Posted on 06/03/2023 4:05:26 AM PDT by metmom
"This you know, my beloved brethren. But let everyone be quick to hear" (James 1:19).
Being quick to hear involves a proper attitude toward God’s Word.
It has been well said that either God's Word will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from God's Word. Apparently some of James's readers were allowing sin to keep them from receiving the Word as they should. God was allowing them to experience various trials so their joy and spiritual endurance would increase, but they lacked wisdom and fell into temptation and sin. James called them back to the Word and to a godly perspective on their circumstances.
James 1:19 begins with the phrase "This you know," which refers back to verse 18. They had experienced the power of the Word in salvation, now James wants them to allow it to sanctify them. For that to occur, they must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath (v. 19).
Being quick to hear means you don't disregard or fight against God's Word. Instead, when trials or difficult decisions come your way, you ask God for wisdom and receive the counsel of His Word with a willingness to obey it. You're not like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, whom Jesus described as "foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken" (Luke 24:25).
You should be quick to hear the Word because it provides nourishment for your spiritual life and is your weapon against all spiritual adversaries. It is the means by which you are strengthened and equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17). It delivers you from trials and temptations and engages you in communion with the living God. The Word should be your most welcome friend!
Be quick to hear, pursuing every opportunity to learn God's truth. Let the testimony of the psalmist be yours: "O how I love Thy law! It is my meditation all the day. . . . I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Thy word. . . . How sweet are Thy words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (Ps. 119:97, 101, 103).
Suggestions for Prayer
Thank God for His precious Word and for the marvelous transforming work it accomplishes in you.
For Further Study
Read Psalm 19:1-14.
What terms did the psalmist use to describe God's Word?
What benefits does the Word bring?
From Drawing Near by John MacArthur Copyright © 1993. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.com.
Studying God’s Word ping
Being quick to hear is something strange for us with so many voices clamoring to be heard today.
This hits the spot this evening. Thank you metmom! Dear Lord we want to be quick to hear and receive your Word so we may bear good fruit.
To Hear The Holy Spirit
Lord, bring me into a communion with You that only grows richer and more splendid the longer it lasts. Thank You for the Holy Spirit Who lives inside me, comforting, teaching, correcting and leading me. Enable me to hear the Holy Spirit, and through Him to know You more deeply. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Source: https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/prayer/to-hear-the-holy-spirit-222
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.