I love to study the Bible and theology. I always have. I’ve enjoyed learning in Sunday School since I was a kid. I’ve enjoyed being in small group Bible studies since I was in college. I have one theology degree, and I’m working on a second. Over time, I’ve gone from participating in Sunday School to teaching it, from participating in small group Bible studies to leading them, and from listening to sermons to preaching them.
None of this is bad, but there is a danger in it: that I would be only a hearer of the Word and not a doer. That my goal in listening and learning would be to have correct theological opinions and not to put them into action. That I would deceive myself into thinking I was making progress while going in the wrong direction completely. Humans are very good at self-deception, and I am no exception. How can I avoid becoming the sort of person James described, who looks in a mirror and then immediately forgets what he looks like? How can you?
One way James mentioned is by cultivating the habit of listening. As I’ve grown in knowledge, I’ve been given opportunities to teach and preach. But if I were to decide that I no longer needed to learn and listen—to other people and above all to the Word—then I would already be in trouble. If you decide that you would rather get your own opinion out there first before humbly asking for wisdom, then you are already in trouble too.
Another way is to eliminate what James called “moral filth” and “evil” from our lives. (James 1:21). While these comments could be taken in a general way, speaking about all sorts of things that keep us from remaining pure, one thing he mentioned specifically is anger (vv.19–20). Wanting to “accomplish God’s righteousness” is a good thing, James said, but the means by which we pursue it matters. We must come to believe that we do not need to be wrathful to pursue righteousness and justice. If we think we’ve moved past “not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult” (1Peter 3:9), then we are in danger of not putting the Word into action.
Finally, we should observe “pure and undefiled religion,” which James said consists of looking after the vulnerable and keeping ourselves “unstained from the world” (James 1:27). Hearing and doing the Word go together. If we are truly hearing the Word, then it should spill into our actions; we will both be burdened to serve the less fortunate and pursue holiness in ourselves.
The good news is that the Word is an “implanted word” (v.21). It is in us. While it is possible to stifle the Word’s work in our lives, to drown it out with our own angry and prideful words, it never stops speaking. We only need to receive it, let it sink down into us like a seed in the ground, and it will bear much fruit.
Written by Elliot Ritzema
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90 thoughts on "Hearing and Doing the Word"
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❤️ the word that changes my heart
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Lord my Shepard, lead me away from the evil of this earthly world, open my ears and mind to your word so that I may take action in Jesus name, Amen.
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Thank you for sharing truth upon truth
Right there with you on this one! Even in the way I speak to my husband in front of our daughter. I need Jesus!! Grateful for grace & God’s word to guide us.
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Help me, Lord to turn away from sin
It is very easy to hear but not truly listen. Todays passage brings to mind the thought that we have 2 ears, 1 mouth so listen twice as much as you speak and in doing so the hope would be I would be intentional in slowing down to listening, to be mindful and thoughtful, to respond, not react. I would do well to cultivate discipline in this way and put this habit into practice. Heavenly Father I know your heart and desire for me is to be a reflection of you, to show your patience, kindness and thoughtfulness. Help me Lord to be quick to listen and slow to speak and to be one who reflects and shines to truth of who you are. Amen
We need to start applying Gods word more in our daily life’s so we can fight against the enemy, and just to know what God says about whatever we are going through❤️❤️❤️
I love this. Something I need to work on
Cultivate the habit of listening!!!
I had the desire to send a very frustrated email this week. My colleague said “you don’t have to send it”. This was so needed. The next day, I was less upset. Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger… these are challenging practices in this broken world and in this broken sinful body.
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To really be a doer of the Word is thought provoking. Am I just reading and going out in the world and acting in a way that doesn’t reveal Christ? There are so many ways to implement my faith in today’s society. To show God’s love. It’s time to put it into action.
Needed this reminder today!
I need to be slower to react and quicker to listen, especially when stressed.
Same for me!!❤️
I am praying that God would lead me in the ways I can help those who are in need around. I think that could be orphans or widows, or anyone forgotten and in need in our society.
