It’s time to start.
Welcome, everyone! Today, we are going to dive into a powerful passage from the book of James—chapter 1, verses 19 through 27. This section offers us practical wisdom for living out our faith in a way that truly honors God.
James, the brother of Jesus, writes to believers scattered in various places, encouraging them to live with genuine faith, especially in the face of trials and challenges. He doesn’t just give us lofty ideas—he provides down-to-earth instructions that speak directly to our daily attitudes, words, and actions.
In these verses, James challenges us to slow down and listen carefully, to control our speech and temper, to receive God’s Word humbly, and above all, to put it into practice. He reminds us that religion isn’t just about what we say or how we look on the outside—it’s about what we do and how we treat others, especially those in need.
As we study this passage together, let’s open our hearts to God’s guidance. Let’s ask Him to help us not just hear His Word, but to live it out with sincerity, love, and holiness. This lesson is a call to genuine, pure religion—faith that works through love. Let’s pray.
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for bringing us together today to study Your Word. We ask for Your presence to fill this place and for Your Spirit to guide every part of our session.
Open our hearts and minds to receive the truths You want to teach us. Help us to understand Your Word clearly and apply it in our daily lives.
Bless the teacher with wisdom, clarity, and grace. And bless each of us with ears to hear, with eagerness to learn, and a humble heart ready to obey. May this time be fruitful and transformative, drawing us closer to You and to one another.
Protect us from distractions and any hindrance that might keep us from fully engaging with Your Word. May the seeds sown in our hearts today grow strong and bear lasting fruit for Your kingdom.
We commit this session into Your hands, trusting You to do great things among us. May Your name be glorified in all we say and do.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
James 1:19 says – “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
James 1:19 contains deep spiritual wisdom that touches the heart of Christian living. It provides three essential commands: be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath.
These instructions are not simply good moral advice—they are divine guidelines for cultivating spiritual maturity, building unity in the body of Christ, and living in harmony with God’s Word.
Let us begin by considering the context. The book of James was written by the half-brother of Jesus to Jewish believers scattered abroad. The opening chapter focuses on the trials of life and how believers are to endure them with faith and perseverance.
James emphasizes that genuine faith produces godly behavior. Verse 19 flows out of the exhortation in verse 18, where James reminds his readers that they were brought forth by the Word of truth. Now, having been born again by the Word, believers are called to respond rightly to that Word.
The first instruction is to be swift to hear. This means we must be eager and ready to listen, particularly to God’s Word. In a world full of noise and opinions, it is easy to react or respond before taking time to truly hear what is being said—especially when it comes to Scripture.
God wants His children to be attentive listeners, not just to His Word, but to others as well. A heart that listens well reflects humility and a desire to understand before forming a response.
Listening also requires patience and quietness of soul, a discipline that the Spirit of God develops in those who walk with Him.
Next, we are told to be slow to speak. This is not a prohibition against talking, but a warning against hasty or careless speech. Proverbs 10:19 says, “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.”
Speaking too quickly, especially in moments of frustration or misunderstanding, often leads to regret. Words have great power—they can heal or they can harm, uplift or tear down. The mature believer exercises restraint, choosing words carefully, and considering their impact.
James commands believers to be slow to wrath. Wrath here refers to deep-seated anger that is harbored and allowed to fester. This kind of anger does not produce righteousness; rather, it leads to broken relationships, hardened hearts, and sin.
Ephesians 4:26 reminds us, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” God calls us to resist the fleshly urge to erupt in anger, instead practicing forgiveness, grace, and self-control.
James 1:19 provides a blueprint for Christian character. A heart that listens well, speaks wisely, and restrains anger reflects the life of Christ within. These qualities are not produced by human effort alone but by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. As we yield to Him daily, we become more like Jesus—gentle, humble, and full of grace. Let us strive to live out these truths, bringing glory to God in all we say and do.
James 1:20 says – “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”
James 1:20 is a sobering reminder that human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. It is a continuation of the thought introduced in the previous verse, where James urges believers to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath.
