Hearing and Doing

1. Why is it important in vs. 19 that James is addressing "beloved brothers (and sisters)"? What does verse 18 tell us about how the people he was writing to became Christians? Why is the new brith necessary to fulfill the command to be doers of the word?

2. What kind of mindset does it take to receive the word of God? How would being slow to hear, quick to speak, and quick to be angry hinder the word from taking root in someone's heart? Is there a way in which you hearing God's word has been hindered because you did not approach him with humility?

3. Consider these two questions and apply to your life right now. Discuss with another brother or sister in Christ: a.) What is God saying to you? b.) What are you going to do about it?

4. How did those two questions challenge you to put into practice the challenges found in today's passage? How can you continue to practice this discipline of hearing and doing?