James 1:26 “If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, his religion is useless and he deceives himself.” This verse has convicted me the last few times I have read it. For me, in the thick of motherhood with young children who I’m trying to raise up to know Jesus this just hits hard. I can tell them to love and know Jesus all I want but unless my actions are showing what I am teaching it’s USELESS. And that is a strong word. Useless. If I’m not controlling my anger or what comes out of my mouth when I’m angry, annoyed, impatient, etc then ultimately they will remember that and I’ve taught them nothing and did not accomplish Gods righteousness. I’m thankful for Gods grace in those moments and I pray everyday that my children will know me by my fruit and not just someone who didn’t practice what they preached.
Very good thoughts. Thank you for sharing.
Right there with you in this one! Even in the way I speak to my husband in front of our daughter. I need Jesus! Grateful for Grace and God’s word that guides us!
I really like the calling of today’s theme to move from theories into action. Action has its own complexity because of its scope of work, with the underlying foundation of courage. A verse from Paul yesterday really struck me, and worthy to bring up today concerning his action: ‘But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified’ (1 Corinthians 9:27). It’s powerful to see such humility from the man who wrote most of the New Testament, he never stopped examining his own heart. That takes discipline, and self control. Does our walk with God involve discipline and self control, self reflection? Let us learn from Paul.
Today Scriptures are so powerful, this sobering truth in Romans 2:13: “For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified” (ESV), another translation, “Merely hearing God’s law is a waste of your time if you don’t do what he commands. Doing, not hearing, is what makes the difference with God” (the Message). This is where the sifting starts, the separating between the theorists and the doers/workers. When I sift my flower seeds at the end of the season, I use a fine mesh, basically to remove dirt, chaff from the actual seeds, also the refining stage (as KELLY so wisely put it the “Refining Word”). This verse works as the sift, it separates the lukewarm state and true devotion state (found in the obedience and action).
The Lukewarm state, like unsifted grain, a mixture of good intensions and “chaff” (noise, distractions, unfiltered desires) that are not tested and separated yet.
The Devoted state, the result of the refining process, it is the doer who has allowed God to filter out their own desires leaving behind a life of disciplined action.
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In Luke 22:31-32, Jesus warns Simon Peter that Satan has demanded to “sift” the apostles, while intended to destroy their faith, Jesus reveals he has prayed for Peter specifically to ensure his faith does not fail, allowing him to repent and strengthen others. “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you like wheat”. That makes what Paul said “lest I be disqualified” a more weighty and relevant caution for us. It is scary. We can personalize that verse by putting our own name in there and feel the chills. May we see the actual reality of the spiritual refineries and the forces of darkness constantly at work. BUT GOD (Tina ❤️) , His grace is always sufficient for us. Praise Him for the precious “cloud of witness”, the men and women who have run the race before us and left the blueprint for overcoming today, “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified”. Be blessed dear sisters.
I learn so much from your comments, Mercy. Thank you.
Hi everyone! Very late getting to this today as we are travelling this evening, husband isn’t very well and I still had to pack!!!! The verse “quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to get angry” always convicts me. Something j okay regularly is to see the fruit of the Holy Spirit in my life in this area. Thank you all so, so much for your prayers yesterday. I felt so lifted up to God and really enjoyed teaching and had such a lovely group of people! Thank you God!!! Praying for you all this evening!!!
Did anyone else notice the ❤ shaped leaves in the water in the devo photo?
Yes, it is so beautiful, reminds me of this verse, “As water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the person” Proverbs 27:17. The heart ❤ in the water.
❤ Thanks for sharing that Mercy!
❤As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. Proverbs 27:19 NIV
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I had to look that up; for some reason I haven’t memorized it! I had memorized v. 17- iron sharpens iron.
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Thanks again for the prompt! I just read the full chapter.
As I read these verses and am reminded of how we are to be doers of the word, I am struck by the fact that God calls us to this standard for our own good. God’s word is a road map for how to live a purposeful and fulfilled life. One that impacts others and is constantly growing. At times we can put so much pressure on ourselves to do the word just to check off a box. But God calls us to be doers of the word because He knows that is what will benefit us most. The person who does these things would as 1 Peter 3:10 says “love life and see good days”. It is for our good and for His glory that He calls us to this higher standard and it is because of His love for us that He calls us to be doers of His word the only word that will always remain true!
