James 1:22 says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” This verse teaches us that it’s not enough just to hear God’s Word – we need to put it into practice. Let’s explore what it means to be “doers of the Word.”
1. Hearing the Word isn’t enough – we must obey it
James makes it clear that merely listening to the Word, without obeying it, is meaningless. In the original Greek, “hearers only” refers to careless or inattentive hearing. It’s easy to hear a sermon or read the Bible without really paying attention or taking its message to heart. But God wants more than passive hearers – He wants obedient followers who put His teachings into daily practice.
Jesus said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28). And James says if we merely listen without obeying, we are “deceiving ourselves.” Just hearing God’s Word is not enough – we must submit to it and follow its instructions. As James will say later, “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17). Our actions prove whether we truly believe and obey God’s Word.
2. Obedience to the Word demonstrates saving faith
James argues that true, saving faith will necessarily result in obedience and righteous actions. He asks, “Can that faith save him?” when speaking of someone who does not live out their stated faith (James 2:14). The answer is no – merely professing faith, without obeying God’s commands, cannot save.
But the one who hears the Word and puts it into practice demonstrates the reality of their faith. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). And John writes, “By this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments” (1 John 2:3). Obeying God’s Word shows that our faith is alive and genuine.
3. We must persevere in obedience, not just have occasional obedience
It’s possible to obey God’s Word in a partial, haphazard manner. We can’t just pick and choose which Scriptures to follow. James compares this to looking in a mirror but then immediately forgetting what you see (James 1:23-24). Just a glance at the mirror of God’s Word is not enough – we must continually look into it and apply its teachings.
To be doers of the Word requires persevering obedience day after day. It shapes our entire lifestyle, not just an occasional act here and there. Jesus said, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love” (John 15:10). The word “abide” implies an ongoing, lifelong obedience – not an occasional, short-lived effort.
4. We obey by the power of the Holy Spirit
How can we find the power to obey God’s Word consistently? By relying on the Holy Spirit working within us. Ezekiel 36:27 says God puts His Spirit in us so that we will obey His laws. The Spirit enlightens Scripture, convicts of sin, strengthens against temptation, and empowers righteous living.
Paul says God writes His laws on believers’ hearts by the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 3:3). Just as God supernaturally enabled the biblical writers, the Spirit helps us obey His Word. By submitting to the Spirit’s leading, we can follow James’s command: “be doers of the word.”
5. Putting the Word into practice blesses us
James notes that the one who obeys God’s Word will be “blessed in his doing” (James 1:25). When we humbly submit to Scripture, we will find its teachings are “profitable for teaching” and lead to blessing (2 Tim. 3:16). Wisdom literature like Proverbs and Psalms repeatedly connect obedient living with happiness.
While obeying God’s Word requires self-denial and sacrifice at times, ultimately it is the path to joy. His commands are for our good, not to restrict us (Deut. 10:13). The more we align our lives with Scripture, the more we will experience the benefits of following our Designer’s instructions.
6. We must help each other obey the Word through accountability
Obeying the Bible must not be solely an individual effort – we need encouragement and accountability from other believers. James 5:16 says to “confess your sins to one another and pray for one another,” and Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us to meet together for mutual edification.
The body of Christ is designed to build itself up “until we all attain to the unity of the faith” (Eph. 4:13). We should use our spiritual gifts to help each other understand and obey God’s Word. Families should also study the Bible together and encourage obedience.
7. We demonstrate the Word through love and service
James highlights two important ways to live out God’s Word – through controlling our speech and through acts of service. He warns that disobeying the Word in our speech shows “worthless” religion (James 1:26). And he defines true religion as visiting widows and orphans (James 1:27).
1 John 3:18 also connects obeying God’s Word with love and service: “let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” As Jesus taught in the parable of the Good Samaritan, obeying the command to love our neighbor will require practical sacrifice and generosity.
8. Entire congregations must strive to be doers of the Word
While each individual is responsible for personal obedience, James’s letter is addressed to a body of believers. He holds the entire church accountable to accurately understand and obey the Word. Elders must teach sound doctrine, and members must pursue holiness together.
Paul commanded Timothy to ensure the church in Ephesus knew “how one ought to behave in the household of God” (1 Tim. 3:15). Across the New Testament, obedience to God’s Word is a collective effort among Christ’s followers, not only a personal pursuit.
9. Doers of the Word pay close attention to specific commands
To obey Scripture, we need to pay close attention to the details of biblical commands. For example, Paul urges careful study so believers can “present yourself to God as one approved” (2 Tim. 2:15). Joshua 1:8 commands meditating on Scripture “day and night.”
Jesus criticized the Pharisees for neglecting the weighty matters of justice, mercy and faith (Matt. 23:23). We can’t claim to obey God’s Word if we ignore or downplay key teachings. Diligent study is required to rightly understand and apply the specific instructions.
10. The Word exposes our disobedience and need for grace
As we study Scripture, the Holy Spirit uses its commands to show us areas of disobedience. The Word serves as a mirror reflecting our need for God’s grace to cleanse and change us. James compares it to looking in a mirror and seeing dirt on our face (James 1:23).
But Scripture does not just reveal sin – it points us to the solution. As Paul says in 2 Timothy 3:15, the Bible is able to make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ. Only He can fully empower obedience. The Word shows our need for grace and points us to the Cross.
In summary, being doers of God’s Word means persevering in obedience to biblical commands, through the Spirit’s power, out of love for Christ. This demonstrates true salvation and leads to blessing. Scripture exposes our need for grace while providing wisdom to follow God’s instructions. As James urges, we must not merely listen to the Word, but put it into action.
