Discuss Ephesians 4 Page 16

Betty, there are a couple of Scriptures that I know of, that direct a Christian's manner of speaking:

Ephesians 4:29, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Even though 'corrupt communication' could be perceived to be too general, in Greek it actually refers to 'rotten, worthless, useless, depraved'. I would think that using swear/bad words would fall under this meaning as speech that has no value in it that rather places the person in a baser standing. You could look at Ephesians 5:4 as well, for a similar warning which includes foolish talking & jesting. I would think 'jesting' here is not just humour but with lewdness sprinkled within.

But to answer your question: "who decides which words are bad words and how do they decide, is it just somebody's opinion or is it scripture?" I think the criteria for that would be the source or history of the word used, its meaning & its manner of presentation, both in verbal expression & context. I certainly don't know the history of those words, nor do I wish to, but every now & then something comes up. For example, what some consider a 'mild bad word' such as the extended use of the word 'blood', has its origins in either the Cross or a woman's monthly cycle. But there are other words, such as used in the Bible for 'an illegitimate person' ( Hebrews 12:8), which in itself is an appropriate English word, but when used today and against a person in an angry tone, amounts to swearing. I think you get what I'm saying without the need for further examples!

But Colossians 4:6 says it well: "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." I feel that this is the criterion we need to abide by: how do our words or manner of speaking affect the one hearing us - is it gentle, encouraging, uplifting, informative or 'spiced' up & devaluing us & our message?

be ye kind hearted to one another and walk inthe Jesus light be not as the world. Seek Jesus always

Hello Adam,

I never make assumptions about anyone or the Bible.. I read and hear the words that are spoken and know by the words I hear how that person stands with God.

I would recommend you checking out 1 John 3:4 thru 10. Hopefully I spelled that right.

Then let me know if you still believe it's possible for folks that live their lives alive In Christ to be free from sin or not.

You're wording made no sense at all. When I say I am free from sin that does not give me liberty at all to sin. It simply means that sin no longer applies to me. I don't believe sin applies to anyone unless they believe it does.

Sin means one believes they have done something wrong in the eyes of God and must do something in order to regain God's favor.

I know everything I do at all times is exactly what God wants me to do and has me doing. I know everyone is doing exactly what God wants them to do and has them doing at all times. Most people have no understanding at all of how God rules all His creation.

However, Paul did clue us in when he spoke the words in Ephesians 4:6. I'll just let you look it up in case it doesn't print out for me.

As it stands now it's clear to me that your belief regarding what sin actually is, is not the truth according to how God has defined sin.

The problem I see is, when one has no understanding of what Jesus accomplished at the cross, it shows they are worshiping a false god and that false god is usually their religion.

I already followed Jesus straight to the cross and the old me died there with him. Then the new me was resurrected alive In Christ free from sin.

If you are still "following" Jesus, you haven't quite got to the finishing end of it. I agree it's a serious situation that all hangs on what one believes.

Have a great day. Lynn

"Don't add and don't subtract, Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."

Verse 16-We must stay united and cooperate within the Christian congregation in order to function properly.

I ask for you to join with me in praying for my marriage. My wife has been in pursuit of another man for about a year and is going to pick up his daughter to get their nails done. She is trying to trick him into being with her claiming she is single. She has an online dating profile. I am praying for reconciliation, restoration, protection of our marriage, forgiveness and healing: Matthew 19:16, Hebrews 13:14, Colossians 3:13, Ephesians 4:31-32, Psalm 147:3, 1 Peter 3:8, Psalm 19:14, Psalm 18:30, Romans 12:10

Hello Adam,

Yes, I am a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The standard I only desire to use is God's Word, and this is the only standard anyone can use regarding the truth( John 17:17).

Whether we, still imperfect in our sinful flesh, can "know" if we are saved or not is a good question. God tells us to examine ourselves, to see if we are in the faith( 2 Cor. 13:5). We examine if we are walking in agreement with God.

The whole of God's Word shows us that once we are born again, we become a new creature( 2 Corinthians 5:17). We are to be dead to our old ways. Dead to the ways of the world, because the world is wicked( 1 John 5:19). We are not to continue practicing sin( Titus 2:12, James 1:27).

We will still sin because we are still imperfect. ( Romans 7:23-24, Philippians 3:12, Ephesians 4:13). The difference is we do not continue PRACTICING sin, or WILLFULLY sinning. God does not judge by appearance, but by the TRUE state of our HEARTS( Luke 16:15, John 7:24).

If we continue our old practice - our dead in our sins way of living AFTER we become saved, we were never saved/born again to begin with( Hebrews 10:26, Hebrews 10:38-39, 1 John 2:15, 2 Peter 2:20-22).

We are still in the world but we are not of the world( John 17:16, Romans 12:2). On the contrary, we are tasked by the Lord to be examples & witnesses to the world( Philippians 2:15, Matthew 5:14, Romans 10:9-11, 13-15, 2 Corinthians 4:13).

This, I believe, is the "key" to knowing whether or not we are truly saved. If we truly believe.

a vocation is your work

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur comes 10 days after and is the Day of Atonement. Synagogues blast the shofar every day for a month leading up to the holiday, culminating with a sequence of 100 blasts during the Rosh Hashanah services, which take place this year on SEPTEMBER 20.

What is the meaning of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur?

Rosh Hashanah commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe:

A 10-day period of introspection and repentance that culminates in the Yom Kippur holiday, also known as the Day of Atonement. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the two "High Holy Days" in the Jewish religion.

>I was delivered from the occult; born again; and filled with the Holy Spirit; Yom Kippur 1985. I saw Jesus. Mishael

Reading the Bible under the direction of the Holy spirit will give us God's truth. Remember what Jesus said at the cross it is done. Play for wisdom and knowledge from Jesus God bless

Hello brothers and sisters.

I just feel to post about how much discord I see among people on things between the OT and NT. Not really here. It seems many people are taking to follow old Jewish laws more seriously than what Christ came to teach. Some believe that to be following the Lord rather than that of producing good fruits of the Holy Spirit within us. Galatians 5:22-23. Some denounce the writings of Saul/Paul. Where there are many wonderful things in his books that surround the Lord.

It just saddens me to see some people focus on things before Jesus Christ came to us. Sticking to those things rather than what Christ and His apostles teach. I know there is much wisdom and the Word of God in the OT. We must all be careful. As, I have no interest in looking it up again, where I have read it is ok to kill a servant under certain circumstances. Would people really believe this was the Will of God? Or as when the people were going to stone the adulterous, under the law, and Jesus kept them from doing such a thing. Of coarse the pharisees and sadducees put Christ to death because they did not believe/agree with Him. As some of the hundreds of Jewish laws are good to abide by in my eyes. It is only a small percentage of the whole list. I do not condemn, or hate, anyone. It always makes me sad to see people argue, especially over things like this.

I believe what "Brother Dan" posted about Gods law being the Ten Commandments. And what Chris stated as in reply on Psalms 72. I truly pray for all to come to the Lord to see with His eyes, and hear with His ears, and to live for Gods Will and to glorify Him always. God Bless everyone!

Not in my memory. He met Jesus on the Damascus Road. He was blinded by the experience for 3 days. His ears were ok.

He heard Jesus's Voice perfectly.

He turned from walking dead person to alive in Jesus Christ, in a heartbeat. He wrote much of the New Testament (not the Gospels).

Paul first met the resurrected Lord Jesus in Acts chapter 9. At that time, Paul was known as Saul. He was on his way to Damascus to persecute the believers when a blinding light shone from heaven and the Lord spoke unto him.

1st Corinthians 15 also gives Paul's recounting of Jesus' several appearances to witnesses after his resurrection.

Did saint Paul witness the resurrection of Christ like Peter and others did before he was made an apostle?

Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

1 Timothy 1:4

Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

More scriptures on Repentance and Conversion:

Luke 18:13 ; Matthew 9:13 ; Psalms 51:17 2 Corinthians 7:9-11 ; 1 John 1:19 ; Luke 15:18 ; Matthew 3:5-6 ; Acts 19:17-18 ; Romans 6:2 ; 2 Chronicles 7:14 ; Luke 19:8 ; 1 Thessalonians 5:22 ; 2 Corinthians 7:11 ; Romans 8:13 ; Colossians 3:5 ; John 5:24 ; Ephesians 2:1 ; Romans 8:2 ; John 3:5-8 ; Ephesians 5:26 ; Titus 3:5 ; 2 Corinthians 5:17 ;

