The Goodness of God – James 1:16–18

The Goodness of God – James 1:16–18

Introduction

James 1:16–18 proclaims God’s unchanging generosity. Every good and perfect gift descends from the Father of lights, and by His will He brings new life through the word of truth. This passage invites grateful worship and confident obedience rooted in God’s steady goodness.

Every Good and Perfect Gift

James cautions disciples to resist deception and remember the character of God. Temptation lures toward doubt and suspicion; Scripture directs the heart to gratitude. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). God’s gifts are complete, fitting, and useful. Jesus affirmed this in His teaching: earthly parents know how to give bread and fish; the heavenly Father abundantly provides what is truly good (Matthew 7:9–11). Paul likewise teaches that everything created by God is good when received with thanksgiving (1 Timothy 4:4).

Goodness can be recognized in daily mercies and in life-shaping provisions: the gospel preached to us, a mind capable of grasping truth, a home where Christ was honored, brothers and sisters who strengthened our faith. These gifts meet real needs and move us toward holiness.

The Father of Lights—Unchanging and Faithful

James names God “the Father of lights,” recalling the sun, moon, and stars He set as markers for seasons and days (Genesis 1:14; Psalm 136:7–9). Heavenly lights move and cast shadows. The Giver never turns. “With whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17). Malachi records the same assurance: “I the LORD do not change” (Malachi 3:6). The heavens will age and be changed, yet the Lord remains the same forever (Psalm 102:25–27).

This steadiness nurtures confidence. Since God’s nature does not shift, His generosity does not fluctuate. His purposes stand, His promises endure, and His compassions renew each morning.

Goodness Recognized in Hard Days

James has already taught that trials produce endurance and maturity (James 1:2–4). Joseph’s testimony adds a living illustration: human intentions against him were evil, yet God worked through them for good (Genesis 50:20). Paul anchors the church in this assurance: “All things work together for good to those who love God” (Romans 8:28). The outcome of hardship can be patience, wisdom, and deeper trust—gifts that no market can sell and no thief can steal.

Born of God’s Will by the Word of Truth

James connects divine goodness to salvation: “Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth” (James 1:18). New birth flows from God’s gracious will (John 1:12–13). Jesus explains its nature and necessity: being born of water and Spirit for entrance into the kingdom (John 3:3,5). Peter describes the instrument God uses: the living and abiding word, through which souls are purified by obeying the truth (1 Peter 1:22–25). Paul shows the moment of burial and rising: baptized into Christ’s death and raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:1–4). God desires all to be saved and Christ is the author of eternal salvation to those who obey (1 Timothy 2:4; Hebrews 5:9).

James calls these first believers “a kind of firstfruits” of God’s creatures (James 1:18)—early evidence of a vast harvest to come. New birth is not a small improvement; it is a creation work that announces a greater gathering.

Gratitude that Shapes Worship and Life

Meditating on God’s goodness enlarges worship and strengthens obedience. The psalmist celebrates a legacy of praise as one generation declares God’s mighty acts to the next (Psalm 145:4–9). Gratitude trains the heart to notice mercy, speak of righteousness, and serve with joy. Counting God’s gifts transforms complaint into prayer and turns ordinary days into altars of thanksgiving.

The Goodness of God Sermon Outline:

• Introduction (James 1:16–18)

  • God’s gifts are good and perfect; His nature is unchanging; His word brings new life.

• I. God Gives Only Good Gifts

  • Every good and perfect gift descends from above (James 1:17).

  • The Father delights to give what is truly good (Matthew 7:9–11).

  • Creation gifts received with thanksgiving (1 Timothy 4:4).

• II. The Father of Lights—No Shadow of Turning

  • He set the lights in the heavens (Genesis 1:14; Psalm 136:7–9).

  • God does not change (James 1:17; Malachi 3:6).

  • The heavens wear out; the Lord remains (Psalm 102:25–27).

• III. Goodness in the Midst of Trials

  • Trials produce endurance and maturity (James 1:2–4).

  • Providence can bend evil purposes toward good (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28).

• IV. New Birth by the Word of Truth

  • Born of God’s will through His word (James 1:18; John 1:12–13).

  • Born of water and Spirit into the kingdom (John 3:3,5).

  • Purified by obeying the truth through the living word (1 Peter 1:22–25).

  • Buried and raised with Christ to new life (Romans 6:1–4).

  • God desires salvation; Christ saves the obedient (1 Timothy 2:4; Hebrews 5:9).

  • Firstfruits pointing to a great harvest (James 1:18).

• V. Gratitude that Reforms Worship and Daily Life

  • Generational praise and daily meditation (Psalm 145:4–9).

  • Thanksgiving shaping speech, service, and confidence.

• Conclusion

  • The unchanging Giver supplies every good gift and grants new birth by His word. Grateful faith receives, obeys, and proclaims His goodness.

Call to Action

Set your heart to notice and name God’s gifts today. Thank Him for salvation, Scripture, a renewed mind, and every providence that forms Christ in you. Respond to the word of truth with obedient faith—repent, confess Christ, and be baptized into newness of life, or renew your walk with fresh gratitude and trust.

Key Takeaways

• Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father (James 1:17).

• God’s nature is constant; His goodness does not waver (James 1:17; Malachi 3:6).

• Trials serve good purposes for those who love God (James 1:2–4; Romans 8:28; Genesis 50:20).

• New birth is God’s will accomplished through the word of truth (James 1:18; John 1:12–13).

• Entrance into the kingdom requires birth of water and Spirit and results in a new life (John 3:3,5; Romans 6:1–4).

• The living word purifies the soul through obedient faith (1 Peter 1:22–25; Hebrews 5:9).

Scripture Reference List

• James 1:16–18 – Every good and perfect gift; no shadow of turning; new birth by the word.

• James 1:2–4 – Trials produce endurance and maturity.

• Matthew 7:9–11 – The Father gives good things to those who ask.

• 1 Timothy 4:4 – Everything created by God is good when received with thanksgiving.

• Genesis 1:14 – Lights set for signs and seasons.

• Psalm 136:7–9 – Maker of the great lights.

• Malachi 3:6 – The LORD does not change.

• Psalm 102:25–27 – The heavens age; God remains the same.

• Genesis 50:20 – God turns intended evil toward good.

• Romans 8:28 – All things work together for good to those who love God.

• John 1:12–13 – Born of God’s will.

• John 3:3,5 – Born of water and Spirit for entrance into the kingdom.

• 1 Peter 1:22–25 – Purified and born again through the living word.

• Hebrews 5:9 – Salvation in Christ to those who obey.

• Romans 6:1–4 – Buried with Christ in baptism; raised to newness of life.

• Psalm 145:4–9 – Generational praise and celebration of God’s goodness.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

Online KJV Bible
Expository Sermons from James

YouTube Playlist of Sermons from James