Text: James 1:21

Introduction

1. The Wednesday morning class is studying the book of James. Every verse is full of excellent spiritual food. Most of you are unable to attend this class and, besides, we cannot discuss all the verses in class so I want us think some more from this great book.

2. Now let us read James 1:21 and think about some of the riches found therein.

I. WHY ARE WE TO RECEIVE THE WORD?

A. It is able to save our souls ! This is the gospel that is able to save, Romans 1:16;  Mark 16:15,16. To reject the word is to reject salvation.

B. It is the means used by God whereby we are born again as we see in James 1:18. See John 3:5; Romans 6:3,4.  For one to be born again the word must be implanted, as stated in 1:21.

II. HOW OR IN WHAT MANNER ARE WE TO RECEIVE THE WORD?

A.Swiftly, eagerly, are we to hear the word of God. We are to "be swift to hear," to  hunger and thirst after righteousness. Cultivate an appetite for the Word of God.

B. By putting away all wickedness.  Illust. Sometimes we have eaten so many sweets that we are not hungry for the necessary food. Let us put away all wickedness and be ready to drink the milk and eat the meat of the word.

C. With meekness. This is the humble spirit that trembles at the Word of God, Isa.66:2. Pride and arrogance prevent receiving the Word. It is with a sense of dependence upon God that we are to receive His Word.

III.  SOME PEOPLE ARE VERY SENSITIVE ABOUT CERTAIN PARTS OF THE WORD OF GOD AND ARE VERY RELUCTANT TO RECEIVE ALL THE WORD.

A. Mark 16:15,16 on immersion being essential to salvation.

B. Ephesians 4:4; Matt.16:18 on Jesus having only one church.

C. Col.3:16,17 on singing without mechanical instruments of music.

D. 1 Corinthians 11 on men praying having their heads uncovered and women praying with covered heads.

E. Titus 2 on women loving their husbands and being homemakers.

F. 1 Peter 3:7 on men giving honor to their wives.

 IV.  NOW LET US STUDY SOME EXAMPLES OF THOSE WHO PROPERLY RECEIVED THE WORD.

A. 2 Samuel 12  King David received the rebuke of Nathan, the prophet of God.

B. Acts 2  many "gladly received the Word."

C. Acts 10  Cornelius wanted to hear "all that had been commanded."

D. Acts 18:26  Apollos learned the way of the Lord more accurately.  We never reach a time when we can't learn more.

E. 1 Thess. 1:6  The Thessalonians received the word even n the face of persecution, Acts 17, and  they received it as the word of God and not as the word of men, 2:13.

Conclusion:  Let us read, memorize, and practice the teaching of James 1:21.