knowing that the proving of your faith produces endurance, having worked its end goal; that you exist perfected and complete, lacking in nothing.*
Here today we will look at the writings of James in its Greek words, comprehending his writing in a new light. We will focus on the concept of perfection; perfect will, perfect love. and the perfect law of God. We fix our eyes on Jesus, on to perfection we run, our end goal the crown of life.
knowing that the proving of your faith produces endurance...
The word proving is often translated as a trial δοκίμιον (dokimion) meaning in a positive way a trial or tests and in a negative way temptation. James clarifies God cannot be tempted with evil nor does he tempt us, he can't do evil so he doesn't do evil so that good comes of it, it is not his nature. Temptation comes by evil as we are led away by the desires of our flesh, this is how evil wars against the carnal mind to bring into captivity, and when conceived in the heart it brings forth sin. However, we can be tried or tested, like the story of Job tells us God allowed evil to happen to Job. For what purpose? to test, to prove. Look, God said of Job, is there no man good as he? well said the devil, he serves you because you have blessed him with earthly things, prove him, take away his earthly things his riches, loved ones, and health then see if he serves you.
so the proving of your faith (more precious than gold that perishes) proved under fire. Now, the to obtain unto praise and glory and honor in the revelation of Jesus Christ.*
We see again how perfection comes, through the words of Jesus we have knowledge of the Son, revelation of truth. The proving or testing is under trial, fire. For what purpose? We are the priesthood, a holy people consecrated and being set apart. Malachi prophesied of Jesus coming as a refiner, a purifier.* Through fire, he is purifying the Church so it exists an acceptable offering, a people of His own possession. James writes there is a purpose for the trials, a proving. This doesn't necessarily mean God will take away your family to test you, he only puts us through what we can handle and what is needed to perfect us. The test might come in the form of forgiving, loving your brother for his wrong to you. The word for proving focuses on what is found approved after testing, on the inevitable results, the end goal, which is τέλειος (teleios) a finishing, completion. So the idea of the proving is that it produces endurance which works perfection, which accomplishes the end goal, maturity.
consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various kinds of trials, knowing that the proving of your faith produces endurance, having worked its end goal; that you exist perfected and complete.*
Endurance is ὑπομονή (hypomonē) from two words "under" and "abide." The concept of endurance is to remain or to continue to abide in the trial. This is the work of endurance to teach us, to renew our mind so that we continue to abide during the trial, this grows us up into maturity. We are connected to the Vine, Jesus, and the true disciple abides in the words of Jesus and remains during the proving. This is what the trial is about, do we remain so to bear the fruit of maturity. In our old way of life, we trusted in things of the flesh, in food, alcohol, drugs, sex, work, riches... so during the trials this is the escape. The proving is a renewing of the mind in these areas, teaching us to trust and abide in God during these times. The goal of proving is an approved mind, maturity, one that accepts God's will and its end goal is life.
... holy, acceptable to God, this is your reasonable service and be not conformed to the world but be transformed, the renewing of the mind so that you approve the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.*
The renewing of the mind creates a mind that approves of God's will. This word for approving δοκιμάζω (dokimazō) (is derived from dókimos, "approved") meaning "to approve by testing" and is done to demonstrate what is good, i.e. passes the necessary test. A renewed mind, which is an approving mind, comes through the proving. Or when we approve of the things of God that are spiritual, against the flesh, we are becoming mature. This is why entering into holiness, sanctified in the words of Jesus, is our reasonable service, as the child of God is transformed to have an approved mind which can discern and be obedient to the things of God. In this is our perfection which approves of God's will as perfect, thus it is the perfect will of God. A renewed mind is perfected, it accepts and approves of the things of God. Or the child of God doesn't do the things he hates, against his true nature, but lives according to his true nature practicing the truth. He accepts truth as perfect but also knows it perfects, matures. It is about becoming, growing up into salvation, your true identity in Christ.
