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EVERY GOOD GIFT. James 1:16-18. 7/28/2024. #04.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.
1. Stop being deceived
a. James spent 13 verses warning Jewish believers to avoid temptation
a1. He explained that enticement came from our own cravings and fleshly longings
a2. God does not send temptation, but Satan and the world use our own desires against us to cause us to fall (i.e., Eve)
b. We deceive ourselves when we follow our lusts
a1. Fulfilling lusts can’t bring happiness, joy, or anything beneficial
a2. Cravings are always a product of the fallen flesh and never the will of God
c. We deceive ourselves when we believe that our own carnal happiness is the will of God
2. Good gifts are from God
a. God can’t send evil, temptation, or corruption
b. God sends good gifts, but not unwholesome ones
a1. Man can turn good gifts into idols, like Saul, Solomon, and Demus did
a2. What God sends is meant for our good
c. At times God’s good gifts seem noxious
a1. God sends testing for a wholesome purpose, but it is not pleasant (Job)
a2. God often withholds his gift to teach us patience and trust (Abraham, David)
a3. Gifts are not defined by our comfort or enjoyment (Romans 8:18-28)
d. Whatever gift God gives will bear good fruit
a1. Trust that God is working via provisions
a2. God’s eternal rewards make the bumpy road traveled worth the trip (Jeremiah)
e. Notice the gifts are “perfect”
a1. Whatever we need he provides to complete his purpose within us
a2. His gifts also include food, raiment, comforts, fellowship, and peace
a3. God is the greatest gift to us
f. God is also consistent
a1. He never sends temptation and always sends good gifts that grow us and provides for our needs (are we grateful)
a2. There is no variant (deviation) or shadow of turning (even a hint of wavering)
g. Whatever God allows and sends is for our eternal benefit, even if we do not recognize it immediately
3. First Fruits
a. God’s goal is not to make us comfortable, but to make us holy, prepared for eternity with him
a1. Luxuries, entertainment, and indulgences do not prepare us for eternity (Solomon)
a2. That which grows faith and draws us to him are the good things that produce fruit
b. God’s desire is to make us his first fruit
a1. Israel was to bring its first fruit of the harvest and animals to offer to God
a2. First fruits were not the first that matured or were born, but the BEST of the crops and flocks (without blemish)
c. God’s children are to be the prime examples of faith, purity, grace, mercy, comfort, truth, and hope
a1. We are people of the Book, the word of truth (know it, live it, teach it)
a2. Job 1 – “have you considered by servant _______________” who serves me fully”
d. God knows what we need to be First Fruit material
a1. We deceive ourselves if we think that we know best what we need to be godly
a2. Embracing all gifts sent by God honors him
Key passage: Romans 8:18-2818 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. 26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.