James cautions believers to be good listeners and also to be slow to speak. There is a relationship between what we hear and receive in our lives, and how that translates into the way we speak and act. Sometimes our mouths can get ahead of us. (James 1:19-25)
Sermon Outline
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…” (James 1:19)
Quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19-21)
- Human-ness and habits
- Natural response
- Relocation and realignment
Wisdom Needed Amidst Challenges (James 1:22-25)
- Forgetfulness and wandering
- Freedom and goodness
Religion that’s worthless and religion that’s good (James 1:26-27)
- Religion that is worthless is full of self-serving words
- Religion that is real of is full of other-serving actions
Discussion Questions
- Do you find it harder to listen to others or speak your mind? Why do you think that is?
- This week we continue our preaching series, “Authentic Faith: Growing with James the Apostle,” by exploring James 1:19-27. Whether on your own or with others, begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you through this study and then read that text aloud.
- What does James say about listening, speaking, and becoming angry in verses 19-20? Which stands out more to you?
- What would you say the connection is between those verses and what James writes in verse 21 about purifying our lives?
- What spiritual practices or habits have you found most helpful to facilitate listening well, speaking wisely, and dealing with anger?
- With verses 22-25, James says there is more needed than simply hearing God’ word. What is needed, according to James?
- What opposing images does he offer in verses 23-25 about what this looks like?
- Why have you found it hard to put into practice what you hear in Scripture? What challenges have you faced internally or externally?
- While we may not like the word religion as much today, what is the contrast James offers between worthless religion and faultless religion in verses 26-27?
- What is one thing God speaking to you personally through this study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and then pray about what you shared. If you are on your own, write it down, pray about it, and share this with someone this week.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize James 1:19 or 1:27.
- Take time this week to reflect or meditatively pray over James 1:19-27. Ask God to bring something to your attention about these verses. Pray about it, journal about it, or sketch or draw something in response to this. Consider sharing it with a friend or in your small group.
- Consider exploring these resources related to James:
- Dallas Willard, “The Human Body and Spiritual Growth”
- Matt Erickson, “Quotations on Temptation”