... the fruit you have led to purity. Now, its end goal (telos) is eternal Life.*
Was Job joyful when he lost everything? His friends thought he had done evil, just as some today might think today, seeing someone in a trial, but James writes consider it joy, as our perfection is in trials, so thinking this way is not the mind of someone mature. Look at the life of Paul, blessings are not based upon outward circumstances, whether good or bad. The outcome of maturity is the crown of life. John writes to us so that we do not sin and that our joy may be complete.* To those who trust there is peace within the storm, there is an entering into God's rest. We learn to deeply trust in the trial. Without the trial, we would not have received such a spiritual blessing.
the one having my commands and keeps them exists the one loving me. Now, the one loving me, loved by my Father and I will love him and reveal myself to him*
John affirms what Jesus taught, a deeper joy is a fruit of obedience or made complete when we grow up, becoming mature. Abundant Life is an outcome of sanctification, which comes through abiding in the Word of Life. The words of Jesus sanctify, purify, and transform us, producing a mind that is mature, one that approves of God's will or a perfect mind. Yes, there is a deeper joy and love for the one who has been matured. The outcome of maturity is abundant life, here on earth, and such life does not depend on circumstances nor consist of things that perish.
Exists no fear in love, but the one perfect love casts out fear because fear has to do with punishment, so the one fearing not perfected in love.*
Perfect love perfects. The Mosaic Law had the fear of punishment but it did not, "For the Law, no one perfected, but the introduction of a better hope through whom we draw near."* Paul writes also that sacrifice and serving doesn't perfect.* What perfects is truth in love. The bond of love will lead to perfection, a child is being rooted and grounded in His love.* Perfect love is that we are being perfected truth in love, or it is the bond of love that leads to perfection and perfection is in truth, the words of Jesus. Obedience is the fruit of maturity and is a product of faith growing up one in love.
Now, the one keeping his word, truly the love of God perfected...*
This is truth in love; we are perfected in abiding in truth and the ability to remain, to accept such truth is love. To love one another is a command of Jesus so it is telling whether a Church is mature or not. But now do you see why is love so important? why love is to be desired above all the gifts, "now, above all these; agape love, which is the bond of perfection."* A bond is that which binds together, this is truth in love, as truth without love is nothing. So the bond of love leads to perfection or allows one to accept the truth. Think about it, do you accept truth from people who don't love you? do they have your best interests at heart? A father who demands obedience without establishing trust defeats himself. A father who loves and proves to his child that he is loving, trustworthy, and faithful establishes a strong foundation, a bond that leads to maturity.
Christ dwelling in your hearts through faith, rooted and grounded in love.*
Truth increases faith, and faith is energized in love.* Truth works in agape love, thus the path to maturity is truth in love. Paul writes what counts is being a new creation and obedience; what strengthens is faith energized in love.* Perfection is through abiding in truth and is accomplished in love. The outcome of perfection is obedience as a perfect mind approves of God's will. Also, the outcome of perfection is life, a deeper love, and joy that comes through obedience, in fact, this is called the crown of life.
Blessed is the one abiding under proving, for that becoming proven, receiving the crown of life the Lord promised to those who love him.*
Paul compares perfection to an Olympic athlete running a race. He is preparing himself for glory, the end goal is in mind, a crown to be received when the goal is accomplished. There is much insight in this but we want to focus on the crown of life. It is not a perishable crown, and the blessings we receive in our striving for such a goal, crown, is not based upon earthly circumstances nor earthly blessings. James writes let the poor man boast in the height of heaven and the rich man in his low estate, earthly glory is like the flower of the earth it falls and its beauty fades away and so will those who pursue earthly things.* If we think in terms of earthly blessings based upon good or bad things happening to me, then would we endure the trial, the proving? Certainly, we would not consider it to be a joyful thing.
If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask willingly and become you.*
The spiritual blessings are from the heavens and are given to us for the purpose of maturity. The status of my earthly possessions has nothing to with such glory. Blessed is the one proven perfected, matured, he receives the crown of life, here on earth, his joy is complete. The end goal of the race we run is a heavenly glory and the glory is perfection, in that we are becoming like Jesus, transformed from glory to glory into his image. Paul writes not that he had obtained such perfection, but he strived for such a goal, such a crown. There is a crown of life, completeness, wholeness, and fullness of joy. There is much joy in heaven in our growth, as we are the praise of his glory, Jesus being the hope of glory. Anything we ask our heavenly Father for this purpose we become.
