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Review:

• Quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to be angry—are not just principles of wisdom to apply interpersonally with others, but it is primarily guidance to us in how we approach God. (19)
  
  
• James charges us to approach God and His Word in humility which can save you much heart ache now and for eternity.

Read James 1:19-25

Two weeks ago I told you “Deception happens when the flesh seeks to redefine truth which ultimately redefines God.”

Deception happens when we only listen to the Word and think that is sufficient. (22a)

• Deceive- to cheat yourself with false reasoning. BKC
  
  
• Don’t be a “sermon-sipper” who is a sermon junkie listening to all kinds of podcasts, watching several livestreams, or one who goes to church on Sundays to catch an amazingly presented sermon or lesson in an ABF. BKC
  
  
• Sip it in just to acknowledge the taste but leave the cup basically full. It’s full effect and capability is lost in you.
  
  
• As verse 21 says we are to let the Word be planted in our heart which requires more than hearing it.

Applying what we have heard from the Word will bring understanding and assurance of God and faith. (22b)

• Do- keep on practicing the Word. An ongoing practice not a once and done.
  
  
• It is like taking a science class that requires the lab to truly convince the learner.
  
  
• Paul acknowledges that it is foolish to think it is sufficient to simply “know”, as knowledge alone “puffs up” whereas active love builds up. 1 Corinthians 8:1-2
  • Puffs up- arrogance that is resistant to correction or question.
  • Confident they are fine as they are.

A person who listens to the Word and does not apply what it says has become the fool. (23-24)

• The truth is right there in front of you, and you walk away from it with little to no care of what you just read.
  
  
• ILLUSTRATION: The mirror is an important tool to start our day
  
• The mirror is so important to us each day.
  • It is part of photography, video, and yes self-care.
  • The mirror helps us see what we would not see otherwise.
  • It reveals truth and reality that we might otherwise ignore or be ignorant of.
  • Gives you the perspective of how others truly see you.

• This illustration speaks to a person who has merely glanced at his reflection and not truly taken advantage of the mirror’s capacity to help.

James gives us the take aways. (25)

• Do not glance at the Word, look deeply into it.
  • Intently- stooping down to take a closer look.
  • Study closely the perfection it speaks to and let the Spirit do His work in you.

• Receive The Word as truth that gives you freedom.
  • John 8:31-32 says when we know the truth, the truth can set us free.
  • We treat truth sometimes as cramping our style or limiting our plans. Sometimes we see the truth of God’s law as being a set of rules rather than the master plan for true liberty.

• By practicing the Word of God, we cement it’s place in our heart and mind.
  • It is difficult to forget that which you have actually practiced.
  • Continually applying the Word in our everyday life will allow for truth to prevail over deception.

• A blessed life comes by living according to the Word of God.
  • It is His true road map for a life of freedom and blessing.
  • God shows favor to those who look to Him for how to live.
  • Jesus is the Living Word who provides the template for living in true freedom.

John 1:1-5 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was with God in the beginning. ³ Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.⁴ In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome^[a] it.”

Benediction:

“Don’t fear the mirror.”  God’s Word can make us feel uneasy and that is good.  Look into it and let it reveal what is true about you, what is true about life, and what is true about Jesus. He is the only Way, TRUTH, and the provider of a life that is blessed by God. John 14:6