Doers of the Word

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message emphasizes the importance of not only hearing God's Word, but also living it out in practical action. True reverence for Scripture means we don't just sit in awe, but we get up and put it into practice. The Bible warns us against self-deception, where we think we're doing what's right, but our actions reveal a different story.

Key Scripture References

• James 1:22-25 - This passage highlights the importance of not just hearing God's Word, but also doing it. James writes, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only" (v. 22). He emphasizes that faith without works is dead, and that we must put our faith into action.
• James 1:26-27 - These verses contrast those who are truly righteous with those who merely pretend to be so. James writes, "If anyone thinks he is religious and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, his religion is worthless" (v. 26). This passage warns us against self-deception, where we think we're doing what's right, but our actions reveal a different story.
• Psalm 119:160 - In this psalm, the writer expresses his longing to be taught God's statutes and decrees. He writes, "The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever" (v. 160). This passage highlights the importance of treasuring God's Word in our hearts.
• James 2:14-17 - These verses emphasize that faith without works is dead. James writes, "What use is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?" (v. 14). He contrasts genuine faith with mere profession, highlighting the need for action to accompany our words.
• Matthew 7:21-23 - In this passage, Jesus teaches that not everyone who says "Lord, Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven. Rather, he writes, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven" (v. 21). This passage emphasizes that mere profession of faith is not enough; we must put our faith into action.
• Proverbs 28:9 - This proverb warns against self-deception, where we think we're doing what's right, but our actions reveal a different story. It writes, "He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, even his prayer is an abomination." This passage highlights the importance of treasuring God's Word in our hearts and living it out in practical action.
• Psalm 119:9-10 - In this psalm, the writer expresses his longing to be taught God's statutes and decrees. He writes, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word" (v. 9). This passage highlights the importance of treasuring God's Word in our hearts and living it out in practical action.

Key Takeaways

• We must not only hear God's Word, but also live it out in practical action. True reverence for Scripture means we don't just sit in awe, but we get up and put it into practice (James 1:22-25).
• Self-deception is a real danger when we think we're doing what's right, but our actions reveal a different story (James 1:26-27). We must be careful not to merely pretend to be righteous, but actually live out the principles of God's Word.
• Genuine faith involves action, not just profession. Faith without works is dead (James 2:14-17).
• Mere profession of faith is not enough; we must put our faith into action if we want to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7:21-23).

This Week's Challenge

Two specific, actionable steps believers can take this week are:

• Take some time to reflect on your relationship with God's Word. Ask yourself if you're merely hearing it, or if you're actively living it out in practical action.
• Choose one area of your life where you need to apply God's principles, and take concrete steps to do so. This might involve volunteering, serving others, or making a change in your daily habits.

Reflection Questions

• What are some areas of my life where I'm merely pretending to be righteous, rather than actually living out the principles of God's Word?
• How can I put my faith into action this week? What specific steps can I take to live out the principles of God's Word in practical ways?
• How does my relationship with God's Word impact my daily life and relationships? Am I merely hearing it, or am I actively living it out in practical action?