47: “Be Ye Doers of the Word, and Not Hearers Only” (James)
Sometimes just one verse or two of scripture will change you or someone you love. In our study of the book of James this week, you may find verses that help you figure out your mission in life. Or you may find encouragement to be more patient or speak with more kindness. Whatever inspires you, let’s dive in and let these words “enter … into every feeling of [our] heart[s].” And then, as we “receive with meekness the … word,” as James wrote, let's be a doer of the word, not a hearer only.
Segment 1
Scriptures:
James 1:1 (A letter to the scattered tribes)
Proverbs 2:3-6 (The Lord giveth wisdom)
Segment 2
Scriptures:
James 1:5 (Ask of God)
James 1:2-4 (Patience brings perfection)
Psalm 32:11 (Be glad in the Lord)
Segment 3
Scriptures:
James 2:17 (Faith without works is dead)
CR: 1 Corinthians 15:7 (Christ appears to many)
JST James 2:14-21 (Faith and works)
James 2:23 (Abraham is a Friend of God)
Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side;
With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In ev'ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heav'nly Friend
Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be Still, My Soul (Hymns #124)
Words of the General Authorities:
To do anything well requires effort. Becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ is no exception. Increasing your faith and trust in Him takes effort…What would you do if you had more faith? Think about it. Write about it. Then receive more faith by doing something that requires more faith. (Russell M. Nelson, “Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains”, April 2021 General Conference)
Segment 4
Scriptures:
James 1:26-27 (Pure religion)
The word “Religion” in the New Testament:
Acts 26:5 (Paul describing the way he lived)
Galatians 1:13 (Paul referencing the Jews’ religion)
James 1:27 (James defining religion)
Words of the General Authorities:
Pure religion is learning the gospel of Jesus Christ and then putting it into action.
Pure religion is maintaining a balance between sophisticated, intellectual information and the basic “bread and butter” principles of the gospel. (Marvin J. Ashton, “Pure Religion”, October 1982 General Conference)
Segment 5
Scriptures:
James 3:1-18 (Control your tongue)
Segment 6
Scriptures:
James 5:16 (A fervent prayer availeth much)
Acts 12:5-17 (The prayers that saved Peter from prison)
View transcript here.