James Lesson 2 (2022)

DO NOT MERELY LISTEN TO THE WORD, BUT DO WHAT IT SAYS

James 1:19-27

Key Verse: 1:21

Open it:

1. How does it affect you when a person is caught doing what they tell others not to do?

Explore it:

1. Read verses 19-20. What instruction did James give about the relationship between speaking, listening, and anger? (19) How can being quick to speak and quick to anger get you into trouble? (20; also read Prov. 10:19-20; 17:27-28; 29:11; Ecc. 7:9)

2. Read verse 21. What are the “moral filth” and “evil” that are prevalent? (21a) What does it mean to accept the word? (Mk. 4:3-9)

3. Read verses 22-25. What is the relationship between listening to God’s word and doing it? What analogy did James describe a person who does not do what the word says? (23-24) What promise did James give to the person who studies God’s Word and practices it? (Gal. 5:1; Mt. 11:28-30) How have you experienced freedom by doing what the word says?

4. Read verses 26-27. How is a person’s speech related to the credibility of their faith (spiritual maturity)? (26) What did James describe as pure religion? (27) What can we do to help widows and orphans?

Apply it:

1. In what situations will you need to curb your anger? Whom will you help this week in obedience to God’s word?