New Year, Same God

Sunday, December 28^th 2025

James 1:16–18

Introduction

NEW YEAR, SAME GOD

1. “Do Not Be Deceived”: A Warning for a New Year (v. 16)

“Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.”

This tells us something important—deception is a real danger for believers, especially in seasons of trial. When life is hard, when prayers seem unanswered, when plans fall apart, our hearts become vulnerable to lies (1 Corinthians 6:9; 15:33; Galatians 6:7).

“If the great temptation of the sinner is unbelief, then the great temptation of the believer is misbelief” Kurt Richardson

“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God.’” James 1:13

“Nothing robs God of glory more than thinking hard thoughts of Him.” Charles Spurgeon

When we misunderstand God’s character, we misinterpret His actions.

1. The Source of All Good: “Every Good and Perfect Gift” (v. 17a)

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.”

“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” John Piper

“Good” and “Perfect” Gifts

James uses two words intentionally: Good speaks of God’s generosity, Perfect speaks of God’s wisdom.

“God is too good to be unkind, and He is too wise to be mistaken.” Charles Spurgeon

III. The Unchanging Giver: “The Father of Lights” (v. 17b)

James now turns from God’s gifts to God’s nature: “…coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

This phrase points to God as the Creator of the sun, moon, and stars. These lights govern seasons, days, and years. They rise and set. They shift and fade. But the One who created them does not change.

“Scripture often alludes to the heavenly firmament as evidence of God’s creative handiwork and his continuing exercise of power.” Douglas Moo

1. The Greatest Gift: The New Birth (v. 18)

“Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.”

1. Salvation Begins with God’s Will

James says, “Of his own will…” God was not persuaded, pressured, or manipulated. He chose to save.

2. The Word of Truth

God brings us forth—gives us new life—through His Word. This is why Scripture must shape our new year. The Word doesn’t just inform us; it transforms us. 

3. Firstfruits of His Creation

James says believers are a “kind of firstfruits.” In the Old Testament, firstfruits were the first and best portion offered to God, a promise of greater harvest to come.

1. Living Into 2026 with Confidence

What does this mean practically as we step into a new year?

1. Walk with Trust, Not Fear

“Faith enables us to see the hand of God where others see only the hand of man.”

Charles Spurgeon

2. Receive Gifts with Gratitude

3. Anchor Your Hope in What Cannot Change

Conclusion: Looking Forward with Steady Hearts

“Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers…”

God is good and faithful. God is enough—for 2026 and forever.