The David Spoon Experience 11-10-23 part 1

A) James 1:22 instructs us to be doers of the word, not just hearers; otherwise, we deceive ourselves. This is a precursor to James’s later discussion about the connection between faith and works. Many people listen to speeches filled with spiritual poetry. Occasionally, these individuals nod in acknowledgment of the Word. However, when a person only hears the word of God and doesn’t act upon it, they live in deception.

B) A person who hears the word but does not act upon it is like someone who receives information but does nothing with it. These individuals are reminiscent of those Jesus mentioned in the parable of the Sower, where the seed falls on four different paths. In this case, no fruit is produced because no action is taken.

C) Indeed, James writes that such a person is like someone who looks in the mirror and immediately forgets what they saw. Most people might think about their disheveled hair or a piece of spinach stuck in their teeth - things they forget about but are visible to everyone else. Instead of looking into a physical mirror, we should examine the law of freedom. By understanding that salvation is free and that works are a result of genuine salvation, we will be blessed in our actions.

D) James takes it a step further by stating that if anyone considers themselves religious (which we will cover next week) yet doesn’t control their tongue, they are deceiving themselves, and their faith is worthless. This can be challenging for Christians engaged in political debates. Therefore, it’s crucial to control our speech as it reveals what’s in our hearts.