Sunday School Lesson November 13, 2022
Subject: Obey God’s Word
The Point: We display the truth and value of God’s Word as we live it out.
The Passages: James 1:19-27
Study The Bible: James 1:19-21
1). Respond to God’s Word with humility.
- My der brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,
- for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.
- Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
Lasting truths from: James 1:19-21
* We should be quicker to listen than to speak.
* Arguing about parts of the Word we don’t understand is a pointless endeavor.
* We come humbly to the Word when we examine our actions and attitudes.
2). Obey the commands of Scripture without delay.
James 1:22-25
- But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
- Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like someone looking at his own face in a mirror.
- For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of person he was.
- But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer who works—this person will be blessed in what he does.
Lasting truths from: James 1:22-25
* The implanted Word produces more that idle listening.
* Mental assent to the Word of God is not enough, it must be put into practice.
* Those who hear God’s Word should ultimately become doers of His Word.
3). Our faith is worthless if our words and actions do not line up.
James 1:26-27
- If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, his religion is useless and he deceives himself.
- Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
Lasting truth from: James 1:26-27
* Our worship is useless when our tongues are out of control.
* Sacrificial care for others who cannot care for themselves is necessary for being faithful.
* Obeying the Word involves keeping oneself from the stain of worldliness.
Live It Out
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- Why are we selective in whom and what we will obey as in the example from The Bible Meets Life (pp. 138-139)?
- What are some of the motivations people express for delaying obedience in God’s Word?
- What are some examples besides the ones James used in 1:26-27 that demonstrate true and genuine faith in your life?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”