James 1:23
Verse
Context
Sermons
Major Ian Thomas
Keith Daniel
K.P. Yohannan
Mary Wilder Tileston
Devereux Jarratt
J.C. Philpot
Bryan AnthonySummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Beholding his natural face in a glass - This metaphor is very simple, but very expressive. A man wishes to see his own face, and how, in its natural state, it appears; for this purpose he looks into a mirror, by which his real face, with all its blemishes and imperfections, is exhibited. He is affected with his own appearance; he sees deformities that might be remedied; spots, superfluities, and impurities, that might be removed. While he continues to look into the mirror he is affected, and wishes himself different to what he appears, and forms purposes of doing what he can to render his countenance agreeable. On going away he soon forgets what manner of person he was, because the mirror is now removed, and his face is no longer reflected to himself; and he no longer recollects how disagreeable he appeared, and his own resolutions of improving his countenance. The doctrines of God, faithfully preached, are such a mirror; he who hears cannot help discovering his own character, and being affected with his own deformity; he sorrows, and purposes amendment; but when the preaching is over, the mirror is removed, and not being careful to examine the records of his salvation, the perfect law of liberty, Jam 1:25, or not continuing to look therein, he soon forgets what manner of man he was; or, reposing some unscriptural trust in God's mercy, he reasons himself out of the necessity of repentance and amendment of life, and thus deceives his soul.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--the logical self-deceit (Jam 1:22) illustrated. not a doer--more literally, "a notdoer" [ALFORD]. The true disciple, say the rabbis, learns in order that he may do, not in order that he may merely know or teach. his natural face--literally, "the countenance of his birth": the face he was born with. As a man may behold his natural face in a mirror, so the hearer may perceive his moral visage in God's Word. This faithful portraiture of man's soul in Scripture, is the strongest proof of the truth of the latter. In it, too, we see mirrored God's glory, as well as our natural vileness.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But if any man be a hearer of the word, and not a doer,.... The Arabic version here again reads, "a hearer of the law", and so some copies; not hearing, but practice, is the main thing; not theory, but action: hence, says R. Simeon, not the word, or the searching into it, and the explanation of it, is the root, or principal thing, , "but the work" (p): and if a man is only a preacher, or a hearer, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass; or, "the face of his generation"; the face with which he was born; his true, genuine, native face; in distinction from any counterfeit one, or from the face of his mind: it means his own corporeal face. The Ethiopic version renders it, "the lineaments of his face". (p) Pirke Abot, c. 1. sect. 17.
James 1:23
Hearing and Doing
22Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.23For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror,24and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(1986 Prairie Series) 6 - Asa Was a Good Man, but a Fool
By Major Ian Thomas8.2K40:19Prairie SeriesJAS 1:23In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging that he initially wanted to make the audience miserable, but he has good news to share. He references the book of James, stating that the Bible is like a mirror, reflecting who we are. He emphasizes the importance of not forgetting the truths revealed to us through God's Word. The speaker encourages humility and the willingness to be reminded of these truths, as God is always there to guide and remind us. He concludes by urging the audience to trust in God and commit their ways to Him, without preconceived notions of how He will work in their lives.
Examine Yourselves
By Keith Daniel4.5K55:05ExaminationJAS 1:21JAS 1:23In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of being not just hearers, but doers of the word of God. He emphasizes the need to lay aside sinful behavior and receive the word with humility and obedience. The preacher warns against self-deception and forgetting the teachings of the word. He also highlights the significance of examining oneself in the mirror of God's word and departing from iniquity. The sermon concludes with a reminder that true faith is evidenced by works and righteousness, and those who do not practice righteousness are not of God.
It All Starts With Loving Him
By K.P. Yohannan1.6K25:35Loving GodJAS 1:23REV 4:1In this sermon, Brother K. P. U. Hannan discusses his journey as a servant of the Lord and his deep concern for the body of Christ in these last days. He emphasizes the temptation and pull of the world that can call believers away from their love and obedience to Jesus. He highlights the importance of loving Christ and obeying his commandments. The sermon also references the book of Revelation and the perspective it gives on the church and God's eternal kingdom.
Questions to Put to Your Heart
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 139:23PRO 27:192CO 13:5HEB 4:12JAS 1:23Mary Wilder Tileston, preaching on self-reflection during Lent, challenges the congregation to honestly assess their innermost thoughts, desires, and actions. She emphasizes the importance of self-examination, questioning if one's true character aligns with their outward appearance and if they are growing in devotion, unselfishness, and integrity. The sermon encourages individuals to seek God's guidance in revealing any hidden sins or shortcomings, and to strive for continual improvement in surrendering to duty, obeying conscience, and overcoming personal struggles.