Here in verse 20, he explains why: because man’s wrath is incapable of accomplishing God’s righteous purposes. This verse gets to the heart of how believers are to respond to provocation, injustice, or offense. Instead of lashing out in anger, we are called to walk in patience, humility, and godliness.
Let us begin by examining the meaning of “the wrath of man.” This refers to the impulsive, passionate anger that arises from the flesh. It is the kind of anger that seeks to justify itself, to control others, or to retaliate. Human wrath is often born out of pride, frustration, or wounded ego.
It rarely stems from a pure desire to uphold God’s truth or to defend righteousness. Even when we believe we are angry for the right reasons, our emotions can quickly carry us beyond the bounds of godly conduct.
James makes it clear that this kind of wrath does not work, or produce, the righteousness of God. In other words, human anger does not bring about the kind of life or results that please the Lord. God’s righteousness is always rooted in love, truth, peace, and justice.
When we allow our tempers to flare, we are more likely to sin with our words and actions than to reflect God’s character. The damage caused by an outburst of anger—whether in a home, a church, or a workplace—can be deep and long-lasting.
Throughout Scripture, God’s people are warned against the destructive power of uncontrolled anger. Proverbs 29:22 says, “An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.” Ephesians 4:31 instructs believers to put away all bitterness, wrath, and anger.
Jesus Himself, though righteously angry at times, never sinned in His anger. He overturned the tables in the temple out of zeal for His Father’s house—not out of personal insult or pride. His anger was perfectly pure and without sin.
We must recognize that our anger often falls short of this standard. Instead of relying on our emotions to right a wrong or fix a problem, we must turn to God’s wisdom and grace. Prayer, patience, and the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, gentleness, and self-control—must guide our responses.
When we are tempted to explode in anger, we should ask the Lord to calm our hearts and remind us that His ways are higher than ours. God's righteousness is advanced not through rage, but through obedience, humility, and faithfulness.
James 1:20 is a powerful call to reject the deceptive influence of fleshly anger and to embrace the path of godliness. As we submit to the Spirit and trust in God’s justice, we demonstrate His righteousness in a world filled with chaos and wrath. Let us be people marked not by anger, but by the peace and righteousness of Christ.
James 1:21 says – “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”
James 1:21 presents a clear call to repentance and reception. It instructs believers to put away sin and to humbly receive the Word of God, which is able to save.
This verse highlights the seriousness of how we must prepare our hearts to receive the truth of Scripture and how essential it is to remove everything that hinders our spiritual growth. James does not simply call for a casual reading of the Bible, but for an active and humble welcoming of God’s Word deep into the soul.
The first part of the verse begins with the word “Wherefore,” which connects it to the previous verses. James has already addressed the danger of human anger and its inability to produce God’s righteousness.
Now, he builds on that idea by commanding believers to remove the moral filth and wickedness from their lives. The phrase “lay apart all filthiness” means to take off or strip away the sinful behaviors and impure thoughts that defile the soul. It is the image of taking off dirty garments, casting them away so they no longer cling to the body.
James adds the phrase “superfluity of naughtiness,” which means an abundance or overflow of wickedness. This emphasizes how sin can pile up in our lives if it is not dealt with. The human heart, left unchecked, is prone to sin.
But James does not leave us in despair—he immediately points us to the solution: the implanted Word of God. The filth must be removed, but something glorious must take its place.
We are told to “receive with meekness the engrafted word.” This is not a passive act, but a conscious and willing decision to accept God’s Word as truth and authority. To receive with meekness means to do so with humility, not resistance.
It is the opposite of pride. A proud person refuses correction, resists truth, and leans on their own understanding. But a meek heart bows before God’s instruction, knowing that His ways are right and His Word is life.
The “engrafted word” refers to the Word that is planted in the believer by the Spirit of God. Just as a seed takes root in the soil, the Word takes root in the heart of the one who receives it.