Romans 12:2 ; John 1:29 ; John 3:14-15 ; 1 Peter 3:18 ; Romans 5:1-2 ; Romans 8:1 ; Philippians 4:7 ; Romans 8:2 ; Romans 8:11-14 ; 2 Corinthians 5:17 ; 1 John 3:19 ; 1 Peter 1:23 ; Psalms 119:11 ; 1 John 4:7 ; Romans 5:5 ; Matthew 5:44 ; 1 John 5:4 ; John 16:33 ; James 1:27 ; 2 Corinthians 4:10 ; Acts 11:26 ; Romans 8:29 ; Ezekiel 36:26-27 ; Ephesians 2:2-3 ; Ephesians 2 4-6 ; Matthew 18:3 ; Acts 3:19 ; Ephesians 4:22-24 ; Colossians 3:1-14 ; Romans 8:29 ; Romans 8:29 ; Romans 6:1-2 ; Matthew 1:21

Likely there are more that are missed here.

:)

And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. Will all men come to repentance? Even if you are able to raise pharaohs bones for a witness, you will see the hardness in mans heart!

On EPHESIANS 4:14

The Word of God is God ( John 1:1) and not for any private interpretation ( 2 Peter 1:20). If it records in Rev. 12:9 that this whole world has been deceived, it did not speak of a particular country, group of people, person or religion, it meant the whole world.

For a better understanding and the 'spiritual truth' what it means to repent, and learn how and by whom ( 2 Cor. 11:13-15) this whole world has been deceived and what mankind must do to be reunited with the true and living God, we invite you to seek Him according to the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive ( Matthew 7:7; John 14:17).

The word 'Repent' in different forms (repent, repentance, repented, repentest, repenteth, repenting), is mentioned 110 times in the KJV, and there seems to be a great misconception what the true 'spiritual' meaning of the word is. The word 'repent' used in the New Testament was translated from the Greek word "metanoeo", and means to change, transform, to think differently or reconsider.

Only through Repentance will God be able to reveal Himself, and adopt you as His sons and daughters ( Rom. 8:15,23; 2 Cor.6:18; Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:5; Hebr. 12:5; 1 John 3:1) and reveal to you how this whole world has been deceived ( Rev. 12:9) and overcome this world ( 1 John 5:4).

The word 'Repent' means a lot more than what people by nature have been conditioned to believe. It is the key principle of all the teachings of Jesus Christ and the axiom (basis) of the Word of God and a prerequisite and primary requirement for the salvation of mankind. It means the changing of spirits - to turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God ( Acts 26:18).

It is only by revelation of God that people will come to know the true Christ ( Daniel 12:4,9; Amos 3:7; Matthew 16:17; Luke 2:26; Romans 16:25; 1 Cor. 2:10; Gal. 1:16; Eph. 3:3,5; Rev. 1:1). It should also be remembered that it is a narrow way that leadeth unto 'Life', and few there be that find it ( Matthew 7:1

Ephesians 4:18 - Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

Matthew 13:14-15 - And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall NOT PERCEIVE.

Proverbs 28:13-14 - He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them, shall have mercy.

Hebrews 3:8 - Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

Mark 8:17 - And when Jesus knew [it], he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?

Exodus 9:12 - And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken unto Moses.

Exodus 7:3 - And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.

Jeremiah 17:9 - The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

John 12:48 - He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

Mishael : It takes Spiritual Warfare to free a person to hear Gods Word. See sermons on YouTube, about that. See Ephesians 6. Don't let the devil scare you. He knows Jesus stripped him of his authority to steal souls. Watch some Charles Capps videos too so you will understand your authority through the Blood of Jesus.

Friend,

I have been where you are and know what it's like to prefer a solitary world; I can sympathize and rationalize the most convincing excuses, but the Word commands us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together with other believers. I encourage you to come back to God's House and allow His Holy Spirit to renew your mind and heart through the power of His Word. Cast your cares upon the Lord; He will sustain you. I am sorry you are going through a difficult time and want you to know God uses imperfect people who are willing to be used for His glory. Come to Him with thanksgiving and enter His gates with praise. Check out Phil 4:6,7, and 8: "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Pray and believe Psalm 91 against COVID19 and know that God loves you very much! Be encouraged today and be available to share His love with others. When we're alone and isolated, our world becomes chaotic and difficult. Stay focused on Him and He will see you through.

Ive been having major depression, isolating alone, once in a while i go out people i do not know walk up to me bringung up am i interested in mediums, theres talk where im living i am a christian, that trusts in Christ alone, and want nothing to do with these things. I stopped long ago staying at a church, pushed others away, and i do believe, for multiple reasons i have been under spiritual attack, it hurts, its discouraging, and i feel, so alone even though Gods here, but alone is tough.

1 Corinthians 10:13 even applied to *JESUS*. no occasion of stumbling be found in *HIM*. Praise Our *LORD*.

Matthew 27:32, And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

Mark 15:21 And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.

Luke 23:26 And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.

John 19: 16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.

17 And he (Simon of Cyrene 3 witnesses tell us) bearing *HIS* cross went forth unto a place called the place of a skull. Much misleading Art, some showing a scarcely scratched, loin clothed *JESUS*, and false teachers who break Bible principles: No single verse is of private interpretation.

Leaving us, who all were Lambs once, with deceptive images, and at times, false witness to pass on which is nigh Rev 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or MAKETH A LIE: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Revelation 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and MAKETH A LIE.

Cursed is the man who trusteth in man: Be a Berean and trust in the WORD, Zeph 2:3.Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger.

Ephesians 4:15 but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, CHRIST.16 from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. GBU

The whole of God's Word shows us that once we are born again, we become a new creature( 2 Corinthians 5:17). We are to be dead to our old ways. Dead to the ways of the world, because the world is wicked( 1 John 5:19). We are not to continue practicing sin( Titus 2:12, James 1:27).

We will still sin because we are still imperfect. ( Romans 7:23-24, Philippians 3:12, Ephesians 4:13). The difference is we do not continue PRACTICING sin, or WILLFULLY sinning.

If we continue our old practice - our dead in our sins way of living AFTER we become saved, we were never saved/born again to begin with( Hebrews 10:26, 1 John 2:15, 2 Peter 2:20-22).

We are still in the world but we are not of the world( John 17:16, Romans 12:2). On the contrary, we are tasked by the Lord to be examples & witnesses to the world( Philippians 2:15, Matthew 5:14, Romans 10:14-15).

This, I believe, is the "key" to knowing whether or not we are truly saved. If we truly believe.

The fishers of men is in Matthew 4:18

Four of Jesus's disciples were fisherman: Peter , Andrew and Brothers James and John.

Talking of the five fold Ministry comes from Ephesians 4:11. The Holy Spirit gives gifts to the Church as He Wills; with signs following. Men cannot appoint themselves.

We can all pray for the Holy Spirit to give us his gifts. 1 Corinthians 12. ( 1 Corinthians 12:28 ). 1 Peter 4:7-11

You will know if Jesus calls you to minister.

Find the chapter on the body of Christ. We're all part of that.

He called me. I sprinted out to Street and made a fool of me. I crawled home. After a while the Lord said: are you through doing it your way? ( such a quiet, non- judgmental voice) I said YES!! He will be our Teacher.

May God bless you. Mishael

Paul is telling us to grow up. He told the Corinthians in chapter 3 that they were babes and could not handle meaningful doctrine while they were still carnally minded. Then in chapter 12 their self serving focus on the gifts was actually hindering the intended use of them which is to build up the body of Christ. He then shows them the better, mature way which is charity.

Charity is essentially what Jesus commanded in John 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

Also in John 15:12-13, "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (Which incidentally points to the Cross.)

Ephesians 4:11-16 gives a fuller development of this necessary work of edifying the body, that we henceforth be no more children...

First, receiving Christ does not mean that your future sins have been forgiven. That is why John says, "...but if we sin we have an advocate with the Father...", you have to repent to be forgiven as 1 John 1:9 assures us.

Those are not just acts, they are transgressions of the 10 commandments. And sin by definition is transgression of the Law 1 John 3:4 and Romans 4:15. It is a verb with a meaning. Without the commandements, the how do you know that you have sinned, because even Paul in his epistle to the Romans 7:7-13 says that it was because of the law that he knew sin. And there are so many verses from him that forbids us to commit that act of sin.

James in his epistle 2:8-14, tells it very well that we should keep all the 10 commandments and quotes two of them. Having being saved by Christ is by faith, but you show this faith by keeping God's law so that people know that you are saved and through your actions they may get to know God.

With this in mind, there are two kinds of laws in the Bible, the 10 commandments and the Mosaic Law. The Mosaic Law is what Christ nailed on the cross and that we have no obligation to follow. But the 10 commandments are perpetual, even Christ Himself says they will never change until heaven and earth come to pass, Matthew 5:18-19.

