21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. 26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
Commentary
Vs. 21 Given against the backdrop of our being the firstfruits of God's creatures through His Word (vs. 18). The Apostle James here commands that we "lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls."
Thus we are to live lives that are utterly different then the godless and wicked of this world who neither receive the love of the truth, nor obey it (2 Thess. 2:9-12, vs. 10). Lives which magnify the truth of God by our obedience to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Now as you may have already speculated the word James uses here that is translated filthiness is a reference to "moral impurity", that is those sins, specifically those sexual sins, that are in violation of God's law, and thus defile ones person (see Lev 18). And so in this world where an ever increasing moral degeneracy is taking place right before our collective eyes, it is incumbent upon us all who believe in Jesus Christ to make a marked distinction in our conduct as too what is of God and what is not, and thus what is morally right and justifiable in the eyes of God, and what is not (consider Matt 7:13-14). Therefore as the firstfruits of God's creation we are commanded to lay aside all "filthiness", and overflow (lit. abundance) of wickedness that is of this world, and or is in our lives. And rather receive with meekness the implanted Word, which is able to save our souls. For simply going to church does not make anyone right in the sight of God, nor does being involved in various Christian ministries (all which is good, but none of it is the remedy for sin in ones life). Rather Jesus Christ's healing begins in ones life when one sees their need for Him and in faith repents and believes in Him (Matt 9:9-13), and thus receives with meekness the implanted Word (that is the eternally established Word of God) which is fully able to save their soul. For it is ones reception of the Living Word of God that both saves as well as sanctifies ones entire person, cleansing them from all their sins through the blood of Jesus Christ and making them a new creation In Christ, with new Godly drives, passions, and desires.
Vs. 22 And so connecting the Apostle James exhortations in verse nineteen to twenty one, we are first to be swift to hear, rather than too speak. For it's with a hearing ear (and thus an open heart) that we receive with meekness the implanted Word, which is able to save our souls. And so here the Apostle James having given us exhortations to first hear, then receive with meekness the implanted Word, now says for us all to practice it. "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." And so we have the formula: hear the Word; receive (i.e. believe) the Word; practice the Word of God. For that is Christian discipleship 101. For only then does the transforming power of the Lord Jesus Christ through the Gospel of God take place in ones life. For as the Apostle James says here one can deceive themselves by simply hearing the Word of God and not putting it into practice. Because simply sitting in pew on Sunday morning and "listening" to the preacher speak transforms no-one. Unless you are willing to take into your heart what you hear and do something with it, it will neither transform you, nor anyone else in your sphere of influence. For God only works in our lives (and the lives of others) when we are willing to both hear Him and obey Him
Vs. 23-25 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
The Apostle James in using the analogy of a man looking at himself in a mirror then going away and immediately forgetting what kind of man he was, is in many ways the perfect analogy of the Christian who receives the Word of God, but by not putting it into practice immediately forgets what kind of person they now are, and thus they inevitably fall into all kinds of personal and spiritual perils. And so in contrast to that James says: "But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does." vs. 25
Thus not a casual glance as word in other contexts implies. But here literally as one who stoops down to observe something, as one who is not only inquisitive, but is a diligent inquirer, and so looking into the perfect law of liberty, they take it to heart and seek to live it out in their lives. Thus they are not a forgetful hearer, like one who hears a sermon, goes home, and then does nothing with it. Instead they become a doer of the work, and so they are blessed in what they do (consider Psalm 1; 40:4; 41:1-2; 94:12-15; 103:6; 112; 128:1-4; Prov. 10:7; 20:7; 22:9; Rev 22:12-17). For growth in a Christians life does not come by idleness (consider 2 Timothy 2:22; Heb. 12:14; 1 Peter 3:8-12, vs. 11; 2 Peter 1:5-11). Growth in the Christians life comes by doing. For having been born-again by God's Word through faith in Jesus Christ we are too put it into practice in our lives, and thus grow in grace and truth, and thus grow in the qualities that make for a Christians fruitfulness and peace. For the Word of God is only profitable for one if one both believes it, and seeks to obey it (Hebrews 4:2). For having been delivered from the powers of darkness and transferred into the Kingdom of the Son of God's love, our place is now secure with Christ (John 10:27-30; Eph. 4:30; Col 1:13). So that we can live lives that are a both pleasing to God, and a blessing too others as well (Titus 3:8).
