Doing the Word Can Fix it! Text: James 1:9-27
9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, 10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. 11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.
12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.
19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
Doers—Not Hearers Only
21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of 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 observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
James teaches us that faith without works cannot be faith. Faith must work; it must produce; it must be visible. Verbal faith is not enough; mental faith is insufficient. Faith must inspire action. Faith endures trials. Strong faith will face trials head on and develop endurance! Godly faith produces separation from the world and submission to God! Finally, faith waits patiently for the coming of the Lord!
James 1:9-11 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, 10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. 11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits
If followed, these verses of scriptures should bring absolute validation to the poor and rich alike! (If not followed destruction.)
Proverbs 11:28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage. Proverbs 22:4 By humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches and honor and life.
James 1:12-15 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
When desire is conceived, birthed to sin, full-grown sin brings death!
Notice, non-believers and believers alike will be tempted. However, as the believer continues to flee from temptation and run toward Christ daily refuge will be found!
I Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Notice your reward in vs.12 the crown of life!
James 1:16-18 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.
Notice time and time again James addresses these verses to brothers! Think about that, we are called God’s first fruit! Vs.17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, Think about that word ’above!’
James 1: 19-20 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
In other words, become a good listener. Don’t talk too much. Cool down or walk away when angered, because man’s wrath will bring destruction and it will never bring God’s character!
James 1:21-25 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of 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 you. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
Vs.21 say’s to receive with meekness the implanted Word of God which is able to save your soul.
God’s word has to become implanted within! Proverbs 4:20-22 My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings.21 Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; 22 For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh.
Being a doer of God’s word means, you are a person who hears, and responds unto the word you hear! (This will be a very fruitful person.)
Vs. 23-25 tells us that we should look into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it (be faithful) and continues to be a doer, this person will be blessed in what he does!
Vs.26-27 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
You can think you are religious, but have no control of your tongue; your religion is no good! (Useless)
Vs. 27 Pure and undefiled religion is found in those who help others with out blowing and horn or sounding an alarm. Undefiled religion will keep you unspotted from the world!