Well said, EMILY! ❤
I am not in a position to do anything with the word right now. I’ve also found it easier to just not mark anything at all.
Caroline,
I am not sure what you mean by that but I am praying for you right now. Maybe it’s nothing but I feel unique prayer.
Tricia
You are so loved and seen by our Father. HE sees your heart and is your peace and comfort always.
Echoing our sisters here! Praying for this barrier to be removed! ❤ Praying it’s just the early stage pregnancy hormones speaking and these feelings will pass soon! ???If they don’t you may want to speak to a nhrse at your OB practice. They don’t mind phone calls! ❤
Praying the Word of God strengthen you, and always bring refreshment to your heart, soul and mind every day, to bring a smile to your face each time you open the pages. Hugs and love sister. So glad you are reading with us.
So good today! Sometimes we have to stop and just soak it into our soul. My take away is Jesus’ example of how to build on Him! We will be able to stand! When we hear His word, we must be obedient to His commands! Be doers of His word! We can’t just sit on the sidelines. We have to become involved in whatever God calls us to do. Love Him and love others. However He chooses for us to express it!
Praying for all! Have a blessed day!
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Made me think of the Danny Gokey song, “Love God and Love People”!
Caleb, Alyssa, (my son and daughter ) and I are recipients of James 1:27. I have always told them that we might not be literally orphans and a widow, but it’s as if we were when we left the abusive father. That’s when our FATHER GOD, Jehovah Jireh, made sure that we were taken care of. And it was through God‘s people, family, and friends. They came alongside us, some even financially. I had something all written out and then it got erased, right now I’m at work ready to start. Please pray for Alyssa and I as we travel to Monterey where she will be enrolling in CSUMB. It will be just she and I traveling. Please pray for her as this is very hard and she’s concerned about finances, but I’m believing again, our Jehovah Jireh will provide for her to succeed in college, both financially, spiritually, and emotionally and everything that goes with a college life. It’s also gonna be hard on Caleb and I as her presence won’t be with us starting August.
sending prayers, friend. Thank you for sharing. I survived a very horrific abusive marriage 34 years ago. Kudos for leaving and protecting yourself and God’s children.
Thank you, Tammy. This means a lot to me. And I’m glad you were able to get out as well. I was in it for over 21 years.
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Praying for your travel and God’s provision for each and every need. May she rest in His Promise as Jehovah Jireh as she steps out.
I’m on my lunch break. Thank you for all your sweet prayers. Alyssa did it the smart way and did her first two years at our local junior college literally saving her thousands.
Mari. I’m praying for Alyssa and you as you travel, that God will keep you safe and give you sweet fellowship with each other. I’m praying for her as she begins her college life, that God will provide not only the finances, but the peace, strength and courage for this undertaking. My granddaughter will be graduating from college next weekend. Today, she published her last article as editor of her University newspaper. It was about how she was scared at the beginning of her freshman year, but how the past four years have grown and shaped her, introduced her to new lifelong friends and set her on a career path. About how she faced challenges, including her mom’s cancer, and how she grew and learned to lean on others. I’ve prayed for her every day of those four years, and watched God provide everything she needed. I’m praying Alysha. feels His protection, presence and provision throughout her college career as well. And that you feel His comfort while missing your little girl (wink). ❤️❤️
Lord Jesus, I pray that I only grow in faith and truth. I pray to be a doer everyday and not just a hearer, the foundation of Your Word is better than anything this world could give. I pray to be rooted in more and more everyday. Thank you Father for the ultimate gift, the ability to read and take in Your Word daily. Amen
Amen
Today’s readings bring to mind two children’s songs that I learned a (very) long time ago when I was in Sunday school as a child. The first, The Wise Man Built His House Upon A Rock….and the rains came a tumbling down! The second is Be Ye Doers Of The Word…and not hearers only.
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Such simple truths learned as a child but when learned and obeyed can change the whole trajectory of our lives.