Vs. 26-27
26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
The Apostle James now moves from imagery and back into practical faith living. His focus is the tongue, specifically that we learn to bridle ours (consider Prov. 13:2-3; 21:23). Since nothing is more defeating to a Christians own personal walk and witness then an unbridled tongue. For in the Scriptures the unbridled tongue is always the mark of the ungodly, the wicked, and or the fool and thus such should have no place amongst brethren (Eph. 4:29; Col. 3:8).
For various wisdom passages concerning the tongues of the wicked, the ungodly, and the fool see Psalm 5:9; 10:3-7; 12:3-4; 15:15; 36:3; 50:16-21; 52:1-7; 57:4; 59:7-12; 62:4; 64:1-9; 73:8-9; 78:36; 109:2; 144:8, 11; Prov. 6:12-15; 10:6, 11, 14, 31-32; 11:9, 11; 12:6; 14:3; 15:4; 17:4, 20; 18:6-7, 20, 21; 19:28; 21:6; 22:14; 24:7; 25:23; 26:7, 9; 26:28 etc. and so contrast these with Psalm 17:3; 19:14; 34:13; 35:28; 37:30-31; 39:1; 40:3; 49:3; 51:15; 54:2; 63:5, 11; 71:8, 15, 24; 89:1; 109:30; 119:13, 108, 131, 172; 120:2-3; 126:1-3; 141:3; 145:21; Prov. 8:8-9, 13; 10:20; 10:31; 12:14, 18-19; 14:3; 15:2, 4, 23, 28; 16:23; 21:23; 27:2; 28:23; 31:26; Ecc. 5:2; 10:12-13 etc.).
And so having cautioned us against having unruly or undisciplined mouths (also see 1 Peter 3:8-12), the Apostle James now says that "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." vs. 27
To visit widows and orphans in their time of need is too minister too the most vulnerable in society. At least that is how it was in the ancient world. And so now wherever there is people or people groups who are likewise neglected, in need, or at risk of mistreatment, or being mistreated, there is a duty for the Christian too bring the gospel to life to them and minister it in tangible ways to them, (consider Luke 10:29-37). For where there is a legitimate need, there is a legitimate ministry.
Scripture Citations
filthiness: Str 4507; GK 4864; LN 88.256
overflow: Str 4050; GK 4353; TDNT 6.63; TDNTA 828; LN 59.53, 78.31
implanted: Str. 1721; GK 1875; LN 85.31
Commentary
Vs. 21 Given against the backdrop of our being the firstfruits of God's creatures through His Word (vs. 18). The Apostle James here commands that we "lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls."
Thus we are to live lives that are utterly different then the godless and wicked of this world who neither receive the love of the truth, nor obey it (2 Thess. 2:9-12, vs. 10). Lives which magnify the truth of God by our obedience to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Now as you may have already speculated the word James uses here that is translated filthiness is a reference to "moral impurity", that is those sins, specifically those sexual sins, that are in violation of God's law, and thus defile ones person (see Lev 18). And so in this world where an ever increasing moral degeneracy is taking place right before our collective eyes, it is incumbent upon us all who believe in Jesus Christ to make a marked distinction in our conduct as too what is of God and what is not, and thus what is morally right and justifiable in the eyes of God, and what is not (consider Matt 7:13-14). Therefore as the firstfruits of God's creation we are commanded to lay aside all "filthiness", and overflow (lit. abundance) of wickedness that is of this world, and or is in our lives. And rather receive with meekness the implanted Word, which is able to save our souls. For simply going to church does not make anyone right in the sight of God, nor does being involved in various Christian ministries (all which is good, but none of it is the remedy for sin in ones life). Rather Jesus Christ's healing begins in ones life when one sees their need for Him and in faith repents and believes in Him (Matt 9:9-13), and thus receives with meekness the implanted Word (that is the eternally established Word of God) which is fully able to save their soul. For it is ones reception of the Living Word of God that both saves as well as sanctifies ones entire person, cleansing them from all their sins through the blood of Jesus Christ and making them a new creation In Christ, with new Godly drives, passions, and desires.
