude, but it also tells people that you think your opinion is the only one that matters.

When you feel you are not being heard by the other; the volume of your voice increases.  Each end up screaming to be heard, and when that fails, frustration sets in, and anger ensues.  Not only will anger not solve the problem the result of this anger, sin will not please 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.

Use of “Therefore” - James, having warned them in verses 19&20, continues with additional guidance.  Saying do not dwell on those carnal things which will lead you astray; put these thoughts and anger out of your mind; that you may remain righteous through Christ Jesus.  Your soul can be likened to soil which has been prepared for the seed.  Like weeds in a garden, we must first rid ourselves of impure thoughts, deeds, and anger or malice towards another, to prepare our hearts for the word of God.  The word of God, like a seed, needs to be planted in fertile ground, free of anything which might hinder growth. Once the seed is planted it must be nurtured for it to grow and bear fruit.

To summarize; Once we have confessed our sin and have been forgiven those sins, we must put them behind us and begin our growth through the word of God.

Testing Obedience
Verses 22-25

22  But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.

There are far too many people who listen, or perhaps even read the word of God believing that to be sufficient.  What good is it to learn how to live if you if you do not those teaching into practice in your life?  This would be like good seed, which lands on fallow ground (Matthew 13:1-7 & 19).  We must put the word of God to productive use in our lives, changing our lives; transforming us to a living testimony of Jesus.  Faith without works is hollow and avails little.  Therefore listen, and read the word of God, and then become doers of the word (James 2:20; James 2:26 & James 2:17).

[6] Ian Mackervoy writes: “To receive the word means more than just to hear it. They must do what the word says. They must hear. But, unless they do what it says, it is of no benefit. It is not true that, by merely hearing the word of God, it will save them. If they think that all they need is to hear the word, they lie to themselves. To hear the word of God and not to obey it is a serious mistake.”

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.

The word of God reveals the inner man.  People tend to shy away from reading the Bible, or skip certain books, chapters, or verses because it makes them feel uncomfortable (guilt).  Sometimes people might be listening to a sermon and something the pastor says makes them feel uncomfortable.  This is a reflection of unconfessed sin lying deep within our souls; sin we may have never thought of before.  This sin, like all sin separates us from God and keeps us from experiencing spiritual growth.  If we choose to ignore this uncomfortable feeling we will soon forget what made us feel uncomfortable.  Remember the Holy Spirit is speaking to us when we feel guilty when we have not heeded or ignored God’s word.

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.

James is speaking about the law written upon the hearts of Christians; this is the perfect law; showing the purpose of God.  By abiding in, and putting into practice, this perfect law, we are set free from the guilt of sin, and experience Christian growth. Those who fail to put this perfect law into practice, will not experience freedom from guilt (brought about by sin), and their Christian growth will stagnate.

Ian Mackervoy writes: “The word of God becomes a delight as they obey it. They will mature in their experience of God. God will bless those who love him and obey his law. They look into the word of God. They study it and think about that law of God. They do what God asks them to do. God blesses them now. And he promises them a good future that has no end.”

 

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.

“to be religious” – That is to say, a person thinking of oneself as being pious.

How can a person be pious when he speaks without thinking, and thereby deluding himself?  How can a person be pious, when he deludes himself into believing that his thoughts are more important, or perhaps more righteous than others?

We have all heard that our tongues are like a two edged sword. Proverbs 12:18 states it this way “There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing.”  The wise man puts the clutch of thought in before running his mouth.

The damage caused by a careless word can bring great pain to another.  While a kind, empathetic word can sooth many sorrows.  When a person, who thinks of himself as being righteous, and yet causes pain to another by his words; what sort of testimony is he showing?  Remember to put the clutch of thought in, before running your mouth, and you will avoid much damage.

True Religion

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.

What is religion? 

According to Webster religion is (a) :  the state of a religious <a nun in her 20th year of religion>(b) (1) :  the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2) :  commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance.

James defines pure religion as being doers of the word, and uses the example; visiting orphans and widows.  We are not to take a passive role in our worship of God, but rather to apply those principles brought forth in His word.  In Matthew 25:34-40 we see Jesus saying “… ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’ Jesus was telling them, and us, to put into practice His teachings, by giving aid and comfort to those who have a need; to give freely and ungrudgingly of your time, and resources.

CREDITS AND CITATIONS

[1] – All verses are copied from the New American Standard Bible

[2]- Greek translation are derived from Crosswire.org/study bible and Strong’s Exhaustive concordance

[4] – Wikipedia.org

[5] – commentary The Scofield bible and it’s commentaries.

[6] – Commentary Christian beliefs and behavior By:  Ian Mackervoy

[7] – Commentary Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown

[8]- Commentary by Adam Clarke

For other commentaries visit the online Preceptaustin

OTHER SOURCES

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