In the Hebrew nation, before Christ they used to sin knowingly because they knew in the Mosaic law there was a provision that if you sin, you take a lamb or any other animal as prescribed by that law, take it to the priest, confess to it and when it was sacrificed you were forgiven of your sins. But now with Christ, all that was no more, and this applies to us too. That when we sin knowingly we grieve the Holy Spirit because He convicts us of sin, Ephesians 4:30, Matthew 12:30-32.

(Part 4:)

And then you ask am I sure enough with my "newly acquired understanding of a few Greek words" to claim that, as I state, "Judas never surrendered his life to Jesus" and that Judas was "never a true follower"?

That's sounds sort of condescending. My newly acquired understanding of a few Greek words? Wow! How can you say that when you do not know my understanding of Greek? I've never met you but I'm sure you're a pretty nice guy. If you and I were sitting at a table face to face, I could take the Greek Text which I do own, and I could read it to you like I was reading English, word for word. There are no English words in my Greek bible and I do read it. So I know more than just a few words!

You tell me to "please do not get too upset when I am challenged on Scriptural matters." I know you are not trying to offend me. And I expect to be challenged. None of us should expect people to agree with everything we say. It does not upset me at all. In fact, we are told to challenge everything we are told when it comes to scripture, just like the Bereans.

Lastly, you say "Forgiveness is based on being SORRY for what you did and try to make amends (30 pieces of silver). God is the Judge. Ephesians 4:32."

I'll agree with that on a human level, but not spiritual. God does not expect me to try and make amends for my sin.

I hope I sufficiently answered your question. You have a great day!

Jesse,

You state,

"Just one more thing kind sir,

I am not too sure that I can say with certainty that Judas did not commit the unpardonable sin. There is nothing in scripture that would have me to believe that Judas ever surrendered His life to Christ or that he was a true follower. Sure, Christ chose him as one of the 12. But Judas was evil. I believe Christ chose an evil man to fulfill the prophecy saying He would be betrayed. Jesus chose an evil man to fulfill that role and Judas was that man.

What is your understanding of the unpardonable sin?

Look at Matthew 12:32, Mark 3:28, Luke 12:10.

Are you sure enough with your newly acquired understanding of a few Greek words to claim that, as you state, "Judas never surrendered his life to Jesus" and that Judas was "never a true follower"?

I have never met someone that is pure evil, have you? Even Satan at one time was good, even "perfect" ( Ezekiel 28:12-15).

So kind sir, please do not get too upset when you are challenged on Scriptural matters. I was not trying to offend, just understand.

Just one more thing my friend: Forgiveness is based on being SORRY for what you did and try to make amends (30 pieces of silver). God is the Judge. Ephesians 4:32.

There is more peace in the home if the husband follows Christ; the wife should be able follow her husband's leadership if he does.

1 Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

1 Timothy 3:11

Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

Ephesians 5:25

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it

Deuteronomy 17:17

Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away:

Genesis 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Colossians Chapter 3

18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

James 4:7

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1 Peter 3:1

Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be WON by the conversation of the wives;

COMMENTS:

1 Corinthians chapter 7 deals with Marriage.

Submission works both ways.

Shared household duties makes for more Romance.

Shared accounting duties enlightens partnership and goals. Read Proverbs for money advise.

Shared Parenting produces happier, balanced kids. Media is a privilege: not a 1st Amendment right.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, nor turning shadow. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above" (v. 17a) This would better be translated, "Every generous giving and every perfect gift is from above." James' interest here is to show that God is good. Therefore, the gifts sent to us by God are good rather than evil. As noted above, he has already stated that God "tempts no one" (v. 13)."coming down from the Father of lights" (v. 17b). The phrase, "Father of lights," takes us back to the creation, where "God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light" ( Genesis 1:3) and God creating the great lights of the heavens ( Genesis 1:14-18).Light and darkness are used in both Old and New Testaments as metaphors for a series of opposites: good and evil, order and chaos, security and danger, joy and sorrow, truth and untruth, life and death, salvation and condemnation. ( Isaiah 5:20; John 3:19-21; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 4:17-18).In the conflict between light and darkness, light always wins. Darkness can never dispel light. Light always dispels darkness.

"with whom can be no variation, nor turning shadow".