Gospel Bible Baptist Church

Jas. 1:25-27

Introduction

When somebody did an excellent job, we used to say “perfect” to describe it. The word “perfect” appears 99 times in the Bible. The common usage of the word “perfect” in the Bible does not necessarily denote sinless or absolute perfection, but completion, fullness, soundness, wholeness, without blemish, without spot. When applied to man, it speaks about moral integrity, uprightness, sincerity. Noah was the first man mentioned in the Bible to be perfect not in beauty but because of his moral uprightness. Job also (Job. 1:8). Lucifer before he sinned was perfect in beauty (Ezek. 28:12). We are exhorted to be perfect also (Mt. 5:48), that is to be complete in mental and moral character.

I. Perfect Law of Liberty (Jas. 1:25)
A. The Law of the Lord is perfect (Ps. 19:7-10). No defect, no error.
Psa. 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
Psa. 19:8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
Psa. 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
Psa. 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

1. It is called Law of liberty because it sets up free from law of sin and death (Rom. 8:2).
   Rom. 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
2. James refers to the Bible as the perfect law of liberty. The idea is that those who follow the principles of the Word will experience true liberty. There will be freedom from slavery to sin. The Bible is a book of liberation. And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. (Ps. 119:45)
3. This is none other than the Gospel of Jesus Christ not the Old Testament Law.
   Referring to the teachings of the N.T. in regard to the Christian life. It is called “the law of liberty” because while the instruction of the N.T. is a requirement God places before His people, it is a law of liberty because we obey God out of gratitude for His grace.
4. The idea is that those who follow the principles of the Word will experience true liberty. There will be freedom from slavery to sin. John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
5. The Holy Spirit assures us of this liberty (2 Cor. 3:17)
6. Verse 25 tells us we must gaze carefully (not glance casually) into the Word, study it, and through it see ourselves. We must then obey what the Word says. If we do, we will be happy (blessed). It is not reading the Bible that makes a person happy; it is obeying what it says. He calls the Word “the perfect law of liberty” because obedience to the Word produces spiritual liberty (Jn. 8:30-32). Living the Christian life is not bondage, it is wonderful liberty!
7. We must continue, carry on, in following and doing it (Gal. 6:9)
   Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season, we shall reap, if we faint not.
8. The Old Testament and the New Testament is God’s revealed, authoritative, all sufficient and inerrant Word for all of us (2 Tim. 3:16-17). The Bible contains all things that pertains unto life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). The Bible as a whole is referred to as “the law” (Ps 1; 19; 119). The Bible is God’s law, or rule, for mankind.

B. What the O.T. Law Cannot Do:
It cannot justify (Acts. 13:38-39; Gal. 2:16). It cannot redeem (Rom. 3:24-31; Gal. 3:13-14). It cannot give an inheritance (Rom. 4:13-14). It cannot control sin in man (Rom. 7:7-23; 8:2). It cannot free from sin and death (Ro 8:2). It cannot free a sinner from condemnation (Rom. 8:1-4). It cannot bring righteousness (Rom. 8:4). It cannot impart the Holy Spirit (Gal. 3:2). It cannot free from the curse (Ga 3:10,14). It cannot impart grace (Gal. 5:4). It cannot enable a man to obey (Heb. 7:18). It cannot make perfect (Heb. 7:19).

C. The O.T. Law Was a Temporary Covenant:

1. It was given to prepare Israel for the coming of Christ (Gal. 3:19-25).
2. It is abolished with Christ’s coming (2 Cor. 3:6-17).
3. It was taken away when Christ died (Col. 2:14-17).

D. What Was the Law’s Purpose?

1. It was given to reveal sin and to show man that he is a guilty sinner before God (Rom. 3:19-20; 7:12-13; 1 Tim. 1:9-10).
2. It was given to bring men to Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:24-25).

II. Doer of the work (Jas. 1:25 b).
A. Though we are encouraged to hear previously, application of what we heard is the most important. Hearing is not enough (Heb. 4:2, Jas. 1:22). Knowledge apart from application fall short. Obedience to the Word of God is a must. It’s not hearing that makes us happy (though sometimes it does) but obeying.
B. There is a promised blessing for the doers. Noah obeyed the Lord’s command and got saved from the flood. Daniel and his 3 friends were all saved from sure death because they obey God’s command.

III. True and False Religion (Jas. 1:26-27)
A. Religious – speaks of a profession of faith. He claims to be a God-fearing man. He attends Church, he sings hymns, maybe even puts a few dollars in the plate. He perceives himself as a good man or a good Christian.

1. Being religious here refers to ceremonial public worship, outward act or external expression, not necessarily godliness. Too bad many religious people think they are right and saved but in reality, they are not. They trust on their good works, morality, self-sacrifices, and church membership but this does not measure up to what God wants.
2. Bridleth not his tongue – means control or restraint his words. By a man’s words his heart is revealed. Cursing, murmuring, complaining, gossiping, is so common nowadays. Christians should control their tongues or watch their language. Religion (external) must be accompanied by godliness (internal) to be genuine.
3. Deceiveth is own heart – self-deception, no matter how religious you are, if there is no inward change in you, your religion is in vain. Just like the Pharisees who in their zeal for following their traditions forget the weightier matters of the law, (Mt. 23:23) their religion is in useless and hopeless and false.

B. Pure religion and undefiled (Jas. 1:27)

1. Pure here means that which is genuine and right in moral and spiritual condition of the heart, no hypocrisy, no deceit, and no lying. Involves serving God to your utmost with fear and reverence.
2. Undefiled for me is just like gold free of impurities, shines because the contaminations are gone. A religion that is free from worldly defilements not just ceremonies, rituals, fasting, formalism, etc.
3. World Bible Handbook says “Religion is devotedness to God, and supposes reconciliation to God, fellowship with God, coming under the yoke of God, and being of one mind and spirit with God.
4. Nowhere in the Bible says that Christianity is a religion. Christianity is a relationship, a new birth (Jn. 3:3) which makes us sons of God (Jn. 1:12) after repentance and receiving Christ as your personal Saviour.
5. To visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction (Jas. 1:27b). The Bible tells us to extend a helping hand to widows and the fatherless. (Isa. 1:17, Ex. 22:22, Acts 6:1-6). They are the one who cannot return back in any way any favor you can give them. It demonstrates genuine Christian sacrificial love.
6. To keep himself unspotted from the world- the world here is the world of people in their rebellion against God.

a. Keep thyself from sin and temptation (Mat. 26:41, Ps. 39:1)
b. Keep thy selves from idols (1 Jn. 5:21).
c. Have a pure heart. (1 Tim. 1:5, 5:22, 1 Peter 1:22
d. Love not the world. (1 Jn. 2:15-17)

IV. Conclusion
God’s Words are perfect and is best for us not just to hear it but to put it into practice. Pure religion involves worship, godliness the fruit of which is controlled tongue, compassionate love to the fatherless and widows especially in time of their troubles. Purity, keeping yourself away from sin, temptation, and not being materialistic and worldly are just few of what is to be expected from genuine believers, real Christians. Want a blessed life? It’s time to know Christ and His perfect law of liberty now. Read and obey God’s Word.