Calvary Baptist Church

Preached by Pastor Mike Hess Sunday morning 12/13/2009.

Redeeming the Time – Receiving Word

James 1:18-21

I. Receive the Word with Assurance (James 1:18)

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become  children of God, who were born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”  John 1:12-13

“So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.” Romans 9:16

“So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.” Romans 9:18

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even  when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4-5

II. Receive the Word by being Teachable (James 1:19-20)

Slow to speak

“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is  prudent.” Proverbs 10:19

“Whoever restrains his words has knowledge and he who has a cool spirit is a man of  understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips he is deemed intelligent.”  Proverbs 17:27-28

“Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep  watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3

“Anger is wrong when it is aroused over the wrong things.  If the reason for anger is your  pride, jealousy, or some other self-focused matter, it is sinful…When someone complains that he was not acknowledged at a banquet, that he was ignored at church, etc., those are illegitimate causes for anger. Acceptable anger centers around those things that offend God rather than one’s  self.” Jay Adams

“A fool gives full vent to his spirit but a wise  man quietly holds it back.” Proverbs 29:11

A couple of things about anger:

1. It is never right to be angry with God.

2. Selfish anger is always outside of what pleases God.

III. Receive the Word with Humility (James 1:21)

“Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the  delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts .” Jeremiah 15:16

Practical Application:

1.) Take advantage of every opportunity you have to hear the Word of God taught and to grow  in your knowledge of the Word.

2.) Do not just come to church…come to church prepared – bring your Bible, anticipate being  fed from the Word and come with a teachable and humble spirit.

3.) Discipline yourself to listen attentively and with humility.

4.) If a message makes you angry ask yourself if you are angry at the messenger or the  message. False teaching should anger us, truth should not.