Lesson: James 1:19-27
Golden Text: “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22).
INTRODUCTION. As we begin the last quarter of our study, we will focus on the writings of the Apostle James, the Lord’s brother (see Matthew 13:55; Galatians 1:19). James’ writings teach us how to add practical and everyday dimensions to our faith. This lesson, as well as others, will show us the very crucial importance of validating our faith and beliefs by our daily actions so that they become credible before God and man. People will not follow our Lord Jesus if they don’t see His Christ-like nature in each of us. In our first lesson, James stresses the importance of active faith by being doers of the Word.
BACKGROUND FOR THE LESSON. Although James was the brother of Jesus, he didn’t believe in Him before the resurrection (see John 7:5). However, it appears that James was converted by the risen Christ (see I Corinthians 15:7). As head of the early Christian church at Jerusalem, James had great authority (see Acts 12:17; 15:13-29; 21:17-18). His letter is addressed to “the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” (see James 1:1). This is a description of Christian Jews dispersed or scattered throughout the Roman Empire. James saw himself as “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (see James 1:1). His readers, who were early Jewish believers had been dispersed and were undergoing various kinds of hardships (see James 1:1-2). They were being persecuted and as a result were in physical and financial distress. However, we should note that oppressed people are not necessarily good people. These readers could not use their hardships as excuses for sin. James told them that as followers of Christ, they must reflect His image in the details of everyday life. Their trials should be occasions for spiritual growth (see James 1:2-12) not temptations to do evil (see James 1:13-16). This would be possible if they cultivated a proper relationship with God’s Word. James assured his readers that God gives only good gifts. All that comes from God is “good” and “perfect” (see James 1:17). Leading into our lesson text, James singled out God’s best gift---eternal life---saying that God “of his own will begat he us with the word of truth (the gospel message)” (see James 1:18). The word “begat” means to “bring forth” indicating that God has brought forth all believers to eternal life by His own will. This is where our lesson begins.
III. THE SPEECH OF THE SAVED (James 1:19-21)
A. The conversation of the redeemed (James 1:19). Our lesson text begins with “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” The word “Wherefore” connects this verse to verse 18. Those who have accepted God’s gift of eternal life after being brought forth as a “kind of firstfruits of his (God’s) creatures” (see James 1:18) have become “beloved brethren.” As such we should display a change in life giving up our former behavior and patterns which includes a reluctance to receive instruction. To counter this behavior, James told his readers to do three things. First they were to “be swift to hear.” This is one of the best pieces of wisdom we can apply to our conversation. Redeemed people can and should hear more than they say. The term “hear” implies more than just listening to oral instruction. It includes receiving it with interest and concern. Unfortunately, Jewish believers who already knew the law sometimes tended to become self-righteous and refuse to listen to anything beyond what they already knew. Indeed, many spoke when they should have been hearing. This led James to tell his readers that they also needed to be “slow to speak.” Quick, shallow answers to people’s problems come from those who are overly eager to speak. Sometimes we are so busy giving our own opinions that we cannot hear God speak. Then our words become worthless, or worse harmful to others. Listening attentively and thinking before speaking (hearing) is always wise advice. The third thing James cautioned his readers to do is to be “slow to wrath.” In other words don’t be so quick to become hostile. In the Bible, wrath is not just the heat of anger, but a settled attitude of hostility. Christians then as now, were prone to get into passionate theological debates. They allowed strong convictions and overactive tongues to lead them into personal animosity. Those who disagreed with them became enemies. Being “slow to wrath” keeps many conversations from turning into hostility and resentment.
B. Destructive anger (James 1:20). James continues the previous verse here saying “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” The word “For” leads us into the reason why Christians must be slow to anger. James says it’s because man’s anger does not promote God’s righteousness. The one who is angry assumes the right to judge others, to pronounce sentence, and to cause some kind of hurt. Man’s anger divides people, making love difficult or impossible. Even aggravation for some people can turn into violent action. On the other hand, God’s righteousness heals people and promotes love and mercy. Since we are those who have received the “word of truth” (see James 1:18), we should seek “the righteousness (goodness) of God” and not the wrath of man.
