A Transgressor of the Law James 2:11

As James continued to share why it was important for the people within the “twelve tribes scattered abroad” to not have “respect of persons”, he told them having “respect of persons” was sin and referred to the breaking of God's “whole law” by violating in “one point”. In chapter two and verse eleven of his letter, James used the example of a person who “commits adultery” and “kills” to share how either one makes a person “a transgressor of the law” where we read:

For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill.

Now if you commit no adultery, yet if you kill, you are become a transgressor of the law.

The verse begins, “For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill.” James began with the word, “For” which means “as, because, even, indeed, no doubt, seeing then, therefore and verily” “he that said” or “brought forth, called, commanded, spoke, answered and told”, “Do not commit adultery” or “don't have intercourse with another person's spouse”, “said also” which means “uttered, commanded, brought word to, answered and told”, “Do not kill” or “don't slay or commit murder”. The laws “do not commit adultery” and “do not kill” were from the same source - the Lord God.

The verse goes on to say, “Now if you commit no adultery, yet if you kill, you are become a transgressor of the law.” James continued, “Now” or “nevertheless, then, yet, moreover and even” “if you commit no adultery” or “if you have intercourse with another person's spouse”, “yet if you kill” which means “if you slay a person or commit murder”, “you are become” or “come to pass as, are made as, have fulfilled and have arisen to” “a transgressor” which refers to “violator and breaker” “of the law” or “the law demanding faith, the moral instruction given by Christ, especially the precept concerning love and the Pentateuch and the entire collection of the sacred books of the Old Testament”. Either violation, whether committing adultery or killing a person, breaks the entire “law of God”.

When we consider these words of James, we see how he uses two sins to identify how a person breaks the “entire law of God” when he or she breaks it in any point. The “whole law” is broken no matter at what “point” it is violated. Jesus Christ is the only person who kept the “whole law of God”, and as Paul the apostle wrote in the second letter to the Corinthians in chapter five and verse twenty-one:

“he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;

that we might be made the righteousness of God in him”.

We “break” the “law of God” and sin no matter where we violate it, and in doing so, we become “transgressors of the law”. Only Jesus can save us from our sin and make us as “the righteousness of God in him”. May we understand our offense against God and His law, and rely upon, trust in and cling to Jesus Christ as the only source for our salvation unto righteousness.

Next time James shares about those who “shall be judged by the law of liberty”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Guilty if Offend in One Point James 2:10

As James shared with the people who belonged to “the twelve tribes scattered abroad”, he addressed “respect of persons” within their “assemblies”. There was a tendency to promote and advance those who were “rich” and put down those who were “poor”. This was not to be, and in chapter two and verse ten of his letter, James shared how they were “guilty” if they “offended” God's law in “one point” where we read:

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

The verse begins, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law,...” James began with the word, “For” which means “because, even, as, indeed, no doubt, seeing then, therefore and verily” “whosoever” which refers to “any person whether male or female” “shall keep” or “attend to carefully, take care of, guard and observe” “the whole law” which means “all together, throughout and to the extent of the law demanding faith and moral instruction given by Christ especially concerning the precept of love and the more important part (the Pentateuch) or entire collection of the sacred books of the Old Testament”. James began this doctrine by referencing the person who is able to “obey” and “carefully attend to” every law God has given.

The verse goes on to say, “...and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James continued, “and yet offend” or “moreover and also cause one to stumble or fall, err, make a mistake and sin” “in one point” which means “a single and only happening, appearing and making”, “he is guilty” or “that person is bound, under obligation, subject to and liable” “of all” which refers to “each, every, any and the whole” law. James concluded that if a person is “guilty” of any “sin” against the law of God, he or she is “guilty” of all God's law.

