Listening and Doing James 1:19-27 March 30, 2014

James 1:19-27 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness that God requires. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

“Wisdom” Count it all joy Trials for our good and God’s glory Trials produce steadfastness Temptations are not from God Battle temptation

“Life brings constant…trials. God designs them to bring us to maturity “Life brings constant…trials. God designs them to bring us to maturity. Yet he doesn’t leave us to strive alone but promises wisdom for the trial, which he gives “generously” and “without reproach”. Yet we must ask sincerely for genuine faith that unites us to him.” ESV Gospel Transformation Bible.

Outline for Today 1. Hearing the Word of God (19-21) 2. Doing the Word of God (22-25) 3. Practical and true Religion (26-27) The big idea: A Christian not only hears the word, but does the word. “James will call believers to recognize in God’s word the demand of obedience that comes to all who claim the blessing of the new birth.” Moo p. 81.

1. Hearing the Word of God (19-21) 19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness that God requires. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

Proverbs 10:19 - When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. Proverbs 11:12 - Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent. Proverbs 15:1 - A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 17:27-28 - Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

It is the wisdom of the Word of God that will allow you to be quick to hear. Negative Principle: When you and I misuse and lack control of our tongue, unrighteous anger can result. Positive Principle: We are to respond positively to Scripture and eagerly pursue every opportunity to know God’s Word better. “When we exhibit quick-tempered, selfish anger of the world (verse 20 will call it “the anger of man”), it betrays lack of trust in God and lack of love for others.” ESV Study Bible

19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness that God requires. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (Deut. 30:14; Jer. 31:33; Rom. 2:13; Lk. 11:28)

2. Doing the Word of God (22-25) 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

3. Practical and True Religion (26-27) 26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Practical Application Control the tongue Concern for the helpless Avoidance of “worldliness” The big idea of these verses: True religion is manifested in a lifestyle of obedience to God. Summary Hear the word – Listen Do the word – Apply Both express obedience to God