“In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures” James 1.18 NASB 1995).
In James 1.18, we learn about our identity as believers and what it means to be a new creation in Christ.
James, the brother of Jesus, reminds us in James 1.18 that God’s will enables us to be reborn as new creations through the word of truth. This rebirth sets us apart as “first fruits of His creatures,” which starkly contrasts humanity’s natural inclination towards sin (James 1.13-15). We cannot save ourselves on our own, but through the transformative power of the Lord and His word (Romans 1.16), we can experience real change.
In biblical times, people offered God the first harvested crops, called “first fruits.” By drawing from this example, spiritually, being “first fruits” means dedicating ourselves to God and His purposes. It is more than just a title; it comes with a great responsibility to live our lives in a way worthy of our calling. James, in his letter, explains what this responsibility entails.
For those sanctified:
- Control Your Anger (1.19): It is crucial to control oneself and refrain from giving in to anger, as it does not lead to righteousness, which God desires. Often, anger stems from impulsive speech and not paying attention to what others are saying. James 1.26 warns us that an uncontrolled tongue signifies a lack of genuine faith.
- Reject Sin (1.21): We should strive to eliminate all impurity and widespread evil. As sin opposes us to God (4.4), those sanctified by God willingly accept and adopt His teachings, allowing them to fill the void left by sin. God’s word has a deep and dynamic connection with us. He expects us to actively apply His word rather than passively hear it (1.22-25). Our actions genuinely reflect our faith (2.14-26).
- Show Impartial Love (1.27-2.9): We must protect and support the vulnerable, including widows and orphans, and show equal love for all, reflecting God’s love for humanity (2.8).
God has allowed us to be reborn through His Son’s grace. His will is evident, as He wants us sanctified (1.18). As we realize our identity as the first fruits, let us contemplate how this change affects our everyday choices and relationships. We must try to become the first fruits that truly please Him in every aspect of our lives.
Brent Pollard