Message The Doctrine of Regeneration
Text: James 1:17-21
James has just finished giving us instruction on the topic of sin and temptation. James has drawn our attention to a number of important facts,
1. That God does not tempt people to sin. 2. That temptation arises in our own fallen and evil hearts. 3. That temptation produces sin and sins brings forth to spiritual death.
These are three important facts to know.
I. The Meaning of Regeneration (vs.18) A. In our text James talks about being “brought” (begotten – KJV) 1. The is referring to the “New Birth”. 2. This is the doctrine (teaching) of “regeneration.” B. What does it mean to be regenerated or to be “born again?” 1. Regeneration is an “action” of God whereby the sinner is given a new life spiritually. C. I suggest to you that it needs to be remembered that there is a great need and importance for this truth. 1. Jesus taught us that without the “new Birth” we could not see or enter into the kingdom of God. John 3:1-8 2. James emphasizes the gift and the importance of regeneration to us as well. Without the gift of life, without the gift of regeneration, we will not have the power or the ability to overcome sin in our lives.
II. The Source of Regeneration (vs.17) A. James immediately draws our attention to the father who gives good and perfect gifts to His children. 1. These gifts are: a. Good i.e. , they are useful and beneficial b. Perfect, i.e., they are complete and lacking nothing. 2. What gifts is James referring to here? a. It must not be limited to the gifts of physical life, food, shelter, clothing etc., these gifts include these. b. I suggest to you that it is more likely that James is referring to the spiritual gifts of grace that leads us into fellowship with the Son of God the Lord Jesus Christ. B. James also says these gifts, “coming down from the father of lights,” 1. The verb “comes down” is a present active participle and means they are continuously coming down. - Grace is being poured upon us continually. Figuratively it is always “raining” grace! 2. The title “Father of Lights” reminds us that, a. God is the “cosmic” Father and Creator of all heavenly bodies. b. It must be said as well, that the father is the One who shines into our darkened hearts within the light of grace.
Trinity Baptist Church - AM Service - Handout - August 25, 2019
2 Corinthians 4:6
C. Finally, James says, “With whom there is not variation, or shifting shadow.”
1. Here James is pointing us to the unchanging character of God.
Malachi 3:6
2. This changeless of God is given double emphasis. a. “With whom there is no variableness” i.e. – There is no variation or change from an established course of actions or patterns. b. “Or shifting shadow”. i.e. There is no shadow cast by movement or turning. The idea is conveyed that there is a firm fixation in the character of God. God does not move, God does not change. 3. The practical implications of this face that God does not change is simply this” God will always be God, he will always be holy, He will always be gracious to those who hide themselves in the blood and righteousness of his son, etc.
D. To summarize this second point, we need to remember that regeneration is a gift from God. It is a gracious work that comes to us by His gracious love.
III. The Nature of Regeneration (vs.18) A. The key to understanding this truth is the word “brought” (begat – KJV). 1. The word in the KJV “begat” is from the Greek word that means “brought forth.” 2. The word is the same idea as the new birth or being regenerated. B. James tells us that it was “His will He brought us forth” in an act of regeneration. 1. Man’s will is not the issue in salvation.
John 8:42-44 1 Corinthians 2:14
2. I suggest to you that it is always God’s will in relation to the issue of salvation. John 1:13 Philippians 1:6, 2:13 Ephesians 1:9-11
3. We are regenerated or “born again” because the Father was pleased to be gracious to us. - The father was willing to save us and he did….Amen! C. There are 2 “agents” actively involved in this work of regeneration. 1. The Holy Spirit – John 3:5-6,8 2. The Word of God – James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23
Trinity Baptist Church - AM Service - Handout - August 25, 2019
I suggest to you that for people to be “regenerated” the word of God must be preached as the Word of truth. The gospel must be preached. It is the clear and powerful preaching of the word of God that Lord uses to regenerate those called to be saved.
IV. The Results of Regeneration (vs.19-21)
A. James points out that as a result of regeneration we (believers) “become the first fruits amongst His creatures.” 1. This concept “first fruits” is borrowed from the O.T., in the gathering of the harvest the “first fruits” were consecrated to the Lord. 2. This implies that when we are regenerated, a. We are consecrated and dedicated to God and to His service. b. We are to be used to bring in more of the harvest. Each convert is to witness and gather is others. 3. The phrase “among His creatures” denoted that which is the product of divine creative activity. People who are converted share the products of workmanship of God’s saving creative power.
Ephesians 2:10
B. But we should also expect that those who have been regenerated by the sovereign will of God will demonstrate a change in their lives, towards the Word of God. a. I suggest to you that unconverted people despise the Word of God, ignore the Word, or are bored by the preaching of the Word of God. The scriptures are irrelevant to them. b. I suggest to you that converted, regenerated people on the other hand have a new love for the scriptures. Like David of old they cry out, “O how I love your law, it is my meditation all the day long”. (Psalm 119:97) c. Believers are “quick to hear”, that is they love to listen to the Word of God taught and explained. - They are “slow to speak”, that is they are cautious about voicing objections to great doctrines and truths that are revealed to them through the course of weekly ministry. - They sit and listen, they will reflect, meditate, they will weigh what they are hearing carefully and compare scripture with scripture. - Believers are “slow to anger”, that is they are not quickly angered, agitated, and upset by the Word. - They do not develop attitudes of pride, contempt, rebellion at those in leadership over them.
Verse 20 tells us that the “anger (wrath – KJV) of man” (the persistent attitude of hostility which is the meaning of the word wrath) does not demonstrate the righteousness of God. - This righteousness is not referring to the righteousness that justifies us; it is a reference to the ethical or moral behavior that God requires of all true believers. - Second – There should be a change of heart that reflects a moral change of character.
Trinity Baptist Church - AM Service - Handout - August 25, 2019
James says in verse 21, a. “Putting aside” i.e. laying aside or strip off filthiness. The aorist tense here denotes a definite break with evil things. b. “Filthiness” i.e., all filth or dirt. - This is used metaphorically to represent all moral impurity.
James continues and says “all that remains of wickedness.” (KJV – and superfluity or naughtiness.”. a. This is overflowing wickedness. The super abundance of vice that comes out of our hearts continually. b. This is a reminder of how polluted and vile fallen hearts really are toward a Holy God.
Finally James says, “in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” a. Meekness is a humble, tender, and teachable spirit. b. The engrafted word is the Word of God that “has been planted” in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. c. “Which is able to save our souls”. This means that as we receive and obey the Word of God that the Spirit has planted in our hearts, we are preserving in our faith which is evidence of our salvation.
Conclusion:
James has focused our attention on the gift from the father of new life (regeneration).
We have considered four things in our text: 1. The meaning of regeneration. 2. The source of regeneration. 3. The nature of regeneration. 4. The results of regeneration.
Bottom Line:
Is there a gift more wonderful than these spiritual gifts that the Lord has showered upon us?
Up Close and Personal - Personal Observation:
In this day and generation we have so cheapened grace that the doctrine of salvation is not considered as being a gift from God as it relates to salvation.
1. Too much emphasis is being put on the “lesser gifts” i.e. miracles etc. 2. If you have received the gift of “regeneration” (and I know you have) how grateful are we towards our salvation?
We need to pray that many will come to a genuine knowledge of Jesus Christ the remainder of this year and next and the years to come.
Trinity Baptist Church - AM Service - Handout - August 25, 2019