The Gift of the Word

James 1:16-18

Last Sunday we considered the side of our fallen nature that tends to blame others for our sin.  Some even go so far as to blame God for sin, trying to eliminate guilt. There is, however, the other tendency; we like to take credit for God’s free gift of salvation.  As one of the old preachers said, the will of God is opposed to the merit of man. James immediately says, Do not be deceived.  God moves according to His good pleasure (Ephes. 1:11 -12).

1- God is the Author of Good (vs.17)

A- God is the Giver of Everything Good

Don’t think for a second that God is responsible for evil.  What God is responsible for is every good and perfect gift.  Everything good that we receive has come from God.  Ultimately, the gift James has in mind is none other than the gift of salvation.

B- God is the Creator of Everything Good

James says these perfect gifts come down from the Father of lights. If we were to say the same thing today we might use the phrase the Father of creation.

C- God is Reliable

God the creator never changes. God isn’t subject to rising or setting but is always exactly the same

(Matthew 7:7-11).

2- God is the Author of Grace (vs. 18)

A- God’s Decision in Regeneration

God was not pressured in any way to give us this gift.  The decision was made of his own will.  It came about from pure motives and not a hidden agenda.   Before time came into being God had already decreed that He would lovingly reclaim His own children.

B- God’s Instrument in Regeneration

The Word of Truth is a declaration of God’s will.  In salvation it is the truth that God will only save through the means He established, namely through the Mediator Jesus Christ.

-God’s Word creates Physical Life

(Genesis 1:1-3; Ezekiel 37:1-10).

-God’s Word creates Spiritual Life

he brought us forth by the word of truth.  God brings forth children by the Gospel.  There is a birth that takes place (John 3).  God delivers us to life by His creative Word, which James calls the Word of Truth.

God’s Word is the instrument in regeneration.  This humbles the pride of man.  We understand that if anyone is to be converted it is an act of God. 

Could the dead planet bring itself to life?

Did those dead, dry bones have any power within themselves to come to life?

Could Nicodemus rebirth himself?

How does the new birth happen?  (Ephes. 2:8-10).

Sin entered into the heart of Adam & Eve by the word of the Devil, grace enters into the heart by the word of God.  Sin entered because of a lie, grace enters because of truth.  Regeneration happens when God gives birth to a new spiritual life.  The Spirit of God is implanted into a person and the governing disposition of his life changes (Ezekiel 36:26-27).

The Good News-

We are sinners and we don’t understand where to turn for help.

(Romans 3:10-12). 

As a result we deserve death not God’s mercy.

(Romans 6:23). 

God has a way.

(Romans 5:8).

The Gospel-- Christ was sinless and Died for sinners. He was buried. He rose again. He is currently seated at the right hand of God the Father.

(Romans 10:9-10).  

Do you believe this?

(John 1:12-13).   

Have you been born again by faith in the work of Christ?  Do you believe the word of truth?

Is the Lord at work in your heart? 

If He is, praise God for making His Word known to you.  Glorify God in your life.  As the word of truth is at work in your life, let others see what the Lord is doing by the way you live.  A born again person now aims at the glory of his creator…the Father of Lights.