The sermon for last Thursday night's service was over the 1st Chapter of the book of James, in particular, the verses found from 1:17-27. I've preached a sermon series over James since I've been here at Woodlawn and now the Lectionary is entering a period where we'll again be looking at selections from James. The Epistle of James is a great book and I would encourage everyone to sit down and read through it (often).
We're called not just to 'talk the talk, but as James prods us in his letter, we must also be doers of the word. The word is the life that we have had revealed to us through the teachings of Christ, and it's obvious that James (whoever he was) is a believer that Jesus came to us from God the Father. 18 In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
We, each of us, are the first fruits of God, that portion of the crop that is dedicated to God. The Temple upon which this offering is to be laid is the 'New Temple' and as has been so often cited, that Temple is Jesus Himself. We are each sacred to God, let us remember to behave as such and to do the bidding and perform the work of God in His creation.
22 But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. 23 For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; 24 for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. 25 But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing.
Be a blessing to someone today!
In Christ!
Roy
James 1:17-27 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
17 Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.[a] 18 In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
19 You must understand this, my beloved:[b] let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. 21 Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls.
22 But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. 23 For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves[c] in a mirror; 24 for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. 25 But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing.
26 If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
Footnotes:
a) James 1:17 Other ancient authorities read variation due to a shadow of turning
b) James 1:19 Gk my beloved brothers
c) James 1:23 Gk at the face of his birth
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