James 1:19–24

[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 of God. [21] Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

[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. (ESV)

It’s important to remember that James has one central theme and a recurring warning: “Grow up!”, and “Don’t be deceived!”.

True freedom is not “to do whatever I want without any constraints”. True freedom is to obey God fully.

The commands of Jesus are not simply a call to be moral; our lives are to show and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew, Chapters 5-7) is really helpful in understanding the book of James.

Three ways to be sure you’re not being deceived as you read/hear God’s Word:
1. Give God your “yes”
2. Ask God to reveal Himself as you read/hear His Word
3. Ask a believer you trust how your actions line up with God’s Word…and how they don’t

What is God calling you, through His Word, to do NOW - not just think about and ponder about…

Right Now Media is a GREAT resource to help you and your Life Group grow in the faith and knowledge of Jesus! If you’re not already signed up, please email Pastor Matt (see email address below) to receive this FREE resource today. Here’s the link: https://www.rightnowmedia.org

We’re glad you’re here today! To contact me (Pastor Matt), simply email matt@harvestchurchsi.com.
Thank you, and may God richly bless you as you follow Jesus today!

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