Hear God’s Word and Put it into Practice: That is Real Religion

After Offering Video

When somebody comes along and says all the promises of the kingdom to Israel are fulfilled in the Church, the burden of proof is not on me, it's on them. (most commonly held belief among current Christian authors - whom I love and read after, my brothers.)

My answer to them is simply this, "You show me in that verse, in the Old Testament, which promises a kingdom to Israel, where it says that it really means the Church--show me!" Where does it say that? On what exegetical basis, what historical, grammatical, literal, interpretative basis of the Scripture can you tell me that when God says "Israel" He means the "Church"? Where does it say that? That's where the burden of proof really lies.

We are told to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. That is what I am going to ask Sam Wilson to do for us this morning. Psalm 122:6 “6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.”

Statement

As members of the body of Christ, our church is committed to promoting peace, justice, and solidarity among nations; and acknowledge the importance of fostering strong bonds of friendship and support with the nation of Israel. We recognize our collective voice is a powerful testament to our shared belief in the importance of standing alongside the Jewish people. We join with other believers, churches, and communities across the nation in solidarity and prayer for the peace, security, and prosperity of all of Israel.

Sermon Introduction

How many of you can park your car in your garage?

John 8:37 “37 I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.”

We would all be up in arms if someone would want to burn our Bibles but are indifferent toward the fact they go unread

Satan is real and his strategy is to fill the world with lies - philosophical lies, religious lies, political lies, and even Biblical lies.

Jesus said about unbelievers that the word of truth was not implanted in them.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 “13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”

This could very easily be 7-8 sermons. Many of the aspects of the passage will be revisited. But I believe it will be well to see the entire thought.

If you struggle with daily Bible reading. I hope to provide you an example of how to read 8 verses, look at it intently to see how it fits together, and taking time to reflect/meditate on it.

Review: In view of God has done in our lives..

v.19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren,

In view of the closeness God has brought to us through our trials

In view of the understanding and way of escape made in our temptations

But most specifically in view of the fact we have beem given new life by the Word

Born of the Word

James 1:18 “18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.”

Central to the book.

We aren’t reborn by church attendance, baptism, good deeds.

We are redeemed when we received the truth of Christ provided to us from God’s Word

Heard the description. He is a “born again” Christian. Well, there is no other type of Christian and their is not other means of a rebirth except. Through responding in faith to God’s Word.

The whole Bible is for the whole church. We have good Scriptural warrant to come to God’s words expecting them to be understandable and applicable.

(Thomas Watson - Spiritual Disciplines, 57)

Take every word as spoken to yourselves. When the word thunders against sin, think thus: “God means my sins;” when it presseth any duty, “God intends me in this.” Many put off Scripture from themselves, as if it only concerned those who lived in the time when it was written; but if you intend to profit by the word, bring it home to yourselves: a medicine will do no good, unless it be applied. (slide)

James 1:19–27 (KJV)

19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

23 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:

24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

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.

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.

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.

Premise: Hear God’s Word and put it into practice: that is real religion (slide)

The Purpose of the Word

1. To fulfill the will of God

James 1:18 “18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.”

The Word of God is God’s revelation to us.

God allows us in on His plan for this world. Ephesians 1:10 “10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:”

No one has better insider information than the Bible student.

Knowing the mystery of God’s will and understanding his purpose makes a cosmic difference in our lives. / Difference in kids “get in the car” and “kids get in the car we are going for ice cream.”

The Word of God is not man’s invention

This book is not written of “our own will” 2 Peter 1:21 “21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

This is how and why I can and should preach with authority today.

The Words of God are the Word’s of Life

We sang about it this morning.

All true disciples of Jesus said as the first disciples. John 6:68 “68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.”

2. We are made His son’s and daughters through the Word of truth

James 1:18 “18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.”

The Bible is called an incorruptible seed in 1 Peter 1:23 “23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.”

Everything else will pass away but His Word will last. 1 Peter 1:24–25 “24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.”

3. Our response should be an offering of gratitude

James 1:18 “18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.”

So that we could be an offering to Him

In the Old Testament they offered the firstfruits of the harvest to God as an expression of their gratitude. / First day of the week. First dime out of every dollar. First Minutes of every day.

This expressions means we will offer our lives as an expression of our gratitude for all that God has done.

Contrast Made: Desire gives birth to sin, and sin gives birth to death (James 1:15). God, in contrast, gives birth to us—His redeemed, sanctified children.

The Proper Response to the Word

1. We are given instruction on how to listen

A. Listen Intently

James 1:19 “19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”

We are to look into the perfect law of liberty

James 1:25 “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.”

We see this expression in other places and that helps us.

Even angels desire 1 Peter 1:12 “12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.”

Luke 24:12 “12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.”

Look intentionally in the Book by asking questions

Is there anything in this passage that teaches me about God the Father, anything that teaches me about God the Son, anything that teaches me about God the Holy Spirit?

Is there anything in this passage that tells me something about myself?

Is there a sin that I need to avoid?

Is there a promise that I should accept?

Is there a command that I need to obey?

Do not expect to learn things absent the engagement of our minds.

You were given hands to pick up the Bible and a mind to study the Scriptures.

Don’t say noting “jumped out at me” jump in to your study.

Create a habit

James 1:25 “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.”

Personal time in the Bible will stimulate God-awareness. Consistently returning to the Word will prevent God-amnesia. As sinners, we’re in constant danger of forgetting (at a practical level) that God exists.

A heart-humbling knowledge of self. / I am not David I am the scared Israelite in the tent.

Knowledge of God’s Plan. Studying Scripture will rescue us from our small, evil world and help us see the big picture of His story that us unfolding before us.

B. You can’t listen if we are always talking.

People who do not talk a lot aren’t the only people who don’t say much.

Some people who find relief in talking; and by their incessant talking they disable themselves from thinking

If all that we say In a single day, With never a word left out, Were written each night In clear black and white, It would make strange reading, no doubt.

And then just suppose Before our eyes would close, We had to read the whole record through, Then wouldn’t we sigh, And wouldn’t we try A great deal less talking to do?

And I more than half think That many a kink Would be smoother in life’s tangled thread If half what I say In a single day Were to be left forever unsaid.

2. Ready to Receive

A. Receiving is the purpose of our listening

Proverbs 2:1 “1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;”

B. Hindrances to receiving God’s Word

Truth gets choked out Luke 8:5 “5 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.”

Can’t listen if we are angry people James 1:20 “20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”

Sin will keep you from the book and the book will keep you from sin. James 1:21 “21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”

Pride prevents understanding. James 1:21 “21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”

C. Recognize the authority of the Word

It’s possible to be charmed by the Bible being taught without being changed by the Bible being taught.

The great challenge of receiving concerns authority more than understanding.

The shortest road to understanding of the Bible is the acceptance of the fact that God is speaking in every line.

3. Determine to Do

A. God gave us the Bible not just to inform our minds, but also to transform our hearts which will certainly change our behavior.

James 1:25 “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.”

The front of the church signs tells the community we are a church. Our living out the message on the back of the church sign determines if this is true or not.

B. Story of a woman who spoke out of her excitment to see Jesus.

Luke 11:27–28 “27 And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. 28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.”

Stephanie often yells out things at games the kids think is random.

Psalm 119:45 “45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.”

C. Effects of being unresponsive to the Word

When the Word of God makes an impression, if it is not followed by an expression then it leads inevitably to depression.

The pattern that James gives us here is straightforward: hearing plus doing equals blessing. Hearing plus doing equals blessing.

The Proof the Word Abiding in Us

A. The mirror of God’s Word

James 1:23–24“23 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: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.”

B. We should see expressions of true religion

James’s use of “religion” is an outward expressions of one’s faith

We have seen the purpose of the Word, we must all agree.

We see the proper response, we all should desire

Now we ask ourselves if we have truly received the Word.

Controlled tongue.

James 1:26 “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.”

Going to spend more time on this in James 3:8 “8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”

Seem to be religious; teach the Bible, kind to others, etc

Cannot control his tongue demonstrates a heart not given to the control of the Lord.

Call isn’t to silence but to a controlled tongue.

Eventually our lips will declare the reality of what’s in our hearts. / excitement of sweet tea in the church refrigerator. It was ice coffee.

Compassionate heart

James 1:27 “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.”

God is “a father to the fatherless” and “a defender of widows.” He is the God who “sets the lonely in families.” Psalm 68:5 “5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.”

God is someone who is particularly interested in those who are fatherless, those who are lonely, those who feel themselves to be left out.

Titus 2:14 “14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

Spurgeon, on one occasion at their evening prayer meeting on a Monday, all of a sudden breaks into the events, and he says to his congregation, “We are a large church and should be doing more for the Lord in this great city. I want us to ask God to send us some new work.” And so all the people then, in the remainder of the prayer time, said, “O God, send us some new work.” And the new work that God sent them was the establishing of what became the Stockwell Orphanage and Spurgeon’s impact among the fatherless children of London.

Clean life

In other words, not only are we to be practically helpful, but we are to be personally holy. Practically helpful and personally holy. We are to be identified with society in its need but not in its sin.

First Peter 4:3: “For,” says Peter to his Christian readers, “you[’ve] spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do.” What do they choose to do?

“you live in a world, a world that is actually opposed to the lordship of Jesus

Revisit in James 4 We’ll come to that in James chapter 4 when he says in verse 4, “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward[s] God?”

danger: cannot reduce religion to charity and morality, also this is not a comprehensive list (no mention of prayer, Bible reading, etc)

Teaches us what religion is but not telling us all religion is.

These three things should be expressions of our God to this world.

C. There is a form of religion that is worthless.

“I have no interest in religion. I would like to be a spiritual person, but I don’t want to be a religious person at all. Frankly, as far as I’m concerned, more wars have been fought in the name of religion. I’m not interested in organized religion. Religion itself is just a worthless exercise.”

Common Response: It isn’t about religion it is about a relationship.

The idea we aren’t religious it is about a relationship, is complicated.

My religion is relational. My relationship with Jesus is religious.

Better Answer: We know the Bible speaks about this.

This man’s religion is vain! James 1:26

However, there is a form of religion that is acceptable and pleasing to God.

Conclusion

Does it feel like we have stood in front of a mirror. Well, it is supposed to feel that way.