Lesson 3-Just Do It
Just Do It
(James 1:19–27)
Before you begin …
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and wisdom as you go through this lesson.
• Read James 1:19–27. This lesson references chapter 4 in Be Mature. It will be helpful for you to have your Bible and a copy of the commentary available as you work through this lesson.
Getting Started
From the Commentary
Many people are deceiving themselves into thinking they are saved when they are not. “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matt. 7:22–23).
But there are true believers who are fooling themselves concerning their Christian walk. They think they are spiritual when they are not. It is a mark of maturity when a person faces himself honestly, knows himself, and admits his needs. It is the immature person who pretends, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing” (Rev. 3:17).
—Be Mature, page 57
1. What is your initial reaction to these thoughts concerning believers who are fooling themselves about their Christian walk? Do you agree or disagree? Why? The Matthew passage is particularly strong-worded. What overall theme relating to “Christian maturity” do you see when you set this passage next to what James writes in 1:19–27?
More to Consider: James 1:27 brings up a theme that’s found not only in the New Testament letters but also in the Gospels—that of “looking after orphans and widows.” Who are the orphans and widows in today’s society? What are positive examples to illustrate how the church is taking care of orphans and widows? What are some ways the church could improve?
2. Choose one verse or phrase from James 1:19–27 that stands out to you. This could be something you’re intrigued by, something that makes you uncomfortable, something that puzzles you, something that resonates with you, or just something you want to examine further. Write that here. What strikes you about these verses?
Going Deeper
3. Underline all of the words or phrases in James 1:19–27 that relate to speaking or listening. Why do you think James focuses on this theme? What sorts of problems or circumstances might he have been addressing? (Keep in mind he was most likely writing this letter to Christian Jews who had been dispersed and were living outside of Jerusalem.)
From the Commentary
The final test of salvation is fruit. This means a changed life, Christian character and conduct, and ministry to others in the glory of God.
—Be Mature, page 58
4. The primary focus of James’ letter is that a changed life ought to bear fruit. What does a changed life look like to James? In what ways do immature Christians deceive themselves about living a changed life? What is the difference between “manufactured works” and the real fruit of a relationship with Jesus?
More to Consider: Read Romans 1:16; 6:22; 15:28; Galatians 5:22–23; Colossians 1:10; and Hebrews 13:15. Each of these passages describes some sort of fruit that comes from a changed life. Where do you see these fruits in the lives of Christians? How is each of these evidence of Christian maturity?
From the Commentary
We have two ears and one mouth, which ought to remind us to listen more than we speak. Too many times we argue with God’s Word, if not audibly, at least in our hearts and minds.
—Be Mature, page 59
5. James writes about the importance of being quick to listen and slow to speak. How is this biblical advice ignored or heeded in today’s culture? Think of examples from the public arena. Why do you think people tend to reverse these two?
From Today’s World
Sins of the tongue make headlines faster than almost any other in today’s Internet-driven world. Rumors and truth are spread faster than ever thanks to 24/7 news Web sites and e-mail and blogging. If James were to write this passage today, how do you think he might specifically address how we use these modern methods of communication?
6. James actually gives his readers an opportunity to practice being “quick to listen” in this very passage. Reread James 1:19–27 and spend a moment reflecting on his words. Did you uncover any new truth this time through? In practical terms, what does it look like to be quick to listen when reading through Scripture?
From the Commentary
It is not enough to hear the Word; we must do it. Many people have the mistaken idea that hearing a good sermon or Bible study is what makes them grow and get God’s blessing. It is not the hearing but the doing that brings the blessing. Too many Christians mark their Bibles, but their Bibles never mark them! If you think you are spiritual because you hear the Word, then you are only kidding yourself.
—Be Mature, page 61
7. In James 1:22–25, to portray the “immature Christian,” James uses the illustration of a man looking into a mirror and forgetting what he looks like after turning away. He contrasts this with the man who looks intently at the “perfect law that gives freedom,” offering him up as someone who is growing in maturity. Why do you think he uses the mirror illustration to describe the immature Christian and yet not when he writes about the mature Christian? In what ways is the “perfect law” a mirror?