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I imagine that James had the same battles that we face today – wanting to have our say and get it out there first instead of sitting and listening – and allowing ourselves to become easily angered. But I also imagine that he learned from his sin and grew closer to the Lord (his brother) when he took the time to not merely listen to the Word, but to do it.
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I love how James addresses his fellow believers, he doesn’t degrade them and accuse them or deal harshly with them (in these verses anyway) but addresses them as “dear brothers and sisters”. We would fare well to do the same when having to address an issue with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
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Father God, may I be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry – because in doing so I reflect Your image and the image of Your Son. Teach me each day how to listen and obey and to always be building my life on the the Rock – Christ Jesus. In Your Name, Amen.
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My dear friend and kindred spirit Laverne, went home to be with the Lord yesterday. After a long 11 year battle with cancer she is finally home and safe in the arms of Jesus. I am so thankful I got to say goodbye on Monday, and to say if I didn’t get the opportunity to speak with her again, I’d see her in heaven. Thank you all for your prayers, please continue to pray for her husband Mike and for the family.
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Blessings to you all today dear She Sisters. ❤️
Continuing prayers and so sorry for your loss!
I’m glad you had the opportunity to visit with her. Praying for all who loved her.
I am sorry for your loss, Sharon. But, I am also rejoicing with you. So wonderful when we know our dear friends have gone Home.
So sorry for the loss of this dear friend! Prayers for comfort for you, Mike, and her family. ❤
May her memory be a wonderful blessing. Continued prayers for her family and those who love her in this difficult time. I am so sorry.
amen!
I’m so sorry Sharon.
There was so much truth in those simple children’s Sunday School songs! I’m continuing to pray for you as you grieve for Laverne, and for her husband as well.
ELLIOT R.- Thank you for this well written devo!
I am reminded of training our bodies/muscles for competition and never entering that competition. The training may not be totally wasted, but certainly doesn’t accomplish the intended purpose!
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Matthew 7:24-27
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man.
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Warren Wiersbe NKJV Study Bible:
Just hearing the Word is not enough; we must do it. Many people have the mistaken idea that hearing a good sermon or sitting in on a Bible study is what makes them grow and receive God’s blessing. But the doing brings the blessing, not the hearing. Too many Christians mark their Bibles, but their Bibles never mark them! If we think we are spiritual because we hear the Word, then we are only kidding ourselves.
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
I love many mark their bibles but don’t let their Bible mark them!
❤ Ditto!
Indeed!
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Love this!
BG verses 1 Peter 1:18-19
knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
Hallelujah! Thank you, Lord!
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Hearers of God’s law vs Doer’s of God’s law –
The Bible is God’s manual of His plan, instructions and encouragement to us.
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Hearing and not doing applies to any area of instruction, I think. I could read the driver license manual of laws and rules (a refresher might be a good idea!) or go to a class that covers the information, and then not follow any of it – what a mess that would be.
Praying I will absorb and put into action the Word of God, following the instructions He gives and the lifestyle it would spur – 1 Peter 3:10-12
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For “He who would love life
And see good days,
Let him refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips from speaking deceit.
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Let him turn away from evil and do good;
Let him seek peace and pursue it.
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For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
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Really good devo, thank you Elliot Ritzema!
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B – praying today is full of light, hope and being uplifted by the Lord. Reminded of the chorus from Blessing Offor’s Lift Me Up:
Would you lift me up
Would you lift me up
When the world gets cold
And it’s all too much
Sometimes I need somebody to remind me what I’m made of
When I’m breaking down
Running low on love
Need a hand to hold
Wanna feel your touch
Sometimes I need somebody to remind me what I’m made of
And lift me up
TERESA COOPER DONLEY thank you for sharing your testimony, and no apologies needed for the length!! Praise the Lord for all that you’ve gained ❤️ And those mountain hikes can be deceiving, I’ve been fooled a time or ten :)
HEIDI – thanks for HALT, and trials/temptations share ❤️
MERCY ❤️
CEE GEE ❤️
BRENDA P ❤️ oh my, sister, I can’t even! Praying for healthy children and that you are able to find workable solutions for the flood and dryer. Praying for patience and attitude as requested, deep breathe as needed ❤️
TINA ❤️
Yes, and Amen!
