Activity: Play name that tune with a cd player. Play popular songs or television jingles.
Q: What is the key to doing well in this game?
James 1:19-25 Recap
This is a practical book, not written to any specific church but to disciples everywhere. It talks about overcoming tough times, being blessed by God, how to be stable, fighting temptations and other vital topics that are important in living Christian life. Let’s discuss together this vital topic of listening!
Listening!
Q: What is the key to being a great listener?
- Not having presupposed ideas or prejudging (like being on a jury)
- Understanding the demeanor of the person (body language,etc)
- Understanding the full scope of where the person is coming from (such as a spouse or child, etc)
The same thing apples to the word of God.
Q: What keeps us from being great listeners to the word of God?
- Past experiences, already formed opinions, traditions, upbringing
The word of God can save you V21
Listening to and accepting the word of God is crucial to your salvation!
Mirror analogy V22-25
Q: Why is the bible compared to a mirror?
- It reveals who we are, lets us see ourselves as we really are, and exposes the inside, whether we want to see it or not. Most people do not want to be exposed. Have you ever seen anyone caught on hidden camera. People generally hate their thoughts and actions to be exposed.
Q: How can you tell when someone doesn’t want to obey God’s word?
- Very simple-they don’t obey it!
Q: How do we respond when hear the Word, but have no intention of obeying it?
- That was a “nice”sermon
- That was a “nice” Bible talk
- I’m not sure the scripture actually means that?
Q: What are some excuses we use for not obeying?
- There are no absolutes, that was then this is now, my family….
- I’m a special case, I didn’t like the way he said it to me….
- You can’t take it literally; I don’t think a loving God would…
Foolish! When we do this we are saying “That’s nice, God, but here is what I think would be a better idea…”
What our only options?
1.Continue to be foolish
2. Break the mirror (Bible)
3. Do something about it-Change!
Q: How can we put the bible into practice with our spouses and children?
Q: How can we put the Bible into practice in our dating relationship?
Q: How can we put the Bible into practice in our personality and character development?
Share some examples of people who have listened to God and his word and have radically changed.
The word of God will judge us. Rejecting Gods word is exactly the same as rejecting Jesus himself!
God tells us right upfront what to listen for and put into practice. He has no hidden agenda.
Conclusion:
It is very smart to put Gods word into practice. The incredible thing is when we put Gods word into practice, it not only prepares us for judgment day, but it makes our lives better in every area.
Are you listening to and obeying Gods word in your daily lives?