More to Consider: James mentions several mistakes people make when they look into God’s mirror. Wiersbe describes them this way: They merely glance at themselves; they forget what they see; they fail to obey what the Word tells them to do. How have these mistakes played themselves out in your own experiences?
From the Commentary
After seeing ourselves, we must remember what we are and what God says, and we must do the Word. The blessing comes in the doing, not in the reading of the Word.
—Be Mature, page 63
8. James says it simply: “Do what [the Word] says.” But obviously, this means we have to read the Word first. Is there a difference between simply “reading” the Word and “examining” it? Explain. And if we are to follow James’ admonition to “do,” how does that impact the way we’re to approach our Bible-reading time?
More to Consider: Read about Nathan’s experience with David in 2 Samuel 12. In this passage, Nathan holds up a “mirror” for David to look at himself. What does David see? What is the result of David’s glimpse in the mirror?
9. Have you seen examples of the “worthless religion” James writes about in 1:26? Describe them. According to James, how do we know the difference between worthless and acceptable religion?
From the Commentary
The word translated “religion” means “the outward practice, the service of a god.” It is used only five times in the entire New Testament (James 1:26–27; Acts 26:5; and Col. 2:18, where it is translated “worshipping”). Pure religion has nothing to do with ceremonies, temples, or special days. Pure religion means practicing God’s Word and sharing it with others, through speech, service, and separation from the world.
—Be Mature, page 66
10. James mentions a couple of ways we can practice God’s Word (looking after orphans and keeping oneself from being polluted by the world). List other specific ways we can practice God’s Word.
Looking Inward
Take a moment to reflect on all that you’ve explored thus far in this study of James 1:19–27. Review your notes and answers and think about how each of these things matters in your life today.
Tips for Small Groups: To get the most out of this section, form pairs or trios and have group members take turns answering these questions. Be honest and as open as you can in this discussion, but most of all, be encouraging and supportive of others. Be sensitive to those who are going through particularly difficult times and don’t press for people to speak if they’re uncomfortable doing so.
11. Examine your life and consider specific ways in which you are “doing the Word.” What evidence is there that you are living out a changed life?
12. Serving others is one of the more outward signs of an inward change. In what ways are you serving others? What motivates your service?
13. Is it possible to do what the Word says apart from being prompted by a changed life? What is the difference between doing something because you are compelled to by your heart-change and doing something because you think you’re supposed to? How does a growing maturity impact the frequency with which you find yourself living out what James calls “pure religion”?
Going Forward
14. Think of one or two things that you have learned that you’d like to work on in the coming week. Remember that this is all about quality, not quantity. It’s better to work on one specific area of life and do it well than to work on many and do poorly (or to be so overwhelmed that you simply don’t try).
Do you need to spend more time reading God’s Word so you know what it is you’re called to do? Do you need to look for specific opportunities to put into practice what you are learning from Scripture? Perhaps you are feeling a specific prompting to live out some truth you’ve discovered in the Bible. Write these thoughts below. Be specific. Go back through James 1:19–27 and put a star next to the verse that is most convicting to you. Consider memorizing this verse so it can challenge you and move you toward positive change.
Real-Life Application Ideas: Keep a journal of everything you do throughout the day for the next couple of weeks. Do your best to record everything to the smallest detail—who you talk to, what you watch on TV, the errands you run, how you spend money, the tasks you accomplish. After a couple of weeks, tally up the number of things you did for others versus the number of things you did for yourself. Based on these tallies, how well have you been “doing” the Word?
Seeking Help
15. Write a prayer below (or simply pray one in silence), inviting God to work on your mind and heart in those areas you noted above. Be honest about your desires and fears.
Notes for Small Groups:
• Look for ways to put into practice the things you wrote in the “Going Forward” section above. Talk with other group members about your ideas and commit to being accountable to one another.
• During the coming week, ask the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal truth to you from what you’ve read and studied.
• Before you start the next lesson, read James 2:1–26. For more in-depth lesson preparation, read chapters 5 and 6, “Rich Man, Poor Man” and “False Faith,” in Be Mature.