Have You Looked in the Mirror?
The sermon emphasizes the importance of self-examination through God's Word and acting upon its teachings for true freedom and joy in Christ.
Theodore Epp emphasizes the importance of acting upon the Word of God, likening it to looking into a mirror that reflects our true selves. He draws parallels with David's willingness to have God examine his heart, highlighting the need for self-reflection and correction. Epp explains that the 'perfect law of liberty' mentioned in James 1:25 is not a license to sin but a call to live in freedom through Christ's teachings. He reminds us that true happiness comes from doing what we know to be right, as stated in John 13:17.
Text
James 1:22-25
Whereas James 1:22-24 view the person who does not act upon the basis of the Word, verse 25 looks at the person who does act on the basis of the Word of God. He is like one who does something about what he sees in the mirror. His positive attitude is beautiful, as was David's when he said, "Search me, 0 God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Ps. 139:23,24). David was asking God to x-ray his heart. The obvious implication of David's words is that no matter what God discovered, David was willing to correct. On another occasion, David told the Lord, "Examine me, 0 Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart" (26:2).
As James spoke of looking into the divine mirror, he referred to it as "the perfect law of liberty" (James 1:25). The word "law" generally connotes meanings of bondage, such as in the Old Testament Law. However, this is not the case when referring to the "law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 refers to this law: "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." The law of Christ is the "perfect law of liberty" spoken of in James 1:25.
We must never forget that freedom to sin is not liberty because "the wages of sin is death" (Rom. 6:23). This is true of sin committed during any age, or dispensation. James was not referring to a license to sin when he spoke of the "perfect law of liberty" (James 1:25).
"If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them" (John 13:17).
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding the Mirror of God's Word
- The Importance of Acting on God's Word
- The Reflection of Our True Self
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II
- David's Example of Self-Examination
- The Willingness to Correct Our Ways
- The Role of Prayer in Self-Reflection
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III
- The Perfect Law of Liberty Explained
- Distinguishing Between Law and Liberty
- The Law of Christ as a Guide
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IV
- The Consequences of Sin
- Understanding True Freedom in Christ
- The Call to Action in Faith
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V
- The Joy of Obedience
- Living Out the Teachings of Christ
- The Blessings of Following God's Word
Key Quotes
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” — Theodore Epp
“The law of Christ is the 'perfect law of liberty' spoken of in James 1:25.” — Theodore Epp
“If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- Regularly reflect on your life in light of Scripture to identify areas for growth.
- Pray for God to reveal any wicked ways in your heart and be willing to make changes.
- Embrace the teachings of Christ as a source of true freedom and joy in your daily life.