17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. (NIV) JAMES 1:17 ;18
Introduction:
God’s Providence. What is it?
(a) The gifts are nothing less than complete:
James 1:17a
NIV” Every good and perfect gift is from above,
KJV “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above”
No variableness- Does not change, Stable, Constant, Secure, Dependable.
NIV: ” shifting shadows”
KJV: “shadow of turning.” Changeable,
(c) The word is nothing less than gracious :
James 1:18
NIV “He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.”
KJV ” Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.”
The Word- God’s way, (Genesis – Creation) God’s choice.
First fruits - We are part of God’s Creation .We are Included. O.T Image- meaning. A portion of the initial harvest, given back to God as an offering. Return to Creation- Adam and Eve, Serving God in relationship with Him.
Begat = Birth- A beginning. The God of Beginnings.
God’s Providence. What is it?
James 1: A passage on temptation, Vs 13-18 explains the source of temptation, but also explains the source of providence and provision. Creation is the gift of God’s quiet providence. The overarching sovereignty of God may not always be expressed in mighty acts. But we can see the gift of God’s quiet providence in the seasons of the year. A visible reminder of God’s sovereignty and perfection and nothing less.
James 1:17a
NIV” Every good and perfect gift is from above,
KJV “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above”
Good – Useful, Profitable- A reflection of God’s goodness
Perfect – Completeness, wholeness, mature, full grown.
Gift- God the giver, not man the giver. Different concept.
(b) The giver is nothing less than unchanging:
James 1:17b
NIV “coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows”
KJV “and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
Father of the heavenly lights, – An interesting way of saying God., Lights –presumably the stars and planets. (Father -Creator.)
Perfect – Completeness, wholeness, mature, full grown.
Gift- God the giver, not man the giver. Different concept.
(b) The giver is nothing less than unchanging:
James 1:17b
NIV “coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows”
KJV “and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
Father of the heavenly lights, – An interesting way of saying God., Lights –presumably the stars and planets. (Father -Creator.)
No variableness- Does not change, Stable, Constant, Secure, Dependable.
NIV: ” shifting shadows”
KJV: “shadow of turning.” Changeable,
(c) The word is nothing less than gracious :
James 1:18
NIV “He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.”
KJV ” Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.”
The Word- God’s way, (Genesis – Creation) God’s choice.
First fruits - We are part of God’s Creation .We are Included. O.T Image- meaning. A portion of the initial harvest, given back to God as an offering. Return to Creation- Adam and Eve, Serving God in relationship with Him.
Begat = Birth- A beginning. The God of Beginnings.
Conclusion:
The giver’s gift of creation is a sign of His grace toward us.
The Lord pours out his blessings, in plenty towards us. In the words of Peter in 2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
The giver’s gift of creation is a sign of His grace toward us.
The Lord pours out his blessings, in plenty towards us. In the words of Peter in 2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
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