Monday, March 07, 2011

Digging Deeper James 1:16-18 with Commentary

Thank you. Several of you have shared words of encouragement regarding our series in the book of James. It is always a blessing to hear that God is using our meager offerings for His divine purposes. It is humbling to be used by the Almighty. Thank you, and keep reading.

James 1:16-18 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Commentary:
"Christians are not to make the mistake of blaming God rather than themselves for their sin...

Everything related to divine giving is adequate, complete, and beneficial.
Father of lights. An ancient Jewish expression for God as the Creator, with 'lights' referring to the sun, moon, and stars...no variation or shadow of turning. From man's perspective, the celestial bodies have different phases of movement and rotation, change from day to night, and vary in intensity and shadow. But God does not follow that pattern; He is changeless...

Of His own will. This phrase translates a Greek word that makes the point that regeneration is not just a wish, but an active expression of God's will, which He always has the power to accomplish...James intends to emphasize that the sovereign will of God is the source of this new life....He regenerates sinners through the power of that Word...Christians are the first evidence of God's new creation that is to come...and enjoy presently in their new life a foretaste of future glory..." [The MacArthur Bible Commentary pg. 1883 - 1884]

Blessings, Diane

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

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