“Knowing The Playbook”
James 1:18-25
Sermon Series: “God’s Playbook For A Winning Life”
Introduction: We have been focusing on these principles through the course of this series:
1. The Bible is God’s perfect Word that He uses to transform us.
2. The Bible is God’s perfect Word that must be boldly and accurately preached.
3. Staring into the mirror of God’s perfect Word and receiving it leads to life change.
4. Obedience to God’s perfect Word is not optional.
This week, we are going to focus on the third principle. We have switched Scripture passages from 2 Timothy 3-4 to James 1. Over the next two messages, we will focus on the importance of hearing and doing the Word of God. The Bible is like a mirror. Staring into that mirror, receiving what is says, and doing what it says will lead to life change. Let’s look at each of these elements individually:
1. We are to stare into the mirror of God’s Word (v. 22-25). James begins this section by telling us to be quick to hear and slow to speak. He proceeds to use the analogy of a mirror to teach us about hearing and doing God’s Word. He contrasts a person who just glances at a mirror with a person who intently stares into the mirror. His point is that staring into the mirror will make an impression that leads to activity that brings change. The spiritual meaning of the analogy is that staring into God’s Word makes an impression upon us that helps us to do what God wants us to do which changes our lives by conforming us to His will. How can we stare into the mirror of God’s Word?
By reading it (1 Timothy 4:13)
By meditating on it (Psalm 1)
By memorizing it (Psalm 119:11)
By hearing it preached and taught (Romans 10:17)
By studying it (2 Timothy 2:15)
2. We are to receive the Word of God as we look into it (v. 18-21). Any time that we hear or read Scripture we have a choice to make. We can resist what God is saying (and sometimes even get angry about it) or we can receive what He is saying. I think this is a subject that we need to be honest about. It is not always easy to receive what God says in His Word. It is often unappealing to our flesh and desires. However, we must resist the temptation to rework Scripture to fit our thoughts. How do we receive Scripture?
A. We receive Scripture by repenting of sin (v. 21a). The Christian life is a life of continual repentance. This is how God practically develops us into becoming more like Jesus. We read the Scriptures, and the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin. As we confess sin and seek God’s grace to change, the Holy Spirit enables us to lay that sin down. Therefore, we change through the Scriptures.
B. We receive Scripture by having a humble attitude (v. 21b). This is referring to letting the Bible be the authority instead of us deciding what is true or false or what we will accept or not accept from the Bible. We accept the truths of Scripture even if they are difficult instead of reworking them to fit our thoughts and desires.
C. We receive Scripture by obeying it (v. 22). Rick Warren says, “We only believe as much of the Bible as we do.”
Conclusion: If the Bible is our spiritual mirror, how much “mirror time” do you have? Do you take an occasional glance or do you regularly spend time staring into God’s Word? Will you make a commitment to the Lord to make staring into the Word of God a major part of your life? When you do look at Scripture, do you receive it, rework it, or resist it? Let’s be doers of the Word.
