Element Christian Church
James 1: 22-25
Taking the Mirror With Us
James continues in a linear line tying all the pieces of his letter together as he moves forward. Looking at the last 3 weeks we see James moving us into the reasons why we read and listen to God’s word and how it leads to being born again. James 1:18 “Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” Then he moves us to James 1:21 “Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” The word of God is meant to produce in us a change because of the Gospel. Being made new, or being born again, makes a connection between the word of God, being born again, and the new life we now live.
James 1:22 ESV
James 1:18 ESV
James 1:21 ESV
Galatians 2:20 ESV
James 1:22-25 ESV
Matthew 21:28-32 ESV
James 1:23-24 ESV
James 1:22 ESV
James 1:25 ESV
John 20:3-5 ESV
John 20:11 ESV
James 1:25 ESV
Acts 7:56 ESV
Matthew 6:25 ESV
Matthew 6:26-33 ESV
James now juxtaposes 2 different types of people who both look into the words of God, but one of them walks away and forgets what he sees (and so never really changes), the other one sees and remembers and their life is truly changed.
• The wrong example is the one who “forgets what he was like” (referring to the life they had before God rescued them).
James warns us to be careful because there are many people who think because they have looked at, listened to, memorized God’s word, that they have accomplished “all God requires” for salvation. There are many who think that the accumulation of Biblical knowledge is not just the main thing, but the only thing we need. James says it is absurd if we when we hear God’s Word we do not think about doing what it says.
• The right example is a person who looks intently into what God has said and keeps on looking.
The image and message is not about legalism, its not “I got my marching orders now I will go and do them.” When James uses the example of looking in a mirror it is about continuing to look. One writer says, “You have to take the mirror with you.” We never stop looking because will power is not the point. Trying harder to obey is not the point. We have to look, and look…and look some more of what the Gospel truly means.
James says we will be blessed because it is the perfect law that gives freedom
Community Discussion
Read James 1:22-25.
• How often do you look in a mirror?
• Do you like to look “intently” or as little as possible?
• What is the proper relationship among faith, works, and salvation?
• What does James mean when he says, “…he will be blessed”?
• What do we see in the mirror, so to speak, about our nature and character according to Scripture?
• Why is it important to continue looking at ourselves in relation to God?
• When is a time you looked at the word of God and then “forgot”?
• How can the heart be deceitful?
• What are some things you’ve been reading about in the Bible (or James) that you are wanting to put into practice?
• What, if anything, is preventing the truth of Jesus from taking root in your heart and actions?
• What does it mean that Jesus brings the “perfect law of liberty”?
• How can we, as a community, remind each other what to keep looking (at ourselves and at God’s truth)?