Words Of Truth

Studies In James
Chapter One

James 1:1 “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.”

• There are several men named “James” in the New Testament (Matthew 4:21, Matthew 10:3, and Matthew 13:55). James, the Lord’s brother in the flesh, is certainly notable (Galatians 1:18-19). After James the brother of John was dead (Acts 12:1-2), one named James was involved in teaching (Acts 15:13-21). There is not always clarity in whom we are reading about.
• Having said all of that, does it really matter who the penmen is? We know the author is the Lord (II Timothy 3:15-17). Those who were moved by the Holy Spirit to speak/write did not communicate their own will (II Samuel 23:2 [cf. Mark 12:36 and Acts 1:16], Jeremiah 1:9, Matthew 10:16-20, I Corinthians 14:37, Galatians 1:10-12, and II Peter 1:20-21). Don’t get caught up in the man (I Corinthians 2:1-13 and I Corinthians 4:1-6).
• James referring to himself as a servant shows he knows his place (Matthew 10:24, Matthew 18:23, Matthew 20:20-28, Matthew 24:45-46, Luke 17:7-10, and John 13:16).
• He says he is the servant of God which is contextually clear a reference to the one Father (Ephesians 4:6).
• This DOES NOT mean that Jesus is not deity (Matthew 1:18-25 and Romans 9:1-5).
• Consider a possible reason for distinction. For us who understand deity being three persons (I John 5:7), we already get this. What about early Jewish Christians with a background coming from a people who didn’t understand such (cf. John 10:24-33)? The distinction is not to suggest that he is serving two masters (Luke 16:13).
• Jewish saints needed to understand that this letter is not coming from the perspective one would have under the Law of Moses, but as a servant writing under the New Covenant (II Corinthians 3:12-13).
• This letter is written to the “twelve tribes” (Genesis 49:1-28). So, this letter is not written to Gentiles (Ephesians 2:11-12). The Gospel of Christ went to the Jews first (Luke 24:47, Acts 1:8, and Romans 1:16). Remember that the church was made up of the descendants of Israel [Jews] only for a period of time (Acts 10:1-11:18). Those addressed HAVE been taught and converted and are of the earliest saints addressed in letters (James 1:18). This is a new covenant letter (James 1:25 and James 2:12).
• These Jewish saints were scattered (Acts 8:1-4 and Acts 11:19). There is a later time in the first century wherein even Gentile saints were scattered (I Peter 1:1 and I Peter 2:9-10). Remember, the backdrop of first century Christianity is one of heavy persecution (Acts 14:22, I Peter 4:12, and I Peter 5:9).
• There were certainly greetings extended in letters (Acts 15:23). There can be more to this Greek word [greeting] as well. Note the definition of the Greek word [χαίρω]: “1) to rejoice, be glad; 2) to rejoice exceedingly; 3) to be well, thrive; 4) in salutations, hail!; 5) at the beginning of letters: to give one greeting, salute” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon). In other verses this word is translated “Rejoicing” (Romans 12:12), “glad” (Romans 16:19), “joyed” (II Corinthians 7:13), “farewell” (II Corinthians 13:11), etc.

• The term “brethren” can be in reference to the flesh (Acts 13:26; cf. Romans 9:1-4 and Romans 11:1).
• James refers to those whom he is writing as his brethren. In light of James 1:18, James 2:1, James 5:19-20 and other statements in this letter, the reference to brethren are about those in Christ. That is, as Jesus made clear, those who have obeyed God’s will (Mark 3:31-35).
• Count [“esteeming”; Hebrews 11:24-26 or “account”; II Peter 3:15] it all joy when you fall into various temptations which contextually is about being tried (James 1:12; cf. I Peter 4:12).
• Now, we cannot infer from this that you should want to be in these temptations (Mark 14:38 and Luke 8:13).
• That doesn’t mean such temptations are beyond overcoming (I Corinthians 10:1-13).
• There are those temptations which people foolishly bring upon themselves (I Timothy 6:6-10).
• Then there are those temptations which are brought upon the faithful by living faithfully in this world (Acts 20:17-19).
• The joy comes in when you are not bringing such upon yourself foolishly (Matthew 5:10-12, Luke 6:22-23, Romans 8:17-18, and I Peter 4:13-16).

