Scripture

James 1:19-27

Introduction

In the parable of the sower and the seeds (Luke 8:4-15), Jesus shares the principle of people and their relationship to God’s Word. This parable helps us to understand how some people hear the Word, but the devil takes it away from their hearts. Some even hear the Word with joy, but because they do not have strong roots, they fall away when temptation comes. Others are distracted by the worries and the riches of this life, so they do not allow the Word to take root in their lives. Only one group of people—the seed in the good soil—hold onto the Word firmly and produce fruit as they persevere to the end. Our relationship to God’s Word determines the level of our spiritual development.

It is critical that the Word holds the central place in our lives to help us navigate trials and temptations. We need to acknowledge Scripture as the final word. We should be quick to hear God’s point of view about whatever we are facing and slow to speak man’s point of view, whether it is our own opinion or someone else’s. Human viewpoints must be subject to divine revelation. We should also be slow to lose our temper. When we embrace God’s Word and allow it to be implanted in our souls, the Word can accomplish its work in us. It is important for us to read Scripture intentionally and then remember what it says. Meditation is required for God’s Word to penetrate our very being and give us deliverance from our trials.

The Word is activated when you apply it to your situation. The Word is alive whether you act on it or not, but you can only experience life to the fullest when you act on what it says. Stare deeply into the Word, like a woman staring into a mirror, until it shows you the real you and how you should respond. You can then receive the liberating benefit of the Word because it is the law of liberty. God’s instructions for your life are designed to set you free, give you victory and keep you from experiencing unnecessary defeat. The benefits of the Word of God in your life will be represented in your ministry to others if you allow it. Do you demonstrate compassion and grace to those around you? Are you kind even to those who do not or cannot show you kindness in return? Do not be merely a hearer of Scripture; be a doer – someone who is defined by the Word and not by the culture.

Getting Started

1. What are some examples in current culture of people being slow to hear God’s viewpoint about a matter but quick to speak the viewpoint of mankind?
2. How does today’s culture define meditation? How is that different from meditating on God’s Word?

Let’s Get Personal

1. Think of a time when you knew what God’s Word said but you did not act on it? How did that affect you spiritually?
2. When have you been quick to listen to man’s viewpoint or quick to lose your temper? What was the outcome? Did operating this way pay off or cause more challenges?
3. How are you allowing the work of God’s Word in your life to benefit others? Can others tell that you embrace the Word?

Take the Next Step

1. In what areas of your life do you need to activate God’s Word by acting on it? How can your family and friends help you apply God’s Word in these areas?
2. How can you minister to others this week through your words and actions, even to those who cannot give you anything in return?
3. Want to go deeper? Take time to look at the following passages: James 1:1-12; 1 Peter 1:6-9; Hebrews 10:35-39; 2 Corinthians 1:3-11; Isaiah 43:1-2; John 16:33; Romans 12:12; 1 Peter 5:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Romans 5:3-5; James 1:13-18; 2 Corinthians 11:3, 13-15; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Peter 2:9; Psalm 50:15; Genesis 39:6-18; Matthew 4:1-11, 6:13, 26:41; Luke 8:13; 1 Corinthians 7:5; Genesis 3:1-6; James 1:19-27; 1 Peter 2:1-2; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; Psalm 139:23-24; 1 John 3:16-18; Luke 10:25-37; Romans 7:22; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 5:11-14; John 8:31-32; Luke 8:4-15.

Renew Your Mind

“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.”

James 1:25