It becomes part of who we are—shaping our thoughts, directing our actions, and transforming our character. James tells us that this Word is “able to save your souls.” This speaks not only of initial salvation when one first believes but also of the ongoing process of sanctification, by which the believer is continually conformed to the image of Christ.
James 1:21 teaches that spiritual growth requires both a turning away from sin and a turning toward God’s truth. We are to rid ourselves of moral filth and gladly embrace God’s Word with humility.
When we do, the Word works within us, saving, sanctifying, and strengthening us for every good work. Let us daily cast off the old and receive the implanted Word with meekness, that we may live lives that glorify our Savior.
James 1:22 says – “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
James 1:22 is one of the most well-known and challenging verses in the New Testament. It serves as a warning and an exhortation to all believers. It separates mere listeners of Scripture from those who genuinely live it out.
The command is simple but profound: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” This verse urges every Christian to go beyond simply listening to sermons or reading Bible passages. It calls for obedience, application, and transformation.
In the culture of James’s day, religious instruction was often passed on orally. People would gather in synagogues or homes and listen to readings from the Scriptures. Hearing the Word was common, but James knew that simply hearing it was not enough.
The Word of God is not meant to entertain or inform alone—it is meant to change hearts, redirect behavior, and produce fruit. A hearer who does not act upon the truth is likened to someone who glances at instructions but never follows them.
James uses the phrase “deceiving your own selves” to show the danger of hearing without doing. This self-deception is subtle and dangerous. Many people think that because they attend church, read the Bible, or even agree with its teachings, they are living in obedience. But James teaches that knowledge without action is spiritual deception.
The person who hears the Word but does not do it is fooling themselves into thinking they are walking in righteousness, when in fact they are not.
The Christian life is not about appearances or good intentions. It is about obedience to God. Jesus Himself affirmed this truth in Matthew 7:24-27 when He said that the wise man hears His words and does them—he builds his house on the rock.
But the foolish man hears the words and does not do them—he builds on the sand. The difference between wisdom and folly lies in the doing, not just the hearing.
James is not teaching that works save a person. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone. But true faith is never without action. It produces a life that obeys God.
Doing the Word means forgiving others, loving our enemies, caring for the needy, speaking truth, controlling our tongues, and remaining faithful even in trials. Every command in Scripture is an invitation to trust and obey God in real-life situations.
This verse also teaches us that obedience is personal. James says, “Be ye doers…” Each believer must take personal responsibility to apply the Word. It is not enough to assume others will do it. Each of us is accountable before God for how we respond to His truth.
James 1:22 is a call to authentic Christianity. It rebukes shallow religion and urges sincere discipleship. True faith is marked by action, not just words.
As we hear the Word, let us be quick to obey. May we never settle for being mere listeners, but may we become faithful doers, living lives that reflect the power and truth of God’s Word.
James 1:23 says – “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass.”
James 1:23 continues the thought introduced in the previous verse by providing a vivid illustration. After commanding believers to be doers of the Word and not hearers only, James now uses the image of a mirror to reveal what it means to hear the Word but fail to apply it.
This verse challenges every believer to reflect deeply on how they interact with Scripture—not just in hearing, but in living it out.
The “glass” mentioned here refers to a mirror, typically made of polished metal in ancient times. While mirrors then were not as clear as modern ones, they still served the basic purpose of showing someone their reflection.
James uses this common object to demonstrate a spiritual truth: hearing the Word without acting on it is as pointless as looking into a mirror and then doing nothing about what is seen.
When a person looks into a mirror, the purpose is to see oneself clearly. It reveals the truth—whether the face is clean or dirty, whether something needs to be fixed or straightened. In the same way, the Word of God shows us the condition of our hearts.
Hebrews 4:12 says the Word is “sharper than any two-edged sword” and is “a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” It exposes what is hidden, confronts sin, and points to areas needing correction.
However, the one who hears the Word and does not obey is like someone who looks in a mirror and immediately walks away without making any changes.