• In these temptations that come upon saints from this present evil world, one good that can come from such is the building up of endurance (Romans 5:1-4 and II Thessalonians 1:1-4).
• Paul wrote about strength from physical weakness (II Corinthians 12:1-10).
• This comes from suffering for Christ (Acts 5:29-42 and Philippians 1:29).
• Again, this does not work if you suffer for being foolish (I Peter 3:16-17). Take into account that endurance comes after self-control in the process of growth Peter wrote about (II Peter 1:6).
• *More on patience [endurance in verse 4 notes].

• I have already mentioned that we are talking about endurance. The word here and in verse three translated in the KJV as “patience” means endurance. The dictionaries say: “Cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy: - enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting)” (Strong’s # 5281). “1) steadfastness, constancy, endurance; 1a) in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings; 1b) patiently, and steadfastly; 2) a patient, steadfast waiting for; 3) a patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon).
• Think about the good and honest heart (Luke 8:15).
• Endurance is about perfect; complete work. That is, endurance to the end; the completion of the race (Romans 2:7 and Hebrews 10:36).
• We will consider this again later in this letter (James 5:11).
• Now consider this. Endurance that is perfect, that lasts till the end, is endurance that causes you to be complete; perfect in the present. While the world says no one can be perfect, this verse shows that such is what God expects (Matthew 5:48, Romans 12:1-2, Colossians 1:28, and Colossians 4:12).
• The word “perfect” here twice is the same Greek word. Lest someone play games with the word and the meaning, to suggest that perfect means anything less than the English word states, consider that the same word in both Greek and English is in: James 1:17, James 1:25, James 3:2, and I John 4:18
• That ye may be perfect and entire… The word “entire” means whole or perfectly sound (I Thessalonians 5:23). Perfect endurance equips us to be perfectly sound. Great commentary on this and the related context is found in: I Peter 4:1-2
• The term translated “wanting” just means to lack (cf. Luke 18:22). We will talk about the same word in verse five wherein it is translated “lack.”
• In regard to those lacking think about the rich man that lacked one thing (Mark 10:17-25).

• James is not writing about worldly wisdom (I Corinthians 3:18-19, II Corinthians 1:12, and James 3:13-18). He is not saying God would give someone wisdom to become a rich person in this world or the like (James 4:3).
• Godly wisdom (I Corinthians 2:1-7) is what man ought to be reaching for (Proverbs 3:13, Proverbs 4:5-7, Proverbs 16:16, Proverbs 19:8, and Ephesians 5:15-17).
• True wisdom will not always gain one appreciation in this world (Ecclesiastes 9:10-18).
• This verse is about praying for wisdom (Colossians 1:7-11).
• This wisdom was a direct gift from God (Exodus 31:1-3, Exodus 36:1-4, and I Corinthians 12:3-11; cf. Acts 8:12-24), similar to what Solomon received (I Kings 4:29-34), and such does not occur any longer today (I Corinthians 13:8-13).
• The word of God has always been an indirect source of wisdom (Psalms 19:7).
• We can gain wisdom through God’s fully revealed word which was not fully revealed at the time James is writing (Colossians 3:16 and II Timothy 3:15-17).
• God giveth liberally to all is in reference to what God equally supplies to everyone (James 1:17; cf. Matthew 5:45, Acts 14:17, and I John 4:14).
• A reasonable person understands that God never gave wisdom to all, or there would not have been fools (Proverbs 24:7 and Galatians 3:1-3).
• God would not revile them if they asked for the gift of wisdom. The point is simple - Matthew 7:7-11

• When asking God for anything, in this context the subject is wisdom, one must believe that God will fill that request (Matthew 17:14-21, Matthew 21:18-22, I Timothy 2:8, and James 5:13-18).
• As we discussed in James 1:5, remember the work of the Holy Ghost, spiritual gifts, and the connection to prayer that was going on at this time (Romans 8:26, I Corinthians 14:14-16, and Jude 1:20).
• Think about how asking without having faith has other implications too (Romans 14:23).
• Nothing wavering (Hebrews 10:23), meaning not doubting (Mark 11:22-24).
• Think about being tossed about (Ephesians 4:14).
• This does not mean that if someone were to pray for something that it would come to them without any other qualifiers (Isaiah 59:1-3, II Corinthians 12:1-10, I Peter 3:12, and I John 5:14-15).
• The doubter will not receive anything of the Lord (Hebrews 11:6).

