“Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures”
Of His own will
The phrase “of His own will” is emphatic in the Greek. The word “will” carries the idea of “counsel.” God conferred with Himself about what He would do […]
Archive for August, 2000
“Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures”
First God wills then He acts. Ever since God planned our salvation, He has used the truth of Scripture to bring us into His Kingdom.
He brought us forth
The words “brought […]
“Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures”
by the word of truth,
The tool that God uses for our regeneration is the “word of truth” [Scripture and the gospel].
Principle:
The Bible is the best means for declaring the gospel message.
Application:
There […]
“Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures”
that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures
The idea of “firstfruits” is an Old Testament expression that communicated the idea of the first portion and best crops (Deuteronomy 26:1–19). […]
“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath…”
We now come to the third movement of James, chapter 1. The first movement is how a Christian copes with trial; the second is how she copes with temptation; and now the third is how she connects with […]
“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath…”
slow to speak,
James uses the word “slow” twice in this verse. The Christian is to stretch out a period of time before he shoots off his mouth or explodes in anger.
Principle:
Words spoken quickly are difficult to recall.
Application:
The […]
“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath…”
slow to wrath
The third command of this verse challenges Christians to be “slow to wrath.” There are a number of Greek words for anger. The word “wrath” in our verse means a settled anger that abides in the […]
“…for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God”
for the wrath of man
The word “wrath” here is the same word as in the previous verse. It is the word for smouldering anger that holds a grudge against someone. The word for “man” is the word for mankind.
“A man of […]
“Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls”
Therefore
The “therefore” is a conclusion drawn from verse 18. The word of truth birthed us into the family of God and made us the firstfruits of His creatures. That was the initial […]
“Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls”
all filthiness
Christians are in a titanic struggle against sin. Satan pulls us in one direction and the Word of God pulls us in another direction. The filth of this world still lures […]