Seeking the Lord
By Devereux Jarratt0JHN 1:16ACT 4:12ROM 8:292CO 3:18PHP 3:21COL 3:10HEB 12:2JAS 1:231JN 2:6The preacher delves into the concept of beholding as in a mirror, emphasizing the continual action of looking at or reflecting the glory of the Lord, which leads to transformation into God's image. Various commentators and theologians discuss the significance of beholding Christ in the mirror of the Gospel, highlighting the importance of gazing at Jesus to be changed into His likeness. The sermon explores how believers, through beholding Christ in Scripture, are gradually restored to reflect His image and manifest godly character, drawing power for a holy life from their relationship with the risen Christ.
The Rising of the Day Star
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 119:45PRO 4:18ISA 1:17HOS 14:1EPH 5:13HEB 13:5JAS 1:232PE 1:19J.C. Philpot preaches about the progression of faith in the soul, starting with the acknowledgment of darkness and the need to heed the sure Word of prophecy, leading to the dawn of a general sense of God's mercy, then the arising of the day star with a particular promise applied to the heart, and finally the Sun of righteousness shining with healing in His wings, bringing personal revelation and assurance of salvation. He emphasizes that though faith may lead to different experiences, it is the same faith working in various ways, like the eye seeing different objects or the hand touching different textures.
The Real Work of Examination
By Bryan Anthony0PSA 139:23PRO 28:26AMO 5:14AMO 5:24JHN 5:391CO 11:282CO 13:5HEB 4:12JAS 1:23Bryan Anthony preaches on the importance of self-examination in the faith, highlighting how earthly comparisons and pursuits hinder true spiritual growth. He emphasizes the need for individuals to examine themselves in the light of the Scriptures, seeking to reflect the character of Christ in truthfulness, boldness, meekness, and kindness. Anthony stresses that God reveals the hidden areas of our character over time, urging believers to allow God to work in them for His purpose and to courageously look inwardly for self-awareness.
Signs Seen, and Not Seen
By J.C. Philpot01SA 14:4PSA 74:9ISA 1:23JHN 13:35ROM 8:261CO 16:22JAS 1:23J.C. Philpot preaches on the lamentation of not seeing the signs of God's favor, highlighting the importance of recognizing outward marks of God's presence and grace upon the soul. He emphasizes that signs such as the fear of God, the spirit of grace and supplication, repentance, faith in Jesus, love for God's people, and the witness of the Spirit are crucial in indicating a genuine work of grace. Philpot delves into the various obstacles like infidelity, unbelief, trials, and spiritual darkness that can obscure these signs, leading to a state of lamentation and soul-searching for the true children of God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Beholding his natural face in a glass - This metaphor is very simple, but very expressive. A man wishes to see his own face, and how, in its natural state, it appears; for this purpose he looks into a mirror, by which his real face, with all its blemishes and imperfections, is exhibited. He is affected with his own appearance; he sees deformities that might be remedied; spots, superfluities, and impurities, that might be removed. While he continues to look into the mirror he is affected, and wishes himself different to what he appears, and forms purposes of doing what he can to render his countenance agreeable. On going away he soon forgets what manner of person he was, because the mirror is now removed, and his face is no longer reflected to himself; and he no longer recollects how disagreeable he appeared, and his own resolutions of improving his countenance. The doctrines of God, faithfully preached, are such a mirror; he who hears cannot help discovering his own character, and being affected with his own deformity; he sorrows, and purposes amendment; but when the preaching is over, the mirror is removed, and not being careful to examine the records of his salvation, the perfect law of liberty, Jam 1:25, or not continuing to look therein, he soon forgets what manner of man he was; or, reposing some unscriptural trust in God's mercy, he reasons himself out of the necessity of repentance and amendment of life, and thus deceives his soul.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--the logical self-deceit (Jam 1:22) illustrated. not a doer--more literally, "a notdoer" [ALFORD]. The true disciple, say the rabbis, learns in order that he may do, not in order that he may merely know or teach. his natural face--literally, "the countenance of his birth": the face he was born with. As a man may behold his natural face in a mirror, so the hearer may perceive his moral visage in God's Word. This faithful portraiture of man's soul in Scripture, is the strongest proof of the truth of the latter. In it, too, we see mirrored God's glory, as well as our natural vileness.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But if any man be a hearer of the word, and not a doer,.... The Arabic version here again reads, "a hearer of the law", and so some copies; not hearing, but practice, is the main thing; not theory, but action: hence, says R. Simeon, not the word, or the searching into it, and the explanation of it, is the root, or principal thing, , "but the work" (p): and if a man is only a preacher, or a hearer, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass; or, "the face of his generation"; the face with which he was born; his true, genuine, native face; in distinction from any counterfeit one, or from the face of his mind: it means his own corporeal face. The Ethiopic version renders it, "the lineaments of his face". (p) Pirke Abot, c. 1. sect. 17.