• The point here later becomes part of an indictment in this letter (James 4:1-10).
• We talked of being unwavering in the previous two verses (James 1:6-7).
• Saints are expected to be stedfast rather than unstable (I Corinthians 15:58 and Hebrews 3:14).
• Yet, there have been those who are not fully convinced (Luke 22:31-32) so that when their faith is tested; they fail (Matthew 14:23-33).
• Now think broadly, because this isn’t just about faith in prayer, but a person who is uncertain. This lack of stability is seen in “all his ways” (Hosea 6:4). Consider why Paul told Timothy to continue in things he had been assured of (II Timothy 3:14-17).
• We cannot run with uncertainty (I Corinthians 9:24-27).
• To avoid this, one must be fully persuaded (II Timothy 1:8-12).
• We must even be sure in matters of authorized liberties (Romans 14:5 and Romans 14:22-23).
• What about those whom build on unstable foundations (Matthew 7:13-29)?
• Talking about doubt, think about those whom give reason to doubt them (Galatians 1:6-7, Galatians 4:8-11, and Galatians 4:20).
• So, what’s the solution? Well, what is the source we go to for faith (Psalms 119:41-42, Luke 16:19-31, Romans 1:16-17, Romans 10:14-17, and Colossians 1:4-6)?
• When you go back to the Scriptures and study through them testing all things (I Thessalonians 5:21) honestly (Luke 8:15), you see there is not reason to have doubts in God (Genesis 9:11-17, Joshua 21:45, Joshua 23:14, I Kings 8:56, and I Corinthians 1:9).
• Your studied conclusions about God will leave with unwavering faith rather than double mindedness (cf. Hebrews 10:23).

• Those of a low degree [lowly] (Matthew 11:28-30 and Luke 1:46-52).
• The Greek word “ταπεινός” will later be translated humble (James 4:6 and I Peter 5:5).
• This verse is clearly talking about the distinction between the rich and the poor. Any time there are any divisions and/or sects among the saints that is absolutely wrong (I Corinthians 1:10 and I Corinthians 11:18-19).
• There is a divide at this time among the wealthy and poor (James 2:1-13 and James 5:1-6).
• Jesus doesn’t hold the poor in lower estate (Luke 6:20 and Luke 6:24).
• There is no advantage for being wealthy. Actually, the opposite is true (Matthew 19:16-30).
• In whatever way brethren may have a higher place than others, those on high should come down (Romans 12:16).
• The sad thing is, people tend to despise the poor (Ecclesiastes 9:15-18).
• Rich or poor, passing as vegetation (Psalms 103:15 and Ecclesiastes 9:10-13). *more in next verse

• Material wealth will not stop death from coming (Psalms 37:35-36, Psalms 49:6-14, Ecclesiastes 5:8-16, Luke 12:13-21, Luke 16:19-31, and James 4:13-16).