According to his sovereign plan brought us forth, the word of truth, so to exist kinds of first-fruits of his creation.*
Hopefully, we have established that perfection is maturity, a growing up into our salvation. It is becoming holy, pure, matured into the full measure of the statue of the image of Christ. And we comprehend with all the saints the love of God, and that perfection is in agape love. Paul writes under grace we will rule over sin as we are being perfected in love, not the fear of punishment and the bond of love leads to perfection. So now let us focus on truth, Jesus is the truth and the Word of Life thus abiding in the words of Jesus sanctify and give life.
receive with meekness the implanted word, that power to save your souls.*
We exist spirit, being born of Spirit, and body, and soul. Perfection is about maturity which is about working out your salvation, growing up into your salvation. It is a call to the child of God, the new creation, to become like Jesus and is our reasonable service to enter into. We do this by abiding in the words of Jesus, receiving with meekness the words of Jesus powerful to save our souls. Humility is an important part, not a false type of humility but a pure one related to receiving with meekness the word of truth. It is looking intently into the truth, being strengthened in faith. A mindset that walks in truth, is not one judging in comparison to others, not one pointing out the faults of others without accepting the truth, not one who sees himself truthfully in a mirror but turns away, not one who practices the truth.
Now. ask in Faith. Not one judging, for the one judging, is like the wave of the sea driven by the wind and tossed about. For this person must not imagine that he will receive anything from the Lord.*
In context this about asking for wisdom, related to our perfection and maturity, wisdom that Jesus said if we ask we will become, for the Father is glorified in such that you bear much fruit. "If you abide in me and my word abide in you, ask whatever and it becomes you."* But we also see a mind that prevents growth, or maturity, one that judges. Now, this translation is different, usually, it is translated as "for the one doubting is like the wave of the sea..." but doubt is a different word.* The word used here is διακρίνω (diakrinō) from diá, "through, thoroughly back-and-forth," and krínō, "to judge." This word is also used in a verse to describe the faith of Abraham, as Abraham did not "waver" in unbelief but was strengthened in faith.* The idea of proving is that our unbelief is under question, the mirror says this is a lie, will I walk away being a forgetful hearer or will I look intently into the truth. The proving produces endurance, and an approved mind will practice the truth or not believe the lie. Like Abraham, we move from the state of unbelief into belief by not turning back or turning away but being strengthened in faith. This is looking intently into the perfect law of truth.
Understand this my dear brothers, all existing, yea, quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger, for the anger of men does not bring forth the righteousness of God.*
The reason a judging mindset is not conducive to growth is that it is always comparing itself to others, not receiving meekly the word of God able to save the soul. One must yoke with Christ, and in doing so he will find rest for his soul. The Church in Corinth had judging mindset, shameful Paul writes, even taking this judging outside the church to unbelievers.* This judging happens under legalism see in backbiting, pointing out others faults, swallowing camels and screening out nats, which is often called speaking the truth in love. Obviously, a judging mindset creates all kinds of division and is a sign of falling from grace, severing from Christ. It also speaks of immaturity, of people who do not submit with meekness to the word of God. Jesus said not to judge lest you be judged.
do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and it will be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, poured into your lap. For the measure you measure it will be measured to you.*
Of course, the giving in these scriptures has nothing to do with money, it is about growth thus when you give, forgiving your brother, it will be measured back to you. In this regards ask and it will be given, you will become, God gives generously, wisdom to those who ask in faith. Careful for what you ask, in the trials comes perfection. We want to walk in truth, and the scriptures tell us to expose the darkness but this type of judging, aggressive truth often displayed in abusive words, attacks, insults, and anger neglects agape love and as James writes doesn't bring forth the righteousness of God.* The one who judges is a double-minded man, comparing himself to others, looking at their speck without taking care of his plank, he doesn't possess a renewed mind. Being double-minded he will not endure a trial, thus endurance doesn't accomplish its intended work.
so that you are not tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine in human cunning, in craftiness with deceitful scheming. Now, truth in love growing up into Him...*
Notice it doesn't say "speaking the truth" but truth in love as truth is the words of Jesus and love leads to perfection. James writes in regards to wisdom, the one judging is like the wave of the sea driven by the wind, tossed about, this person must not imagine that he will receive anything from God. Here we see Paul use similar words related to children growing up, which is the purpose of the Church, maturity. The work of ministry is to build up the body, or to perfect it into mature adulthood, to the full measure of the stature of Christ. Perfection is becoming like Jesus, transformed into the mature image of Christ, from glory to glory. We are called to become like Jesus, holy and pure. The Church is built up "truth in love" as truth increases faith and the bond of love leads to perfection. In this is the perfect will of God, that we become mature, "be imitators of God as dear children."* Now, we come to the law that perfects.