That person forgets what he saw and carries on as if everything is fine. James is highlighting the absurdity of such behavior. Why bother looking in the mirror if there is no intention to respond to what it reveals?
This illustration drives home the necessity of obedience. It is not enough to hear a sermon, read a devotional, or attend a Bible study. Those are important spiritual disciplines, but they must lead to transformation. God’s Word is not a decoration—it is a diagnostic tool.
It reveals our flaws, our weaknesses, and the areas of our lives that need sanctification. To ignore it is to reject the help God offers for our growth and holiness.
Moreover, this verse encourages humility. When we look into the mirror of God’s Word, we must be willing to accept what we see. Sometimes the reflection is uncomfortable. It shows pride, impatience, bitterness, or selfishness.
But this is not to shame us—it is to guide us toward repentance and renewal. God uses His Word not just to convict, but to cleanse and restore.
James 1:23 teaches that hearing God’s Word is not enough. The one who listens but does not obey is like someone who glances in a mirror and walks away unchanged.
Let us not treat God’s Word lightly or forget its truths after we’ve heard them. Instead, let us allow it to shape us, renew us, and transform us, so that we may grow into the likeness of Christ each day.
James 1:24 says – “For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.”
James 1:24 continues the powerful illustration of the mirror introduced in the previous verse. In James 1:23, we were told that someone who hears the Word but does not do it is like a person looking at their face in a mirror.
Now, in verse 24, James explains what happens next: the person looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of person he saw. This verse reinforces the warning against superficial engagement with God’s Word and emphasizes the danger of spiritual forgetfulness.
The key actions in this verse are “beholdeth,” “goeth his way,” and “forgetteth.” The person first beholds himself—he takes a good look in the mirror. The Greek word used here implies a careful observation, not just a casual glance.
This means the individual actually sees his true condition. Then, he goes his way. He walks off, moving on with his day, returning to his routines.
Finally, he forgets what manner of man he was. He doesn’t retain or respond to what he saw. He ignores the flaws that were revealed, and no change takes place.
This is a tragic pattern: see the truth, walk away from it, and forget it. It happens when we engage with Scripture merely out of routine or religious habit but fail to allow it to transform us.
We may read a convicting passage, listen to a stirring sermon, or feel the prompting of the Holy Spirit—yet quickly become distracted by daily life and return to the same behaviors, attitudes, and sins as before. The problem isn’t in the mirror or what was revealed; the problem is in the lack of response.
God’s Word shows us who we really are. It reveals not only our sin, but also our need for grace. The person who forgets what he saw has a spiritual memory problem. He lacks conviction, not because the Word is unclear, but because his heart is resistant to obedience.
This forgetfulness is not simply a lapse of memory—it is an intentional disregard. It is hearing truth without applying it, knowing what is right but failing to live it.
James wants believers to grasp the seriousness of this issue. God does not give us His Word for our entertainment or casual interest. He gives it to shape our character, renew our minds, and guide our steps. When we forget what we’ve seen, we rob ourselves of the transforming power of God’s truth.
In practical terms, this means that every time we encounter the Bible, we must ask ourselves: “What do I need to change?” and then commit to doing it. We must not let the truth slip away. Instead, we must hold on to it, meditate on it, and let it work in us. Scripture is not just to be studied—it is to be lived.
James 1:24 presents a sobering picture of spiritual neglect. Seeing the truth but walking away unchanged leads to stagnation and deception. Let us be people who not only see ourselves in the mirror of God’s Word but who also respond with repentance, faith, and obedience,
James 1:25 says – “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”
James 1:25 is the concluding verse in a powerful section of Scripture that contrasts hearing God’s Word with obeying it. After warning against being mere hearers who forget what they’ve learned, James now shifts to a positive example—a person who looks intently into God’s Word and lives it out.
This verse offers a beautiful promise: those who faithfully live according to God’s truth will be blessed.
