Teachable

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James 1:21-22 (KJV)

Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:21-22 (New International Version, NIV)

There are hindrances to receiving God’s Word. We’re to lay apart, or lay aside, filthiness (moral filth) and superfluity of naughtiness, meaning the outgrowth of wickedness that is so prevalent. Receiving the Word is the goal, but we must be open to God and His Word to receive instruction, correction or anything from God. Receive in the Greek means to take what is offered, by deliberate and ready reception. We are to receive, or accept, God’s Word, believe what it says, and then do it.

James tells us to receive the Word with meekness, or with a teachable spirit. It refers to one who is humble and ready to learn or be taught by God and others. This is not talking about a know-it-all or a prideful person. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up (I Corinthians 8:1). As we love God, we are poised to receive the Word, and His Word builds us up and matures us.

James tells us to receive the engrafted Word of God, meaning the implanted Word. We are to have a heart ready and prepared so God can plant His Word in our hearts. Thus, the Word is engrafted, or implanted, in us. Then, the Word gets rooted in us and becomes a very part of our nature.

The verse in James says this implanted Word is able to save our souls. Our minds are part of our souls and our minds can be renewed by God’s Word (Romans 12:2). This can change our thinking and cause us to put on the mind of Christ (I Corinthians 2:16). Thus, we think in line with God’s Word. Our souls grow and mature in the Lord by the engrafted Word making us doers of the Word and not just hearers. As we have a teachable spirit, ready to receive, learn, and do God’s Word, we’ll grow into greater Christlike character.

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. II Timothy 3:14-17 (KJV)

We are to continue in what we’ve learned from God. Knowing Scripture makes us wise in our salvation, acknowledging all Scripture to be inspired By God, or God-breathed. God breathes His Word in us as we’ll receive it. The Word is to be the basis of our doctrine and is able to correct and instruct us in the ways of righteousness, or how to live right. As people of God, we’re to be perfect, or mature, and thoroughly furnished (equipped and prepared) for all good works. This only comes about when we’re teachable, so meekness and humility must be our goal..