Most of us have heard God’s Word many times. We know the verses, we recognize the language, and we’re familiar with what Scripture says. But hearing alone isn’t the goal. James reminds us that God’s Word is meant to shape how we live, not just what we know.

In James 1:19–27, we’re challenged to move beyond listening and into obedience. This sermon follows James’ clear progression: hearing God’s Word, accepting it with humility, and then putting it into action. Using everyday examples like mirrors, speech, and practical care for others, James shows what genuine faith looks like when it takes root in real life.

Join us as we consider what it means to let God’s Word truly sink in—and to live it out in ways that reflect Christ to the world around us.

Recorded Sunday, February 1st, 2026
Message by Pastor Tim Ward
Scripture: James 1:19-27

Sermon Notes

Scripture References

• James 1:19–27
• Proverbs 18:15
• Philippians 4:87
• 2 Corinthians 5:17

Introduction

• Worship theme moved from “running to His arms” to “falling on Him” to “living in Him,” setting the tone for abiding in Christ.
• Opening prayer asked God to help the congregation “be in You.”
• Story of blind adventurer Erik Weihenmayer: succeeded on the Seven Summits and kayaked the Grand Canyon by listening intently to bells, voices, and river echoes—illustrating that listening can be a matter of life and death.
• James, the brother of Jesus, makes the same claim spiritually: true life depends on listening to God.

Key Points / Exposition

1. Hear God’s Word

• James 1:19–20: “Quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry.”
  • Context: not merely interpersonal, but our posture toward God.
• We often reverse the design of “two ears, one mouth,” speaking more to God than listening (Barna stats: 37 % read Scripture weekly; 85 % pray).
• Practical anecdotes:
  • Teacher stopping a noisy class to illustrate the ear–mouth ratio.
  • Family locating the father in a store by his cough—people listen when it matters.
• Hearing pathways suggested:
  • Personal reading (even aloud), public reading, memorization through writing and recitation.
  • Use down-time (snow days, fireplace moments) to soak in Scripture.
  • Journaling questions, insights, and prayers as you read.
• Proverbs 18:15: discerning hearts “seek it out” — active, intentional listening.

2. Accept (Receive) God’s Word

• James 1:21: rid yourselves of “moral filth” so you can humbly accept the implanted word “which can save you.”
• Illustration inside an old Bible: “This Book will keep you from sin, but sin will keep you from this Book.”
• Paul’s parallel teaching (Colossians): put to death unholy attitudes so Christ’s message can dwell richly.
• Accepting requires an act of the will: choosing truth over comfort.
• Accountability suggestion: enlist a trusted friend to help uproot persistent sin.
• Philippians 4:87 (quoted): fill the mind with what is pure, lovely, and praiseworthy—crowds out moral filth.

3. Do God’s Word

• James 1:22–25: hearing without doing equals self-deception—like glancing at a mirror and forgetting your own face.
• Pastor’s wife’s impromptu “sermon” while sound-checking: “This is the Bible. It’s God’s Word. Y’all need to read it and do it.”
• Mirror analogy expanded:
  • Men tend to glance; women examine.
  • Occasional deep look (gray hairs, new wrinkles) prompts serious evaluation; Scripture should do the same.
• Modern disconnects:
  • Heart-disease specialists eating bacon cheeseburgers; respiratory therapists who smoke.
  • Likewise believers who underline Bibles but ignore obedience.
  • Memorable line: “Many Christians mark their Bibles, but few let their Bibles mark them.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:17: in Christ we become new creations; transformation proves the Word has moved from information to incarnation.
• Moses’ radiant face (Exodus account) and 2 Corinthians 3 alluded to: sustained exposure to God’s glory changes appearance and character.

Major Lessons & Revelations

• Listening to God is not optional; it determines spiritual life or death.
• Scripture requires three sequential responses: hear → accept → act. Skipping any step short-circuits growth.
• Removing sin makes room for implanted truth; holiness is both subtraction (moral filth) and addition (God’s Word).
• Obedience brings blessing and freedom; knowledge without action breeds deception.
• True transformation radiates outward—others notice when we have been with God.

Practical Application

• Schedule daily, unhurried Bible reading; read aloud to engage ears and eyes.
• Keep a journal: record verses, questions, nudges, and action steps.
• Identify one area of “moral filth” or worldly pollution to uproot this week; share it with an accountability partner.
• Memorize one key verse that addresses your struggle; recite it when tempted.
• During corporate worship, discipline yourself to stop conversations and listen whenever Scripture is read.
• Before praying your requests, pause to listen—ask, “Lord, what are You saying?”

Conclusion & Call to Response

• As the congregation prepared for Communion, Pastor Tim urged everyone to stand before God’s “mirror of holiness,” ask the Spirit to reveal needed changes, and commit to act.
• Invitation: Let hearing lead to acceptance, acceptance to obedience, and obedience to transformation—your life depends on it.