Scripture: James 1:19-27
Faith listens to the word
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (v19)
“He who has ears, let him hear. . . When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path.” (Matthew 13:9, 19)
“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)
Faith is rooted in the word
“For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore, put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with humility the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” (v20-21)
“As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself . . . As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.” (Matthew 13:20-22)
“The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim), because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:8-9)
Faith lives out the word
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (v22)
“As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit” (Matthew 13:23)
“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” (John 15:8)