When we think through these words of James, we see how sensitive the law of God is. If we break His law in any way, no matter where it takes its form, we have broken all His law. It is like having a whole egg and cracking it anywhere upon it's shell. No matter where we damage it, the whole shell has been compromised. Jesus Christ came to save sinners from their sin, and regardless of where we have done wrong, we break His “whole” law. Perhaps we feel that we are “better than” others because we do not “violate” God's law in a place someone else does. We must remember, everyone has broken God's law in some “point”, and this is why Jesus came. Everyone who puts their trust and faith in His finished work of dying on the cross for their “offense” of His law, they may be saved. Everyone who denies their “guilt” against God's law refuses His provision for their transgression against Him.

Next time James uses whether a person “kills” or “commits adultery” as his examples, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Transgression by Respecting Persons James 2:9

James, the “servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ”, told the people who belonged to “the twelve tribes scattered abroad” not to have “respect of persons”. He shared how they did “well” if they “fulfill the royal law according to the scripture” which was to “love their neighbor as” themselves. In chapter two and verse nine of his letter, James declared how they “commit sin” if they had “respect to persons” where we read:

But if you have respect to persons, you commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

The verse begins, “But if you have respect to persons, you commit sin,...” James began with the word “But” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was previously stated, “if you have respect to persons” which is all one Greek word “prosōpolēmpteō” and refers to “discriminating and showing partiality and favor toward people”, “you commit sin” which means “labor towards, trade, exercise and perform missing the mark, error, wrong, offense and violation of the divine law in thought and act”. James is forthright as he communicated how his readers were “committing sin” if they gave preferential treatment to one group of people over another.

The verse continues, “... and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” James added, “and are convinced” which means “convicted, refuted, confuted and exposed” “of the law” which refers to “by, under, with and toward the law of God which demands faith and moral instruction from Jesus Christ's precept concerning love and the Pentateuch which is the entire collection of the sacred books of the Old Testament” “as transgressors” or “violators and willful breakers of the laws of God”. James told them they were “convicted” by the “law” of God and were “violators” of it when they gave discriminatory attention to certain people.

When we meditate upon these words of James, we realize how important it is that we not have “respect of persons”. The very “law of God” exhorts us to “love others”, and if we do anything else, we have become “violators” of His law. Jesus Christ loves everyone, and when we do the same, we align ourselves with His purpose of salvation. If we have preference in our hearts, we sin and are in need of humility and repentance. May the Holy Spirit of God reveal any area of “respect of persons” we hold in our hearts.

Next time James shares about how offending “one point of the law” makes his readers “guilty of all”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Love Your Neighbor James 2:8

James, while writing as the “servant of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ”, stated that his readers were not to have “respect to persons”. He called their attention through questions as to the manner in which “rich men” handled them, “oppressed” them, called them to “judgment” and “blasphemed that worthy name by which” they “were called”. In chapter two and verse eight of his letter, James referred to the fulfilling “the royal law” by loving their “neighbor” as themselves. We read:

If you fulfill the royal law according to the scripture,

you shall love your neighbor as yourself, you do well:

The verse begins, “If you fulfill the royal law according to the scripture,...” James began with the word, “If” or “whether, forasmuch, nevertheless, yet, howbeit and as” “you fulfill” which means “bring to a close, finish, end, execute and complete” “the royal law” which refers to “kingly, regal, befitting and worthy of a king, principal and chief rule, precept, injunction and law demanding faith, moral instruction given by Christ especially the precept concerning love” “according to” or “down from, throughout, toward and along” “the scripture” which means “the Holy Scripture or writ”. James referred to the “regal” or “chief” rule within the Bible as further exhortation to his readers.

The verse continues, “...you shall love your neighbor as yourself, you do well:” James added, “you shall love” or “welcome, entertain, be fond of, be well pleased with, contented with unconditional love” “your neighbor” which means “any other person where the two are concerned irrespective of nation or religion with whom we live or whom we have chance to meet” “as yourself” which refers to “in the same manner and respective to one's own self”, “you do well” or “you make, produce, form, fashion, prepare and bear beautifully, finely, excellently, nobly and honorably”. James noted the “royal law” as “loving” others in the same manner “the twelve tribes” “loved” themselves.

