Are you receptive to the Word of God?

Let's look at James 1:19-20.

“receptive” means having the disposition to willingly receive or take in the Word of God

James 1:19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath...

“So then” refers to when trials and temptations come. What should be our first response in these situations?

How do you respond when spoken to?
How did you respond as a child when your parent spoke to you?
Were you receptive?
Were you reticent?
Were you rebellious?

As believers, we are children of God.
He communicates to us in His Word.
When we have external trials He communicates through His Word.
When we have internal temptations He has communicated about that in His Word.

How should we respond when God speaks to us in His Word?

Everyone of us should be –

1. swift to hear

What is God saying to me?
What is His will?
Our tendency is to talk back.
* to challenge His principles
* to complain about what we are going through
* to listen with the intent to retort instead of to listen with the intent to obey

2. slow to speak

Don’t be a quick wit with God.
* He speaks and you fire off the first thing that comes to mind.
* He speaks and you challenge.
* when God speaks the last thing on our mind should be some quick comment.
* God is speaking! – ponder it – let it sink in – then say, “Yes, I see that.”

3. slow to wrath

“wrath” is the Greek word "orge" – an excited response of the mind, violent passion
Do you fly off the handle every time something goes wrong?
Are you a volcano waiting to erupt? You lash out at your spouse, your kids, your employees, your neighbors, your elected leaders, the doctor, the nursing staff, anyone in your way
Who are you really angry at? God!
“Oh no, another trial! Why are You allowing this!”

Why should we not respond with wrath?

James 1:20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

“produce” means to toil in a field or at an occupation
A farmer produces farm products.
A baker produces baked products.
A seamstress produces clothes, drapes, comforters, etc.
An angry man produces the righteousness of God? No way!

When trials come -
When temptations overwhelm you -
Remember – God has communicated with you
Be swift to hear – slow to speak – slow to wrath.
Rest (rely upon) upon God and be receptive to His Word.

You are invited to join us this Sunday at 9:30 AM as we look at this passage and the surrounding verses.

Our question this Sunday morning is "Do you rest in divine truth."

Have a great day.

Pastor Mark