Receptive Hearts
James 1:19-27
19 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. 22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; 24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. 25 But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.
26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
What are the marks of true faith? James argues that the mature believer is eager to hear the Word of God and then apply it to every area of his life. For if anyone claims to be a Christian while not obeying God’s Word is only deceiving himself. James reminds us that the Christian life is characterized by being a doer of the Word and not merely hearers.
Three Observations:
- The receptive heart
- The receptive heart
- The receptive heart
Additional Bible Passages to Reference:
Matthew 7:24-27, 13:23; Luke 6:46-49, 8:15; Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Ephesians 4:22-24; Hebrews 12:1,2; Psalm 1, 42:1,2; 1 Peter 2:2; 1 John 2:15-17; 1 Peter 1:22; Joshua 1:7, 8; John 15:10-14
For Personal Reflection:
According to James 1:19,20 what three things are we to take note of?
When was the last time you were not quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry? What were the results?
How does James describe anger? What are the results of anger? (V20). Is there such a thing as righteous indignation? What is the difference between the anger of man and righteous anger?
Read James 1:21. What does “filthiness and all that remains of wickedness” mean? How do we “put away” these things?
How does merely listening to God’s Word lead to self-deception? (Verse 22)
Read James 1:22-25. What is the difference between a doer of the Word and a hearer of the Word?
What is the mirror metaphor about? What is the point James is making here? Why would he use this metaphor? (Verses 23-24)
What does James say about “religion” in verses 26,27? How is James using the term religion in verse 26? What is the difference in verse 27?
In many parts of Scripture (and here in James) we are urged to live out our faith in our actions. How does James say true faith is demonstrated? What does visiting the orphans and widows have to do with “pure religion?”
How is James’s call for obedience different from an attempt to earn a right standing before God through your own works?
List some areas of your life where you’ve said you’re willing to obey, but you’re not actively obeying. How will you move forward in these areas?
What do you need to put into practice from what you have heard from the Word today?
My Personal Notes: