1:27 - and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
1:27. and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. - Paul tells us that Christ is coming back for a spotless bride - the Church (Eph 5:27).
We are to be seperated from the world. The world is society without God, and though the believer is in the world, they are not to be of the world. According to Vines Dictionary, the meaning for the word ‘world’ in this context is “the present condition of human affairs,” in alienation and opposition to God. James goes on to write in Chapter Four that friendship of the world will lead to a love for the world (vs 4). We no longer are governed by the standards of the world, but are subject to the laws of the divine.
In the second letter of Peter there is a list of how a believer can become ’spotted’ by the world.
2 Peter 2 - Spotting Characteristics
Vs 10 Walking according to the flesh in the lust of uncleaness Galatians 5:19-21
Vs 10 Despising authority and being self-willed. Romans 13:1-7
Vs 10 Being presumpteous Luke 12:19; Proverbs 27:1
Vs 10 Speaking evil of dignataries and things that they do not understand Jude 8; 1 Peter 2:17
Vs 13 Being rioteous 1 Peter 4:3-5
Vs 14 Being involved in adulterous acts Matthew 5:27-28
Vs 14 Enticing others to sin 2 Peter 2:2-18
Vs 14 Being coveteous of others Romans 6:16; Exodus 20:17
To be ‘religious’ with a pure devotion, in this passage James points out three characteristic fruits that become evident when we give God’s Word its right reception;
1) An increase in self-control.
This is a service to ourselves. When looking in the mirror of God’s Word it is necessary for the believer to adjust and change according to what is reflected. James has spoken of being open to hear and then do the work of the Word. He also teaches us that our tongue will be a reflection of the heart and corresponds to the way in which God’s Word will flow from his heart.2) An increase in genuine social concern.
This is a service to others. If our heart is not wholly striving to do the work of the Lord then we are doing our community a diservice. The Lord’s heart was for the lost and the underpriveleged. He spoke words of compassion for those who needed such. We should do the same.3) An increase in spiritual awareness.
This fruit is like the balancing beam between the two other fruits. If we do all the actions of looking after the needy but have little time for God then we do a diservice to ourselves. Likewise, if we are concerned only with ourselves but we neglect the needs of others and become materialistic or self-seeking, then we start to push God and others from the equation.
James is advocating the strong necessity for balance in living a ‘pure religion’. James is reiterating the words spoken by the Old Testament prophets, Zechariah and Micah to obey the word of the Lord, execute justice and to show mercy and compassion to all in need. (Zech 7:6-10 and Micah 6:6-8).
1:27 - orphans and widows in their trouble
1:27. orphans and widows in their trouble, - This is the only occurrence of the word ‘orphan’ in the New Testament however its lack of frequency does not detract from its importance. Throughout Israel’s history God had a special concern for those who were orphaned and widowed.
Both orphans and widows were special objects of God’s care. The widow and the orphan were weak, vulnerable and defenseless. God provided numerous laws in the Mosaic Law for their protection. The bearing of children in Ancient Israel was a great honour, especially with the promised Messiah coming from the ‘stem of Jesse’. Being widowed while in child-bearing age was to be full of shame and reproach (Is 4:1; 54:4). As such, they were overlooked by man and God moved in to work on their behalf.
In the Garden of Eden, God established that man was the head of the woman and the Lord was the head of the man (Gen 2:15-17). Paul elaborates on this principle by writing about the man providing a spiritual covering for his family - both his wife and his children. He is the mediator through Christ for his family. When the family loses the husband, they in effect lose the provider, the protector and the leader of the house. God promises then to step in and assume the direct responsibility for the care and welfare of widows and orphans.
According to the Mosaic Law they were to receive their rights of inheritance, such as the Daughters of Zelophehad (Numbers 27:1-5), share in the annual feasts (Duet 24:19-22), and have a portion of the tithe crops (Duet 14:28; Duet 26:12). Israel was to supply the needs of the orphans and widows because they themselves were slaves, orphaned and without hope in the land of Egypt (Duet 24:22).
The Bible clearly teaches through this verse of James’ in the New Testament, as well as Job 29:13 and Isaiah 1:17 that kindness to widows and orphans is the mark of true religion. We are to reflect the image and the compassion of our Saviour who promised that He would never leave us as orphans (John 14:18).
1:27 - Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this
1:27. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: - Interesting to note that James makes two distinctions; there is religion, and there is pure and undefiled religion.
Religion is concerned with the appearance of the external duties of faith in order to be right in the eyes of others. It centers in on words and not actions. Pure religion is not only involved with the outward practice of the external duties but also to share the truth of God’s Word and by helping others. Religion is deceptive. Pure religion is honest.
1:27. to visit - The original Greek word used for this phrase is episkeptomai (Strong’s # 1980). Meaning ‘to look upon, to care for and to exercise oversight’ it is rendered from the Greek word for bishop, episkope. Derived from epi meaning ‘over’ and skopeo meaning ‘to look or watch’. The role of a bishop is simply to look and watch over. Vine comments on the role of the bishop, “The term bishop or overseer indicates the charater of the work undertaken. According to the divine will and appointment, there were to be bishops in every local church.” See Acts 14:23, 20:17, Phil 1:1, Titus 1:5, James 5:14.
