James 1:19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;
James 1:20n for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
James 1:21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
James moves to a new subject here.....Anger, or as he calls it the "Wrath of Man"
But, leading up to that he says a number of things.
1. He tells us we are beloved brethren. God loves us.
2. He tells us to be swift to hear.
3. He tells us to be slow to speak.
4. He tells us to be slow to wrath, or get angry.
In these four things, we are reminded of who we are, we are indeed loved by God, and He as our father then, gives us this instruction about our actions, our hearts and our words. These are God's instructions, that will help us greatly in our lives, and in our relationships with others. Quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.
Then he explains more about anger, specifically, what it will not, and cannot accomplish. Our getting angry about something is not going to bring about the God's ways, and God's will in a situation. We will not accomplish what we might think by getting angry.
Finally, in these verses, we are told lay aside, or get rid of, to put our of our lives, any and all things that are filthy. And, then in humility of spirit, to accept the message that God has planted in our hearts, because it's powerful enough to save our very souls.
He will talk more about our relationship to the Word of God in the next few verses. We will look at that tomorrow.......
But, this is plenty to chew on, and to think about, and to digest. May what's said here in James 1:19-21 become a part of our lives. May we take these many things that have been given to us, and by God's grace, and our faith in action, put them into practice in our lives this very day. What are they?
Quick to listen.
Slow to speak.
Slow to get angry.
Put sin and evil out of our lives.
Humbly receive God's Word.
Blessings to you today, of God's grace, mercy and peace.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Application/Promises
1. We probably need to hear what James is saying.
2. God knows we are all pretty much alike.
3. God wants to curb our tendencies and make us like Him.
4. If we will open our hearts to this instruction, it will change us.
5. Will you think about what was said here?
6. Will you read it again, and then think about it again?
7. God has blessings in store for you.
8. You are one of those beloved brothers or sisters in Christ.