• Earlier in this chapter we talked about endurance [patience] as related to suffering and the various trying [testing] of one’s faith (James 1:1-4).
• Remember, the people addressed in this letter are scattered for a reason (Acts 8:1-4 and Acts 11:19).
• Being blessed includes enduring temptation, but is not just about enduring temptation (Matthew 5:3-11, Matthew 11:6, Matthew 24:46, Luke 6:20-22, Luke 11:27-28, James 1:25, Revelation 1:3, etc.).
• The word translated “temptation” [πειρασμός] is the same word in James 1:2.
• The point here is about looking forward as you endure temptation (I Peter 1:3-9).
• We have to look at the word translated “tried” here in vs. 12 [δόκιμος]. To take the word as it is translated and say one receives the crown when he is tried, literally at that moment, it doesn’t make sense. The reason it doesn’t make sense is one does NOT receive the crown just because he or she has been tried or at the singular moment (Matthew 10:16-25 and Revelation 2:8-11).
• Take a look at the definition of the Greek word “δόκιμος” that is translated “tried” here: “1) accepted, particularly of coins and money. 2) accepted, pleasing, acceptable” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon; Strong’s # 1384). Every other time this Greek word appears in the KJV it is translated “approved” (Romans 14:18, Romans 16:10, I Corinthians 11:19, II Corinthians 10:18, II Corinthians 13:7, and II Timothy 2:15).
• The crown is about what is to be given when Christ returns, at the end of the world (I Peter 5:4; cf. II Timothy 4:6-8 and II Peter 3:9-14).
• Which the Lord promised to them that love Him (James 2:5).
• This is all about the promise of eternal life, salvation (Matthew 25:46, Romans 6:21-22, I Timothy 6:12, Hebrews 5:8-9, I John 5:11-13, and Jude 1:21).
• Who are those that love the Lord (John 14:15, John 14:21-24, John 15:10-14, I John 2:3-5, I John 2:25, and I John 5:2-3)?

• The word translated “tempted” is just not clear on it’s own. For example, the same Greek word [πειράζω] is translated “examine” (II Corinthians 13:5). In that verse a person is not being instructed to try to make himself or herself sin.
• When you think about temptation, there is temptation God has taken part in. There is being tempted such as in one is being tested / tried not to make that person fail, but to examine faithfulness (Matthew 4:1). God HAS done this to Abraham (Genesis 22:1 and Hebrews 11:17) and Israel (Exodus 16:4 and Exodus 20:18-20). He even did such indirectly (Judges 3:1). Understand one being tested by looking at what the queen of Sheba did to Solomon (I Kings 10:1). Such as is done in an examination (Psalms 26:2 and Revelation 2:2). THIS is the tempting God has done to man (Psalms 11:4-5) and does in the sense that He has left in place things that will try His people (i.e. I Corinthians 10:13 and I Peter 1:3-7).
• This letter started off addressing various temptations (James 1:2). Now, the focus is going to get more specific by addressing one being tempted from one’s own lust (James 1:14). God DOES NOT have a part in this.
• God has been charged as such (Isaiah 63:15-19) when it was their own thoughts that caused them to err (Isaiah 65:2).
• Can God be tempted? Well, if you leave the question just like that, the answer is “yes” (Deuteronomy 6:16 and Luke 4:9-13). Remember, saints are instructed to prove all things (I Thessalonians 5:21).
• The point here is that God cannot be put into a position to desire to do something that is evil. Such is contrary to His nature (Job 34:12, Psalms 5:4-5, Psalms 11:7, Psalms 145:17, Romans 9:14, and I John 1:5).
• In regard to thinking God might be trying to make someone fail, to sin; that too is contrary to His character and will (Deuteronomy 25:16 and II Peter 3:9).

• Rather than giving God the blame (James 1:13), sinners need to own that they have erred because of their own desires (Mark 7:20-23, Romans 1:24, II Timothy 4:3, and Titus 3:3).
• Remember, we are accountable for what we do or do not do (John 5:28-29).
• Those addressed in this letter are moved by their lust even in prayer (James 4:3). The kind of lusts that choke the word of God (Mark 4:18-19).
• While repentance is certainly about changing action (Ezekiel 14:6 and Acts 26:20), think about why the process is also about changing one’s thinking (Isaiah 55:6-7, Jeremiah 4:14, Luke 11:39, Romans 13:14, and Ephesians 4:22-24).

• Think about lust [desire, craving, longing, desire for what is forbidden, lust] being conceived (Genesis 3:6, Job 15:34-35, Psalms 7:14-16, and Micah 2:1-3). It is the same concept of a baby being conceived (Luke 1:31). The baby to born starts there. Corruption comes through lust (II Peter 1:4).
• Lust [desire] is not always related to something sinful (Luke 22:15, Philippians 1:23, and I Thessalonians 2:17). *Same Greek word (Strong’s # 1939).
• I know when people hear the word lust they often think of sexual matters. Remember, lust is broader than just sexual things (Psalms 78:18). We are talking about fleshly lusts (I Peter 2:11 and I John 2:15-17).
• Lust is relative to people differently too (i.e. II Timothy 2:22).
• Conceived lust, brings forth sin (II Samuel 11:1-4; cf. Exodus 20:14).
• For simplicity sake in this lesson, sin is transgression of God’s law; unrighteousness (I John 3:4 and I John 5:17).
• Sin originally brought physical death into this world (Romans 5:12).
• Sin now brings about spiritual death (Ephesians 2:1 and Ephesians 2:5).
• So, hear this… To stop sin stop lust! Don’t set your eyes, mind, heart, etc. on things that will draw you away (Matthew 5:27-30).

• The Greek word translated “err” [πλανάω] is defined as: “to (properly cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue): - go astray, deceive, err, seduce, wander, be out of the way” (Strong’s # 4105). Translated in the KJV as “gone astray” (Matthew 18:12), “err” (Matthew 22:29), “deceive” (Matthew 24:4), “deceived” (I Corinthians 6:9), etc. The deceptive definition applies as both “deceiving” and “being deceived” (II Timothy 3:13). Those going astray are those that need to return to Christ (cf. I Peter 2:25).
• Later in this letter, we see very clearly that apostasy [going astray] is what is meant with this term (James 5:19-20).
• So, there are those that think the doctrine of “Perseverance of the Saints” is true and that God will not allow someone to fall away. This Scripture clearly refutes that doctrine as do other Scriptures (Luke 8:13, I Corinthians 10:1-12, Galatians 1:6-9, Galatians 3:1-5, Galatians 5:4, Galatians 5:7-9, I Timothy 4:1, Hebrews 3:12-13, Hebrews 6:4-6, Hebrews 10:26-38, Hebrews 12:15-17, II Peter 2:20-22, II Peter 3:15-17, II John 1:8, Revelation 2:1-7, Revelation 2:12-29, Revelation 3:14-22, and Revelation 22:18-19).
• Similarly, there are those that will say it is impossible for a person not to err. They will go so far as to say Jesus is the only one that was righteous on earth. They will say sin happens daily for most people. They err in this. There have been those that have been perfect; righteous for long periods of time (Genesis 6:5-9, Genesis 6:22, Genesis 7:1, Job 1:8, Job 2:3, Job 2:10, I Kings 15:11-14, Psalms 32:11, Psalms 37:25, Psalms 37:37, Proverbs 29:10, Isaiah 3:10, Matthew 1:19, Luke 23:50-56, II Peter 2:7-8, etc.) and those in whom no one can say they ever sinned (Genesis 5:21-24 [cf. Hebrews 11:5] and Luke 1:5-6).
• The instructions to cease from sin, not to sin, to depart from evil, to be perfect, to be blameless, to be holy, etc. are very clear in the Scriptures (Psalms 4:3-4, Psalms 34:11-14, Psalms 37:27, Proverbs 3:7, Proverbs 11:5, Proverbs 16:6, Proverbs 16:17, Matthew 5:48, John 8:1-11, Romans 6:1-2, I Corinthians 15:34, II Corinthians 6:14-7:1, II Corinthians 13:11, Galatians 2:17, Ephesians 1:3-4, Ephesians 5:6-11, Colossians 1:27-28, Titus 2:11-14, II Timothy 2:19, James 1:2-4, I Peter 1:13-16, I Peter 2:21-23, I Peter 4:1-2, I John 2:29-3:10, and II John 1:9).
• Through Christ, we can have our sins washed away (Revelation 1:5). It is up to us to keep ourselves clean (I Timothy 5:22).
• By referring to those addressed as “beloved brethren” we see that care between the penman and those addressed. Think about our Heavenly Father expressing such towards Jesus (Matthew 3:17).

