James 1:21-25 (NASB)

21 Therefore, ridding yourselves of all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. 22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves. 23 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; 24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. 25 But one who has looked intently at the perfect law, the law of freedom, and has continued in it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an active doer, this person will be blessed in what he does.

How Christians should respond to the Word of God:

1) Proactively get rid of your sin (1:21)

2) Humbly receive the Word (1:21)

3) Persistently do what God’s Word says (1:22-25)

4) Wholly believe God’s Promise to the obedient (1:25)

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Colossians 3:15-17 (NASB)

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Sermon Theme: The Church should be full of thankful Christians who are completely governed by and focused on their Lord Jesus Christ.

Outline: We are called as Christians and as a Church to lives overflowing with thanksgiving and marked by 3 Christ-centered priorities:

1) The peace of Christ (3:15)

2) The word of Christ (3:16)

3) The name of the Lord Jesus (3:17)

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