C. The engrafted commandments (James 1:21). This verse says “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” The word “Wherefore” directs us back to the previous verse advising believers to seek God’s righteousness. If we seek God’s righteousness or goodness, we will “lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness.” The word “filthiness” is often associated with sexual sin, but James applies it here to angry and selfish conversation. He also describes angry language as “superfluity of naughtiness.” This simply means unnecessary mischief. When we choose to use conversation just to promote ourselves, to disdain others, to create division, or to assert ourselves instead of listening to others, we are being filthy and vain. As we put aside angry resistance, James said we should “receive with meekness the engrafted word.” The word “receive” speaks of a positive welcome for the Word as an active force in our lives. The word also implies a decisive act of reception of God’s Word. James calls God’s Word “the engrafted word” because it has been implanted within us. This description pictures the Word as taking root in our lives. God’s Word has already taken root in our lives by bringing us rebirth, but we are also to welcome it as God’s means for our spiritual growth. The “engrafted” or implanted Word of God is also fully “able to save your souls.” The idea here is that salvation is the whole process by which God delivers someone from sin---its penalty, its power, and eventually its presence. God’s Word is essential to our maturity in the faith we have embraced.
IV. THE LAW KEEPING OF THE BLESSED (James 1:22-25)
A. The danger of being a hearer only (James 1:22). As important as it is to receive or hear the Word, James also wrote “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James admonished his readers to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only.” James’ readers came from a culture that took pride in having heard Scriptures read in the synagogue every Sabbath. However, too often reading was not accompanied by obedience which is a common failure of present day Christians as well. As “doers of the word” we are to become habitually obedient to it. If we are “hearers only” James says that we are “deceiving your own selves.” Anyone who remains a mere hearer is guilty of the worst kind of deception---deceiving him or herself. The verb James uses for “deceiving” implies deluding oneself by faulty reasoning. The hearer falsely assumes that hearing the Word is enough to please God. Note: Every Scripture is a word from God, so there are many specific words of God that address many topics. The idea of the Word includes all of Jesus’ teaching, not just the words He spoke, but also the words taught by His disciples. The teachings of the Old Testament as well as the teachings of Jesus and the apostles are all part of the Word. Jesus criticized many religious leaders in His day for studying the words of God but not keeping them. Some used clever interpretations to excuse disobeying God’s Word (see Matthew 15:3-6). Yet Jesus said His mother and brothers are those who both hear and obey the Word (see Luke 8:21). The commandments of God, when properly interpreted, are good for us. Ignoring them is deceiving ourselves about our standing with God and our own spiritual health. If we conclude that we can be content with simply hearing the Word we are living in self-deception. God’s will is that we should change and be like Him in love and goodness. God requires far more than just being good listeners. He wants to see faith in action.
B. The illustration of the forgetful hearer (James 1:23-24).
1. (vs. 23). James goes on to say “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass.” James now shows how inadequate it is to only be “a hearer of the word, and not a doer.” Those who hear the word and fail to put it into practice are shown by James as being “like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass.” The “glass” refers to an ancient mirror, which was usually made of polished bronze. It is analogous to God’s Word which reveals what a person is like. The “hearer” is like one who looks in the mirror at his appearance, pausing long enough to get an accurate image. He sees “his natural face” which literally means “the face of his birth.” Again, remember that the “glass” represents God’s Word in this illustration.
2. (vs. 24). Continuing his illustration of one looking into a mirror, James said “For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.” In the phrase “For he beholdeth himself,” James implied that the mirror revealed something that needed improvement or correction. It may be a blemish, or pimple, or just the need for a shave. Whatever the flaw was that the person saw needed to be corrected before he left the mirror. Yet this person “goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.” In other words he goes on his way immediately, forgetting what he looked like. He does this either because he does not see any flaw, or because he doesn’t consider the flaw important enough to be changed or corrected. Those who only hear God’s Word without practicing it are like that man looking in the mirror. Of course, mirrors can only show us the flaws, but cannot remove them. Likewise, God’s Word reveals what we are and what we need to do, but it is only when the Word is applied to the heart and life that change can take place. Looking into a mirror or into the Word of God is a waste of time unless we act upon what we see there. Note: When we look into the words of God we find that we are to be like God. Being created in His image, we are to be holy as He is holy (see Leviticus 19:2; I Peter 1:15). When we look at the life and teachings of Jesus, we see that we are called to imitate Him (see Matthew 10:25). Therefore, the Scriptures are like a mirror showing us what we are supposed to be. The only way to be more like God is to fully act on the truths we learn. James’ mirror illustration, simply put, is like the person who hears the Word proclaimed or preached, but then goes home and forgets it. It has not penetrated deeply enough to touch his desire to correct any flaws in his life.
