Reflection
- Godliness exemplified by actions, dedication, relationships/investment in others’ lives
Observation
- Verse 25: continue to study God’s Word
- Verse 27: caring for others is vital for God; example of Mother Theresa; importance of staying unpolluted by the world and the influence of others
- “Unspotted” (NKJV)
- Prayers for wisdom
- Laying aside “filthiness”
- Verse 19: acting out in anger - what was going on at the time?
- Verse 21: “Therefore” goes back to verse 18, receiving the word and our spiritual birth through the word
- Birth -> save -> implant -> do
- Take away filth, implant word
- Verse 22: be doers of the word
Exploration
- Anger should be avoided; a godly life is rid of evil influences
- We deceive ourselves by not listening, justifying wrongdoings, financial decisions, being judgmental
- People who don’t obey God’s Word don’t act on what they’ve learned; they are unhappy; only listeners; unfulfilled
- Practice pure religion by ministering to those who are hurting; participating in conscious community
Reaction
- Taking a step back before reacting (having “ears to hear”)
- Protection from world’s influence: scripture, prayer, working to serve God and glorify him, removing yourself from certain situations, accountability, monitoring your thoughts, community of believers in action
- Demonstrate to others you are a Christian: attitude, priorities, caring/loving toward others, inward and outward actions
