BE A DOER OF THE WORD
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: James 1:22 – “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
Supporting Texts: Matthew 7:24-27, Luke 6:46, Romans 2:13, John 13:17, Joshua 1:8
INTRODUCTION:
In an age of information, hearing the Word of God has become more accessible than ever before. Through sermons, podcasts, and social media, believers are constantly exposed to God’s truth. However, hearing alone is not enough. The Word of God was never meant to be stored only in our minds; it is intended to shape our lives through practical obedience.
To be a doer of the Word is to respond to what we hear with action. It means aligning our thoughts, speech, and conduct with God's will. Hearing without doing leads to self-deception, a dangerous state where we assume we are right with God, yet our lives bear no fruit of obedience.
God is calling His children to rise beyond spiritual passivity and embrace active faith. Real spiritual maturity is not measured by how much Scripture we know, but by how much of it we live. When we become doers of the Word, we build lives that withstand storms and glorify God.
1. DOING THE WORD ESTABLISHES SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION
A strong spiritual life is built on consistent obedience to God’s Word.
a) Obedience gives stability in difficult times
Like the wise man who built on the rock, doing the Word keeps us unshaken (Matthew 7:24-25).
b) The Word becomes our compass in life
It guides our decisions, relationships, and conduct (Psalm 119:105).
c) Hearing without action weakens spiritual foundations
Those who only hear but don’t obey are like houses built on sand (Matthew 7:26-27).
d) True discipleship is proven by consistent obedience
Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
Biblical Example: Noah obeyed God’s Word and built the ark. His obedience saved his family and preserved a generation (Genesis 6:22).
2. DOING THE WORD PRODUCES SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Spiritual maturity is seen in applying God’s Word to daily life.
a) The Word transforms us as we act on it
We are not only informed but reformed by obedience (Romans 12:2).
b) Obedience trains our spiritual senses
As we consistently do the Word, we grow in discernment (Hebrews 5:14).
c) Growth is impossible without application
Just like eating without digestion is unhealthy, hearing without doing leads to spiritual stagnation.
d) Doing the Word invites divine revelation
As we walk in light, more light is given (Psalm 119:130).
Biblical Example: Joshua prospered and succeeded because he meditated and acted on God’s Word (Joshua 1:8).
3. DOING THE WORD REFLECTS OUR LOVE FOR GOD
Our obedience is the evidence of our relationship with God.
a) Love for God is not emotional but practical
Jesus equated love with obedience (John 14:21).
b) When we obey, we walk in fellowship with Him
Obedience keeps us in the light of God’s presence (1 John 1:7).
c) God rewards obedience with blessings
Those who do His Word are blessed in all they do (James 1:25).
d) Our obedience impacts others
A life lived in the Word is a light to the world (Matthew 5:16).
Biblical Example: Abraham proved his love for God by obeying even when it was painful—offering Isaac (Genesis 22:16-18).
4. DOING THE WORD PROTECTS FROM DECEPTION
Obedience guards the heart from spiritual blindness and pride.
a) Self-deception grows when we hear but do not act
We think we are spiritually alive but are fruitless (James 1:22).
b) The Word acts as a mirror, revealing who we are
Ignoring it blinds us to our true condition (James 1:23-24).
c) Action confirms conviction
When we obey, it proves that we truly believe what God says.
d) Deception leads to spiritual ruin
Without action, even truth becomes a snare to the soul.
Biblical Example: The rich young ruler heard Jesus' words but walked away sad because he wouldn't obey (Matthew 19:21-22).
5. DOING THE WORD RELEASES DIVINE POWER
God backs up His Word with grace and supernatural intervention.
a) The Word works when we walk in it
Obedience activates promises and power (Philippians 2:13).
b) Miracles follow obedience
Jesus turned water to wine only after the servants obeyed (John 2:5-10).
c) The Holy Spirit empowers those who obey
He is given to those who walk in alignment with God's truth (Acts 5:32).
d) When we do the Word, God does His part
God honours His Word above all things (Psalm 138:2).
Biblical Example: Peter obeyed Jesus to launch into the deep and caught a miraculous number of fish (Luke 5:5-6).
CONCLUSION:
The difference between a victorious Christian life and a defeated one lies in the doing of the Word. The Word is a seed, but obedience is the soil where it bears fruit. God is not looking for passive listeners but active doers—men and women who will act in faith, stand in truth, and live by the Word.
As you begin to put God's Word into practice, you will experience transformation, divine favour, and spiritual stability. Let us not only be listeners in church services or readers of Scripture; let us arise to do the Word. For in doing, we find our strength, our maturity, and our reward.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me grace to be a doer of Your Word at all times.
2. Father, remove every spirit of spiritual laziness from my life.
3. Lord, let Your Word take deep root in my heart and produce fruit.
4. Father, help me to apply Your Word daily in my choices and actions.
5. I refuse to be deceived by hearing without doing.
6. Let obedience open the door to divine favour in my life.
7. Help me to walk in the truth no matter the cost.
8. Let my life reflect Your Word to the world around me.
9. Strengthen me to obey even when it is inconvenient or difficult.
10. Lord, make me a shining example of Your truth in action.
