Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
Community Group Questions:
1. Is it easier for you to think about what you are being saved from or what you are being saved for? Why? Which do you find more compelling?
2. Have you ever taken an ‘osmosis approach’ to Christian maturity? Why can it be hard to persist in doing God’s word?
3. Of the three broad categories James addresses (desires, compassion, anger) which do you find you struggle the most with?
4. Have the last 12 months been especially angering for you? Has this brought about the righteousness of God?
5. Other than these areas listed, where in your life are you not trying to do the word?
6. What does ‘receiving God’s word with meekness’ look like in your life?
7. When does the gospel produce awe in you such that you are excited to share it?
8. Will you try anything different this week to be a ‘doer’ of God’s word?
