Youth Sermon: Listening & Doing

Hearing vs Doing

Ever had your parents ask you to do something, and you're like, 'Yeah, yeah, I heard you,' but then you never actually do it? It's like you heard the words, but they just didn't sink in. James is telling us that it's not enough to just hear God's Word; we've got to do something about it.

Remember that story Jesus told about two sons in Matthew 21? One son said he'd do what his dad asked but didn't, while the other said no at first but then changed his mind and did it. Jesus was pretty clear about which son was the real deal. It's a wake-up call for us to check if we're just hearing Jesus or if we're actually doing what He says.

James is telling us that it's not enough to just hear God's Word; we've got to do something about it.

James 1:19-27

James starts off by telling us to chill out and listen up. Getting angry doesn't get us anywhere. Instead, we should ditch the bad stuff and soak up God's Word, which can totally change our lives.

But here's the kicker: we've got to act. James says that just hearing the Word is like looking in a mirror and then forgetting what you look like. That's like checking your reflection before a date, seeing spinach in your teeth, and then doing nothing about it. Gross, right? We've got to remember what we've heard and then do something about it.

Jesus said something similar in His Sermon on the Mount. He said that those who hear His words and then act on them are like a smart person who builds their house on a rock. When the storms come, their house doesn't budge.

James tells us to keep looking into God's perfect law of freedom. We've got to hear it and do it. And guess what? Those who do are blessed in their actions.

James then gets practical. He warns us about loose lips, saying that if we can't control our words, our religion is worthless. He also tells us to look out for those who need help, like orphans and widows, and to keep ourselves clean from the world's mess.

Challenge and Prayer

So, James is challenging us to be more than just hearers of the Word. We've got to be doers too. That might make us uncomfortable, but remember, God loves us and wants the best for us. He wants us to take a good look at our faith and get rid of anything that's holding us back.

If there's something stopping you from stepping up, let it go. Pray for the courage to respond to God's Word with action. Let's commit to being people who do more than just talk a good game.

Let's pray together.

God, help us to be more than just listeners. Give us the guts to not only hear your Word but to actually do something about it. Amen.

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. How can we ensure we are not just hearers but doers of the Word?

2. What are some practical ways we can control our speech?

3. How can we help those in need around us?

4. What does it mean to keep ourselves unstained by the world?

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: Two Sons Parable Role Play
• Group Activity: Building on the Rock
• Youth Challenge: Be a Doer, Not Just a Hearer