Christ is the Bishop and the Overseer of our souls (1 Peter 2:25). He is the true overseer, and the example for us all.
1:26 - If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue, but decieves his own heart, this on’s religion is useless
1:26. If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but decieves his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. - Though it does not exhaustively cover everything that religion is, this next passage openly declares the differences between what is religion of the heart approved by God, and what is religion of the head approved by man.
Thinks he is religious - The Authorized version of this scripture writes ’seem to be religious’.
Seem - A study of the word ’seem’ implies to suppose, to think, to form an opinion. The thoughts of a man can make him feel ‘religious’.
Religious - From the Greek word threskos (Strong’s # 2357) the word refers to the externals of the divine service, of the ceremonial acts of worship.
The Amplified version translates this portion of Scripture as such, “If anyone thinks himself to be religious (piously observant of the external duties of his faith) but does not bridle his tongue but deludes his own heart, this person’s religious service is worthless (futile, barren).”
There is futility in trying to elevate and present oneself as religious when the heart is in disorder. See the following Scriptures; Proverbs 14:12; 16:25; Mk 10:42; Gal 2:6; Heb 4:1.
and does not bridle his tongue - Scripture gives clear warning about how a person is to use their tongue. James has already written about being ’slow to speak’ (vs 19). The Proverbs and the Psalms give plain teaching about those who speak without wisdom. See Psalms 34:13; 39:1,2; 141:3; Proverbs 10:19,31; 13:2; 15:2; 19:1; 21:23.
but decieves his own heart, this one’s religion is useless - In the context of James’ teaching in this passage obedience is the key to controlling the speech of the tongue. Though a man can speak, if he is not obedient to what he teaches from the Word of truth, then he is decieving himself. He must do what is required of him in the Word. There must be no deception on his part, or else he is decieving himself and all that he does is useless.
A Christian can have a form of Christianity but with no power behind it. The ‘religion’ of Christianity is to hear God’s Word and then in obedience act on it.
1:25 - and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work –
As the man who glanced into the mirror and forgot what he looked like, a committed Christian would not only look into the mirror of God’s truth, but act upon it. This action is a prerequisite
for the blessing mentioned in the remaining portions of this verse.
In this passage James is simply shedding light on a spiritual truth by using a natural object. A mirror has three purposes:
The Three Fold
Purpose of A Mirror
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Examination
To examine something is ‘to look closely and intently at in order to learn about and to gather information from’. We are to examine God’s Word. When we read of the truths presented, we
are to investigate them, to search them out so that there may be understanding
of them, in order to practically apply them to our lives.
Restoration
By continuing in a study of God’s truth restoration can then be brought about. Truths of Scripture will open up a man’s fallen nature. We are to daily spend time meditating and reflecting on the scriptures.
Joshua 1:8 - This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you
will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Psalm 119:97 - Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.
Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble,
whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Transformation
The Word reflects the glory of God as though in a mirror (2 Cor 3:18). If we want to know what the glory of God is we are to look in the Word. This gives us a picture, though not a true image of God’s glory. We will never fully comprehend it this side of eternity, although we are to spend our lives being transformed into His very own image. The King James uses the word
‘changed’ which derived from the original Greek uses the word from which we get metamorphose – a constant changing and evolving. How does this transformation take place? When we look at the Word and respond in obedience by doing what it commands us.
We need to have the Word written on our hearts. Second Corinthians 3:3 tells us that under the new covenant Christ writes His word on our hearts and not on tablets of stone. No longer is salvation an external matter of laws written on stone and with ink, but now it transfers to salvation being internal - a state of the heart.
this one will be blessed in what he does. – A correct response to God’s word will bring blessing. Some use this verse to say that we are blessed for our good deeds. This verse however, does not abdicate that a man will be blessed for his deeds but instead in his deeds. Therefore it is not just knowing God’s will but doing God’s will that will cause the blessing to given.
When we obey the truth of God’s word we then can begin to know the power of the truth. Christ said to His disciples that if they would hold to and obey His teachings then they would know the truth, and the truth would set them free. The truth of God’s word brings about the true freedom found in the Law of Liberty.
James uses the rest of the passage to provide a clear example of listening and doing.
1:25 - But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it,
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;
- From sin
- From lawlessness and be a slave to righteousness (Rom 6:18-23)
- 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)
- The demonic powers of darkness (Col 1:13)
- From polytheistic superstition (1 Corinthians 10:29; Galatians 4:
- From the burden of Jewish ceremonialism (Galatians 2:4)
- From the remaining partial bondages to indwelling sin (Romans 7:14, 23)
- 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.
- It is God’s new law in Christ, given and revealed by His Spirit.
- It is a perfect law. It cannot be improved upon. Christ has given us perfect liberty and freedom.
- Through obedience to it, man can fulfil his purpose in God.
- 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?