Now, the one looking intently into the perfect law, the one providing freedom, and under abides, not becoming a forgetful hearer but an active doer, will be blessed in his doing.*
The perfect law perfects. The perfect law is not the Mosaic Law, it did not perfect.* The perfect (teleios) law is the one that will reach the end goal, completion, perfection, maturity. Jesus accomplished this on the cross crying out it is finished.* This word for finished is τελέω (teleō) meaning to complete (consummate), i.e. finish. The perfect law is the one that perfects, matures. Perfection is maturity, becoming like Jesus, a call to become holy. So what is the perfect law, the one that matures us? it is the one providing freedom, the words of Jesus, "if you abide in my words, you exist truly my disciples and knowing the truth also the truth setting you free."* The perfect law is the one we must abide and remain in to bear fruit. Freedom is abiding in the words of Jesus, therefore, looking intently into the perfect law is to abide under trial in the words of Jesus. It is to seek, ask, and knock for this bread from heaven.
Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life.*
The one matured is the one who under proving, under abides, looking intently into the mirror of truth, not turning away, but remaining in the words of Jesus. Not being a forgetful hearer but a doer, one who brings forth the fruit of his being a new creation, one that practices the truth. The perfect will of God is that we enter into our reasonable service, to become holy, this is a living sacrifice acceptable to God, as in abiding is the process of transformation which produces a spiritual mind that approves of God's will.* The perfect love of God leads us to perfection, having been established, rooted and grounded in love we learn to look intently into truth. The perfect law frees us and matures us, as we abide in the words of Jesus. So consider it all joy in the proving, continue on to perfection, striving for the crown of life.
Here today we will look at the writings of James in its Greek words, comprehending his writing in a new light. We will focus on the concept of perfection; perfect will, perfect love. and the perfect law of God. We fix our eyes on Jesus, on to perfection we run, our end goal the crown of life.
knowing that the proving of your faith produces endurance...
The word proving is often translated as a trial δοκίμιον (dokimion) meaning in a positive way a trial or tests and in a negative way temptation. James clarifies God cannot be tempted with evil nor does he tempt us, he can't do evil so he doesn't do evil so that good comes of it, it is not his nature. Temptation comes by evil as we are led away by the desires of our flesh, this is how evil wars against the carnal mind to bring into captivity, and when conceived in the heart it brings forth sin. However, we can be tried or tested, like the story of Job tells us God allowed evil to happen to Job. For what purpose? to test, to prove. Look, God said of Job, is there no man good as he? well said the devil, he serves you because you have blessed him with earthly things, prove him, take away his earthly things his riches, loved ones, and health then see if he serves you.
so the proving of your faith (more precious than gold that perishes) proved under fire. Now, the to obtain unto praise and glory and honor in the revelation of Jesus Christ.*
We see again how perfection comes, through the words of Jesus we have knowledge of the Son, revelation of truth. The proving or testing is under trial, fire. For what purpose? We are the priesthood, a holy people consecrated and being set apart. Malachi prophesied of Jesus coming as a refiner, a purifier.* Through fire, he is purifying the Church so it exists an acceptable offering, a people of His own possession. James writes there is a purpose for the trials, a proving. This doesn't necessarily mean God will take away your family to test you, he only puts us through what we can handle and what is needed to perfect us. The test might come in the form of forgiving, loving your brother for his wrong to you. The word for proving focuses on what is found approved after testing, on the inevitable results, the end goal, which is τέλειος (teleios) a finishing, completion. So the idea of the proving is that it produces endurance which works perfection, which accomplishes the end goal, maturity.
consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various kinds of trials, knowing that the proving of your faith produces endurance, having worked its end goal; that you exist perfected and complete.*
Endurance is ὑπομονή (hypomonē) from two words "under" and "abide." The concept of endurance is to remain or to continue to abide in the trial. This is the work of endurance to teach us, to renew our mind so that we continue to abide during the trial, this grows us up into maturity. We are connected to the Vine, Jesus, and the true disciple abides in the words of Jesus and remains during the proving. This is what the trial is about, do we remain so to bear the fruit of maturity. In our old way of life, we trusted in things of the flesh, in food, alcohol, drugs, sex, work, riches... so during the trials this is the escape. The proving is a renewing of the mind in these areas, teaching us to trust and abide in God during these times. The goal of proving is an approved mind, maturity, one that accepts God's will and its end goal is life.
... holy, acceptable to God, this is your reasonable service and be not conformed to the world but be transformed, the renewing of the mind so that you approve the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.*
The renewing of the mind creates a mind that approves of God's will. This word for approving δοκιμάζω (dokimazō) (is derived from dókimos, "approved") meaning "to approve by testing" and is done to demonstrate what is good, i.e. passes the necessary test. A renewed mind, which is an approving mind, comes through the proving. Or when we approve of the things of God that are spiritual, against the flesh, we are becoming mature. This is why entering into holiness, sanctified in the words of Jesus, is our reasonable service, as the child of God is transformed to have an approved mind which can discern and be obedient to the things of God. In this is our perfection which approves of God's will as perfect, thus it is the perfect will of God. A renewed mind is perfected, it accepts and approves of the things of God. Or the child of God doesn't do the things he hates, against his true nature, but lives according to his true nature practicing the truth. He accepts truth as perfect but also knows it perfects, matures. It is about becoming, growing up into salvation, your true identity in Christ.
... the fruit you have led to purity. Now, its end goal (telos) is eternal Life.*
Was Job joyful when he lost everything? His friends thought he had done evil, just as some today might think today, seeing someone in a trial, but James writes consider it joy, as our perfection is in trials, so thinking this way is not the mind of someone mature. Look at the life of Paul, blessings are not based upon outward circumstances, whether good or bad. The outcome of maturity is the crown of life. John writes to us so that we do not sin and that our joy may be complete.* To those who trust there is peace within the storm, there is an entering into God's rest. We learn to deeply trust in the trial. Without the trial, we would not have received such a spiritual blessing.
the one having my commands and keeps them exists the one loving me. Now, the one loving me, loved by my Father and I will love him and reveal myself to him*
John affirms what Jesus taught, a deeper joy is a fruit of obedience or made complete when we grow up, becoming mature. Abundant Life is an outcome of sanctification, which comes through abiding in the Word of Life. The words of Jesus sanctify, purify, and transform us, producing a mind that is mature, one that approves of God's will or a perfect mind. Yes, there is a deeper joy and love for the one who has been matured. The outcome of maturity is abundant life, here on earth, and such life does not depend on circumstances nor consist of things that perish.
Exists no fear in love, but the one perfect love casts out fear because fear has to do with punishment, so the one fearing not perfected in love.*
Perfect love perfects. The Mosaic Law had the fear of punishment but it did not, "For the Law, no one perfected, but the introduction of a better hope through whom we draw near."* Paul writes also that sacrifice and serving doesn't perfect.* What perfects is truth in love. The bond of love will lead to perfection, a child is being rooted and grounded in His love.* Perfect love is that we are being perfected truth in love, or it is the bond of love that leads to perfection and perfection is in truth, the words of Jesus. Obedience is the fruit of maturity and is a product of faith growing up one in love.
Now, the one keeping his word, truly the love of God perfected...*
This is truth in love; we are perfected in abiding in truth and the ability to remain, to accept such truth is love. To love one another is a command of Jesus so it is telling whether a Church is mature or not. But now do you see why is love so important? why love is to be desired above all the gifts, "now, above all these; agape love, which is the bond of perfection."* A bond is that which binds together, this is truth in love, as truth without love is nothing. So the bond of love leads to perfection or allows one to accept the truth. Think about it, do you accept truth from people who don't love you? do they have your best interests at heart? A father who demands obedience without establishing trust defeats himself. A father who loves and proves to his child that he is loving, trustworthy, and faithful establishes a strong foundation, a bond that leads to maturity.
