More on “The Wiersbe Bible Study Series – Growing Up in Christ.” This week I led our team! This will be a breakdown of notes
James 1:19-27 | “Listening & Doing”
Verses 19-21 discuss righteous VS human anger. We labeled what anger produces in each category. Recognized when anger may be beneficial. We mentioned the topic of be ‘unoffendable.’ Not allowing others people or situations to create sinful anger, envy, or resentment in our hearts.
Verses 22-25 quotes an amazing concept, “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” This brought up the question: “how often do we check the mirror or our cameras a day?” This is how consistent we should dive into the word. the Bible should reflect off of us, showcasing that we are an image-bearer of Christ.
Verse 26-27 talked about the power of the tongue. This has been a huge topic on our softball team, because we play a sport of failure. So the game is already against us, so we shouldn’t speak against ourselves to add onto the pressure. At the time that James was writing this to the dispersed Christians, he was mentioning the people that knew the Bible front to back, but didn’t apply it. This can lead to false teaching, hypocrisy, and people that aren’t strong in their word can follow blindly. Leading people astray and not being able to gain respect from those around are two huge issues in the way leadership is viewed today. On our team we make it a point to lead in humility and love as best as we can.
Questions & Reflections
1.) Did we think we have an issue (personally or on our team) with people claiming Christianity, but not following it?
We never mentioned names, but shared moments that we see people claiming and posting the word and not showing it in their lifestyles. We discussed how we can hold ourselves and the team accountable to a biblical standard. Making sure that we first create relationships and respect to be able to call out things. Then we can have difficult conversations in love.
2.) What are manufactured works versus biblical fruits of the Spirit?
Self-produced works yield cycles of sin, intentional sin, and fake energy. James letter pleaded with us Christians to read our word, to listen, and to do.
3.) Are we just reading or studying our Bibles? Is it applicable? Practical? Do we meditate on it throughout the day?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to ask for wisdom and revelation when reading my Bible. If we ask the Lord to open our eyes and allow understanding, He will! Then it can become something that is realistic to work into our daily lives. Further, we can continue to dwell on the word by thinking about it all day long.
