Being Doers of the Word
Jeremy Bell
James 1:22-27
February 5, 2023
Sermon Audio
Sermon Recap PDF
I. Put your hearing (faith) into action!
“In His commandments, the Lord has taken what is true about Himself and has expressed that truth in a rule for us to obey.” — Alec Motyer
“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul” — Psalm 19:7
II. Application (Doing the Word)
“When we understand that the law or the commandments are echoing the character of God and His care for us, then we delight to walk in that path because it lets us experience the goodness of our God.” — Bryan Chapell
1. A controlled tongue
“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Matthew 12:34
“True freedom is found when by the Spirit the heart is renewed, is enlarged, and becomes subordinate to God in Christ. A man is in a sweet frame when his heart is made subject to God, and drawn out towards Him, for the God of all grace sets it at liberty. God will have us make His glory our aim, and the He will bestow grace and glory too upon us.” — Richard Sibbes
2. Caring for those in need
3. Personal holiness
“Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that it is in the world – the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life – is not from the Father but is from the world.” — 1 John 2:15-16
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of the darkness and into His marvelous light.” — 1 Peter 2:9
Questions for Discussion/Application
- Re-read the text, James 1:22-27. What initial insights and observations do you have from reading this passage?
- What does it mean to be a doer of the Word, and not a hearer only?
- In what ways can you and I be vulnerable to “hearing” but not “applying”/”doing”?
- What are some things we can do practically to try to not fall into the trap of being a hearer only? What role can Care Group play in helping us? What role can prayer have in helping us?
- Re-read verse 26. What is James saying in verse 26. How does it apply?
- Re-read verse 27. How does this verse apply?
- What is one take home point of application for you from this sermon and this passage?
- Consider taking time to pray, asking God that by His Spirit He would help us (A) to be doers of the Word and not hearers only (B) Exercise self-control with what we say and speak (C) to seek to reach out to and care for “orphans and widows in their affliction.”