• This verse is transitional in context. We are going to talk about those to whom this letter was written as they were the firstfuits (James 1:18). That will be in reference to the Jews being the first begotten of the Gospel (Luke 24:47 and Romans 1:16).
• So, as one thinks about the plan God had before the foundation of the world which is revealed through His word (I Peter 1:18-25), think about the gift of God as it relates to not having changed (Romans 11:25-36).
• If we think more in general, there are many good and perfect gifts of God (Ecclesiastes 3:13, Ecclesiastes 5:19, Acts 8:13-20, Romans 5:15, Romans 6:23, I Corinthians 12:28-31, etc.).
• God the Father is the light and saints are the children of light (I John 1:5, Ephesians 5:8, and I Thessalonians 5:5).
• There is no variableness [variation, change; Strong’s # 3883] (Numbers 23:19, Malachi 3:6, and Hebrews 10:23) nor shadow due to change. Think of how the sun changes during the course of days, seasons, etc. The Lord is essentially 12:00 all the time (Hebrews 13:8).
• Now, something needs addressed here. This verse is NOT saying that God will never nor has ever changed His mind or His thoughts concerning something. He has (Genesis 6:6, Exodus 32:1-14, Judges 2:8-23, I Chronicles 21:1-30, Jeremiah 26:12-19, etc.).
• There are times wherein it is in man’s power to change God’s mind (Jonah 3:1-10).
• If it were impossible for God to change His mind on anything, what point would there be in having Jesus as our priest and mediator (Romans 8:34, I Timothy 2:5-6, Hebrews 4:14-16, and Hebrews 7:22-25)?
• So, it is of great importance to remember this verse in the context that is going forward. God will not go back on His word in regard to salvation that is revealed through His word (Titus 1:1-3).

• The phrase “Of his own will” is translated from the Greek word “βούλομαι” (Strong’s # 1014). The translation of this in other verses is really helpful. For example, the translation “was minded” (Matthew 1:19). Another good example is “willing” (Mark 15:15 and Luke 22:42). Think about the translation “intend” (Acts 5:28) or “intending” (Acts 12:4).
• Thus, it was of God’s own mind, His will, His intentions for the word of truth to be the means whereby one is born spiritually (Mark 16:15-16, Acts 10:34-36, Romans 10:8-17, Romans 16:25-26, I Corinthians 1:21, Colossians 1:4-6, and Titus 1:1-3).
• One is begotten with the word of truth (I Corinthians 4:15 and I Peter 1:23-25) and His word continues to work in those individuals (I Thessalonians 2:13). That is, if they continue in His word (John 8:31-32).
• The Jews (James 1:1) were the first fruits of His creatures [created thing; cf. II Corinthians 5:17] (Luke 24:44-47, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:5, Acts 3:25-26, and Romans 1:16).
• Consider this, one has to be reborn because sin makes a person spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1 and Ephesians 2:5) meaning lost (Luke 15:24 and Luke 15:32; cf. Isaiah 59:1-3).
• Now, don’t make the error of thinking that the word of God is the only component whereby one is spiritually reborn (John 3:1-5 and Romans 6:1-13).

• Wherefore, as the first fruits of the Gospel (James 1:18), these saints should be a standard to follow in working the righteousness of God. To be an example though, you must not behave disorderly (II Thessalonians 3:7).
• They were advantaged not only in being the first fruits of the Gospel, but also in having knowledge from the Law of Moses (Romans 2:17-20, Romans 3:1-2, and Galatians 3:23-29).
• Again, James refers to those addressed as beloved brethren (cf. James 1:16).
• Be fast to listen, contextually to God’s word (James 1:18 and James 1:21; cf. Nehemiah 8:1-3, Proverbs 8:33, Proverbs 28:9, Jeremiah 13:15, Revelation 2:7, Revelation 2:11, Revelation 2:17, Revelation 2:29, Revelation 3:6, Revelation 3:13, and Revelation 3:22).
• Some were not so willing to hear (Acts 28:27). In fact, some were “dull” [slow] of hearing (Hebrews 5:11).
• Outside of the context, there are other points as well about being quick to hear (Proverbs 13:1, Proverbs 15:31-32, Proverbs 18:13, etc.).
• In contrast, be slow to speak (Proverbs 10:19, Proverbs 13:3, Proverbs 18:21, Proverbs 21:23, Colossians 4:5-6, James 1:26, James 3:2, James 3:5, and James 3:13-18).
• Be slow to wrath (Proverbs 14:29, Proverbs 16:32, and Proverbs 19:19). Put it off, away (Ephesians 4:31 and Colossians 3:8).
• Give place to wrath (Romans 12:17-21).
• Most of the time the Greek word translated “wrath” [ὀργή] is translated as such. There is one account wherein it is translated “anger” (Mark 3:1-6).
• How important is it to work righteousness (Acts 10:35)?
• So, we have to understand that the wrath of man is not going to bring about what God declares as righteousness (Proverbs 15:18 and Proverbs 29:22).

