James 1:21

'Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.'

'Therefore' -In light of the trials and pressures of life (James 1:2), our own lusts (James 1:14), and the fact that the wrath of man doesn't achieve God's purposes (James 1:20). We need all the help we can get and in addition we can't afford to tamper and dabble in even one sin.

'putting aside' -'lay aside, rid oneself' (Arndt p. 101) (Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:8; 1 Peter 1:21). Sinful attitudes are not impossible to remove. This is not an impossible task! 'the middle voice emphasizes that the putting away is something we must do for ourselves.' (Woods p. 81) '"Get rid of" is one word in the original language, meaning to strip away, to take off. It pictures taking off that which is unnecessary for our lives or that which is contrary to God's purposes. It is. word used of. snake's shedding his skin and leaving it behind. We are to strip off that which is harmful to us.' (Draper p. 54) See Hebrews 12:1 'let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us'.

'all' -and not just some. Many try to justify. certain sin by saying, 'Well, everyone has some bad habits'. We are fooling ourselves if we think that we can successfully live the Christian life-and yet hold on to some sin at the same time (Matthew 6:24). 'The force of "all" in such cases is "each instance of" or "every trace of", or perhaps "every kind of".' (Roberts p. 71) The language is that of complete submission to the will of God. Are we so in love with God that we want to remove everything that is offensive to Him? (1 Peter 1:14)

'filthiness' -'denotes dirt, filth' (Vine p. 99); 'moral uncleanness, vulgarity' (Arndt p. 738) 'There is, in the word,. suggestion of loathsomeness. and it seems likely that in his use of this term it was the writer's design to create in his readers. deep sense of abhorrence of sin, all sin, any sin…..We should be impressed with the fact that James did not seek to soften the character of sin or to obscure God's unwavering opposition to it. There is the disposition today to dally with sin, to excuse it, to resort to euphemisms in referring to it, to speak of "inhibitions", psychological weaknesses, reversions, environmental influences, hereditary factors, etc.,…' (Woods p. 80)

We need to have. greater abhorrence of sin (Romans 12:9; Romans 6:21).

'and all that remains of wickedness' -'whatever wickedness still remains' (TCNT). 'residue, remains' (Thayer p. 505). 'surplus, abundance, "all the evil prevailing around you" (Arndt p. 650). The word "remains" suggests that which is left over (Mark 8:8). Remember, James is speaking to people who are already Christians. But even after one is converted, there are sinful attitudes that the Christian needs to remove (Acts 8:20). This expression contradicts various denominational ideas that the Holy Spirit simply overwhelms the individual and purges them automatically of all sin and even the desire to sin.

'wickedness' -'malignity, malice, ill-will, desire to injure' (Thayer p. 320); 'depravity, wickedness, vice' (Arndt p. 397); 'ill will" or "evil feeling". Can mean evil in general or especially ill-will, such as malice. 'Christians must not become comfortable with their sinfulness but must face up to the fact that their Christian commitment allows no toleration of impurity in their lives.' (Kent p. 64)

Points To Note:

1. The word "remains" can also mean to "overflow". We must realize that we can't keep. sin to ourselves.. sinful attitude will eventually spill over and touch the lives of those around us. 2. Christians need to get rid of the ill-will in their hearts, if they don't, such malice will eventually be unleashed against family members, loved ones and even their own brethren. 3. The verse admits that there is. lot of work that needs to be done after. person becomes. Christian (Hebrews 13:14).

'in humility' -or "meekness"; 'gentleness, mildness' (Thayer p. 535),. humble, teachable disposition. The person who is humble enough to admit their own ignorance. Barclay notes, 'the teachable spirit is without resentment and without anger, and is, therefore, able to face the truth, even when the truth hurts and condemns. The teachable spirit is not blinded by its own overmastering prejudices, but is clear-eyed to the truth. The teachable spirit is not seduced by laziness, but is so self-controlled that it can willingly and faithfully accept the discipline of learning.' (p. 68) 'It is. spirit of controlled dedication' (Draper p. 55)

Vine notes, 'it is that temper of spirit in which we accept His (God's) dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting…which, as such, does not fight against God and more or less struggle and contend with Him…Described negatively, meekness is the opposite to self-assertiveness and self-interest.'

The "meek" or "humble" person isn't weak or cowardly, rather they are very strong. Such an individual might be extremely intelligent, far beyond their peers, but before God, the meek man or woman realizes that they are but children (Matthew 18:3); and very imperfect (Luke 18:9; Luke 17:10). This is the individual who has. proper view of themselves, they aren't worthless, but at the same time, they aren't the center of the universe either (Romans 12:3).

'receive' -Which infers that it is difficult to accept what the Bible says if one refuses to humble themselves. This is the honest and good heart (Luke 8:15). The word "receive" places the obligation upon us. God isn't going to force us to receive His word (Acts 2:40). The word "receive" means that we must be willing to give God. fair hearing (James 1:19), and to do our best to understand what He is saying. If we are to "receive" the word, then we must understand it, and see its great value and the wisdom of its teaching (See Acts 17:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:10).

'the word implanted' -'inborn, implanted by other's instruction' (Thayer p. 209); 'implanted or rooted-a word whose property it is to root itself like. seed in the heart' (Vine p. 250).

Points To Note:

1. The Word of God isn't inborn in the heart, for such would make teaching and preaching unnecessary. In addition, in himself, man doesn't inherently know the truth (Jeremiah 2:23; Proverbs 16:25; 1 Corinthians 2:9). 2. The word "implanted" must therefore refer to the process of teaching (1 Corinthians 3:6; Mark 4:14; Matthew 13:19 'that which hath been sown in his heart'). Everyone who has become. Christian, has had the word implanted or sown in their hearts through the process of being taught. 'Here again is the positive proof of the absolute necessity of preaching and teaching the truth fully, firmly, and plainly, in order that it may be understood, received without reservation, and thus permitted to have its full influence in the heart.' (Woods p. 83) 3. Carefully note that the 'word' being implanted was the revelation being given through inspired men, either orally or in written form. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16); the Word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12)---in written form also! (2 Timothy 3:16).

'which is able to save your souls' -Remember, this was said to people who had already become Christians. The Christian needs to continually receive with meekness the teaching found in the Word, the Christian continually needs to purge their life from any sinful attitude that would arise (2 Corinthians 7:1). Even Christians can allow the impact of the Word to become weak in their lives (Luke 8:14).

Points To Note:

1. James didn't believe in once-saved-always-saved, or. salvation in which we have no obligations or responsibilities. 2. To obtain eternal life, we must remain receptive to the gospel. We must allow the word to have free reign in our lives (John 8:37; 1 Thessalonians 2:13 'which also performs its work in you who believe.').. It is our responsibility to face our need before God and commit it to him. God is not going to barge into our lives and take these evils away from us. He is not going to force his way into our lives and take away that which spills over in wickedness and disrupts those about us. We must come and confess our sins to him. We must come and claim what he offers to us.' (Draper p. 56)