Christ dwelling in your hearts through faith, rooted and grounded in love.*
Truth increases faith, and faith is energized in love.* Truth works in agape love, thus the path to maturity is truth in love. Paul writes what counts is being a new creation and obedience; what strengthens is faith energized in love.* Perfection is through abiding in truth and is accomplished in love. The outcome of perfection is obedience as a perfect mind approves of God's will. Also, the outcome of perfection is life, a deeper love, and joy that comes through obedience, in fact, this is called the crown of life.
Blessed is the one abiding under proving, for that becoming proven, receiving the crown of life the Lord promised to those who love him.*
Paul compares perfection to an Olympic athlete running a race. He is preparing himself for glory, the end goal is in mind, a crown to be received when the goal is accomplished. There is much insight in this but we want to focus on the crown of life. It is not a perishable crown, and the blessings we receive in our striving for such a goal, crown, is not based upon earthly circumstances nor earthly blessings. James writes let the poor man boast in the height of heaven and the rich man in his low estate, earthly glory is like the flower of the earth it falls and its beauty fades away and so will those who pursue earthly things.* If we think in terms of earthly blessings based upon good or bad things happening to me, then would we endure the trial, the proving? Certainly, we would not consider it to be a joyful thing.
If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask willingly and become you.*
The spiritual blessings are from the heavens and are given to us for the purpose of maturity. The status of my earthly possessions has nothing to with such glory. Blessed is the one proven perfected, matured, he receives the crown of life, here on earth, his joy is complete. The end goal of the race we run is a heavenly glory and the glory is perfection, in that we are becoming like Jesus, transformed from glory to glory into his image. Paul writes not that he had obtained such perfection, but he strived for such a goal, such a crown. There is a crown of life, completeness, wholeness, and fullness of joy. There is much joy in heaven in our growth, as we are the praise of his glory, Jesus being the hope of glory. Anything we ask our heavenly Father for this purpose we become.
According to his sovereign plan brought us forth, the word of truth, so to exist kinds of first-fruits of his creation.*
Hopefully, we have established that perfection is maturity, a growing up into our salvation. It is becoming holy, pure, matured into the full measure of the statue of the image of Christ. And we comprehend with all the saints the love of God, and that perfection is in agape love. Paul writes under grace we will rule over sin as we are being perfected in love, not the fear of punishment and the bond of love leads to perfection. So now let us focus on truth, Jesus is the truth and the Word of Life thus abiding in the words of Jesus sanctify and give life.
receive with meekness the implanted word, that power to save your souls.*
We exist spirit, being born of Spirit, and body, and soul. Perfection is about maturity which is about working out your salvation, growing up into your salvation. It is a call to the child of God, the new creation, to become like Jesus and is our reasonable service to enter into. We do this by abiding in the words of Jesus, receiving with meekness the words of Jesus powerful to save our souls. Humility is an important part, not a false type of humility but a pure one related to receiving with meekness the word of truth. It is looking intently into the truth, being strengthened in faith. A mindset that walks in truth, is not one judging in comparison to others, not one pointing out the faults of others without accepting the truth, not one who sees himself truthfully in a mirror but turns away, not one who practices the truth.
Now. ask in Faith. Not one judging, for the one judging, is like the wave of the sea driven by the wind and tossed about. For this person must not imagine that he will receive anything from the Lord.*
In context this about asking for wisdom, related to our perfection and maturity, wisdom that Jesus said if we ask we will become, for the Father is glorified in such that you bear much fruit. "If you abide in me and my word abide in you, ask whatever and it becomes you."* But we also see a mind that prevents growth, or maturity, one that judges. Now, this translation is different, usually, it is translated as "for the one doubting is like the wave of the sea..." but doubt is a different word.* The word used here is διακρίνω (diakrinō) from diá, "through, thoroughly back-and-forth," and krínō, "to judge." This word is also used in a verse to describe the faith of Abraham, as Abraham did not "waver" in unbelief but was strengthened in faith.* The idea of proving is that our unbelief is under question, the mirror says this is a lie, will I walk away being a forgetful hearer or will I look intently into the truth. The proving produces endurance, and an approved mind will practice the truth or not believe the lie. Like Abraham, we move from the state of unbelief into belief by not turning back or turning away but being strengthened in faith. This is looking intently into the perfect law of truth.