James begins by saying, “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty…” The word “looketh” in the original language implies more than a passing glance.
It describes a person who stoops down and examines something carefully, even with eagerness and desire. This is the attitude we are to have toward the Word of God. We are to approach Scripture with intentional focus and reverence, seeking to understand and apply its message.
James describes the Word of God as “the perfect law of liberty.” This may seem like a strange phrase, since many associate “law” with restriction or burden. However, in the context of the gospel, the law of God—fulfilled in Christ—is perfect and liberating. It sets us free from the bondage of sin and self. Psalm 19:7 says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” God’s law, when written on the heart by the Holy Spirit, leads us to true freedom—the freedom to live righteously, love God, and walk in obedience.
Next, James says that the person who is blessed is one who “continueth therein.” This means they don’t just study the Word once and walk away. They abide in it, meditate on it, and remain anchored in its truth.
This person doesn’t forget what they’ve read, and they don’t merely feel convicted without changing. Instead, they commit to living according to what God has revealed.
James then makes the contrast clear: this person is “not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work.” Notice that James now calls it “the work.” Applying God’s Word requires effort. It is often hard work to forgive, love, resist temptation, and practice humility.
But those who do so are not working to earn God’s love—they are working because they have received it. Faith that is alive always produces action.
James ends with a beautiful promise: “this man shall be blessed in his deed.” The blessing is not only spiritual but practical. God blesses those who walk in His ways—with peace, joy, stability, and often tangible fruitfulness.
Obedience to God’s Word always brings reward. It may not always be immediate or material, but it will be real and lasting.
James 1:25 paints a picture of the faithful believer—one who looks deeply into God’s Word, continues in it, and lives it out. This person will not only grow spiritually but will be blessed in all that they do.
Let us strive to be such people: careful students of the Word, consistent in obedience, and confident in God’s promises.
James 1:26 says – “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.”
James 1:26 is a powerful verse that brings clarity to what true religion looks like in God’s eyes. It serves as a warning to those who outwardly appear devout but inwardly lack self-control—especially in their speech.
James points out that if a person claims to be religious yet cannot control their tongue, they are deceiving themselves, and their religion is empty and worthless.
The verse begins with, “If any man among you seem to be religious...” The word “seem” indicates appearance without substance. It refers to someone who may perform religious duties, speak spiritual words, and even be involved in public ministry, but whose behavior doesn’t match their confession.
In other words, this is a person who wears the mask of godliness but lacks the inward transformation that true faith requires.
The next part of the verse says, “and bridleth not his tongue.” To bridle the tongue means to control it, as one would control a horse with a bit and bridle. The image suggests strong, intentional restraint. Our tongues have the power to bless or to curse, to heal or to harm.
Proverbs 18:21 declares, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Therefore, someone who does not control their speech—who gossips, slanders, lies, complains, or speaks harshly—reveals a heart that has not been surrendered to the Lord.
James emphasizes that uncontrolled speech is not just a minor flaw—it is a sign of self-deception. He writes, “but deceiveth his own heart.” The danger is that such a person believes they are right with God while living in contradiction to His commands.
This is the same kind of self-deception mentioned earlier in James 1:22, where hearers of the Word who do not do it are said to be fooling themselves. When the tongue runs unchecked, it exposes a heart that is not truly yielded to God.
James then delivers a sobering conclusion: “this man's religion is vain.” The word “vain” means empty, fruitless, or without value. In God’s sight, all outward religious appearance is worthless if it is not accompanied by a transformed life.
True religion is not merely about attending services, saying prayers, or performing rituals. It is about a heart that has been changed by the power of the Holy Spirit, resulting in speech, conduct, and character that reflect Christ.
This verse calls every believer to examine not only what they say but also the spiritual health of their inner life. The tongue is a mirror of the heart. Jesus said in Matthew 12:34, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”
If we want to know the true condition of our faith, we must consider how we speak when no one else is listening, when we are provoked, or when we think our words don’t matter.