When we think through these words of James, we discover the way James is using the second great command of Jesus to challenge his readers. Jesus told us we are to first “love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength” and secondly to “love our neighbors as ourselves”. James told his readers “you do well” by doing this. We know Jesus loves everyone and desires that everyone be saved according to the “Holy Scriptures”. We “do well” if we love our neighbors in the same manner He does, and as we continue to observe James' instructions, may we continue learning to love others as Jesus does.

Next time James shares about being a “sinner” if we have “respect to persons”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Blaspheming that Worthy Name James 2:7

James, the “servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ”, told the members of “the twelve tribes scattered abroad” not to give preferential treatment to “rich” men over “poor”. He question them about the wealthy oppressing the “poor” and drawing them “before the judgment seats”. In chapter two and verse seven of his letter, James continued his questions concerning wealthy people by asking whether they “blaspheme that worthy name by which” they are “called”. We read:

Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which you are called?

The verse begins, “Do not they blaspheme that worthy name...” James began with the words, “Do not they” which refers to “rich men” “blaspheme” which means “speak reproachfully, rail at, revile and calumniate” “that worthy name” which refers to “beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable and admirable covering for everything the thought or feeling of which is aroused in the mind by mentioning, hearing, remembering including rank, authority, interest, pleasure, command, excellencies and deeds”. “Rich” people were known to “speak reproachfully and disdainfully” concerning the “beautiful” “name” God gave to James' readers.

The verse goes on to say, “...by the which ye are called?” James continued,“by the which you” which means “for your sakes” “are called” or “have put upon, invoked and been given a surname”. James referred to the precious and Holy “name” which was given to the believers in Jesus.

When we consider these words of James, we see how he brought to mind the manner in which “rich men” handled the people. Rather than exalt the “Holy name” by “which” they were “called”, they “blasphemed” it. Jesus Christ has given us a “name” that is “worthy, beautiful, excellent, choice and calumniate”, and no one should ever reproach it. May we learn to identify with the “worthy name” Jesus gives us, and let us be aware of “blasphemy” from those who seem “wealthy” in this world.

Next time James shares about “loving your neighbor as yourself”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Rich Men's Oppression James 2:6

The “twelve tribes scattered abroad” were directed by James, “the servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ” not to give preferential treatment to “rich men” while neglecting and putting down the “poor”. If they did, they would have forgotten how “God has chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to them that love him”. In chapter two and verse six of his letter, James shared how “rich men” oppress his readers where we read:

But you have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you,

and draw you before the judgment seats?

The verse begins, “But you have despised the poor.” James began with the word, “But” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated, “you have despised” or “dishonored,insulted and treated with contempt” “the poor” who were “those reduced to beggary, begging and asking alms who are destitute of wealth, influence, position and honor”. Those who diminished the value of the “poor” were among James' readers.

The verse goes on to say, “Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?” James continued, “Do not rich men” which refers to “those who are wealthy, abounding in material resources which are abundantly supplied” “oppress you” or “exercise harsh control over one and to use one's power against one”, “and draw you” which means “drag, lead and impel by inward power” “before” or “towards, to and among” “the judgment seats” which means “the instrument, rule, place or means of trying or judging anything”. James had them consider how the “rich men” “harshly control” them and “drag” them to “courts” for “judgment”.

When we think through these words of James, we see how he had his readers to consider the manner in which “rich people” controlled them. Rather than “exalt” the “poor” as James previously exhorted, they were catering to the “rich” who were “oppressive” and judicious toward them. Jesus Christ desires for us to be fair with everyone whether they have means or not. If we think about it, those who are “wealthy” sometimes torment and persecute those who are “poor”. May we never be this way and choose rather to value everyone the way our Heavenly Father does.

Next time James shares how “the rich” “blaspheme” “the worthy name by which” Jame's readers were “called”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Poor Rich in Faith James 2:5

As James continued to exhort his readers concerning preferential treatment of those who were wealthy over those with meager means, he didn't want them to be “partial in” themselves and “judges of evil thoughts”. In chapter two and verse five of his letter, James inspired the people to understand how “the poor” were “rich in faith” where we read:

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Has not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith,

and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to them that love him?

