Putting on Righteousness

James 1:19-27

 

Introduction-

The Pharisees had a very elaborate system developed.  It was a system of works.  They thought that if they did all the right stuff God would somehow be obligated to show them His goodness.

Here is Jesus’ response to an external show of righteousness without internal righteousness (Matthew 23:13 -15 & 25-28).

James 1:19-27 (ESV) 

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;  [20] for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness that God requires.  [21] Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

[22] But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.  [23] For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.  [24] For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.  [25] But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

[26] If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.  [27] Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

 

 

1- I am Becoming Righteous When I Humbly Receive the Word (vss. 19-21)

In the original language this word translated as anger has in mind anger as a result of being wronged or sinned against. (cf. Romans 13:4).

James lets us in on an important principle if we are to acquire the righteousness God wants all His children to have, we must be quick to hear.

As we are receiving the truth we must be taking off the bad.  This is the picture of someone changing a filthy garment and putting on a clean garment.

There is a heart attitude that goes along with this receiving.  Meekness is the hand that accepts the perfect gift from the Father of Lights knowing that this free gift is the only hope given for salvation.

 

2- I am Becoming Righteous as I Practice the Word (vss. 22-25)

Here James is warning us against sentimental religion. 

Many people for whatever reason think that it is the hearing from God alone that changes them.  The have categorized their lives.  They are often trying to live two separate lives.  They are pursuing various treasures throughout the week and then come to worship on Sunday morning.  When in reality they are deceiving themselves.  Hearing the word must lead to doing the word.  We must live as believers 24/7.  

Do our lives remind people of Christ?

The great Scottish reformer John Knox had this to say in regard to this text, There is danger in supposing that contemplating good is the same as doing good; that we are less selfish because we admire unselfishness; that we are less proud because we admire humility—John Knox

Jesus gives us the same teaching in a parable.

Matthew 23:13-15 (ESV) 

 

3- I am Becoming Christ-like By Practicing the Word (vss. 26-27)

The internal change that, by grace, the Word is producing is now producing an external behavior.  My works are now considered profitable for the kingdom. 

My works are not bringing me glory but bringing God glory.  I don’t have a religion like the Pharisees had that was only legalistic external acts which were meant to impress others and were worthless to God. 

God is producing in me the desire to unselfishly give to others without any hidden agenda and to pursue a holy life.  Both of these often time go unnoticed by the world, but are noticed by our Father.  We see more and more our lives are truly a reflection of Christ’s life.