James 1:26 teaches that genuine faith must be accompanied by self-control—especially in our speech. True religion is not just about asppearing holy, but about living in obedience to God, with a tongue that is disciplined, gentle, and filled with grace.
James 1:27 says – “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”
James 1:27 brings the first chapter of James to a powerful close by giving a clear, practical definition of what true religion looks like in the eyes of God. While many people focus on religious rituals or outward appearances, God focuses on the heart, the actions that flow from it, and the purity of the life it produces.
In this verse, James outlines two key components of “pure and undefiled religion”: compassionate care for the vulnerable and personal holiness.
James begins by saying, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this…” Here, he is not speaking of religion as mere ceremony or religious systems. Instead, “religion” here refers to the outward expression of inward faith.
James is telling us what genuine, God-honoring faith looks like when it is lived out in everyday life. The terms “pure” and “undefiled” indicate sincerity and moral cleanliness. This is the kind of faith that is not tainted by hypocrisy, pride, or selfish motives.
First, James says that pure religion involves caring for others, specifically “to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction.” In biblical times, orphans and widows were among the most vulnerable members of society.
Without the protection and support of a husband or father, they often had no source of income and were easily neglected or oppressed. To “visit” them means more than a casual drop-in—it means to look after, care for, and meet their needs. This kind of care is not optional—it is a fruit of genuine faith.
This truth echoes throughout Scripture. God has always had a special concern for the poor, the oppressed, and the vulnerable. Psalm 68:5 calls Him “a father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows.”
In the New Testament, Jesus consistently showed compassion to those in need, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and comforting the brokenhearted.
Those who follow Christ are called to do the same. Love for God is demonstrated through love for others, especially those who cannot repay or benefit us in return.
Second, James adds another vital element of true religion: “to keep himself unspotted from the world.” This refers to moral and spiritual purity. The world, in biblical terms, often symbolizes the sinful system that opposes God—filled with lust, pride, greed, and selfishness. While Christians are called to live in the world, we are not to be of it. We are to remain untainted by its values, practices, and corrupt influences.
Remaining unspotted requires vigilance, self-discipline, and dependence on God. It means guarding our hearts, resisting temptation, renewing our minds with Scripture, and walking in the power of the Holy Spirit. True religion balances love in action with holiness in living.
James 1:27 shows us that faith without love and purity is not true faith at all. Pure religion cares deeply for people and remains faithfully devoted to God. It is both compassionate and clean. Let us pursue a faith that serves the needy and seeks holiness, for that is the kind of religion that pleases our Father in heaven.
Amen
Let’s close with prayer.
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with grateful hearts, thanking You for the truth and power of Your Word. Lord, we have studied James 1:19–27 and have been reminded of what it means to walk in genuine faith. Help us, Father, not to be hearers of the Word only, but doers—obedient children who respond to Your truth with action, humility, and love. Lord, make us swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Guard our hearts against the wrath of man, and help us to live in a way that reflects Your righteousness. Cleanse us from all moral filth and the overflow of wickedness. May we receive with meekness Your Word, which has been implanted in us and is able to save our souls. Teach us to look intently into the perfect law of liberty and to continue in it. May we not forget what we’ve learned, but instead put it into practice daily. Give us the strength and discipline to bridle our tongues and speak words that give life and glorify You. Help us, Lord, to show compassion to those in need. May our hearts break for the fatherless and widows in their affliction. Let our religion not be empty or vain, but full of mercy, justice, and truth. Keep us unspotted from the world. Help us to live holy lives in the midst of a fallen world, set apart for Your purposes. We thank You for the guidance, correction, and encouragement found in this passage. May Your Holy Spirit continue to remind us of these truths as we go from this place. Shape our thoughts, direct our steps, and help us to live out our faith with sincerity and joy. We give You all the glory, honor, and praise. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, amen.
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Thank you for your attention. You are blessed in Jesus' name!
Presented by Michael Wilkerson 7/27/2025