Week 3: James 1:19-27

“True Belief causes Christians to live out their faith according to God’s Word. We don’t passively hear the Word. Rather, action should always follow genuine heart change.”

Reword this statement into your own words.

During the last couple weeks, a foundation for the Book of James shows the fact that life is difficult - even for Christians. In life, especially when facing trials and temptations, we’ll constantly face the same decision: Will we do what God’s Word says? That question will present itself in different circumstances, but underneath the surface the central point is the same.

Matthew 7:24–27 ESV

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

What did the two men have in common? What distinguished the two men from each other?

What was Jesus’ point in this parable? How did He describe our only two options in life?

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What did James try to communicate with his image of a mirror?

What is meant by “the law of liberty” and “the perfect law?” Are they contradictory terms? How do they give freedom?

What does James mean when he said we deceive ourselves?

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How well does your speech reflect the truth of who you are in Christ?

When are you most prone to lose control of your tongue?

What does losing control of our tongues suggest about where we’re looking for out identity in that moment?

Hearer of the Word

Read , and 18-23

Soil Type Result Spiritual Meaning

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the current condition of your heart?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Lifeless Fertile

Have you received the gospel of salvation as true? Is so, when did it first take root in your life?

Would you use the word joy to describe your response to the gospel? What words would you use?

What social pressure do you face or fear for your Christian beliefs?

What causes stress in your life?

How do stress and daily busyness stifle your spiritual growth?

Do the ambitions in your life compete or complement your faith?

In what areas are you experiencing spiritual growth and new life?

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What effect does being “quick to hear” have on your relationship with God?

Why should you be quick to hear in your relationships with other people?

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What’s happening in your heart if you hear the Word but don’t do what it says?

Why is doing what you know to do often much harder than knowing what to do?

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How does this verse complement

The Christian life is one of active obedience. When you hear God’s Word, respond in obedience. All of the Bible study in the world is meaningless if it doesn’t transform your affections and your actions.

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James was talking about a devoted life that’s pleasing to God.

Putting Away Filthiness

Identify sins in each of the following categories in your life.

Rampant wickedness: What blatant sins were part of your life before you repented and followed Christ as Savior and Lord?

All filthiness: What dirty laundry do you need to take off? What sins do you still struggle with as a Christian?

Unstained from the world: What attitudes and ambitions of your culture tempt you?

If you have a hard time identifying impure, selfish desires, ask yourself, When, where, and about what do I get angry? When, where and about what am I most likely to say something I shouldn’t?

Seeking Pure Religion

What should a relationship with God look like?

Pray that God will give you spiritual ears to hear His truth and eyes to see opportunities to put it into action. Also pray for a humble heart that’s eager to respond to other people in Christlike love.

Next Week: