Main Scripture passage: James 1:19-25
Regarding the word of God, James tells us firstly that we are to hear the word, secondly to receive it, and thirdly to be doers of the word. When James tell us to be hearers of the word, he means just that–we are to listen to the word being preached or spoken. And not just listen to the spoken word; we are to read the word, study it, meditate upon it, know it, and understand it. How do we do this? James tells us two things. (1) We are to be “swift to hear” (v. 19)–that is, to be eager, to be willing, to pay attention, to concentrate. In addition, we are to be slow to speak and slow to anger. Consider and ponder what is spoken, not objecting to the word or responding in anger. (2) We are to listen to the word purely. Verse 21 says, “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” The reason James tell us to lay aside our sin is because the presence of sin hardens the heart. And when the heart is hardened, it is like the rocky soil on which the seed that is sown cannot grow. You see, sin causes our hearts to be prejudiced against God’s word. And when we are in love with sin we can’t be in love with God’s word because they are at enmity with each another. Therefore, in order to receive the word, we have to lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness. This requires an attitude of meekness and humility. Secondly, James tells us to receive the word. This means to allow the word to enter–not just the ear, but the mind, the heart, the conscience, the will, and the affections. That is, we are to allow the word of God to shape us. This entails embracing the word and cherishing the word. There is a profound difference between loving the word and just knowing the word. God wants us to fully embrace and cherish His word, allowing it to transform our lives. Thirdly, James tells us to be doers of the word. This is really the test of the things already mentioned. It is the test of whether we have heard and received the word. Because if we’ve received the word, we will do the word. This is in contrast with the hearer only. The hearer hears, departs, and then forgets. But the doer hears, receives, and then does. Therefore obedience to God is an indicator of genuine faith. That is, the only way to know if we are receiving the word is if we are bearing fruit in our lives. James’s challenge for us is to show that we’ve received the word by how we live.