“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 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. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. “James 1:22-25″

In this passage, James urges believers not to just listen to God’s marvelous, righteous Word, but to also put it into action. It’s not enough to simply hear or read the Word of God; we need to live it out in our daily lives. When we do this, we will be blessed in what we do.

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we deceive ourselves if we are only
   hearers of the Word and not doers?

We can deceive ourselves by believing that simply hearing the Word of God is enough to make a difference in our lives. We might convince ourselves that as long as we are knowledgeable about the Word, we are living a faithful and righteous life. However, without putting the teachings and principles of the Word into action, we are not truly living according to its standards. This can lead to a false sense of security and righteousness, ultimately leading to self-deception. It is important to not only hear the marvelous, righteous Word of God but also put it into practice in our daily lives.

2. What does it mean to be a doer of the Word?

To be a doer of the Word means to not only hear or understand the teachings and instructions found in God’s Word or spiritual guidance, but to actively put them into practice in one’s own life. It involves living out the principles and values espoused in the Word through one’s actions, attitudes, and behaviour. This concept is often associated with demonstrating love, compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and other virtues through tangible actions and choices. Being a doer of the Word is seen as an essential aspect of living out one’s faith or spiritual beliefs.

3. Why do you think James emphasizes the importance of being doers of the Word?

James emphasizes the importance of being doers of the Word because he desires to emphasize the practical, tangible impact that faith should have on a person’s life. By actively living out one’s faith through action, a person demonstrates their commitment to the teachings of the Word of God and true belief in its values. James is cautioning against mere intellectual assent or passive belief, and instead encourages a faith that is lived out in daily life through acts of love, mercy, and justice. He believes that faith without action is incomplete and ultimately ineffective in bringing about positive change in oneself and in the world.

Let us Pray:

Dear Lord, almighty Heavenly Father, we come before you with grateful hearts for your marvelous, righteous Word. We thank you for the guidance and wisdom this provides us. Help us to be doers of your Word, not just hearers. Give us the strength and determination to live out your teachings in our daily lives. May your Word transform us from the inside out and may we be a light to those around us. Bless us as we strive to be obedient to your commands and may our actions bring all honor praise and glory to Your sovereign, reigning name. Thank you dear Lord, almighty Heavenly Father. We pray this throughout the mighty, gloriously, fulfilling name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Much LoVe, JoY, Peace and Blessings to you, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Saviour and Redeemer, in who we do trust, believe, and faithfully abide.