Understand this my dear brothers, all existing, yea, quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger, for the anger of men does not bring forth the righteousness of God.*
The reason a judging mindset is not conducive to growth is that it is always comparing itself to others, not receiving meekly the word of God able to save the soul. One must yoke with Christ, and in doing so he will find rest for his soul. The Church in Corinth had judging mindset, shameful Paul writes, even taking this judging outside the church to unbelievers.* This judging happens under legalism see in backbiting, pointing out others faults, swallowing camels and screening out nats, which is often called speaking the truth in love. Obviously, a judging mindset creates all kinds of division and is a sign of falling from grace, severing from Christ. It also speaks of immaturity, of people who do not submit with meekness to the word of God. Jesus said not to judge lest you be judged.
do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and it will be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, poured into your lap. For the measure you measure it will be measured to you.*
Of course, the giving in these scriptures has nothing to do with money, it is about growth thus when you give, forgiving your brother, it will be measured back to you. In this regards ask and it will be given, you will become, God gives generously, wisdom to those who ask in faith. Careful for what you ask, in the trials comes perfection. We want to walk in truth, and the scriptures tell us to expose the darkness but this type of judging, aggressive truth often displayed in abusive words, attacks, insults, and anger neglects agape love and as James writes doesn't bring forth the righteousness of God.* The one who judges is a double-minded man, comparing himself to others, looking at their speck without taking care of his plank, he doesn't possess a renewed mind. Being double-minded he will not endure a trial, thus endurance doesn't accomplish its intended work.
so that you are not tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine in human cunning, in craftiness with deceitful scheming. Now, truth in love growing up into Him...*
Notice it doesn't say "speaking the truth" but truth in love as truth is the words of Jesus and love leads to perfection. James writes in regards to wisdom, the one judging is like the wave of the sea driven by the wind, tossed about, this person must not imagine that he will receive anything from God. Here we see Paul use similar words related to children growing up, which is the purpose of the Church, maturity. The work of ministry is to build up the body, or to perfect it into mature adulthood, to the full measure of the stature of Christ. Perfection is becoming like Jesus, transformed into the mature image of Christ, from glory to glory. We are called to become like Jesus, holy and pure. The Church is built up "truth in love" as truth increases faith and the bond of love leads to perfection. In this is the perfect will of God, that we become mature, "be imitators of God as dear children."* Now, we come to the law that perfects.
Now, the one looking intently into the perfect law, the one providing freedom, and under abides, not becoming a forgetful hearer but an active doer, will be blessed in his doing.*
The perfect law perfects. The perfect law is not the Mosaic Law, it did not perfect.* The perfect (teleios) law is the one that will reach the end goal, completion, perfection, maturity. Jesus accomplished this on the cross crying out it is finished.* This word for finished is τελέω (teleō) meaning to complete (consummate), i.e. finish. The perfect law is the one that perfects, matures. Perfection is maturity, becoming like Jesus, a call to become holy. So what is the perfect law, the one that matures us? it is the one providing freedom, the words of Jesus, "if you abide in my words, you exist truly my disciples and knowing the truth also the truth setting you free."* The perfect law is the one we must abide and remain in to bear fruit. Freedom is abiding in the words of Jesus, therefore, looking intently into the perfect law is to abide under trial in the words of Jesus. It is to seek, ask, and knock for this bread from heaven.
Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life.*
The one matured is the one who under proving, under abides, looking intently into the mirror of truth, not turning away, but remaining in the words of Jesus. Not being a forgetful hearer but a doer, one who brings forth the fruit of his being a new creation, one that practices the truth. The perfect will of God is that we enter into our reasonable service, to become holy, this is a living sacrifice acceptable to God, as in abiding is the process of transformation which produces a spiritual mind that approves of God's will.* The perfect love of God leads us to perfection, having been established, rooted and grounded in love we learn to look intently into truth. The perfect law frees us and matures us, as we abide in the words of Jesus. So consider it all joy in the proving, continue on to perfection, striving for the crown of life.