Vs. 22 And so connecting the Apostle James exhortations in verse nineteen to twenty one, we are first to be swift to hear, rather than too speak. For it's with a hearing ear (and thus an open heart) that we receive with meekness the implanted Word, which is able to save our souls. And so here the Apostle James having given us exhortations to first hear, then receive with meekness the implanted Word, now says for us all to practice it. "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." And so we have the formula: hear the Word; receive (i.e. believe) the Word; practice the Word of God. For that is Christian discipleship 101. For only then does the transforming power of the Lord Jesus Christ through the Gospel of God take place in ones life. For as the Apostle James says here one can deceive themselves by simply hearing the Word of God and not putting it into practice. Because simply sitting in pew on Sunday morning and "listening" to the preacher speak transforms no-one. Unless you are willing to take into your heart what you hear and do something with it, it will neither transform you, nor anyone else in your sphere of influence. For God only works in our lives (and the lives of others) when we are willing to both hear Him and obey Him
Vs. 23-25 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
The Apostle James in using the analogy of a man looking at himself in a mirror then going away and immediately forgetting what kind of man he was, is in many ways the perfect analogy of the Christian who receives the Word of God, but by not putting it into practice immediately forgets what kind of person they now are, and thus they inevitably fall into all kinds of personal and spiritual perils. And so in contrast to that James says: "But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does." vs. 25
Thus not a casual glance as word in other contexts implies. But here literally as one who stoops down to observe something, as one who is not only inquisitive, but is a diligent inquirer, and so looking into the perfect law of liberty, they take it to heart and seek to live it out in their lives. Thus they are not a forgetful hearer, like one who hears a sermon, goes home, and then does nothing with it. Instead they become a doer of the work, and so they are blessed in what they do (consider Psalm 1; 40:4; 41:1-2; 94:12-15; 103:6; 112; 128:1-4; Prov. 10:7; 20:7; 22:9; Rev 22:12-17). For growth in a Christians life does not come by idleness (consider 2 Timothy 2:22; Heb. 12:14; 1 Peter 3:8-12, vs. 11; 2 Peter 1:5-11). Growth in the Christians life comes by doing. For having been born-again by God's Word through faith in Jesus Christ we are too put it into practice in our lives, and thus grow in grace and truth, and thus grow in the qualities that make for a Christians fruitfulness and peace. For the Word of God is only profitable for one if one both believes it, and seeks to obey it (Hebrews 4:2). For having been delivered from the powers of darkness and transferred into the Kingdom of the Son of God's love, our place is now secure with Christ (John 10:27-30; Eph. 4:30; Col 1:13). So that we can live lives that are a both pleasing to God, and a blessing too others as well (Titus 3:8).
Vs. 26-27
26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
The Apostle James now moves from imagery and back into practical faith living. His focus is the tongue, specifically that we learn to bridle ours (consider Prov. 13:2-3; 21:23). Since nothing is more defeating to a Christians own personal walk and witness then an unbridled tongue. For in the Scriptures the unbridled tongue is always the mark of the ungodly, the wicked, and or the fool and thus such should have no place amongst brethren (Eph. 4:29; Col. 3:8).
For various wisdom passages concerning the tongues of the wicked, the ungodly, and the fool see Psalm 5:9; 10:3-7; 12:3-4; 15:15; 36:3; 50:16-21; 52:1-7; 57:4; 59:7-12; 62:4; 64:1-9; 73:8-9; 78:36; 109:2; 144:8, 11; Prov. 6:12-15; 10:6, 11, 14, 31-32; 11:9, 11; 12:6; 14:3; 15:4; 17:4, 20; 18:6-7, 20, 21; 19:28; 21:6; 22:14; 24:7; 25:23; 26:7, 9; 26:28 etc. and so contrast these with Psalm 17:3; 19:14; 34:13; 35:28; 37:30-31; 39:1; 40:3; 49:3; 51:15; 54:2; 63:5, 11; 71:8, 15, 24; 89:1; 109:30; 119:13, 108, 131, 172; 120:2-3; 126:1-3; 141:3; 145:21; Prov. 8:8-9, 13; 10:20; 10:31; 12:14, 18-19; 14:3; 15:2, 4, 23, 28; 16:23; 21:23; 27:2; 28:23; 31:26; Ecc. 5:2; 10:12-13 etc.).
And so having cautioned us against having unruly or undisciplined mouths (also see 1 Peter 3:8-12), the Apostle James now says that "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." vs. 27
To visit widows and orphans in their time of need is too minister too the most vulnerable in society. At least that is how it was in the ancient world. And so now wherever there is people or people groups who are likewise neglected, in need, or at risk of mistreatment, or being mistreated, there is a duty for the Christian too bring the gospel to life to them and minister it in tangible ways to them, (consider Luke 10:29-37). For where there is a legitimate need, there is a legitimate ministry.
Scripture Citations
Word Studies
Vs. 21filthiness: Str 4507; GK 4864; LN 88.256
overflow: Str 4050; GK 4353; TDNT 6.63; TDNTA 828; LN 59.53, 78.31
implanted: Str. 1721; GK 1875; LN 85.31
No comments:
Post a Comment