The verse begins, “Hearken, my beloved brethren, Has not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith,...” James began with the word, “Hearken” which means “to be endowed with the faculty of hearing, not deaf, to understand and perceive the sense of what is said”, “my beloved” or “esteemed, dear, favorite and worthy of love” “brethren” which means “a fellow believer, united to another by the bond of affection in Christ”, “Has not God” or “hasn't the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “chosen” which means “picked out and selected” “the poor” or “those reduce to beggary, begging and asking alms and are destitute of wealth, influence, position and honor” “of this world” which refers to “the circle of the earth and all it's affairs and endowments” “rich” or “one who is abounding in material resources who is abundantly supplied” “in faith” which means “in the belief with the predominate idea of trust or confidence whether in God or in Christ which springs from faith in the same ”. God Almighty has chosen and selected those who are “destitute” to be “wealthy” in “belief and trust in Him”.

The verse goes on to say, “...and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to them that love him?” James continued, “and heirs” which means “one who receives by lot the portion allotted to him” “of the kingdom” or “royal power, kingship, dominion, rule and dignity” “which he has promised” or “furnished or engaged voluntarily and professed” “to them” which refers to “the heirs of the kingdom” “that love him?” or “those who welcome, entertain, are fond of, are well-pleased and contented with God”. Not only did God choose the “poor” to be “rich in faith”, but He also selected them to be the ones who would receive the “portion” He allots to those who “love Him”.

When we meditate upon these words of James, we see the difference between the way God sees the “poor” and the way most people do. God knows “poor” people have no other source than to have “faith and trust” in Him. They do not rely upon their “means” and “riches” because they are not available. Jesus Christ sees people differently than the world, and those who are “rich in faith”, though they be “poor” in this world's goods, are the most wealthy people of all.

Next time James shares how “rich men oppress” the “poor”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ;

Partial Judges of Evil Thoughts James 2:4

As James shared with the “twelve tribes scattered abroad”, he instructed them concerning the people who came into their assembly who were both “rich” and “poor”. They were not to have “respect of persons” by seating the “wealthy” in prominent places and making the “in-affluent” stand or sit in lower places. In chapter two and verse four of his letter, James asked his readers whether they were “partial in” themselves like unto “judges of evil thoughts”. We read:

Are you not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

The verse begins, “Are you not then partial in yourselves,...” James began with the words, “Are you not then partial” which means or “separate, distinct, discriminate and withdrawn from” “in yourselves” which refers to the people within “the twelve tribes scattered abroad”. If the people within the “twelve tribes” were having “respect” to the wealthy people who entered their “assembly” and disparaging toward those who were “poor”, they were “discriminating and separating” themselves from people whom God loves.

The verse goes on to say, “... and are become judges of evil thoughts?” James continued, “and are become” which means “appearing, performing and acting as” “judges” which means “those who pass or arrogate judgment upon others such as an arbiter” “of evil” or “annoying, hard, harassing, toiling, perilous, wicked and hurtful” “thoughts” which refers to “inward reasoning, deliberations, purpose and design which questions what is true”. If James' readers were “partial” they would make themselves “arrogant arbitrators” with “wicked” thinking.

When we think through these words of James, we are exhorted not to pass judgment upon people just because of their status or way they dress. By segregating ourselves from people just because of their “station” in life, we exalt ourselves as “judges” with “wicked” thinking over them. Jesus Christ desires for all people to come to Him regardless of their social status, and this was declared through the apostle Mark in Mark in chapter twelve and verse thirty-seven, “and the common people heard him gladly”. May we emulate our Lord Jesus in our management of people.

