First Evangelical Free Church Sioux City, Iowa

James – Being Hearers and Do-ers in 2012

Pastor Kevin Miller exhorts each of us to seriously consider the Biblical call to be do-ers of the Word in 2012.  Click here to listen to the sermon.

1. Do We Hear and Do? Or Simply Hear?
   1. James 1:19-20 What does it look like to live in accordance witht he life of devotion that Christ calls us to? I means that we must be quick to hear and slow to _______. This is exceptionally difficult when everything in life screams, beeps, pops up, or otherwise notifies us that it needs attention right at this moment and that we should be doing likewise in our communications to others. This teaching will keep us from anger, which leads to sin.
   2. James 1:21-22 James' main point: don't merely be a hearer of the Word, but also a do-er. This is only accomplished by accepting (:living in light of, wrestling with the implications of") the Word of God and all that it says.
   3. James 1:23-25 The example James gives of a person using a mirror - the whole point of a mirror is to see if anything needs correcting. But what about the person who looks in the mirror, sees something that needs correction, and then does nothing about it? James tells us that they haven't truly heard. The two ways to live: as a hearer and a do-er who will be blessed by God or as a hearer only who will live in sin.
2. Living for the Lord
   1. James 4:13-15 The application of James' teaching fits rights in with this passage about making plans for the future. Do you make plans with the Lord in mind? Many don't, but this is unwise because they really aren't in _________. Those who are wise make their plans with regard to God's Word.
   2. James 4:16-17 The rubber meets the road in these two verses: if you make plans aside from what the Scriptures say, then you are both unwise and sinful. But, if you make plans in order to honor God, you will be found faithful.
3. Applying the Difficult to Apply
   1. Make plans in Word-informed, God-honoring ways.
   2. Your plans show your commitment to maturing in the Lord.