184 James: Hearers and Doers, pt. 2
God’s Word is timeless and transformational. Through its inspired words, the Holy Spirit will mark those of us who live in the 21st century just as He did those disciples who lived in the 1st century.
However, that will only happen if we are not only hearers of the Word, but we are also doers of the Word. In other words: it’s one thing to be open to what the Bible has to say, it’s another thing to be obedient to what the Bible has to say.
James uses the illustration of a mirror. The person who is a hearer but not a doer of the Word is like someone who looks in the mirror but then walks away and forgets what he sees. The purpose of a mirror is to help us “face” the truth about ourselves so we can make the necessary changes.
God’s Word is like that mirror. But unlike a literal mirror, which only reflects outward appearance, the Scriptures reveal our inner character and call us to change.
The Greek word for “hearers” in vs. 22 is “akroates”: one who sits passively in an audience. Today it could be used for those who audit a college class. They come and listen, but they don’t have to “do” anything - no papers, no tests.
As with James’ audience, in all too many churches today there are a lot of “auditors” – people who attend and even listen a bit. But when it comes to acting upon what they’ve heard...when it comes to obeying what’s been taught... well, that’s optional.
Friends, we have been given the very Word of God. Hearing it, reading it, studying it, and discussing it are good things. But that’s not the ultimate purpose of this Book. The purpose of this Book is to help us to live in the way of Jesus. And that will necessitate applying the Word of God.
The goal isn’t information – it’s transformation.
James then moves on to some practical illustrations of where hearing must become doing. First, he speaks of the need to keep a tight rein on your tongue. Next, he moves to the issue of caring for widows and orphans, those who are the most vulnerable.
Finally, James notes that if you’re a doer of the Word you will keep from being polluted by the world. More than just moral purity, this has to do with not letting worldly values drive our thinking and actions - such as: looking out only for yourself; doing whatever it takes to get ahead; living only for this world and not the next.
Making the commitment to move from merely hearing to doing won’t be easy. But you’re not on your own. God will help you. Scripture promises that: “The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” (II Chronicles 16:9)
Text: James 1:22-27
Originally recorded on March 7, 2010, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN