Hearers or Doers? - Three Powerful Paradoxes
James 1:21-25
Hearers or Doers? / Three Powerful Paradoxes
The book of James is a practical book but also very controversial. Martin Luther once referred to it as an “epistle of straw” The book contains a higher frequency of imperative verbs than any other New Testament book. James uses metaphors and illustrations to help make teaching easier to understand and to remember. The section that we will look at is probably the most well-known section of the book.
A paradox is defined as a seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true; an assertion that is essentially self-contradictory, though based on a valid deduction from acceptable premises; or a statement contrary to received opinion. James uses three powerful paradoxes in this passage to reinforce the importance of obedience to the Word of God.
If we are truly born again or redeemed people – then our lives will be characterized by obedience to the Word of God.
Every person must obey the Word of God How?
- By laying aside and receiving (vs. 21)
This verse starts out with the word “therefore” so the author is building an argument based on what was previously stated before he moves to the next part of his thought concerning this chapter. He is telling us to “lay aside” filthiness and overflow of wickedness. This does not mean just to set something aside. It carries the meaning of getting rid of, banishment. James uses the illustration later on about clothing. Taking off clothing that is dirty, stained, etc. Ill: Roommate work clothes from the fish market. Filthiness and overflow of wickedness – refers to all types of sin. Dealing with sin is not light matter, it is a daily occurrence. “I die daily” (Eph 6:12-18 )
Not only are we being asked to lay aside or put off sin, we have been commanded to receive the implanted word with meekness. The same word that has saved us cannot be discarded or dispensed with. We cannot lay aside the Word of God. Mark 4 – the parable of the sower. Meekness is defined as a disposition to be patient and long suffering. We are not a patient people: fast food, faxes, emails, overnight delivery have made us very impatient because we want everything yesterday. As any farmer can attest, growing crops is a process. As any parent can attest to, rearing children is a process. We have no right to expect instant success in our lives.
- By doing (obeying) the Word of God and not just hearing only (vs. 22)
Nike “Just do it” – do not reason, talk about or rationalize it, just obey the Word of God. There are 66 books in the Bible, start with just one and really learn it. James M Gray “How to Master the English Bible” related this personal experience. (read from highlighted sections)
Listening is defined as to make an effort to hear something, to pay attention to, to heed. Hearing is defined as to listen to and to consider favorably; to listen to attentively; to learn; to consider, permit, or consent to something.
James insists that hearing the word will lead to doing. This was not a new idea during this time period. “Practice what you preach” Luke 11:28 “ … blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
Deception in these contexts refer to be blinded to the reality of one’s true religious state. People can think that they are right with God when they are really not.
- By observing and not forgetting (vs.23-25)
Looking in the mirror and forgetting what we see (vs. 23)
The importance of not forgetting and doing coupled together. The promise of blessing.
Conclusion:
If we obey the Word of God then we will see it manifested in the following areas
1. Control of our speech (vs. 26)
2. Concern for others (vs. 27; 2:1-13; 5:1-6)
3. Avoiding worldiness (4:4)