Daily Devotions
James
"The implanted word..."
Text: James 1:21
THE THINGS THAT ADVERSELY AFFECT US
There are many things that can adversely affect us. One of those things is “wrath”. James highlighted other things that will affect us badly.
“Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness,
and receive with meekness the implanted word,
which is able to save your souls.”
James 1:21
1. “Therefore”
a) This is an inferential particle.
b) This is used as part of an argument.
c) The conclusion is the focus here.
2. “Lay aside”
a) This word was often used to describe “putting off dirty clothes”.
b) That which is dirty or unclean ought to be put off.
3. Things that must be put off
a) “Filthiness”
i) The imagery is that of anything that can be morally defiling.
ii) Any and every filthiness must be laid aside.
b) “Overflow of wickedness”
i) Wickedness must be put away.
ii) Even more so, excessive wickedness must be cast away outrightly.
4. “The implanted word”
a) This is a reference to the word of God.
b) It is well-described as an “implanted word”.
c) The word of God needs to be grafted in.
5. “Receive with meekness”
a) The word of God needs to be well-received.
b) The appropriate way of receiving it well is to have “meekness”.
c) There must be humble submission to the word of God.
6. “Able to save your souls”
Indeed, there is great power in the word of God! But it needs to be received humbly.