WIN FRIENDS & INFLUENCE PEOPLE James 1:19-20

Study on James  We continue our journey into the book of James  We have studied on trials, temptations, wisdom, blessings, faith, and prayer  James continues to bless us with practical knowledge for us to live the life that God wants us to live in this world

Study on James  James begins to switch gears here from what God has done to what is required of us as His people  Here we begin to take notice of what things can help us in our Christian walk  What James speaks of next is not just for the trials of life, but for life as a whole

Study on James  1. Swift to hear  Communication has long been thought of as the cornerstone of any good relationship  Whether it’s a marriage or simply a friendship, communication is vital to it’s success  So it’s no surprise here that we are told to be swift to hear

Study on James  1. Swift to hear  It’s been said that God gave man two ears for a reason  How many of us can say we listen twice as much as we talk?  Most everyone needs to work on their listening skills

Study on James  1. Swift to hear  We need to work on listening to God  How many people “listen to God” but really only listen for what they want to hear?  “A wise man will hear and increase learning…” (Prov. 1:5)  “Hear instruction and be wise” (Prov. 8:33)

Study on James  1. Swift to hear  “Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.” (v. 34)  “Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools…” (Ecc. 5:1)

Study on James  1. Swift to hear  “…for all the people were hanging on His words” (Lk. 19:48)  The early church devoted themselves to “the apostles doctrine” (Acts 2:42)  The Bereans “received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11)

Study on James  1. Swift to hear  “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Matt. 11:15)  We need to concentrate on listening, especially when it comes to the word of God  We also need to be good listeners when it comes to others

Study on James  1. Swift to hear  We should “hear” others when they try to talk to us about sins that we might be guilty of (Matt. 18:15-17)  If we want God to listen to us, shouldn’t we be willing to listen to others?  A great resolution would be to become a better listener!

Study on James  2. Slow to speak  There is probably not a person here who hasn’t said something before they wish they could take back  James later says if anyone does not stumble in word he is a “perfect man” (3:2)  Being slow to speak simply means talking less and thinking about what we say

Study on James  2. Slow to speak  Solomon went on to say “Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God” (Ecc. 5:2)  “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise” (Prov. 10:19)

Study on James  2. Slow to speak  “He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction” (Prov. 13:3)  “He who has knowledge spares his words” (Prov. 17:27)  When we aren’t slow to speak, it probably points to one thing…

Study on James  2. Slow to speak  “Do not be wise in your own opinion” (Rom. 12:16)  We like talking because we want people to hear how much we know  A dose of humility can go a long way in helping us be slow to speak

Study on James  3. Slow to wrath  Anger is probably more prevalent in our lives than we realize  There are certain things or people that just seem to “push our buttons”  Perhaps we are quick to wrath because we are not quick to hear

Study on James  3. Slow to wrath  “A quick-tempered man acts foolishly” (Prov. 14:17)  “He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, but he who is impulsive exalts folly” (Prov. 14:29)  “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty” (Prov. 16:32)

Study on James  3. Slow to wrath  Self-control is important if we are going to keep from being angry  One of the works of the flesh is “outbursts of wrath” (Gal. 5:20)  We must learn to love…love God first, but love others and see them as God’s creation

Study on James  3. Slow to wrath  “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice” (Eph. 4:31)  “But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice…” (Col. 3:8)  “the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God”