This post by christinecoltman was originally published at GRACE PLACE
JAMES 1:19-27
James chapter 1. If it were a piece of music, it would be one of those film soundtrack pieces that has a theme for every character in the movie, but you only hear a few moments of each one.
In James 1:19-27 you hear the same fragments of music darting in and out, but just a small piece of each theme, ready for a whole chapter’s worth of close study later on. Those three themes are Listening, Speaking and Doing the right thing. Trace them through the whole passage as you read.
Read James 1:19-27.
Listening
- In any friendship, what are the marks of a good listener?
- When and how do you listen to God, both on your own and with others? How can you make sure you’re being a good listener at those times?
- What holds you back from listening to God’s word?
Speaking
- What does the whole passage specifically say about speaking? Why do you think James gives it such a priority?
- Which of your close relationships would be most impacted by you taking the command in v19 seriously? How would your relationship with God change?
Doing
- Genuine faith always leads to action. James says we deceive ourselves if we do nothing after we listen to God’s Word. In verses 19-27, what things does James say we should get rid of and not do? And what does he say we should do?
- How does looking in the mirror of God’s Word help us to do (or not do) those things?
PRAY
Give thanks for God’s Word and that he wants to speak to us. Confess habits you may have which hold you back from hearing the Lord. Ask for the Spirit’s help to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. Ask him to help you do what the Word says.