VALUE OF GOD’S WORD James 1:21-25

Value of God’s Word  Tonight we look into James 1 as we continue our study of that book  As we mentioned last week, James has begun talking about our responsibilities towards God and others  In the verses tonight James concentrates on the word of God

Value of God’s Word  We all know and understand that the word of God is certainly valuable  “Buy the truth and do not sell it” (Prov. 23:23)  James explains to us exactly why the word of God is so valuable and important to each of us

Value of God’s Word  1. Preparation for the Word  The first thing we need to do is to prepare our hearts and lives to receive God’s word  James tells us to “lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness”  James is trying to paint a picture with words

Value of God’s Word  1. Preparation for the Word  If we are going to turn our hearts towards God, we must turn them away from sin  Sin will keep us from truly following after God and being productive in His kingdom  We need to cast off the sin from us (Heb. 12:1; Col. 3:5-10)

Value of God’s Word  1. Preparation for the Word  Once we do that we are to receive the word of God  We are to do that with all meekness  Sin is usually committed with pride  We put off pride, put on meekness and receive God’s word

Value of God’s Word  2. The Word Can Save  James tells us to receive the word, “which is able to save your souls”  God’s word gives us instruction on how to be saved and become a part of His church  II Timothy 3:15

Value of God’s Word  2. The Word Can Save  It’s wisdom that we need, not just to become a child of God, but to remain one  “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul” (Ps. 19:7)  Gospel means “good message” and covers the death, burial, and resurrection

Value of God’s Word  2. The Word Can Save  Romans 1:16  Power = dunamis  Where we get our word dynamite  The gospel is powerful enough to teach us how we can be redeemed from our sins in Christ

Value of God’s Word  3. The Word Moves Us to Action  After we receive the word, James tells us that we are to be doers of that word  It’s one thing to receive instruction  It’s another thing to take what we receive and put it into action  That means we truly believe

Value of God’s Word  3. The Word Moves Us to Action  James later says in 2:17 that faith (belief) without works (action) is dead  The Christian life is one that is a life of action (I Cor. 15:58)  We are created in Him for good works (Eph. 2:10)

Value of God’s Word  3. The Word Moves Us to Action  Paul reminds us to do good to all as we have opportunity (Gal. 6:10)  Jesus told us that if we love Him that we will keep His commandments (Jn. 14:15)  When we read the word of God we can’t help but be moved to action

Value of God’s Word  4. The Word Makes Us Better  James here describes looking into the word as looking into a mirror  When we look in a mirror there is a purpose there  We look to see if anything regarding our appearance needs to be fixed

Value of God’s Word  4. The Word Makes Us Better  When we stand in front of a mirror, we should always walk away better  An honest look into God’s word should help us see where we may be lacking  Last years theme focused on becoming better (Heb. 6:9-12)

Value of God’s Word  4. The Word Makes Us Better  It’s why Paul told us to examine ourselves (II Cor. 13:5)  A good self examination will reveal our weaknesses and help us to build upon our foundation of faith  Ex. Christian Graces (II Pet. 1:5-7)