The Mirror of God's Word (Sermon Outline)

The following sermon outline is suitable for a devotional setting such as a campout, retreat or some such.  It is not an expository sermon.  Rather it uses an illustration in the text as a jumping-off point, to expand the illustration.

Text: James 1:23-24

"For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was."

The plain illustration James gives is the word of God as a mirror.  The outline carries that illustration forward in various ways.  Each sub-point could / should be supplemented with relevant scripture.

The Mirror of God’s Word

Like a Mirror, God’s Word Shows Us:

• Our dirt and mess to cleanse
• The needed corrections
• Those areas that do in fact meet the standard

Like a Mirror, God’s Word Can Be Misused:

• The flattering mirror – the preacher who will tell you only what makes you feel good
• The corrupting mirror – the church that will mislead you
• The broken mirror – the Bible that is never used

Like a Mirror, God’s Word Must Be Looked At:

• Every time there is uncertainty
• Whenever assurance or reminders are needed
• As often as we need to know the truth
• Every day!

VM