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James 1:22 - Living the Word.James 1:22 (ESV) Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.James 1:22 (NLT) But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. INTRODUCTION It is important to listen to what God's Word says, but it is much more important to obey it and do what it says. We can measure the effectiveness of our Bible study time by the effect it has on our behavior and attitudes. Do you put into action what you have studied? [Life Application SB 2019] COMMENTARY PEARL John and Judas are representatives of those who profess to be Christ's followers. Both these disciples had the same opportunities to study and follow the divine Pattern. Both were closely associated with Jesus and were privileged to listen to His teaching. Each possessed serious defects of character; and each had access to the divine grace that transforms character. But while one in humility was learning of Jesus, the other revealed that he was not a doer of the word, but a hearer only. One, daily dying to self and overcoming sin, was sanctified through the truth; the other, resisting the transforming power of grace and indulging selfish desires, was brought into bondage to Satan. AA558 COMMENTARY Surrendered To The King If you follow Jesus, it means you're going to have to change. The things that used to fill you and used to satisfy you no longer will. You're under new leadership. You aren't the boss of you anymore, and that's actually the best news you could ever hope for. James said we can't just let our faith sit on the shelf. It has to infuse itself into our everyday living. We must let the gospel change us as we surrender our desires, our plans, our time and energy and resources to the Lord of lords. You can't follow Jesus and continue as king of your own life. You must submit yourself to His teaching and follow His ways. To be in His kingdom is to live like there is a King who is seated on the throne ruling over your life. The great news about God's kingdom is that your surrender is ultimately for your good! His kingdom is a place of mercy, goodness, and peace. As you cede your seat on the throne, as you die to yourself and surrender to the God of the universe, rest assured that you'll find freedom under His rule that will always result in your delight. Dear God, I want my faith to be genuine. Would Your Spirit help me to live in a way that reflects what I believe? [Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio] CLOSING THOUGHTS The people must understand that it is not the hearers of the Word but the doers of the Word that will have eternal life. EV344 Hearers of the Word will be doers of the Word IF they have an active, growing relationship with Christ. LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY James 1:22 - Living the Word! https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230623-0845.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220224-1045.html James 2:26 - Faith and Works. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20241020-1327.html John 14:15, 16 - THE PASSION TO OBEY! https://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190916-1043.html Acts 5:32b - Holy Spirit Living! https://www.abible.com/devotions/2006/20060602-0756.html Matthew 7:24 - Build Your Life on Christ and His Word. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2025/20250717-0617.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |