Part 1: Being a Ready Listener

Main Point: Discuss how put aside the things in our life that exalt themselves above the hearing and receiving of Gods word. James 1:18-21
18

Hearing & Doing

Amplified Bible (AMP)

And it was of His own [free] will that He gave us birth [as sons] by [His] Word of Truth, so that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures [a sample of what He created to be consecrated to Himself]. 19 Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry. 20 For mans anger does not promote the righteousness God [wishes and requires]. 21 So get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls. Questions: Read James 1:18 1. What did God choose to use in order to give us new birth as His children?
Truth) (His Word of

It is important to understand that Gods Word has an identity. The Word of God is not just an it, it is a He. You see that identity in the book of John, chapter 1: John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:14 - 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, This was He of whom I said, He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me. 16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son,[f] who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

What you see in these scriptures is that the Word is JESUS and Jesus is the Word. They are one in the same and you cannot separate the two.

Q. : Ok, I see the connection but why is that so important and what does that have to do with being a ready listener of Gods Word. A. : Sometimes people will say they love Jesus, but through their actions, despise the Word of God. They wont read it, hear it or do it. By realizing Jesus is the Word, you should also realize that hating Gods word is the same as hating Him. Jesus says in John 14:15 that if you love Him, to keep His commands (Word). That should make us ready to listen!

Questions: Read John 1:14-18 2. Can you be in right relationship with Jesus and despise Gods Word? Why? 3. Have you ever tried to be in right relationship with Jesus without being willing to listen to Gods Word? How did that work out? Questions: Read James 1:19-21 4. According to verse 19, how should every man respond to the Gods word?
listen quickly, be slow to speak and be slow to anger) (Be ready to

5. What would cause someone to get offended or angry when listening to the Word of Truth? (being corrected, etc.) 6. Has the Word of God ever offended you or made you angry? Why? 7. According to verse 20, why should we avoid getting angry? (anger does not promote right 8. What are some things that get in the way of us being ready listeners?
wickedness, pride) will provide the power necessary to save our souls) standing with God) (Uncleaness,

9. When we humble ourselves and receive the Word of Truth what, how will it help us? (It Summary: Being a ready listener of Gods Word is important to our everyday development as a believer. Throughout the week, pay special attention to how you react to Gods word. Are you quick to listen or quick to get offended when He challenged you or corrects you? Make every effort to receive Gods word. Be slow to speak and slow to anger. Your humility WILL pay off in the end.