This 4m episode provides you the reading of James 1:21 to the conclusion of what it is to be a Doer and Not Hearers Only of God’s Word. Christians begin their new life in Christ by being born again by the “Word of Truth”. New life in Christ demands that we get rid of all moral filth that offends the Holy Spirit, and that we are constant in receiving the Word of God into our hearts. The term “engrafted” means “implanted,” implying that the Word must become a part of our very nature. The implanted Word brings us to our final salvation (Mat. 13:3-23; Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 15:2; Eph. 1:13).
LAW OF LIBERTY: VV 25 puts it this way, this law is the will of God internalized in our hearts by the indwelling Holy Spirit (Ezek. 11:19-20). Through faith in Christ, we receive not only mercy and forgiveness (2:12-13) but also the power and freedom to obey the law of God.
In the book of James, verse 1:22 the Word tells us, But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. Just hearing the Word is not enough; we must do it. One of the enemy’s tricks is to convince us that our Father is holding out on us, that He does not really love us and care for us. James urges people who listen to God’s Word to demonstrate a sincere commitment to the LORD by reacting to what they hear with obedient action. Do not fall for the tricks of the enemy.
The original language gives the sense that we must “keep on becoming” doers of God’s Word. Genuine faith calls for obedience that endures. Doers of the Word are the opposite of Sunday morning Christians who go to church, sit and listen to a message, and then view it as merely an interesting spiritual discourse. Jesus said that only doers of the Word are truly blessed: “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice” (Luke 11:28, NLT).
Jesus gave a stern warning to people who hear the words of God but don’t act on them: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘LORD, LORD,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.
The Word of God is not just a beautiful piece of literature to be savored and enjoyed. Its purpose goes beyond provoking thought and inviting meditation. It requires more than memorization and sharing with others. It demands a change of heart that prompts a change of behavior. The Word of God is to be obeyed.
Blessings, Elder Barbara
Wiersbe/GQ
