RPG Adults
HUMILITY, HUMILITY, HUMILITY!
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20
James 1:21
Psalm 25:9
“The meek will he guide
in judgment…”
HUMILITY, HUMILITY, HUMILITY!
Man’s anger and fiery temperament do not bring good results to the glory and honour of God. The suffering Christians in the time of James may have been easily provoked and quick to lose their temper because of their hardships. They were possibly tempted to complain against God because of the hard times. They might have manifested dissatisfaction with God’s sovereignty over their lives. These are not responses that please God and must therefore be changed. James concludes that they must put away all vulgarity and surplus of evil. Instead, in humility, they must receive the implanted Word, which is powerful to deliver their souls out of their dismal situation.
Lay apart all filthiness: James exhorts Christians that they must happily and willingly put aside all forms of filthy and moral impurity. These are all the evil and unclean behaviours that result from their rebellion against God. There are great temptations that Christians might redress their grievances by doing what is wicked instead of doing what is right.
Lay apart superfluity of naughtiness: This is a command against evil which is harmful and damaging. We must not sin thereby creating more problems, resulting in shaming the name of Christ. There must not be any malignity, malice, ill-will or desire to injure others. These must be put off from every Christian’s heart and mind.
James instead commands that in humility the Christian must gladly and eagerly receive the perfect Word of God. Calvin’s rule for the study of God’s Word applies here: “Humility, humility, humility.” The implanted Word of God is described as that which is able to actively save our souls. The Word has been implanted in us at the time of our salvation. It has been growing and bearing fruits in our lives. James particularly refers to the continuous use of God’s Word as a guide and light in the context of their deliverance from the adversities they were facing. Christians must be able to accomplish and complete their missions through the diligent reception of the Scriptures (2 Tim 3:14-15).
THOUGHT: Do I humble myself as I study God’s holy, perfect Word?
PRAYER: Father, make me a willing recipient of Thy Word, without criticisms and complaints.