James 1:18-27
18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
I highlighted what I want to talk about in this section - "The Word", or as we would say today, "The Bible". As you read through the New Testament, it is amazing how many times the Word or scriptures is mentioned despite the fact that the Bible wasn't formed until 300 years later. What did the early church consider scripture? Certainly the Old Testament, which was available as the septuagient was considered scriptures or the law. As a side note, to distance ourselves from the Old Testament and say that isn't for us gentiles or 21st century Christians, seems to go against the very thing that our faith founders depended on to change the World and establish Christianity. If it was considered "scripture" by those gentiles, it should be considered "scripture" by us. Jesus said, "Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." Paul says "All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable..."
Also they had the written letters of the apostles circulating which were considered scripture or innerant. Peter writes the following, equating Paul's writings with scripture;
"Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 16 He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures"
Lastly, they had the words of Christ which were circulating but also recounted orally by those still alive that had accompanied Jesus. How plentiful these witnesses , the copied letters, or the septuagient were is difficult to say but they were abundant enough that the following references were made;
Col.1:5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth
2 Tim 2:5 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
2Cor 6:6,7 in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the word of truth, in the power of God
1thes 2:13 For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe
eph 5:25,26 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word
rom 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ
1pet 1:23-25 for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God. For,“All flesh is like grass,And all its glory like the flower of grass.The grass withers,And the flower falls off,But the word of the Lord endures forever.”And this is the word which was preached to you
2tim 3:15,16 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for [i]training in righteousness;
1pet 2:2 like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow ]in respect to salvation
Acts 17:11-13...they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men. 13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica found out that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul...
Luke 16:31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’”
Luke 24:32Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?
And these are just a few. In this chapter of James he recounts 6 important and necessary things the scriptures do do and for us.
1. Brings us to life(can save us) vs.18,21 - We are spiritually dead yet the word of God is alive and brings the dead to life. As we witness, yes it is important to reason with people, but don't neglect quoting scripture because in a supernatural way the word ...
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit
Also, don't be afraid of "Christianese". If the Bible uses the word "save" we can use it too.
3. Changes us vs.20 - It brings about righteousness. As we look intently into it, humble ourselves under it and then obey through the Holy Spirit living in us, we start looking like Jesus. We produce righteousness. We bear fruit (vs.18) which, since we are in Christ, will be Christlike actions.
4. Kills our self-centeredness vs 18,27. First fruit offerings were offered to the Lord completely and consumed. The Word planted in us helps us die to self and be completely surrendered to Christ. One of the signs of that is serving people, especially people that offer us nothing in return like widows and orphans.
5. Helps us resist temptation vs. 27 - Having the Word of God filling us will help prevent us from being polluted by the world. David says,"Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee". Jesus resisted Satan's temptations through quoting scripture.
6. Blesses us by doing it. vs 25 - A law that gives freedom?? Biblical teachings on finances leads to financial freedom. Biblical teachings on sexuality lead to marital intimacy. Teachings on relationships leads to a great marriage, friends that last a lifetime, etc. Teachings on moderation lead to health freedom from addictions, etc. Want a blessed life? Follow the Bible.
" Scriptures" and "Word of God" are mentioned 79 times in the New Testament. Add to that "The Word" and you are well over 200. The Bible is not optional. It is essential for salvation and sanctification. Are you looking intently into it or occasionally perusing it?
No comments:
Post a Comment