The Scandalous Message of James - Ch.

- Telios Perfection

- This word used by james in the New Test. is achievable!

- Telios Perfection: Wholehearted devotion to God

- Telios Perfection is found in the grace of God

The word telios (tell-ee-ahs) is a Greek word commonly used in the Bible’s New
Testament and has several different meanings - to make complete; to fulfill; to make
whole or perfect; to be physically sound and healthy; to satisfy; to meet the
requirements; to convert into reality; to execute.

Once again, as we turn to Strong’s concordance, we find that the English word perfect is
translated from the Greek word telios. Looking for the ideas implied from telios, we find that
the word translates as ‘complete’ or ‘completeness’. In fact, if we look at the history of the
English language, we find that even the word ‘perfect’ has evolved in the last 400 years (from
the time when the bible was first translated into English). At that time, the word perfect was
used to describe a sense of completeness, just as the word telios does. It is only in the time
since the King James Version of the bible was first printed, that the word ‘perfect’ has evolved
from meaning complete, to meaning flawless. If we use this ‘old’ meaning for the word perfect
in verse 48, we find Yeshua teaching the people that we should seek to love one another
‘completely’, even as the Father loves us completely. But even if we interpret the word perfect
in this way, it doesn’t quite give us the full picture of what Yeshua was trying to communicate.

Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your
minds, so that you may discern what us the will of God-- what is good and
acceptable and perfect.

James = call to faith telios

James 1:5 is you do not have tells - ask!

James 1:5-8
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth
not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering . For he that
wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed . 7 For let not that man think
that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
NKJV

5 If you need wisdom -- if you want to know what God wants you to do -- ask him, and he will
gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that you really
expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven
and tossed by the wind. 7 People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
8 They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do. NLT

- Simply hearing the word is not enough!

Directives in verse 27
Look outwardly:

Orphans and widows

- Psalms 146:7-9
- Jeremiah 7:1-8

Look within:

Bridle your tongue

Keep oneself unspotted

Homework questions:

• What are ways you can put your faith into action?
• When can it start?
• List ways you can reach out to someone in need in your immediate circumstances?
• How do faith and works go together in my life?