The Good Word (James 1:9-15)

God’s Word is a good and perfect gift for those who not only hear it but also do it.

I. The Life Giving Word (1:16-18)

A. Good Gifts of the Father of Lights (1:16-17; cf. 1 John 1:5; Matthew 7:7–11)
B. Born by the Word (1:18; cf. 1 Peter 1:23; John 1:13)

II. The Implanted Word (1:19-21)

A. Unjust Anger (1:19-20; cf. Exodus 2:11-12; Deuteronomy 32:35)
B. Welcoming with Meekness (1:21; cf. Galatians 5:22-24; James 3:13; Matthew 13:1-9; 1 Corinthians 15:2)

III. The Blessing of the Word (1:22-27)

A. Doing the Word (1:22-25; cf. Romans 2:13; Matthew 7:24–27; Psalm 1:2; Exodus 18:20)
B. Is Your Religion Worthless or True? (1:26-27; cf. Psalm 68:5)
C. The Good Word from Above
D. Taste and See God’s Goodness

Discussion Starters

Monday—Do you ever question God’s goodness? Why or why not? What’s James’s point when he refers to God as “the Father of lights?” How does that instill confidence in us?
Tuesday—Discuss the contrast of sin giving birth to death and the Father giving birth by the word? What does it mean to be a “kind of first fruits of his creatures”?
Wednesday—What kind of anger does not lead to the justice of God?
Thursday—Discuss what it means to receive the implanted word with meekness. What sort of salvation is James referring to when he says the word is “able to save your souls”?
Friday—Why do you think we it might be hard for us to believe that we will be blessed in our doing?