The Implanted Word (James 1:21)

21 Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. -- James 1:21

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Today, we continue our journey word by word, verse by verse through the book of James.

James 1:21 highlights the essential actions of eliminating evil and receiving the implanted Word.

Verse 21 comes on the heels of James discussing what brings about righteousness. It is for this reason verse 21 begins with "therefore" as he explains further about obtaining this life of righteousness that is pleasing to the Lord.

The first thing we are commanded to do to live this life of righteousness is:

"Ridding yourselves of all moral filth and evil that is so prevalent"

James states that is it essential to "put away" or "remove" all moral filth. The picture here is that of a dirty garment such as a soiled diaper or a sweat soaked shirt. This moral and spiritual filth is to be removed from our lives. James goes on to explain how this evil is so prevalent. We do not have to look much further than the mirror to see how evil makes its way into our lives.

Following the "removal" of moral filth, James commands that we:

"...humbly recieve the implanted word, which is able to save your souls"

In meekness, in a posture of humility, we are to recieve the implanted word. "Implanted" means something that is properly ingrown or inborn, that it is not added upon. James is saying that the Word is sown in each believers heart from the inside out.

"The Word" in James is not the Bible but it is the gospel. It's the good news of Jesus' life, death, a resurrection which declares:

• that we are sinners who have racked up a debt against God that we cannot pay
• that God saw us heading down a one way street towards destruction and hell
• Jesus said that I will pay for their debt, I will die for their sins
• Jesus came to earth and he became our atoning payment for our sins
• That those who trust in Jesus, rest in his finished work on the cross.

This Word is able to save our souls.

Sisters and brothers, today, let us throw off the evil that is so prevalent and trust in the implanted word that is the power of God to save our souls!

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