Next time James shares how “the poor are rich in faith”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Seating of the Rich and Poor James 2:3

James, “the servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ”, was concerned about the people within the “twelve tribes” who were “scattered abroad” having “respect of persons”. He instructed them with the example of when a person “with goodly apparel” or “vile clothing” came into their “assembly”. In chapter two and verse three of his letter, James shared concerning the seating of those who were “rich” versus those who were “poor” where we read:

And you have respect to him that wears the gay clothing, and say unto him, You sit here in a good place; and say to the poor, You stand there, or sit here under my footstool:

The verse begins, “And you have respect to him that wears the gay clothing, and say unto him, You sit here in a good place;” James began with the words, “And you have respect” which means “James' readers gazing upon, looking upon, regarding and pitying with favor or partiality” “to him that wears” or “the person who bears or adorns” “the gay clothing” which means “the brilliant, shining, splendid and magnificent raiment, apparel or robes”, “and say unto him” or “speak, command, bid, grant and declare to that person” “You sit here” which means “be seated , fixed and remain” “in a good place” or “a beautiful, fine, excellent, noble, honorable, comfortable and well seat or position”. James' reference and example was when people who appear to have “means” enter into their “assembly” and people give them preferential treatment or seating.

The verse goes on to say, “and say to the poor, You stand there, or sit here under my footstool:” James added, “and say” or “speak, command, bid, grant and declare” “to the poor” which means “the person reduced to beggary, begging, asking alms who is destitute of wealth, influence, position and honor”, “You stand there” or “be firm, established and in the upright position which is removed or in that place over yonder”, “or sit here” which means “be seated , fixed and remain in this place, hither or in this spot” “under my footstool” which refers to “by, beneath and below my foot rest and power as though conquered like the foot on the neck of an enemy”. In contrast to the preferential treatment of those who were rich, James' refers to the manner in which “poor” people were handled in their seating.

When we consider these words of James, we should keep in mind there were “tables and seats of honor” in many “assemblies” in those days. Those who were “prominent” within the community were to be seated in positions in keeping with their status, and those with “lower and base means” were to stand or be seated at the rear of the room or sitting on the floor beneath the feet of those who were more “honorable”. This was not to be with James' readers. In the church, no one was to be treated differently than another, and although it is human nature to give “honor” to those who are “better stationed” in life, Christians were and are not to be that way. Jesus Christ leveled the social status as Paul the apostle wrote in his letter to the Galatians in chapter three and verses twenty-six through twenty-eight:

For you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

May the Lord Jesus through His Holy Spirit help us to realize every person is valuable in the eyes of our Heavenly Father, and may we care for them according to His ways.

Next time James shares about preferential treatment to those who are rich, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Goodly Apparel and Poor Men James 2:2

As James, “the servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” shared with the “twelve tribes scattered abroad”, he told them not to have “respect of persons”. In chapter two and verse two of his letter, James gave his readers and example of a man dressed in “goodly apparel” in contrast to a “poor man” with “vile raiment” where we read:

For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring,

in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;

The verse begins, “For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel,...” James began with the word “For” or “even as, because, even, indeed, no doubt and therefore” “if there come” which means “enters or arises” “unto your assembly” which is the Greek word “synagōgē” and refers to “a bringing together, gathering or assembly” “a man” or “a person whether male or female” “with a gold ring” which means “golden finger-ring or similar jewelry” “in goodly” or “dressed in shining, brilliant and magnificent” “apparel” which refers to “clothing, raiment or robes”. James' first reference was to a person who comes into their “synagogues” with “gold jewelry” and fancy clothing.

The verse goes on to say, “...and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;” James added, “and there come in” which means “enters or arises” “also a poor man” which refers to “one reduced to beggary, begging and asking alms who is destitute of wealth, influence, position and honor” “in vile” or “dirty, filthy and defiled with iniquity” “raiment” which means “clothing, apparel or robes”. James' second reference was to the person who enters their “gathering place” with “dirty and soiled” clothing on.

When we consider these words of James, we should allow our imaginations to see the people who enter our churches or gathering places with “rich” or “poor” clothing and accessories on. Our natural tendency is to treat the person with “affluent” clothing and jewels better than the person with “dirty and unclean” clothing. The Heavenly Father has no “respect” for persons, and if we are to be as Jesus is, we should not allow ourselves to have “respect towards” some and disrespect towards others as well.

