This sermon, delivered by Mr. Tony Arsenal at New Hope Community Church, focuses on James 1:19-27 and emphasizes the importance of active listening, hearing and doing the Word, and perseverance in trials. Mr. Arsenal begins by exploring the command to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger,” highlighting the transformative power of receiving the Word of God with meekness. He explains that this reception leads to spiritual growth and sanctification, as the “implanted Word” takes root in the believer’s life, producing righteousness.
The sermon contrasts two types of people: those who hear the Word but fail to act on it, and those who hear and do the Word, demonstrating their faith through transformation and good works. Using the metaphor of a man looking in a mirror and forgetting his reflection, Mr. Arsenal illustrates the futility of hearing without doing. True faith, he argues, is evidenced by a life of obedience and visible fruit.
Finally, the sermon provides practical examples of living out the Word, such as caring for the most vulnerable in society (represented by widows and orphans) and striving for personal holiness by remaining “unstained from the world.” These actions are presented as evidence of genuine faith and godly transformation.
Key Points:
- Receiving the Word with Meekness: Believers are called to humbly receive the implanted Word, which transforms and sanctifies them.
- Hearing and Doing the Word: Faith is demonstrated through action, not just hearing; obedience to God’s Word reflects a life transformed by grace.
- Living Out the Word: Pure and undefiled religion involves caring for the vulnerable and striving for holiness.
Application
- Examine whether you are truly “receiving the Word with meekness” by regularly participating in worship, hearing sermons, and meditating on Scripture.
- Reflect on whether your life demonstrates obedience to God’s Word through visible acts of love, charity, and righteousness.
- Commit to specific actions that reflect pure and undefiled religion, such as helping the needy or addressing areas of personal sin.
Questions for Reflection:
- Do I actively listen to God’s Word and let it transform my life, or am I merely a passive hearer?
- What actions in my life demonstrate that I am a doer of the Word?
- How can I better care for the vulnerable and remain unstained by the world in my daily walk?
Other Scriptures for Study:
- Matthew 7:24-27 (The Wise and Foolish Builders)
- Mark 4:1-9 (The Parable of the Sower)
- Romans 10:14-17 (Faith Comes by Hearing)
Confessional Resources:
- Westminster Shorter Catechism, Question 30: Effectual Calling
- Westminster Shorter Catechism, Question 35: Sanctification
- Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 32 (on good works and gratitude)
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