With James 1:19-25 we come to the fourth paragraph of this epistle. The Holy Spirit inspired purpose for this epistle is to provide pastoral counsel for a spiritually mature walk in the believer's life. Even so, this fourth paragraph gives counsel concerning a right relating toward others out of a heart-character that is being spiritually transformed through a meek reception of and a faithful obedience to God's Word of truth. Thus we find in this paragraph instruction to relate aright toward others and to relate aright toward God's Word.
The word “wherefore” with which James 1:19 begins indicates that the instructions of this verse are connected to and flow out from some truth in the previous paragraph (verses 12-18). This verse indicates that we should behave in a manner of self-control and self-denial, being “swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” What primary truth of verses 12-18 would lead to such instruction? It is the truth that the true cause of sinful temptation is the selfish desires of our own corrupt hearts. Because even as the children of God, we retain the selfish influences of our sinful flesh upon our hearts (See Romans 7:17-21; Galatians 5:17), the desires of our hearts are often motivated and corrupted by selfishness. Even so, James 1:19-25 provides a four-fold counsel concerning the manner by which we are to deal with the selfish, sinful corruption within our hearts.
1. We must relate toward others with self-denial. (vs. 19-20)
2. We must put away from ourselves all sinful behavior. (v. 21a)
3. We must receive with meekness all Scriptural truth. (v. 21b)
4. We must be doers of God's Word with settled obedience. (v. 22-25)
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Pastor Scott Markle was raised in a Christian home, and received the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior at the age of four. He has served the Lord his God and Savior in pastoral ministry since 1992. He has served as the pastor of Melvin Baptist Church, a small country church in the...
