When we hold a Bible in our hands, we hold the most potent force and most powerful weapon humanity will ever know. God’s Word has the ability to accomplish more good than anything or anyone on earth could ever imagine. The most hardened sinner, the most doubtful skeptic, or the most hate-filled heart can be transformed by the power of Scripture (2 Cor. 10:3-5). But in order for God’s Word to bring about change in our lives we must do our part in allowing it to do so. James wrote, “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word which is able to save your souls” (Jas. 1:21). To “receive” is to accept, to welcome, or to indicate approval. Thus, I must open the door of my heart and allow the Word to settle in and make itself at home. How can I do it?
First, reception involves preparation. James wrote, “Lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness.” To “lay aside” is to “rid yourself” of something. In Romans 13:12 the term describes “cast[ing] off the works of darkness.” In Colossians 3:8 and Ephesians 4:22 Paul used the word to describe “putting off” sins of the flesh. The term is a word picture for taking off dirty clothes and putting them aside (cf. 1 Pet. 2:1). James characterized the stains on our spiritual clothing as “filthiness” and “wickedness.” “Filthiness” has to do with moral filth, or, defilement. It refers to our action. The term, “wickedness,” refers to our character and attitude. So, receiving God’s Word requires me to first rid myself of all sinfulness, both in character and action. Like dirty clothes after a long work day, they must be thrown aside.
Second, reception involves attitude. One who approaches God’s Word with pride will never allow their heart to be changed. Thus James says we must “Receive with meekness the implanted word.” “Meekness,” or, “humility” was a rejected virtue in the ancient world, seen by many as weakness. But the New Testament exalted the term. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (Jas. 4:6). “Humble yourselves in the sight of God and He will lift you up” (Jas. 4:10). Why is humility a vital component to the reception of God’s Word? Because humility is “the quality of not being overly impressed by a sense of one’s self-importance” (BDAG). A prideful person refuses to allow Scripture to show his imperfections. He fights against God’s Word by justifying himself and ignoring his own flaws. A humble person recognizes his need for God and welcomes His Word highlighting areas of life which must be improved. If the Gospel is to transform us, we must be humble enough to admit the need to be transformed!
Third, reception involves object. James describes Scripture as “the implanted word.” The meaning of the term “implanted” basically describes the process of a thing being permanently established in place and developing, or, growing. In Luke 8:11 our Lord described His Word as a seed which grows roots and produces fruit in fertile hearts. That passage is a commentary on James 1:21. We “lay aside” sinful activities and attitudes and replace them with God’s Word which is “living and powerful” (Heb. 4:12). Like a seed which germinates and spreads roots in the ground, Scripture is “implanted” within our hearts and grows roots. It takes up permanent residences and never stops growing.
Fourth, reception brings about outcome. The “implanted word” is “able to save your souls.” Note that James writes in the present tense to those who are already Christians. In other words, once the Word of God is implanted within our hearts, we spend a lifetime allowing it to grow and mature and transform us into the image of Christ (2 Cor. 3:18). This is why Peter commanded us to possess an insatiable appetite for it (1 Pet. 2:1) and why the Hebrews writer scolded his audience for their inability to digest it (Heb. 5:12-14). The Christian life is a never ending process of spiritual growth and maturity brought about by the influence of Scripture in our lives.
Have you opened up your heart to receive God’s Word?