In
verses 19-25, the Word here exhorts us to continue in the Word of truth. In
verse 18, we see a reference to the new birth as being brought about through
the Word of truth. It would be natural for James now to be concerned in the
believers’ progress. In this section, James’ intention was to show how believers
should relate with the Word of truth and experience progress in spiritual life.
From verses 18 to 25, different terms are used to refer to the Word of God. (1)
In verse 18, it is called the Word of truth; (2) in verse 21, it is referred to
as the Word implanted; (3) in verses 22-23, it is referred to merely as the Word;
and (4) in verse 25, it is called the Perfect Law and the Law of Liberty.
We
can see that there are only three concerns here. In verses 19-20, James’ first
concern is for his hearers to hear the Word. Secondly, he was concerned for hearers
to receive the Word (verse 21). And finally in verses 22-25, he was concerned
for believers to obey the Word.
In verses 19-20, it is perfectly natural for James to put emphasis
on the need to listen to God’s Word. For in verse 18, he had asserted that it is
through that Word of truth that believers received their new birth. Now to
progress and grow, they would then need to go back to that Word and listen to
what it has to say to them. Hence, he called for them to be quick to hear the
Word. Very quickly, he also pointed out to two areas in life that could prevent
believers from hearing God’s Word. He said that an uncurbed speech and anger
could sabotage one’s spiritual growth. These negative habits could render the
believers incapable of hearing God’s Word readily. Both could be traced to the
lack of self-control. In addition, he points out that excessive anger could
prevent one from attaining the righteous standards of God.
In verse 21, James urged the believers who have heard the Word to receive
it. There are four stages involved in the reception of the Word into one’s
life. Firstly, there is the stage of preparation. Using the language of
gardening, James began by calling for the ground to be prepared. To do so, he
commanded that all moral filth and wickedness must be removed from the soil of
their soul. These things could determine the reception of the implanted Word.
Secondly, there must be the adjustment of the attitude. Here, believers must
cultivate the attitude of humility. Thirdly, there must be the acceptance of
the Word implanted. And
finally, to expect the outcome, that is the saving of the soul.
The first two parts of the process, the listening and receiving
are needful. However, the most important part of the process of accepting the
Word is in the applying or obeying of the Word. In five verses, James’ thrust
was a call to be a doer of the Word. People may come to the Word and listen to
it, but only the person who acts upon what he has heard would be blessed. Using
a common experience in life, James underscored the importance of acting on the
Word. If a person hears the Word and does not obey what it prescribes, is a
forgetful hearer. He is like a man who forgets how he looks like after going
away from the mirror that has just reflected his image. James’ point was this:
every believer who looks intently at the Word, pores and reflects over it and
then responds accordingly, such a person would be blessed in what he does. The
Word of God is seen here as the perfect law as well as the law of liberty. It
is a law because it is meant to be obeyed. It is perfect because it perfectly
expresses the nature of God. It is the law of liberty because it will free a
person to live and express the way he ought to in Christ.
The Word of God is full of godly seeds to grow a righteous plant.
When rightly sown in our lives and carefully nurtured through obedience, we
will see beautiful and godly characters cultivated to bring glory to His
name.
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