Study of James
Lesson # 7
The Word Of God & Maturity - # 2
Introduction
As James continues with the thought of God’s positive action in our lives through the word of God, he adds that not only must we have the proper attitude as we approach the word, but the proper actions. Be doers of the word & not hearers only. To conquer temptation & trials we must go beyond hearing & put God’s words into action. Contrary to what many think, we must not only hear the word of God, but we must also live it.
1. Do not merely listen to the word.
a. Some think that merely attending & listening to the word of God being
expounded is enough, that somehow that makes one a good Christian.
1) They shut their eyes to the fact that what is read & heard must be lived
in our daily lives.
2) Faithful attendance & diligent Bible study is just part of being a
Christian. The really important thing is to turn that which we have
heard & learned from God’s word into actions in our everyday
lives.
3) To do anything less is to deceive ourselves.
b. There are many who sit under the Word of God week after week, and they
learn and know as much of the Word as anyone. They think that their
listening and learning makes them acceptable to God, that it makes them
safe and secure.
1) When they slip into sin, they feel that they can ask God for forgiveness
and that He will forgive them. They just feel that God would never
reject them.
2) But note something, the most critical fact: God does not accept us
because we hear and know the Word nor because we confess our
sins. Each of these are necessary and very important, but they are
not enough.
3) God accepts us because we confess and repent.
* Repentance means that we turn away from our sins and turn to
God.
* God accepts us because we turn to Him and live for Him.
* When we believe God—really believe Him—then we trust and
follow Him and do exactly what He says.
c. Other scriptures
1) Mt.7:24-27 – two foundations (rock & sand)
2) Heb.4:2 – must be combined with faith
3) Lk.11:27,28 – blessed are those who hear & obey
4) Rev.1:3 – blessed are ones who read, hear & take to heart
5) Rev.22:7 - blessed are ones who keep words of this prophecy
6) Rom.2:13 – not those who hear that are righteous – those who obey
2
d. Deceive selves – irrational & fallacious reasoning
2. Portrait of one who merely hears & does not follow through with obedience.
a. Looks at self in mirror & goes away
1) The emphasis in the Greek emphasize a continuing & sustained state
2) He merely looks but takes no action to correct – moves on
b. Immediately forgets
1) Because he makes no effort to practice what he heard it soon fades from
his memory. The word never becomes a part of his life.
2) When we hear the word of God & are convicted we must act quickly or
Satan will distract us & the word has no effect in our lives.
3. The one who looks intently into the perfect law
a. Looks intently – to examine thoroughly & minutely
1) Like one bending over to get a closer look – Jn.20:5,11
2) Like angels who longed to look at salvation in Jesus – 1 Pet.1:12
3) James refers to doing more than just glance at the word, its careful
examination & scrutiny.
b. Perfect law that gives freedom
1) James is referring to the word of God
* James 1:18 – the word of truth
* 1 Cor.9:21; Gal.6:2 – the law of Christ
* Rom.3:27 – the law of faith
2) James does not use the definite article suggesting nature & quality, not
the OT Law.
* It is the body of truth, the standard by which the Christian life is
lived.
* It is the spirit of the law as interpreted by Jesus & expounded
upon by the apostles.
3) Sin enslaves, but the word of God (Christ) sets us free
* Jn.8:32-36 – abide in my words = know truth & set free
* 2 Cor.3:17 – where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom
* Rom.8:2 - Christians are set free from the law of sin & death
4) Although free, we are still accountable – Gal.5:13; 1 Pet.2:16
c. Continues to do this – perseveres in intently looking & obeying
4. Application
a. God’s word is to be obeyed & applied, not just studied & meditated about.
b. It is so much more than a philosophy or a collection of writings
c. 2 Tim.3:16,17 – it comes from God & is meant to be applied daily – beneficial
d. However, it is only beneficial when it is obeyed fully. (partial truth destroys)