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NASB | James 1:22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | James 1:22 But prove yourselves doers of the word [actively and continually obeying God's precepts], and not merely listeners [who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning], deluding yourselves [by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth]. |
Subject: Grace vs Works? |
Bible Note: Hi, Rik... You should also be continuously involved with a congregation where the Word is exposited. If you neglect that, then your other efforts will be without suitable direction and you will also be subject to error. Asking God to give you understanding is something that He does promise, "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (James 1:5-8) Indeed, probably one of the most efficacious prayers a person can pray is simply "Help!" God will never turn away the sacrifice of our utter dependence on Him coming through such a prayer. These things -- hearing the word, reading the word, praying with the brethren, worshipping corporately, sharing one another's burdens, participating in the sacraments (or ordinances if you prefer) -- are what are called "means of grace." You see, God cannot be approached in any way you like. No, we must approach Him the way He has directed. Any other ways are, quite simply, evil. Our God is not to be trifled with. Nonetheless, He has lovingly provided us with channels through which He empowers us to do His will. It is rather like the old time showers where you pulled a chain and the water would flow. That is a good analogy of what is meant by means of grace. By the way, there are some things I will never understand either. God tells us that very succinctly in Deuteronomy 29:29. But if you read that verse, you will discover that He does promise us knowledge that He reveals through the Word (Hebrews 1:1-2). Job is a good example. In that book the fundamental question asked is "Why do good people suffer?" It is interesting though that in Job (as in the other wisdom books) the "Why" questions are not answered. I believe there are three reasons why that may be so: (1) It is none of our business (per Deuteronomy 29:29); (2) We are incapable of understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9); (3) We really don't want the answer -- instead we are only trying to justify ourselves (e.g. Luke 10:29a; cf Proverbs 12:15). I often tell people to read through the New Testament. I always remind them: Do not worry about what you do not understand. God will not hold you responsible for what you do not understand. Instead, worry about what you DO understand. That will separate you from the double-minded man spoken of by James. In Him, Doc |