Hearing and Doing the Word
A study of practical Christian living based on James 1:19-27.
1. Listening and Restraining Anger
1.1 The Importance of Listening
Verses: James 1:19
- Be quick to listen to God's voice through scripture and the Holy Spirit.
- Cultivate a teachable spirit, open to correction and guidance.
1.2 Controlling Anger
Verses: James 1:19-20
- Control your temper and avoid angry outbursts.
- Recognize that anger hinders righteousness and spiritual growth.
2. Receiving the Word with Meekness
2.1 Receiving the Word
Verses: James 1:21
- Rid yourself of sinful thoughts, words, and actions.
- Humbly accept the implanted word, which has the power to save your souls.
3. Doing the Word
3.1 The Danger of Being a Hearer Only
Verses: James 1:22
- Merely hearing the word is not enough; we must act upon it.
- Those who only hear and do not do deceive themselves.
3.2 The Forgetful Hearer
Verses: James 1:23-24
- A hearer who doesn't act is like someone who looks in a mirror and immediately forgets what they look like.
- True faith is demonstrated through obedience.
3.3 The Perfect Law of Liberty
Verses: James 1:25
- The one who looks intently into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and continues in it, is blessed in what he does.
- This involves diligent study and consistent application of God's word.
4. True Religion Defined
4.1 Controlling the Tongue
Verses: James 1:26
- True religion involves controlling one's tongue and avoiding deceitful speech.
- If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.
4.2 Practical Expressions of True Religion
Verses: James 1:27
- Caring for orphans and widows in their distress demonstrates genuine compassion.
- Keeping oneself unstained from the world involves resisting worldly influences and temptations.