Message Notes
Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn’t act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. It collapsed with a great crash.” —Matthew 7v24-27
Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 By his own choice, he gave us birth by the word of truth so that we would be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. —James 1v16-18
My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, 20 for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. —James 1v19-20
Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. —James 1v21
But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. —James 1v22
Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like someone looking at his own face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of person he was. —James 1v23-24
But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer who works—this person will be blessed in what he does. —James 1v25
If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, his religion is useless and he deceives himself. —James 1v26
Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world. —James 1v27
Study Guide for Further Reflection
DISCUSS
What does it mean to be ‘quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger’ as mentioned in James 1:19-20, and why do you think these qualities are important for a Christian?
Context
Pastor Dean discusses how anger and harmful speech can lead to division and hurt, emphasizing the need for better communication in the church.
Application
Can you think of a recent situation where you could have applied this principle? How might it change the outcome?
DISCUSS
How does understanding that believers are ‘first fruits of God’s salvation’ change the way we view ourselves and our purpose in life?
Context
Pastor Dean explains that this identity helps Christians navigate trials and temptations with a clearer vision of who they are in Christ.
Application
In what ways can you live out this identity in your daily interactions with others?
DISCUSS
In what ways might someone deceive themselves about their faith, as mentioned in James 1:22? What signs should we look for to check if we’re genuinely living out our faith?
Context
Dean warns that simply attending church and agreeing with teachings isn’t enough; true faith requires action and obedience.
Application
How can you create a habit of self-reflection to ensure that your actions align with your faith?