• Since the wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God (James 1:20), lay apart [cast off] filthiness (Romans 13:12-14 and Ephesians 4:22-5:5).
• Cast off the superfluity  [abundance] of naughtiness [wickedness; malice] (Acts 8:22, I Corinthians 5:8, I Corinthians 14:20, and Colossians 3:8).
• You have to be properly prepared to learn (I Peter 2:1-2).
• After being ready to learn, you must be willing to receive (Acts 2:36-41, Acts 17:10-11, and I Thessalonians 2:13).
• With meekness (Matthew 5:5) that we will later talk about being visible through works (James 3:13; cf. I Peter 3:15).
• There are those whom will not receive the word (John 12:48 and II Thessalonians 2:10).
• When there is carnality, one is not able to learn (I Corinthians 2:14-3:3).
• The word of God is engrafted [implanted] (Deuteronomy 30:14, Psalms 119:11, Jeremiah 20:9, Luke 8:1-15, Romans 6:17, Romans 10:8, and Hebrews 4:12).
• The word that is able to save one’s soul (Acts 13:26, Romans 1:16, I Corinthians 15:1-4, Colossians 1:3-6, II Timothy 3:15-17, and I Peter 1:22-25).

• There are certainly times when people won’t hear or do (II Kings 18:11-12), but such is not this context.
• Since long ago (Romans 15:4), there have been those willing to hear but refusing to do (Ezekiel 33:30-33).
• This verse is plain and simple. Be a DOER (Numbers 15:37-41, Deuteronomy 4:5-6, Deuteronomy 17:19, Deuteronomy 29:29, Matthew 7:21-27, Matthew 12:46-50, Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 6:46, Luke 11:27-28, Romans 2:13, I John 2:3-6, I John 2:29, I John 3:7, and Revelation 22:14).
• Don’t think that hearing is enough. This is the manner in which some deceive themselves (Galatians 6:3). They think knowing is doing. NOT SO! Actually, knowing requires doing (James 4:17)!
• *More on this in the verses following and in the next chapter (James 2:10-26)!

• Some just say no to God’s will, even when they know it is His will (Jeremiah 44:1-16). FYI, those just referenced chose to flee God’s judgment through the Chaldeans rather than submit to such (Jeremiah 42:1-22; cf. Jeremiah 24:1-10).
• The hearer who chooses not to be a doer is like one looking in a glass [mirror] and forgetting what he saw. People simply choose not to see themselves in a way that will bring change (Jeremiah 5:20-31).
• God’s word will show you who you are down to your thinking (Hebrews 4:12).
• This will prick the heart and cause reaction with some (Acts 2:36-41).
• Yet, there are those who get “cut to the heart” and rather than see themselves in a manner from which they will change, they react in an opposite manner (Acts 7:51-60).
• Consider Jesus’ teaching regarding the builders (Luke 6:46-49).
• We all need to have an “obedient ear” (Proverbs 25:12).
• Not ignoring what we really are (cf. Proverbs 30:20).
• Don’t be David and not realize you are the man (II Samuel 11:1-12:7).

