Synopsis of Verses 19-27
Living Out Our Faith • Sermon • Submitted
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· 16 viewsSynopsis of James 1:19-20 covering the entire paragraph as related to Living Out Our Faith Victoriously.
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
We are finished with the last paragraph of chapter 1. This means we now can go back and do a synopsis of the verse 19-27. So, let’s get right into it this evening. We will start by going back and reviewing each verse beginning with...
Verses 19 & 20
Verses 19 & 20
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
If you remember, we identified that the Holy Spirit is talking about communication. Essentially, He warns us that all of us face a great danger in our efforts to communicate with Him as well as with others. However, we see His reminder to us that He loves us and that we are part of God’s family. Note the words “beloved” and “brethren.” As part of God’s family, we must learn the proper way to communicate. First, we are to be “swift to hear.” The idea is that we are to be speedy to listen and we are to listen without any unnecessary delays. Second, we are to be “slow to speak.” The word “slow” meaning to take deliberately, to be unhurried, yet maintaining forward motion. So, again, we are instructed to slow down and be unhurried, deliberate in what we say. Third, we are to be “slow to wrath.” Again, the same idea as “slow to speak.” We are to be deliberately unhurried in allowing anger to rise up against within us. The Holy Spirit then states a simple fact. Man’s wrath does not accomplish God’s judicial approval. Yes, we can be angry and sin not. Unfortunately, that is not often the case. And, as such, selfish, sinful anger is never approved by God.
Verse 21
Verse 21
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
Here the Holy Spirit continues to give us some very practical advice. The word “wherefore” simply means for this reason. Since we are instructed to be “swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” and since our wrath is not approved by God, we must take some action. We are to “lay apart” [to put off or put aside] two fleshly influences. We are put off “filthiness” which is moral filth that would defile our relationship with God. We are also to put off “superfluity of naughtiness” which is overwhelming abundance of inherent evil which often influences our outwardly actions. So, the Holy Spirit encourages to “lay apart” or put off the old man’s influences. Then, we are to “receive with meekness” something that is extremely important in the salvation of souls. We are to receive “the engrafted word.” The word “receive” means to openly welcome into our lives. We are to do it with “meekness” meaning we do it with a temperament of gentleness. What are we receiving or appropriating? We are receiving the “engrafted [implanted in order to bring new life - something that germinates or springs up] word [a word usually referring to Christ as the Word of God or of Scripture as God’s revealed word].” Both are avenues to salvation. Christ purchased the gift of eternal life upon the cross of Calvary and freely offers that gift to all saving them from eternal damnation. Scripture reveals to us what Christ did in purchasing that gift and how He offers to all even today. Thus, the Word of God reveals to us the Word of God by the illuminating power of the Holy Spirit so that we might be saved. Thus, we are to willing, openly take into our hearts and lives the only thing that can bring about new life within us. That new life comes from receiving by faith the Word who became flesh for us and by believing the Word of God aka Scripture which proclaims the good news of Christ, the Word. So, we are to put off the influences of the old man, and we are to welcome into our life by putting on the teachings of God’s Word.
Verse 22
Verse 22
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
The Holy Spirit gives us even more practical advice. How do we put off the influences of the old man and put on the life giving Word of God? It is accomplished through simple obedience. We are to be “doers of the word.” The word “doers” means to make. It is the same word used of poets who make poems. They sit down and write their poems. There is action involved. However, it is action that requires knowledge and rational thinking. Creating poems takes thought, time, and rationality. Thus, we are to act upon God’s Word after we have spent time “hearing” God’s Word. Hearing God’s word requires that we spend time reading it, thinking about it, analyzing it, and reasoning what God expects us to do. Then, when we have heard it, we are to do it. Thus, it is important that we learn to quickly listen and slowly speak. Interestingly, the Holy Spirit not only gives us some practical advice but He also points out a potential problem. When a believer only hears God’s Word and takes not action, that believer is essentially “deceiving” themselves. Too many times we enjoy reading and studying God’s Word, but when it comes time to personally do God’s Word (obey) we fail to do so. Yet, for some reason, we are able to convince ourselves that it is okay because we at least were listening. Yet, before God, it is equally as important to obey as to hear or listen.
Verses 23-24
Verses 23-24
For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
Now the Holy Spirit illustrates what so many of us typically do. It is amazing how the Lord knows us so well. Here is a great example of that. The person who hears the Word of God and then fails to obey (not a doer) is vividly compared to this. They are compared to a man who beholds [considers attentively by concentrating in order to fully understand] his “natural face” [his God given by birth face] in a mirror. This person beholds himself [looks at himself in a mirror], and then immediately forgets [fails to notice or overlooks] what “manner of man” [the quality or sort] he is. In other words, he looks in the mirror admiring himself by fails to notice what others see [i.e. food in his teeth, hair unkempt]. The idea of looking but not really seeing or in too much of hurry to truly understand or perceive. Thus, the person who reads God’s Word without truly trying to comprehend who he is before God is the person who hears, but takes no action.
Verse 25
Verse 25
But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
When come to verse 25, the Holy Spirit is still focused on the importance of listening and obedience. However, He now places the focus on God’s Word. Note the it is the “perfect law of liberty.” It is completely perfect. It is correctly principle - law. It is has cathartic power. For these reasons, it is the only place we should “look.” Our simple obligation comes back once again to the fact that God’s Word must be central to all we do and say. Each day should be centered around knowing and living what Scripture teaches us. We admonished by the Holy Spirit to continue in it. And, again, we must not be forgetful in what we hear or learn, but we must proactive in doing all that is says. When we do, we experience the blessings of God. In fact, if you want to be guaranteed that God’s hand of blessing will be on your life then you must be obedient to God’s Word.
Verse 26
Verse 26
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
Now comes some teaching about outward demonstrations of the Christian life. The word “religious” deals with the outward actions of a person who worship and loves a god or God. It involves the ceremonies and the disciplines of a particular faith. In this verse, the emphasis is on those who outwardly portray they are worshipping Jehovah God. They “seem” religious. In others words, they are projecting an image seeking to sway the opinion of others and, in many cases, their own. Yet, there is one telltale sign that they are not truly worshipping the Lord. They are unable to bridle their tongue. Later in this great book of the Bible, the Holy Spirit will help us understand the true danger of the tongue. However, for now, the tongue plays an important in determining true religion versus vain religion. People who run their mouths often run their mouths about themselves. Thus, their focus is often themselves and not the Lord. Their outward efforts to demonstrate their loyalty to Christ is often betrayed by their speech which displays their love for self. They have deceived themselves. Their outward demonstrations of love for God [aka religion] is made void.
Verse 27
Verse 27
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
In this last verse, the Holy Spirit gives us insight concerning true religion versus vain religion. Note that it is state that before God there is “pure” religion and “undefiled.” Pure in the sense that you can worship the Lord outwardly free of guilt and shame. Religion can even be “undefiled” in the sense that it can be done untainted from the stain of vain religious activity as well. The Holy Spirit then gives two very specific ways true believer might worship God religiously [aka outwardly] and maintain purity. The first of these is to visit the fatherless and the widows. Essentially, it is doing selfless acts of kindness for those who are true need. When we serve other selflessly, we are no longer focused on ourselves instead we are focused on meeting the need of someone else. We are then exhibiting the same love, grace, and mercy that God demonstrated to us. The second of these is to “keep himself unspotted from the world.” Here the idea is that we are constantly listing to God’s Word and, then, doing God’s Word so that we might be conforming more and more to the image of Christ.
Application
Application
So we are going back to 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as our guide for application of this entire paragraph. As reminder, we know that 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says...
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Our question this evening then is how do the verses of James 1:19-27 apply to these four areas of our lives.
So, let’s start with the first.
What is RIGHT (Doctrine)?
What is RIGHT (Doctrine)?
It is RIGHT to hear God’s Word.
It is RIGHT to hear God’s Word.
This is obvious by the number times we see references to “hearing the Word.”
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
Giving an attentive ear to the God and His Word is constant reoccurring theme throughout the entire Bible.
God told the children of Israel...
Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey. Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:
Christ himself exhorted us by saying...
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
And with every command given “to hear” what God says there is also command “to do” what God says. They are like hand in a glove. They fit perfectly together. It is never sufficient to just hear, we must also do. Action is always required.
It is RIGHT to do God’s Word.
It is RIGHT to do God’s Word.
For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Note that those who are obedient as the “do” God’s Word are part of Christ’s family [brother, sister, mother], live happy lives, and abide forever.
It is RIGHT to be RELIGIOUS as long as we do it God’s Way.
It is RIGHT to be RELIGIOUS as long as we do it God’s Way.
God encourages us to outwardly demonstrate our live and devotion to Him. We worship God...
By our Giving
Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: Bring an offering, and come before him: Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
By our Singing
All the earth shall worship thee, And shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.
What is NOT RIGHT (Reproof)?
What is NOT RIGHT (Reproof)?
It is NOT RIGHT to neglect God’s Word.
It is NOT RIGHT to disobey God’s Word.
It is NOT RIGHT to be RELIGIOUS our own way.
How to GET RIGHT (Correction)?
How to GET RIGHT (Correction)?
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If you are neglecting God’s Word, confess your sin, ask forgiveness, ask for God’s help, make a plan, and get busy.
If you are disobeying God’s Word, confess your sin, ask forgiveness, ask for God’s help, make a plan, and get busy.
As for RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY, check what you are doing against the “perfect law of liberty” to determine if you are doing it your way versus God’s way. If you are doing it God’s way, keep doing it and remember that you still need His help and His strength. If you are not doing it God’s way, then you need to confess your sin, ask forgiveness, ask for God’s help, make a plan, and get busy.
How to STAY RIGHT (Instruction in Righteousness)?
How to STAY RIGHT (Instruction in Righteousness)?
Staying right takes us back to the words of Christ in Matthew 7.
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.