1:23 - 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;
1:23. 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; - James uses a natural mirror to give meaning to a spiritual truth. The purpose of a mirror is to bring before a man’s eyes his reflection. The mirror will show his faults and his imperfections, as well as his features.
The holy word of God will bring to light a man’s spiritual reflection. The Word will show his strengths, his weakness and his imperfections. God’s Word is a true mirror - it reflects the condition of men’s souls without reservation or partiality.
1:22 - But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deveiving yourselves,
1:22. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. - God’s word demands a response. James now takes the reader through two responses that a Christian is to give - Listening and Obedience.
1) Listening
We must listen. We must take the Old Testament cry of having an ear inclined to hear wisdom, a heart yearning for understanding, and a desire to know wisdom (Prov 2:1-5). We must have an ear to listen - with our physical ears (the audible Word of God) and with our inner ear (what the Spirit of God is saying personally to us).
2) Obedience
The next step in responding to God’s word is to do something with what it says. It is not appropriate for the believer to just listen and not translate it into his life. This application of the word should be applied to the heart, the mind and to a person’s actions.
a) Heart
The heart refers to the inner self that helps a person to think, feel and decide. It is central to a person’s character. All emotions are experienced by the heart, both toward man and toward God. With the heart a person believes in God and can experience the presence of Christ.b) Mind
The mind is the part of a person that reasons and thinks. The mind works with the heart. In the New Testament, the mind was thought of as either good or evil. The Bible speaks of the mind being hardened (2 Cor 3:14), blinded (2 Cor 4:4), corrupt (2 Tim 3:c) Actions
When the heart and the mind are working in unison actions result. Depending on where a person’s heart and mind are turned will depend on what actions are produced. If they are in tune with God then ‘pure and undefiled religion’ will result. Our works will be to” visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep one self unspotted from the world.” (James 1:27)
deceiving yourselves - Hearing without subsequent actions is sin. Anyone who thinks otherwise is deceiving themselves. The right response to hearing God’s word is obedience.
1:21 - Receive with meekness the implanted Word which is able to save your souls
1:21. Receive with meekness - To have a teachable spirit. It is to be without resisting, disputing or questioning. We are to have a heart that is open to the truth of God’s Word. We are to know how to ‘rightly divide the word of truth’ so that we can evaluate teaching and doctrine. (See 2 Tim 2:25)
1:21. The implanted word which is able to save your souls - The word needs to be in our hearts.
Implanted - To be rooted and engrafted. It simply is the rooting of a seed in the heart. To be stuck in there.
James tells us that we are able to receive the grace of our souls. He outlines three major points that need to be considered in doing so.
- Receive the word of God.
We are to consent to its laws and doctrines. Our hearts need to be receptive to its teachings and ways. - Yield ourselves to the word of God.
To be submissive to the teachings of the Bible. To be hungry to understand and know the truth of the word. - Be desirious of change.
To be wanting to change and to be molded and formed by the precepts and doctrines of the Bible.
Save your souls - The design of the Bible is such that it makes us wise to salvation. Romans 1:16 tells us that it is the power of God unto salvation. James tells us that by receiving with meekness the word of God we open our hearts to the power of God working in our lives and to know the transforming nature of God and His written word.
1:21 - There lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness
1:21. Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, - As a Christian, called to imitate the image of Christ we must be constantly renewing our minds and letting go of habits that weigh us down in our walk with Christ.
Lay aside - The term ‘lay aside’ comes from the Greek word apotithemi (Strong’s #659). Derived from two other Greek words apo meaning ‘from’ and tithemi (Strong’s #5087) which is ‘to put, place and set.’ Combining these two words the meaning of apotithemi is simply ‘to put off from oneself.” A study of the word tithemi adds greater emphasis to the original word. Tithemi is used of:
- Laying a corpse in a tomb (Matt 27:60; Mark 6:29)
- Laying the sick in a place (Mark 6:56; Luke 5:1
- Laying money at the apostle’s feet (Acts 4:35)
- Christ laying His hands upon children (Mark 10:16)
- Laying down one’s life (John 10:11; 1 John 3:16)
- Laying up sayings in one’s heart (Luke 1:66)
- Laying a foundation, both literally (Luke 6:4 and metaphorically (1 Cor 3:10)
- Laying Christ as a stone of stumbling for Israel (Rom 9:33)
- Laying aside garments (John 13:4)
- Laying money in store for the help of the needy (1 Cor 16:2)
In each of these cases something had to be put off and gotten rid of. It was either a weight that needed discarding or a sacrifice that a person made.
All - Everything.
Filthiness - The Greek word here is rhuparia (Strong’s # 4507) and denotes dirt and filth. It is the only time in the Bible that filthiness is translated as such. It speaks of moral uncleanliness.
Overflow of wickedness - The word wickedness here is derived from the Greek word kakos (Strong’s # 2556) and is referring to ‘whatever is evil in character’. It is used as a wide term and involves another Greek term poneros (Strong’s # 4190) which is ‘evil that causes labor, pain, sorrow, malignant evil’.
