The Engrafted Word

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves,” James 1:19-22, KJV.

Focal Passage: James 1:19-27

“…let every man be swift to hear.” In God’s word are many pearls of wisdom. It encourages, teaches, and instructs. In this particular passage, we are called to be quick (eager) to hear (for faith comes by hearing and hearing comes by the Word of God). So, this is why we should anticipate the voice of our Lord; “a ready listener” as specified by the Amplified version, to hear God’s holy word. To be quick in hearing means to unite with whatever the word of God teaches. It is that feeling of not being able to get enough of this good thing. It is having a ready ear to receive correction. When I pray, I ask God to forgive me for things that I’ve done knowingly as well as unknowingly. It does not matter if I’ve done some things one way all my life, if it is found in God’s word to be wrong I need to listen to correction. This is how the word of God becomes engrafted into our lives; to incorporate in a firm or permanent way—taking root in our hearts.

“…slow to speak.” Being slow to speak is to be careful of our words, listening to what is said or observing all facts before acting. This can keep one from behaving rashly or assuming something contrary to the actual facts. In this passage, James goes right into this by following with, “slow to wrath.” We are to not be easily angered. This does not mean that we will never get upset for even Jesus showed an emotion of anger (see Matthew 21:12), it simply means that our anger is justified and controlled. Be angry, but sin not. (Ephesians 4:26)

“…lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness.” Depart from works of the flesh (2 Corinthians 7:1, Galatians 5:19, Revelation 17:4). How can we honestly say we love God with our entire being and feel numb to the instruction of the Bible? When you seek God with your whole heart, then conviction will overtake that lustful desire to do things in opposition to His word. When we ask God to search and make us over, that’s exactly what He does. But one must be willing to “receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”

In order for the word to be engrafted for any one individual, it must be received. But the reception must not be met with opposition. It must not be taken in grudgingly. It must not be received in a way just to be able to say “I’ve received.” The word must be greeted with acceptance in humbleness. How can the Lord forgive you for something that you don’t think is wrong? If someone feels that their lifestyle is okay although it is clearly against God’s word, what can He do with that? This world may accept many things, but God however will not allow sin into His kingdom. Do understand that it is not the sin alone that keeps you out of heaven (for all have sinned and fallen short), yet it is the rejection to be cleansed from that sin (the rejection of Jesus as Lord AND savior).

Jesus died providing us with unmerited favor which is grace. He died to reconcile the fallen man back with the Father. He died, offering a gift (Himself), worthy of glorification; a gift that is given out of a free expression of love, not costing any one of us a dime. But so often we’ll pay our way into Hell. God is not some colossal man standing with a book of rules to keep us from enjoying life. He is a gentle loving creator who wants only the best for us. He does not hover over us to chastise us when we make mistakes. He covers extending a hand to help us up when we fall. He is not a domineering force that keeps us from “having fun,” He loves us enough to warn of impending danger ahead. He loves us enough to tell us about the enemy and what has happened in Heaven. He loves us enough to give of Himself to save our souls. He loves us enough to tell us the truth!

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” A person is only misleading themselves when they hear the word, know the word, and never apply the word to their life. “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain,” verse 26. This means that all of the “religious” activity is worthless. When the engrafted word is received in its very nature, it is implanted into the heart, bringing with it the fruits of the Spirit.

References: Romans 10:17