Word planted in you - James 1:21
Christians are commanded to
take off all sinful filth and abundant amounts of evil. Wisdom urges an exchange, a wardrobe change. By laying aside sinful practices, God’s people can put on righteousness. This requires humility and repentance. Only when we admit that our own standards will not lead us into righteousness, can we
receive the implanted word. This is the same
word of v. 18, the Gospel which gives new life. The essence of wisdom is to allow God’s Life-Giving Word to fill and guide our lives. Indeed, this
word will
save your souls, at the final judgment.
Practice the word of God - James 1:22
A wise Christian will always hear and practice the word of God (Rom. 2:13; Matt. 7:21; Luke 8:21; John 13:17). Trusting God’s Word leads to obeying God’s Word. James warns his readers that the one who listens, but does not obey is
deceiving himself.
Mirror - James 1:23-24
James uses the analogy of a mirror. Mirrors were made of polished metal in the ancient world, but were used then, as now, for grooming. As v21 indicated, we are dirty and need help seeing what areas of our lives need cleansing and straightening. Only a foolish person
examines his natural face and does nothing to clean it up. Christians should expect God’s Word not only to reveal our imperfections, but also to show us what to do to correct them.
Perfect law - James 1:25
James introduces the
perfect law of freedom as another way of describing the word of truth in v. 18, and the
royal law in 2:8. For James, God’s law is the word and rule of Israel’s Messiah, Jesus the Lord. Anyone who looks to this law and not only hears it, but also does it,
will be blessed in his actions. For those who have been regenerated by this Word (1:18) and liberated by this King, His law delivers from unjust human traditions and law codes as well as from bondage to human cravings for power. See
WCF 19.2;
WLC 160;
WSC 90.
Tongue - James 1:26
The person who
thinks himself to be religious must also be able to
control his tongue. This is a restatement of v. 19 and a reminder that our speech practices are expressions of doing the word. James also reminds his readers that anyone who does not control his speech
deceives his heart. Indeed, if a person will not repent of wicked speech,
his religion is worthless, that is to say, false. See notes also 3:1-12.
Religion . . . clean and spotless - James 1:27
James concluded his section on action with a final plea concerning true religion. Religion that is
clean and spotless is practiced not only in love for God, but also in love for neighbors. True faith in a good and just God is demonstrated in good and righteous deeds that rectify injustice. James used two examples as hallmarks of this kind of religion. First, giving aid to the
fatherless and widows in their affliction. These two groups are those to whom God draws near (Isa. 1:17, 23). Second, to remain
spotless that is, unstained, by the world’s idolatrous pursuit of wealth and power (4:4; 1 John 2:15-17) will mean living against the grain of our cultures to create a counterculture of God’s kingdom. James understands that to visit and care for those who cannot offer us power or wealth is a sign of the Messiah’s kingdom.
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