Next time James shares about preferential treatment to those who are rich, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Respect of Persons James 2:1

James, the “servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ”, told the people who belonged to the “twelve tribes” which were “scattered abroad” that “true religion and undefiled” was “to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world”. In chapter two and verse two of his letter, James began to share with them concerning “respect of persons” where we read:

My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

The verse begins, “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ,...” James began with the words, “My brethren” which refers to “fellow believers who were united to each other by the bond of affection in Christ”, “have not the faith” or “do not have the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things and the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ with a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God” “of our Lord” which refers to “James and the brethren's one to whom a person or thing belongs and about which he has power of deciding; master and the title given to God the Messiah” “Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” and is “the Son of God, the Savior of mankind, God incarnate” “Christ” which means “the Messiah and Son of God”. James' readers were not to have their “trust and conviction in Jesus Christ the Messiah” without considering his following thought.

The verse goes on to say, “...the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.” James continued, “the Lord” or “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title given to God the Messiah” “of glory” which means “honor, judgment, view, opinion, estimate and praise”, “with respect of persons” which means “partiality or favoritism toward the outward circumstances of man and not to their intrinsic merits”. James referred to “Jesus” as “the Messiah and Christ” who deserves “glory” without attitudes and actions that show preferential treatment of different persons.

When we think through these words of James, we should note the Holy Spirit's inspiration for his words. God does not want us to “worship and believe in” Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior while at the same time showing “favoritism and partiality” toward certain people. Jesus loves everyone regardless of their station or position socially, and we are to follow His example. We are not to give some people better treatment than others, and though we may be prone to do so, we are to observe James' exhortation and be like God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Next time James shares about a “rich man” and a “poor man” coming “unto your assembly”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Pure and Undefiled Religion James 1:27

James, the “servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” told the people within the “twelve tribes scattered abroad” that if “any among” them “seem to be religious, and bridles not his tongue, but deceives his own heart” that person's “religion is vain”. In chapter one and verse twenty-seven of his letter, James shared about “pure” and “undefiled religion” where we read:

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.

The verse begins, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this,...” James began with the word, “Pure” which means “clean, ethically free from corrupt desire, sin, falsehood, blame and stain” “religion” or “worship and religious discipline” “and undefiled” which means “unsoiled, free from debasement, impairment and deformity” “before God” or “at, near or beside the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “and the Father” or “the title of honor to the originator and transmitter of creation, intellect, Christians and Jesus Christ” “is this” which refers to “taht which James is going to state”. James told his readers what “clean and ethical worship” before “God and the Father” was to be.

The verse goes on to say, “To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction,...” James continued, “to visit” which means “look upon or after, inspect and examine with the eyes in order to help or benefit” “the fatherless” or “those bereft of parents or orphans” “and widows” which refers to “one who has lost or lacking a husband” “in their affliction” which means “pressing, pressure, oppression, tribulation and straits”. Two charges are given by James; “look after orphans” and help women who have lost their husbands through death.

Finally the verse says, “...and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” James ended his words with, “and to keep himself” or “to attend to carefully, guard, reserve and preserve a person's self” “unspotted” which means “free from censure and vice, irreproachable and unsullied” “from the world” or “the ungodly multitude and the aggregate of earthly goods, endowments, riches, advantages and pleasures”. In addition to helping “orphans and widows”, those who desired “pure and undefiled religion” were to “guard” against being “marked and reproached” by “worldly things”.

When we think through these words of James, we see how clearly James marks for us how to practice “pure and undefiled religion”. When we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, we are to “look after” children who are “orphaned” and seek to help “widows” who have lost their husbands. In addition, we are to “guard against” being “soiled” by the world and it's attractions. Too many who call themselves Christians have disregarded these directives and find themselves belonging to “vain religion” that has no traction with God. May the Lord Jesus help us to “hear” His word, “learn” from it, “keep” it and “do” it as we seek His idea of “pure and undefiled religion”.

Next time we begin a new chapter and see James share about not having the “faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.