Praying over requests
Great shares, SEARCHING! ❤ I missed a couple of things you shared so I need to go back to yesterday’s comments! ❤
Thank you for the encouragement!❤️
Thank you for the driver’s license analogy- soo understandable!!
I love that you started with:
BG verses 1 Peter 1:18-19
knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
Hallelujah! Thank you, Lord!
Those verses really touched my heart.
And thank you for your words about my adventure ❤️
Amen!
Reading the word to do and accomplish what it asks. Not reading to fulfill a version of righteousness in our own mind.
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May we be doers of the Word while keeping our eyes focused on Jesus! He alone can save us.
Amen!
I truly need to let God’s refining Word “sink down into [me] like a seed in the ground, and it will bear much fruit.”
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Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
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Praying for your requests
❤ thank you for the Beatitudes connection!
“refining Word” ❤️ may we always be hunger and thirst for the refining Word.
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I’m wrangling a little bit with the Romans passage this morning, Ladies. (Maybe because in my small group study we are doing Galatians and Paul spends that whole letter on how the law won’t save us!:) If you read the context of Romans 2, it seems to be saying that we can’t fully obey the law but even if we could it’s our relation with Jesus that saves, not the law. Maybe for this purpose the translation would better read: For it’s not hearers of ‘the Word’ who are righteous before God, but the doers of ‘the Word’ that will be justified…
What do y’all think? This is the trouble with early morning before work Bible study – I can’t chase a rabbit too far or I’m late for work!
Happy Friday!
God’s Word translation says, “People who merely listen to the laws in Moses’ Teachings don’t have God’s approval. Rather, people who do what those laws demand will have God’s approval.”
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And we know from Jesus that the whole law is “Love God, and love your neighbor”
You are correct in saying we cannot fully obey the Law and be justified by it. Only through Christ are we justified-he was the missing link all those years! The Law was given to give a people lost in the Egyptian ways a government a moral standard and healthy eating habits that pointed to a monotheistic god THE Creator God
SALLY B, hope these notes help!
Romans 2:13 NLT-
For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight.
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I find the NLT particularly helpful in understanding Paul’s verbose writings! It doesn’t wander from the original text- just uses plainer English.
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From NIV Application Bible:
Romans 2:12-16-
[Paul intends to show that the Jews’ possession of the law does not give them a decisive advantage over the Gentiles. “Law” (v. 12) refers to the Law of Moses. The law was given to Israel, and they were made responsible for it. Therefore, when Jews sin, they sin “under” it. Gentiles, by contrast, sin “apart from” that law. Why can the law not protect the Jews from God’s wrath? Paul explains in v. 13.]
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Romans 2:13-
[This verse again raises the question of whether Paul teaches that people can be put right with God by what they do. But Paul is simply asserting the standard of God’s assessment. No person ever actually meets the standard of obedience required to become right with God.]
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John MacArthur Study Bible notes:
Romans 2:1-16
[Having demonstrated the sinfulness of the immoral pagan (1:18–32), Paul presents his case against the religious moralist—Jew or Gentile—by cataloging 6 principles that govern God’s judgment: 1) knowledge (v. 1); 2) truth (vv. 2, 3); 3) guilt (vv. 4, 5); 4) deeds (vv. 6–10); 5) impartiality (vv. 11–15); and 6) motive (v. 16).]
I’m finding v19 really helpful this week, especially helping me to have patience with my young children. Repeating “quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger” in my head and praying!
I love that! I also need to be much quicker to listen and slower to speak and get angry when it comes to my 2.5-year-old sassy pants son. He’s my miracle baby and truly a gift from God, but he tries my patience, at times. It’s sometimes a struggle to find the right balance of stern and nurturing when dealing with his toddler tantrums, but coming from a place of patient listening and calm is key. Thanks for sharing. Jenny!
Yes, this one for me and in my home as well.
I got married late and did not have children of my own, but many of my friends were helped by a book called “Shepherding Your Child’s Heart” by Tedd Tripp. He talks about a discipleship-based discipline and dealing with the root/heart rather than just behavior modification. You got this young mamas!❤️
Love the idea that the word never stops speaking!