James 1:16-27

CHAPTER III

RECEIVING FROM GOD

James 1:16-27

Introduction

After fourteen verses of showing the Way of the Wise, James has concluded that our trials are good for us, producing steadfastnessthat true wisdom is not produced of man, but comes from God. Since this wisdom comes from God, we should listen to God's warnings about the end of the rich man and the results of both temptation and endurance.
With this true wisdom coming from God we must know how to receive it from God. To hear what God has to say seems to be an art in itself. It is an artful expression of complete submission to His will. Receiving from God is the natural result of faith, the natural culmination of hope, and the producing of God's kind of love in us. Whether or not we are willing to receive knowledge, instruction, and wisdom from God will make the difference in vain religion and pure religion.
All too common among people who claim Christ is the practice of examining God and telling God what to do. Men often act as if they were the judges of God, and far from receiving wisdom from God, they seem better satisfied to give of their wisdom to God. How often we have heard the expression: God could not be logical and reasonable in His action if He required man to do anything for the receiving of His grace. (Who are we to tell God what is logical and reasonable?) Or again, A loving God could not permit anyone to go to hell! (Telling God what He can or cannot do!) Or, I-'m as good as those old hypocrites in the church. If they are allowed into heaven, God will allow me in also! (As if we were the one who worked out the scheme of redemption from before the foundation of the world! As if we were the one who went up into heaven and brought Jesus down to be born of a woman! As if we were the one who went beyond death and brought Jesus back from the grave! Oh, how far from God man can get with his own vain philosophical reasoning. How futile are the best answers man can devise. Truly, the wisdom of man is foolishness with God; and the really wise man will receive his wisdom from God.

Outline

God the Great Giver, gives many things, and they are all good. Therefore we should listen and heed. This will result in both active service and pure religion on our part.

THE SOURCE OF ALL GOOD THINGS James 1:16-18

TO LISTEN IS BETTER THAN TO SPEAK James 1:19-21

LISTENING IS POINTLESS WITHOUT DOING James 1:22-25

VAIN AND PURE RELIGION CONTRASTED James 1:26-27