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James 1:16-18
James wants his hearers/readers to be certain about their belief in God as he states in James 1:16 (NKJV) to, “not be deceived” in relation to the previous text of James 1:12-15 and the source of temptation which is from our own sinful nature’s desires that are placed within us by Satan. James then describes why we should not be deceived; because, as he states in verse 17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, which whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” In this verse James makes note of the Father of lights, in that God put the stars in the sky to light the night (Genesis 1:14-19), and it is through Him in which we receive every good and perfect gift. Also, we should take note of how James says that every good gift and every perfect gift is from God. We are not to determine that God gives some good gifts and some perfect gifts, but that every and all good and perfect gifts come from our heavenly Father. James ties this section together by reminding us that it is to God that we owe our existence as he states in James 1:18, “Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.”
This is a promise that God is the giver of every good and perfect gift.
This is a promise that we are created by God through the word of truth.
This is a promise that we may be the “firstfruits” of God’s creatures.
In the Old Testament sacrificial system, the Israelites celebrated the Feast of Harvest (Exodus 23:16) in which the firstfruits of their harvest were to go to God as His portion. Through our Savior Christ Jesus we are the firstfruits of God through our salvation in proclaiming Him our Lord and Savior. The firstfruits are the birth and growing of the seed of God’s word which is planted in our hearts that sprouts a new life in Christ Jesus for all who will believe in Him. John 1:12-13 (NIV) states, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, or of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” In Acts 11 the Apostle Peter explains why being born again is not just for the Jews, but also for the Gentiles, which opened salvation to all peoples in all nations under God.
Dear LORD,
We have learned that You do not tempt us, but that You are the giver of all good and perfect gifts. We are beginning to connect the lessons of the requirements of the Old Testament Law to being a prelude to the new life that You offer to us through Your one and only Son, Jesus, whom You sent to save the world from sin that all who believe in Him may be born again into a firstfruits of Your creatures. We are learning to tie Scripture together to better understand Your great plan of salvation in the new life that You offer us through Jesus. Thank You for opening our eyes to Your word that we might apply the lessons learned into our lives. In Jesus name I pray, amen.