The Book of James

But he who looks – The word ‘looks’ has a special significance when studied in its original form. The word is derived from two Greek words – para (Strong’s # 3844) meaning ‘aside’ and kupto (Strong’s # 2955) which is ‘to bend forward.’ Therefore when these two words are put together it denotes simply ‘to stoop and look into’. It is to ‘peer within.’

In order for one to stoop and peer within, one must have to stop and specifically observe in order to percieve and discern what is being viewed. Therefore a Christian must make a conscious effort to stop and study his reflection in the Word of God.

Perfect Law of Liberty – The law of liberty is the law of love. It is the law that Christ commissioned. It is the Law of Christ.

Christ’s love frees us from our sins so that we can freely love one another. Galatians 5:13 says that we have been called to liberty in order to fulfill all the law by love;

“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!”

At the beginning of his ministry Christ entered the temple and proclaimed his mission. He was clear and precise about His purpose and what the Father had sent Him to do. Luke 4 records the time when Christ spoke from the scroll of Isaiah, ‘To proclaim liberty to the captives.’

Christ’s ministry was one of liberation and freedom. It was a gift that He was allowed to give and He gave it freely to all that would accept it. The New Testament writers continued the proclamation of the gift. Paul writes that because of the Law of Liberty, a believer can be free;

1. From sin
2. From lawlessness and be a slave to righteousness (Rom 6:18-23)
3. From the law as a system of salvation (Galatians 4:21; 5:1; Romans 6:14; 7:5-13; 8:2; 1 Cor 15:56)
4. The demonic powers of darkness (Col 1:13)
5. From polytheistic superstition (1 Corinthians 10:29; Galatians 4:8)
6. From the burden of Jewish ceremonialism (Galatians 2:4)
7. From the remaining partial bondages to indwelling sin (Romans 7:14, 23)
8. From physical corruption and death (Romans 8:18-21)

This law of Christ is a higher law than previously given to Israel. It is a law for the New Testament church. The following four points should be noted about this Law of Liberty.

1. It is God’s new law in Christ, given and revealed by His Spirit.
2. It is a perfect law. It cannot be improved upon. Christ has given us perfect liberty and freedom.
3. Through obedience to it, man can fulfil his purpose in God.
4. It is perfect liberty and perfect freedom. There is nothing hindering it.

Psalm 119:45 – 48 – And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved. My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

2 Corinthians 3:17 – Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Galatians 5:1 – Stand fast therefore in the liberty where with Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

and continues in it – Vine’s definition of this word lets us see that it is to remain by or near. There is further thought to say that the man must continue and persevere in what he does. This ties in with James’ earlier teaching of considering it as being blessed when following God in trying times.

We are to continually stop and reflect on the Word of God and how it applies to our life. Do our lives mirror the teaching of God’s truth?