What to get rid of, and what to receive.....

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.

So get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls.

The Lord tells us here, to be done with, to get rid of 2 things ( that may be in our lives ) One, is all filthiness, and the other is what is called, overflow of wickedness. These are impurities, and every other evil thing that can touch the lives of others.

What's being said in this verse, is of course in a context, and that is, that in the previous verse, 1:20, we were told what the wrath of man does not accomplish. So, there are things that can come out of us that do not are not in line with what God wants, and do not contribute to what God wants, and it's these kinds of things we are to be done with, and to just put them out of our lives.

Now, on to receiving something into our lives, and that is God's life giving, life changing Word. We are even told how to receive it, and that is, with "meekness"....meaning with a gentle, modest, and humble spirit. We are to welcome it.

The Word of God here, is said to be able to "save your souls" Which means, that it's able to save you, to keep you safe and sound, and to rescue you from danger and destruction.

God's Word contains power. It's the power of God unto salvation. God's Word is so powerful, that by receiving it into your life, it not only brings you into that place of being completely innocent before God, ( Justification ) but, it then goes on to transform your life ( sanctification ) and then eventually, will bring you right into glory, ( glorification ) which is the final and complete future state all believers will find themselves in.

Wow. God's Word. And, Yes Lord, let's get these other things out of our lives, Let's live Lord in this 2 pronged way if you will. Let's consistently be about removing what ought not to be there, and regularly, in a daily bread way, be accepting, receiving Your precious and eternally blessed Word. In Jesus name. Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

Application/Promise

1. We may have these things ( evil things ) in our lives.

2. We do not have to keep them with us.

3. We can put them out of our lives.

4. We can then accept and receive God's Word

5. God's Word will have a profound effect on us.

6. God's Word can do as nothing else will for us.

7. God's Word is alive and powerful.

8. God calls us to humility and gentle reception.