Lesson 23 July 14
Introduction
1:19-20
These next 2 verses form an
important part of laying out what James is attempting to get across to us in
this epistle.
They give us a framework with 3
admonitions for the theme or outline of the epistle.
The outline goes like this:
3:1 - 18 Be slow to speak!
4:1 - 5:6 Be slow to Anger
Last section 5:7 - 20 Exhortation to
patient endurance in the trials of life.
To aid our
understanding of the importance of the Word, its nature and function he uses
three figures - metaphors in the following context:
1. - seed vs:21 2. - mirror vs:23 3.
- law of liberty vs:25
Failure to orient -
acclimate to the principles of BD here James says 2x will result in self
deception through fallacious reasoning (vs:22); and
self delusion (vs:26).
- idiomatically
says "take note of this" - keep this knowledge before you always. It
will help you in all kinds of
circumstances.
my beloved brethren
#1 Once again reminds
us that he's addressing believers those that have shared in the good gift of
Salvation from God; and #2 he's expressing his strong affection for them
- be quick to hear
- tachus
akouw
(infinitive of purpose) swift,
fast, quick, w/o any delay/procrastination
- As believers we must have as one of our main
purposes in life to hear the word of God = our MPR must be positive volition
toward the Word.
- We should have
diligence towards the intake and understanding of the Word.
slow to speak
-
rules out hasty or ill considered reactions to
what is heard Prov 10:19
- Paul dealt with
this problem in 1 Cor 14:26-33
slow to anger
- in view here is
anger that is a deliberate and persistent mental attitude of hostility
How do we deal with the situation of
facing intense anger? Prov 15:1; 2 Tim
4:14-16
the anger of man
- ovrgh, avnh,r = a noble man here refers to a believer
-
man's wrath, anger does not produce conduct
satisfactory to God.
1:19-20 Take
note of this, my beloved brethren, let every one be quick to hear, slow to
speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness
of God.
Observations:
1. Must note that Not all anger is Sin!!
2. Examples: - Jesus
in the
- Moses coming down off Mt Sinai and
smashing the tablets Ex 32.
3. Eph 4:26-27 gives principle: Tells us we must
be very careful in dealing with anger.
4. Those having a problem dealing with anger,
quick tempered, are not to be in positions of authority. (P/T) - Titus 1:7; why?
Prov 14:17a;
29:22
5. Exhortation is to be slow to become angry -
think before you speak -
show some patience
(Characteristic of the spiritually well balanced) Prov 14:29;
Eccl 7:9; Prov 29:11; 13:3;
6. We must guard against becoming angry at God
or His Word because it reveals our failures i.e. sin.