The Received Word — Working in You

The Received Word — Working in You

James 1:21

“Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.”

What a gem this verse is! It tells us:

-how to receive the Word

-what to do with the Word

-what the Word will do to us

First, let’s talk about what it even means to receive the Word. We receive something when we reach out and take it from another’s hand. We can receive a gift by accepting it—or simply take possession of it—but there’s a deeper meaning here.

Think of it like this; to receive a compliment, you have to actually accept it. If I ignore or reject someone’s kind words, I’m not being very receptive, am I? I have learned, over time, to humbly receive a compliment for it to have any meaningful effect.

The Greek word for “receive” is dechomai. It refers to hospitality. When you welcome a guest into your home, you receive them. You greet them at the door, invite them in, offer a seat, engage in conversation, and share some time together. That’s what it means to receive someone.

That’s the picture James paints of receiving the Word. You have to welcome it—open your heart, invite it in, and treat it as an honored guest. Spend time with it. Listen, engage, and make room for it. Only then can the Word of God do what it’s meant to do.

And what is that? Paul once wrote this to the church in Thessalonica:

1 Thessalonians 2:13

“…when you received the Word of God … you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is—the Word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.”

God’s Word is meant to work in you. Go back through our previous messages. It strengthens, transforms, guides, cleanses, builds up, encourages; it creates something new in your heart.

The Word must be received so it can take root. Let’s talk about that tomorrow.