Receiving the Word (James 1:19-21)

1. Listening to God FirstJames 1:19“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”Question:What does it practically look like to be “swift to hear” when it comes to God’s Word in your daily life?2. Guarding Against Spiritual DullnessHebrews 5:11“Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.”Question:In what ways can Christians become “dull of hearing,” and how can we guard against spiritual dullness?3. Listening Before SpeakingProverbs 18:13“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”Question:Why is listening before speaking an important mark of wisdom in relationships?4. The Accountability of WordsMatthew 12:36“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”Question:How does knowing we will give account for every careless word change the way we speak?5. Wisdom in Fewer WordsProverbs 10:19“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.”Question:What are some situations where speaking less might actually reflect greater wisdom?6. Why Anger Fails to Produce RighteousnessJames 1:20“For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”Question:Why does human anger fail to produce the righteousness that God desires?7. Examining the Source of AngerGenesis 4:6“And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?”Question:When anger rises in your heart, what questions should you ask yourself about its root?8. Removing Spiritual FilthJames 1:21“Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”Question:What kinds of sinful habits or influences can prevent us from truly receiving God’s Word?9. Learning Humble TeachabilityPsalm 25:9“The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.”Question:Why is humility necessary if we want God’s Word to truly shape our lives?10. Cultivating Hunger for GodPsalm 42:1“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.”Question:What practical steps can help cultivate a deeper hunger for God’s Word this week?