C. The condition of the faithful doer of God’s Word (James 1:25). Unlike the hearer only who is illustrated by the person looking in a mirror, James here writes “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” The doer of the Word has a different attitude toward God’s Word because he “looketh into the perfect law of liberty.” The verb “looketh” pictures a person stooping down and intently looking at himself in the mirror. The words “and continueth therein” makes it clear that he examines himself for some time. He is not content with what he sees. He looks for hidden flaws. The mirror into which the man looks is the “perfect law of liberty” which refers to God’s Word, the Scriptures. Some think that James is referring to Jesus’ teaching on love, and called this way of interpreting the Law of love the “law of liberty.” However, in the context of our lesson, the focus is on the entire Word of God, not just on love. For sure, the Word of God is the “perfect law of liberty.” It’s perfect in the sense that it is complete, which is one of the primary meanings of the word translated “perfect” in the New Testament. God’s Word is a law in that it governs our lives and reveals how we can serve God. Unlike the Mosaic Law which was seen as a yoke or burden (see Acts 15:10; Galatians 5:1), the gospel brings liberty to those who receive Christ (see John 8:31-32; 17:17). The person who looks into God’s Word and is “a doer of the work” and not a “forgetful hearer… shall be blessed in his deed.” Only those who have an active faith and are obedient to what they see in God’s Word can expect to be blessed in what they do (see Psalms 19:7-11).
V. THE RELIGION OF THE UNDEFILED (James 1:26-27)
A. Vain religion (James 1:26). Now James writes “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.” To further show the difference between a hearer of God’s Word and a doer, James indicates that the hearer is like “any man among you (that) seem(s) to be religious.” The word translated “religious” signifies the outward show of religion, especially the ceremonial service of religion. A “religious” man is known for church attendance, prayers, giving, and hearing sermons. Although these things may be commendable, the man that James calls religious has a problem: he “bridleth not his tongue.” In other words, he can’t control his tongue. His tongue is like an untamed horse that goes wherever it pleases. His tongue may produce gossip, profanity, filthiness, sarcasm, or foolishness. Therefore, this religious man “deceiveth his own heart” meaning he deceives himself, but probably no one else! He thinks his external observances are all that God requires. But God considers speech an important gauge of a person’s spiritual condition. Until he has allowed the Word to do an inward work in him to control his speech, his religion is “vain” or useless and hypocritical. His religion does nothing for him and does not gain the favor of God. Many aspects of a person can be controlled rather easily. However, the tongue is difficult to control for our words often reveal our emotions and attitudes. It’s hard to fake a good attitude. Therefore, a person with “vain” or hypocritical religion will often be exposed by unloving words.
B. Pure religion (James 1:27). In this verse, James describes the opposite of vain religion that he just mentioned. He said “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” James tells us that “Pure religion” is “undefiled before God.” In other words, it is not hypocritical. “Pure religion” is manifested both outwardly and inwardly. The outward manifestation is “To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction.” The word for “visit” means to come to someone with help, not just to stop by for a social visit (see Genesis 50:24; Psalms 106:4; Jeremiah 15:15; 27:22; 29:10; Matthew 25:36). In the ancient world, both orphans and widows were often left destitute and subject to unscrupulous people who took advantage of them. The Mosaic Law singled out orphans and widows for special care (see Exodus 22:22; Deuteronomy 27:19). Their “affliction” consisted of loneliness, lack of support, and exploitation by unscrupulous men. Jesus’ care for widows and children is reflected in the Gospels (see Mark 12:42; Luke 18:3-7; Matthew 15: 25-26; 18:2-6; 19:13-15; Mark 7:27; 9:36-37; 10:13-16). Jesus said that the highest form of service is to those who cannot repay (see Luke 14:14). The internal manifestation of “pure religion” is to keep oneself “unspotted from the world.” This means to live a holy or sanctified life by keeping oneself from being polluted by the world. Christians must have a distinctive lifestyle that sets them apart from this evil world. Even though unsaved people may not live morally upright lives, they will certainly notice when professing believers are either immoral or dishonest. Of course James was not saying that these are the only things that reveal “pure religion,” but they are certainly representative of traits that show or demonstrate that Christ is reigning in our hearts. Note: Humanitarian concern for the needy will do little to glorify God if one’s personal behavior is impure or corrupt. Doers of the Word are faithful in both caring for the needy and living a clean life.
VI. Conclusion. James has presented to us areas where difficult but often necessary changes need to be made. To be willing to listen to others, to be cautious and courteous in speech, to obey the dictates and principles in God’s Word, and to be a helper of the poor, and needy---all this needs more attention than many people give. When Jesus lived on earth, He showed great compassion for the needy multitude. It was said of Him, “He hath done all things well” (see Mark 7:37). As both hearers and doers of the Word, we will follow His example. With the Holy Spirit’s power we too will do all things well.
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