• If you were a Jew in the first century you need to realize that Christ made you free (Galatians 5:1).
• Jesus taught this to the Jews, and that they were to continue in it, and that audience wanted not part of it (John 8:30-47).
• Unfortunately, this continued even with some Jews who had obeyed the Gospel (Acts 15:1-5 and Galatians 5:4). Some wanted to go back to a law that could not justify them (Acts 13:38-39, Galatians 2:16, and Galatians 3:10-11).
• First century saints faced those that tried to spy out this liberty (Galatians 2:1-5).
• Think of liberty in several ways that are simple. Freedom from sin (Romans 6:17-22). Freedom from a law of bondage (Galatians 3:15-4:7). Freedom in having choices (Romans 14:1-3, Romans 14:14, and I Timothy 4:1-5) that once did not exist (Leviticus 11:1-47).
• We are under a new law [covenant; testament] (Romans 7:1-6, Hebrews 7:11-12, Hebrews 8:1-13, and Hebrews 9:11-17), the law of liberty from which we shall be judged (James 2:12). A.K.A. the law of Christ (Galatians 6:1-2).
• Being a doer is continual (Colossians 1:23, I Timothy 4:16, and I John 2:3-6).
• Continued obedience is rewarded (Romans 2:1-11, I Corinthians 15:58, Hebrews 5:8-9, and Hebrews 6:10-12).

• There may be those among the saints that seems to be on the right path, but is not (John 6:70-71, John 13:21-25, and I Timothy 5:24-25).
• There can be those who outwardly appear righteous unto men (Matthew 23:25-28).
• There are those who do religious acts just to be seen doing them to impress others (Matthew 6:1-18).
• Those who spend there time impressing people are not considering who is actually going to judge them (Matthew 25:31-46, John 5:28-29, Romans 14:11-12, and II Corinthians 5:10).
• Nor have they considered how that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God (Luke 16:15).
• The word “religious” [ceremonious in worship (as demonstrative), that is, pious: - religious] (Strong’s # 2357).
• Yes, the practice of “religion” is under discussion (James 1:27).
• There is the problem of self-deception (Obadiah 1:1-3, I Corinthians 3:18, Galatians 6:3, and James 1:22).
• The heart, as the word is used here, is the place from which we draw our thoughts (Matthew 9:4) and from where our actions proceed (Matthew 15:18-19, Romans 6:17, and Romans 10:10).
• Now add to that the fact that we cannot trust our hearts to begin with (Proverbs 28:26 and Jeremiah 17:9).
• It is vain [empty] to practice religion without controlling one’s tongue (Psalms 34:13, Proverbs 10:19, Proverbs 13:3, Proverbs 15:2, Proverbs 18:21, Matthew 12:34-37, Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 4:5-6, James 1:19, and James 3:2).

• In contrast to vain religion (James 1:26), we are now looking at pure religion.
• Saints are to be pure within and without (Matthew 5:8, Matthew 23:25-26, I Timothy 1:5, II Timothy 2:22, and I Peter 1:22).
• Now, what does it mean to “visit” in this verse? Is it a check sent to someone? Is it paying someone to care for someone else? Take a look at Matthew 25:31-46 and note verses 36 and 43. To visit is to do something in person (Acts 15:36).
• Remember that this letter is written to first century Jewish Christians (James 1:1). Among the Jews, there was a terrible history of the treatment of the fatherless and the widows (Isaiah 1:21-23, Isaiah 10:1-2, Ezekiel 22:6-7, Malachi 3:5, and Luke 20:45-47) contrary to the law they lived under (Exodus 22:22 and Deuteronomy 24:17).
• The saints addressed in this letter are scattered abroad. They are facing affliction. The Greek word “θλίψις” translated “affliction” (Strong’s # 2347) is most often translated “tribulation” (Matthew 13:21, Matthew 24:21, Matthew 24:29, Mark 13:24, John 16:33, Acts 14:22, Romans 2:9, Romans 5:3, Romans 8:35, Romans 12:12, etc.).
• Who was to look after the fatherless and widows among them? The saints were given the responsibility. What if a parent or caretaker was taken to prison or worse (Acts 8:1-4)? They could know that brethren would care for their families.
• When Paul wrote Timothy, there were clear instructions for the care of widows given (I Timothy 5:3-16).
• In addition to aiding the fatherless and the widows, pure religion is to keep “himself” unspotted from the world (John 15:19, Romans 12:1-2, II Corinthians 6:14-18, I Timothy 5:22, James 4:4, and I John 2:15-17).
• To be clear, Jesus is our example on what it means to be without spot (I Peter 1:19; 2:21-23) and He expects to return and find us in such a manner (II Peter 3:9-14).