1. Consider the following comparisons of God’s word to a mirror
James 1:22-25
Consider the following comparisons of God’s word to a mirror
God’s Mirror
Most of us used a mirror this morning. In fact, most people use a mirror several times a day.
The reasons are obvious. We want to know how we look because we care about how we look.
A mirror is a tool we use to improve our appearance.
Interestingly, in James 1, our relationship to the Word of God is described, using a mirror as the metaphor.
(James 1:22-25), “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 observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”
The man looks at himself in the mirror, and it leads to no improvements because he immediately forgets what he saw!
The same with the Word of God. God’s word makes no impression on him. He doesn’t use it to see himself as he truly is. He forgets what “kind of man” he was. May we not be guilty of the same.
God’s word TRULY reveals what kind of Christians we are!
(Hebrews 4:12-13), “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”
Since we all need spiritual improvement, we all need to diligently look to the mirror of God’s word.
With that in mind, consider the following comparisons of God's word to a mirror.

2. We must know how we look to God!
Psalm 7:8-11
2 Corinthians 13:5
Romans 3:23 Acts 2:38
We must know how we look to God!
We must know how we look to God
For example. Often our view of sin differs from God’s view of sin.
(Psalm 7:8-11), “The Lord shall judge the peoples; judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, And according to my integrity within me. 9 Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the just; for the righteous God tests the hearts and minds. 10 My defense is of God, who saves the upright in heart. 11 God is a just judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day.”
 If we looked at lies, gossip, anger, envy, lewdness, profanity, and other sins like God does, we would be much more careful in our daily walk!
God's word shows us how we look to God.
We must see ourselves as God sees us in order to examine ourselves and make God-approved improvements
(2 Corinthians 13:5), “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.”
God's word shows us our sins and teaches us what to do about them
(Romans 3:23), “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
(Acts 2:38), “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”
Consider that the purpose of preaching is to convict so that change can come!

3. We should want to improve our look!
Luke 13:3
2 Corinthians 7:8-10
James 1:25
We should want to improve our look!
We should want to improve our appearance
How silly to not pay attention to the face in the mirror!
So many things… Bad shave, smeared mascara, cowlick, acne, crusty eyes, spinach between the teeth, and other, grosser things that would mortify us if gone undetected.
Imagine the foolishness of the man who “observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was” (1:24).
Nothing is gained by using God's word to learn of our spiritual condition but then failing to repent and obey God.
(Luke 13:3), “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”
(2 Corinthians 7:8-10), “For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. 9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.”
Only by making the necessary changes in heart and conduct that God's word teaches will you be blessed
(James 1:25), “But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”

4. Our mirror must be reliable for good results!
James 1:25
Romans 1:20-23
2 Corinthians 11:12-15
Matthew 15:7-9
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Our mirror must be reliable for good results!
We must use a reliable mirror in order to be make reliable changes
Some mirrors distort images instead of giving a clear reflection.
God’s word is the only mirror that gives us a true reflection of our spiritual selves.
(James 1:25), “But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”
The amount of the distortion varies
Sometimes the mirror is like a funhouse mirror, with obvious error!
(Romans 1:20-23), “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.”
Sometimes the mirror is subtly distorted. You may not notice it, but the reflection is not accurate!
(2 Corinthians 11:12-15), “But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.”
Regardless, remember that Man-made doctrines distort the will of God and are not reliable "mirrors“
(Matthew 15:7-9), “Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 8 ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ”
God's word is reliable and sufficient to improve your spiritual condition before God
(2 Timothy 3:16-17), “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

5. Be doers of THE WORD, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves
Don’t be a fool!
Be doers of THE WORD, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves
C O N C L U S I O N
Conclusion
Don’t be a fool!
“Be doers of THE WORD, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (1:22)