Hearing vs. Doing God's Word
Notes
Transcript
Again and again we Christians have been reminded of the importance of HEARING God’s Word. But unless we understand why this activity is important, the reminder runs the risk of boring us or annoying us. Our Epistle reading this evening provides the understanding we need.
HEARING GOD’S WORD:
THE CHANNEL FOR GOD’S GIVING
AND THE POWER FOR OUR DOING
Hearing God’s Word — The Channel for God’s Giving.
Hearing God’s Word — The Channel for God’s Giving.
God gives gifts.
In general, all good gifts — and only good gifts — come from God (James 1:17).
We can be sure of this because these gifts come from a God who never changes (v. 17).
We can be sure of this because these gifts are dependent on God’s gracious will, not on our merit.
More specifically, the gift of spiritual life in Jesus Christ, the greatest of all gifts comes from God.
18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
We receive these gifts when we hear God’s Word.
It is important that we hear.
God’s Word ALONE can “beget” spiritual life (v. 18)
God’s Word ALONE can save our souls (v. 21)
It is also important how we hear
Not because we can add to the power of God’s Word.
But because we can block the power of God’s Word.
James 1:19–21 (ESV)
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
Hearing God’s Word — The Power for Our Doing
Hearing God’s Word — The Power for Our Doing
Hearing God’s Word — a means — not an end in itself.
God’s goal is that we specifically do His Word, carry out His will (v. 22, 26)
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.
God’s goal is that we have “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God” as it is described positively and negatively in verse 27 — “to visit orphans and widows in their affliction” AND THEN, “to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
Hearing God’s Word — a means to this end.
Sporadic hearing of God’s World will result in failure to do His Word, to carry out His will. (vs. 23-24).
Continual hearing of God’s Word will result in success at doing His Word, at carrying out His will (v. 25).
In American Christianity today, there are too many people who identify as Christians, yet they seldom come to sit in a seat like yours so they can hear the Word, which imparts life. Then there are people who profess to be Christians, yet their coming to hear God’s Word is sporadic.
If either of these identifies you, Repent!
Christ Jesus through His life, death, and resurrection made this process of being born again, or born from above, as easy as pie. Through the hearing of His Word, we are given faith, our sins are forgiven, then he sends us to do His will — tending to those in need while keeping ourselves unstained from the world.
It really is that simple. What will you do with it today?
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.