PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN LIVING #3 - "Be Doers of the Word"
James 1:19 My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, 20 for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. 21 Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and evil, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save you. 22 But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but one who does good works—this person will be blessed in what he does. 26 If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, then his religion is useless and he deceives himself. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
INTRO: (Bucket List) How many of you know what a bucket list is? A bucket list is a list of things that people dream of doing before they "kick the bucket." What's interesting about a bucket list is that many of the things that people put on their list to do are things that are dangerous, or expensive, they would never consider doing normally, but once they are diagnosed with a terminal illness, decide to do them. In many cases, these bucket list items are things that they've talked about all their life, but never got around to doing it. It's sad that we let life keep us from doing so many things, but when we know life is about to end, we get busy living and doing. So, in essence, the bucket list is all about action; it's all about doing things, and not just talking, or hearing about others adventures rather than our own.
The Scripture passage we read this morning from James is also all about action; it's about doing and not merely hearing. There's no shortage of people in our world today who have heard the Word of God. But, there is definitely a great need for those who will be DOERS and not HEARERS only.
As we continue through the Book of James, you will see more and more just how practical God's Word can be. But, it must be put into practice in our lives before we can receive the power and benefit of the Word. God's Word is not just something we hear and discuss - it is something we hear and then DO!
This morning as we examine in detail this passage we will ask and answer three important questions: 1) Why Should We Be Doers of the Word; 2) How Does Being a Doer of the Word Transform Us?; 3) What Does Being a Doer of the Word Look Like?
Let's start with our first question:
I. WHY SHOULD WE BE DOERS OF THE WORD?
A. Because God "says so." (v. 22)
James 1:22 But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
(Parent to child - "because I said so" - example of me and my kids - obey now / explain later)
Because God said so is reason enough. When the time is right He will reveal His reasons. But, regardless of whether or not we ever understand the reasons, we are to obey God and be a doer of His Word.
B. Because we are blessed by doing God's Word. (v. 25)
James 1:25 But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but one who does good works—this person will be blessed in what he does.
The blessing comes not from the HEARING of God's Word, but in the DOING of God's Word.
1 Samuel 15:22 Then Samuel said: Does the Lord take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord?Look: to obey is better than sacrifice, to pay attention is better than the fat of rams.
Why does God bless those who are doers of the Word? Because faith pleases God, and obedience to God's Word is the greatest act of faith any of us can demonstrate. We only obey God completely and willingly when we trust completely God.
(How many would follow directions from someone you don't trust - you only follow directions from those you trust)
C. Because the world is watching.
(Ill. Demographic survey - almost 77% of unchurched Pearl residents believe that faith should radically transform a persons life. Surprisingly only 70% of regular church attenders believe that their faith should radically transform their life.)
The world is watching us. And, they expect us to live out our faith. When we fail to do so, they are turned off by our hypocrisy. It is imperative that our words and our actions match each other if we are going to effectively reach the unchurched people in our communities!
II. HOW DOES BEING A DOER OF THE WORD TRANSFORM US?
A. It Transforms our Relationship with People. (v.19-20)
James 1:19 My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, 20 for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.
1. Quick to hear - Means there's a willingness to hear and understand.
(Ill. Talk to the Hand / I'm not listening to this / I don't want to hear this)
We demonstrate that we value others when we are willing to listen. Even if we don't agree with them, the Bible says that a mature Christian, who is a doer of the Word, will exhibit a willingness to listen and value other people, even those we disagree with.
2. Slow to Speak - Means that we should weigh the consequences of our words before we speak. Don't run off at the mouth! Any fool can tell someone off! Mature Christians who are Doers of the Word take a moment to measure the consequences of their words before they speak.
Have you ever said something and immediately wished you you could take it back? But once it's out of your mouth, no matter how many times you apologize, the damage is done.
(Ill. Toothpaste out of the tube)
How should a Doer of the Word use their voice?
Eph 4:29 No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.
3. Slow to Anger - means we don't "blow up" at every little provocation. A mature DOER of the Word keeps their anger under control.
Proverbs 29:11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man holds it in check.
Proverbs 14:29 A patient person shows great understanding, but a quick-tempered one promotes foolishness.
Doers of the Word have allowed God's grace and mercy to transform them. Doers of the Word are slow to anger and remain patient with others because they understand God was patient with them.
They understand that blowing up in anger does not accomplish the work of God - in fact, it does just the opposite - it pushes people away.
It's easy to see how being a DOER of the Word will transform every relationship we have with people if we are practicing these principles.
B. It Transforms our Relationship with God (v.21)
James 1:21 Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and evil, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save you.
1. We turn away from Sin and Evil - By faith we trust that God's way is better than the world's way.
We live in a society that says anything goes - there is no absolute right or wrong - if it feels good do it - where evil is called good and good is called evil - it's called moral relevance.
But, a Doer of the Word understands that God's ways are higher and better, and that God's word is eternal and immutable, not subject to the whims of the world! So we live differently from the world. A Doer of the Word is committed to personal holiness!
2. We receive the Word of God in faith - When we receive the Word of God by faith, it leads us into a saving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. This relationship with Christ in turn transforms every part of our life and every other relationship. His word is "implanted" in our hearts and minds. Our thought process is forever altered. We are able to love those He loves and do the works He calls us to do through the power of the implanted word and the Holy Spirit!
III. WHAT DOES BEING A DOER OF THE WORD LOOK LIKE?
A. Doer of the Word maintains control over their life; especially their tongue. (v.26)
James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, then his religion is useless and he deceives himself.
B. A Doer of the Word sincerely loves God and loves people. (v.27)
James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
C. A Doer of the Word practices holiness and integrity. (v.27)
James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
CONC: Are you a doer of the word, transformed by the implanted Word of God? Or, are you just a hearer who has been exposed to the truths of God's Word, but failed to let His Word transform your life.
Why should we be a Doer of the Word? Because God says so. Because the blessing is in the doing, not the hearing. And, because the world outside the church is watching us to see if our walk matches our talk.
Being a Doer of the Word transforms our relationships with people and transforms our relationship with our Heavenly Father.
A Doer of the Word is a person who keeps their life under control, especially their tongue. A Doer loves God and loves people as God loves them. A Doer is a person who practices holiness and integrity.
Does that describe your life this morning? If not, it can - if you will simply trust in the Lord completely and commit yourself to doing things His way, rather than your way.
I can think of no better time than right now to make a commitment to be a Doer of the Word. It begins with a relationship with Jesus Christ. It continues from there into an ever deepening relationship with Christ that transforms every aspect of our life, until we reflect His love, mercy, and goodness.
Will you make that commitment today?
