Becoming That Person Who Does The Word Of God

by Pastor Mitch
July 10, 2015

The Problem Of Not Doing The Word Of God

One big problem that many struggle with today is being only hearers of the word and not doers of it. The tendency for us to not follow through with keeping God’s word after we have heard a message is very high. This was something that James had to address as he wrote his epistle.

“And not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” 
James 1:22

James raised up the issue of Christians beguiling themselves into thinking that they are fine by listening to the word and not responding to it afterward. James likened such people to a person who after seeing something not quite right on his face in a mirror, immediately forgets what he saw and goes away not doing anything about it. Let’s make sure that when we hear God’s word, we would do something about it.

Getting Down To Being A Doer Of The Work

“Be doers of the word” 
James 1:22

“But a doer of the work” 
James 1:25

There is a strong challenge from James for us to be that person who does the word of God. He wrote these words with an imperatival force behind it. Being a doer of the word is a command. There is a need for volition on our part to get down to doing His word. Volition is the use of one’s will to do something. This volition comes about when there is that high regard and affinity towards God and His word. There must be that strong desire to be that person who would be a doer of the word. James challenged the Christians to actually get down to being that doer of the work. The emphasis was on being that person who would do the word. For example, a Christian should not just think about being religious. He should get down to bridling his tongue and using it wisely (James 1:26). The challenge is to have volitional adherence towards the word of God and be that doer of the work.

The Way To Being A Doer Of The Word

“But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it and is not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work” 
James 1:25

1. Looking Carefully At The Word Of God

Instead of just glancing and taking note of what we have heard from the word of God, James challenged the Christians to look carefully and deeply into His perfect law. We are to put in greater effort to take heed to His word. The challenge is for us is to reflect and meditate deeply on the word of God till it fills our heart and mind and frees us from sin.

2. Continuing In The Word Of God

The challenge is also to strongly remain in the word of God. We are meant to abide in His word and to dwell on it. We would place the word in our heart always and let it become so much a part of our life and ministry. Young people, let’s memorise God’s word and not forget what we have been taught. When we continue in the word of God, we would be blessed in all that we do (James 1:25). Let’s truly continue to abide in His word, obey it and become that doer of the word.

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