Just do it

I. Receive the Word!

  1. This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God (James 1:19-20, see also Proverbs 14:29, 17:23, and 21:23).
  2. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves (Philippians 2:3).
  3. On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight.

    There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered together (Acts 20:7-8, see also Acts 20:9-12).

II. Do the Word!

  1. Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls (James 1:21 see also Ephesians 4:22 and 1 Peter 2:11).
  2. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does (James 1:22-24).
  3. He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the Lord offerings in righteousness (Malachi 3:3).
  4. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing (James 1:25).

III. Live the Word!

  1. If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world (James 1:26-27).
  2. Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).
  3. Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (2 Corinthians 5:17).
  4. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:1-2).

Sermon by Pastor Dane Nissen, April 19th, 2026.

Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions

Just do it!

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Being teachable is a very important part of the Christian faith. How does being in life group help to be teachable? Discuss how we, as Christians, can be better at receiving the correction.

Getting Started:

  1. What can you do to actively listen to others better?
  2. What causes you to hear the Word of God but not do the Word of God?
  3. What does it look like to do nothing out of selfish ambition?

Discussing Truths:

  1. Active Listening requires an intense interest in the other person or topic. What are some things you can do to stoke your interest in others and in God?
  2. How often do you serve others in an act of pure religion?
  3. Do you know how to effectively affirm and encourage others? What role does prayer play in that?

Now What? Application:

  1. How can you be more attentive to the Word of God?
  2. What is one thing the Mirror (Word of God) is telling you to cut out or remove?/li>
  3. Read James this week. Extra credit for reading it daily.