in humility receive the implanted Word

Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16 that the Scriptures are profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. Rick Warren says about this that the Scriptures show us the path, they show us how we got off the path, how to get back on the path and how to stay on the path. But as implied by the above extract from James 1:21, it is not automatic, the Word has to be implanted, and it has to be received with humility.

James, the (half) brother of Jesus, gives many subtle references to His teachings. Here the “word implanted” has echoes of the parable of the sower, where when the word is sown in good soil, it produces much fruit. In fact when the soil is good, the increase is automatic, because “the earth yields crops by itself” (Mark 4:28). In other words, the Word is living, active, powerful and transformative. It cuts through the lies and the propaganda of the world, and brings life and discernment (Hebrews 4:12).

Our part, has to do with receiving the Word, and receiving it with humility. Of course, the Word will not be transformative, if we are not feeding on it regularly. One man who ministered to me in my early Christian days used to say “Get your nose into God’s feedbag Phil.” And part of what James means by his admonition comes in the very next verse where he says “Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” So then we need to allow it to correct us, to admit it when we are wrong, and to confess to God and to those we have wronged. In other words we need to be real!

Father, thank You for Your word this morning, thank You that when we do our part you are more than ready willing and able to complete what is lacking in us. Thank You Lord that my part is doable, and that it brings life and health and peace and joy, and I give You all the honour and glory and praise for this, this morning in Jesus Name Amen