A Better Way
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A Better Way
1. Show Humility When Provoked
James challenges us to live a better way, especially when it comes to handling anger. He writes, "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger" (James 1:19). The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God (James 1:20). Anger is powerful and can quickly blind us, raising our blood pressure and our voices. It feels good in the moment but often damages relationships, health, and our perspective.
Being quick to hear means prioritizing listening over pushing our own agenda. True listening helps us see people instead of just positions. Ask more genuine questions, not to trap or attack but to understand. When we focus on listening, we diffuse potential anger and create space for grace.
James also calls us to be slow to speak. We live in a world that pushes us to share every thought instantly, but we don’t have to say or post everything that comes to mind. Sometimes the wisest choice is to delete a comment or not send a text. With political tensions high, being quick to hear and slow to speak is vital. Our ultimate mission is not to win arguments but to represent Christ and share the gospel.
Humility before God’s Word is key. We must be willing to say, "Whatever it calls me to do, I will do." If we only follow God’s Word when it matches our desires, we are not truly surrendered. James urges us to humbly accept the Word planted in us, which can save our souls.
2. Pursue Investment Over Intention
James emphasizes that it is not enough to hear the Word; we must also do it. "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22). Many people listen to countless sermons and read the Bible but never act on it. Like the Dead Sea, which has an inlet but no outlet and is therefore stagnant and lifeless, we can become spiritually stagnant if we don’t put our faith into practice.
James compares this to looking in a mirror and immediately forgetting what we look like. God’s Word is a mirror revealing who we truly are. If we walk away without applying it, we deceive ourselves. True freedom comes from living within God’s design—following His Word is like following the owner's manual for our lives. It aligns us with our purpose and leads to real freedom.
We are called to invest our lives into action, not just have good intentions. Good intentions without action change nothing. God desires obedience, not just willingness.
3. Bridle the Tongue and Bless the Needy
James concludes this section by highlighting the importance of controlling our speech and caring for those in need. "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless" (James 1:26). True faith involves practical action, not just words.
James calls us to visit orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep ourselves unstained from the world (James 1:27). Jesus cared deeply for the vulnerable, and we are to do the same. Instead of asking, "Why should I help?" we should ask, "Why shouldn't I help?"
We often find reasons to avoid helping others—worrying they might misuse help or doubting the authenticity of their need. But Jesus' example challenges us to act with compassion, regardless. If we keep looking for excuses, we’ll always find them, but we’ll miss God’s call to serve.
James insists that we must be doers of the Word, not just hearers. Our faith is proven through our actions—bridling our tongues and blessing those in need. This is the better way to live out real faith in real life.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: James: Real Faith for Real Life
Sermon Title: A Better Way
Date: Oct 6, 2024
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
James 1:19-27
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