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Living By The Word Of God Text: James 1:22 IBCSS March 27, 2005 Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar The Bible is a well-read Book by multitude of people from all corners of the world and its dramatic impact in the lives of the believers cannot be refuted, but powerfully displayed through the working of the Holy Ghost. Living by the Word of God leads a person to a life of integrity. It keeps him also from the poisonous kiss of worldliness and pride. In John 17:17, it is written, Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. Without the Word of God, no man could find his way to the Savior Jesus Christ, and truly, no man could walk and live righteously in the course of life. Loving the Word of Truth is an amazing key to holy living. Leaving the Word is embracing the world. What a blessing to man’s life to be reminded concerning the danger of embracing the world. It will save him from a tragic life. As we advance on our study on how to live a God-pleasing life, we really need to take a closer look on the things which will greatly help us to grow spiritually. Undoubtedly, James 2:19-27 offer us important principles of truth to live by. (I) The Importance Of Good Attitude Toward The WORD James 1:21 -Behavior toward hearing -Preparation before hearing -Manner of receiving In James 1:19-21, it is written, Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity and naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. How we hear the Word of God being preached reveals the way we invest spiritually. Our spiritual behavior toward the Bible defines the intensity of our spiritual desires in life, and the manner we receive the Word reveals how we really treasure the principles of Truth. (II) The Importance Of Guarding Ourselves Against Deception James 1:23 -Self-deception -Word stealer In James 1:22, it is written, But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. We have heard a lot about the “friendly fire” done by soldiers of the same group in the war zone and it is hard to accept the lives lost and the great damages caused by the unperceived deception that the soldiers went through within themselves. What a heartbreaking experience. The many faces of deception are yet to be perceived. The Bible strongly warns us about the danger of deception so we may be aware and ready to defend ourselves from the successive assaults of the adversary; lest we become an open prey and suffer much loses. The Lord Jesus also revealed how the devil steals the word out of the hearts of the hearers. In Luke 8:12, it is written, Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. May this alarming truth stir up our sensitivity to warn others also so they may not become victims of deception. (III) The Importance Of Guarding Ourselves Against Forgetfulness James 1:24-25 -Absentmindedness We may be wondering, but isn’t it true that it is easier for a man to forget his debt than his debtor? Apparently, many people tend to follow and justify this misleading course of thought, but in the sight of God it is foolishness. Guarding our selves against forgetfulness is wisdom. We must realize that the more we hear the Word of God, the more obligations and accountabilities are laid on us that we need to be aware of. Surely, it will make us more serious regarding the blessed will of God for our lives and the more we will avoid the paralyzing power of forgetfulness. (IV) The Importance Of Strict Adherence To The Gospel Rule Of Life James 1:25-27 -Its blessing -Produces pure identity In James 1:25, it is written, 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. Lost of identity is a fast-growing problem of many professing Christians today and spiritual leniency plays a great role in displaying questionable identity. On the other hand, strict adherence to the Principles of Truth brings blessings into our lives and sharpens the true image of Christianity. May we walk carefully and wisely according to the blessed plan of God and may we live faithfully by the Word of God until our Blessed Savior comes.
© 2005 INTO ALL THE WORLD (All rights reserved) Ilagan, Isabela, Philippines
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