Be Doers of the Word!
James begins this passage with a word we must not overlook (1:21-27). That word is “therefore” (vs.21). It is inferential; it draws a conclusion based on something written previously. You have been born again (vs.18), “Therefore you must lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (vs.21). In other words, those who have been born again must put an end to all sinful behavior, and welcome the Word of God in terms of becoming “doers of the word” not just hearers (vss.22-27).
Those who hear the word of God, but do not do the word are deceived (vss.22&26). A person who claims to be born again and does not consistently obey or do the word is deceived if he thinks he is saved. If he thinks he has pure religion (is saved), and does not bridle his tongue – in other words, he does not “do the word” with respect to the use of the tongue, he deceives his own heart (vs.26). His religion is useless. His is an empty religion; he does not have a relationship with God. These are strong words from the pen of James – they are indeed God’s words! May we evaluate our “religion” and determine if it is one of only hearing the Word, or also one of doing the word of God which is evidence of our having been born again (vs.18).
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Questions for James 1:21-27
1. What conclusion does “therefore” draw? Hint: it probably infers something from verse 18.
2. What is all filthiness and overflow of wickedness?
3. We are to receive the word with meekness. What is meekness?
4. Why did James refer to God’s word as the implanted word? When and where was it implanted?
5. Why in context is the person deceived who hears, but does not do the word? What does it mean to do the word?
6. What does it mean that the implanted word is able to save our souls?
7. Explain the analogy in verses 23-24.
8. What is the perfect law of liberty?
9. What is true of the blessed man in verse 25?
10. What does it mean to be religious?
11. We often frown on the terms, “religion” and “religious.” Why do we? Should we?
12. What does it mean to bridle the tongue?
13. What is a useless religion?
14. What religion is pure and undefiled before God?
