warm-up

Name a hobby you only recently picked up.

Share a dream you have for yourself this year.

What is one thing you wished you learned to do early in life?

word

22But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. James 1:22-25

As we read Scripture, we will find an abundance of promises. Many of us want to see God’s promises unfold in our lives. However, there is an important step in seeing such things come to pass—application. We will not experience the transforming power of the Word unless we are willing to go under the authority of God and put His Words in action. Transformation is a fruit of obedience to God and His Word. When God gives a promise, there is usually a premise. In the book of James, believers are exhorted to hear, study, and obey the Word.

1
Hear the Word.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22

When the book of James was written, the Bible we have now didn’t exist yet. Many people were also illiterate at that time, so they could not understand the written manuscripts. For this reason, the Word of God was often preached and listened to. Hearing the Word is the first step in applying the Word. God created the universe, including man, through His words. This means that we were created to respond to His Word. We cannot respond and apply the Word to our lives if we do not hear about it. How has your appreciation to the Word increased as you grow in your walk with God?

2
Study the Word.

But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty . . . James 1:25

To understand the will of God, it is also essential to take time to examine Scripture. It is in studying that we discover truths, commands, promises, and examples in God’s Word. We cannot obey God fully if we do not study Scripture. Throughout the Bible, we can also see many verses encouraging us to meditate on the Word. This is an invitation for us interact with the Word and to think about it, so we could know God and apply His will in our lives. How has your knowledge of the Word and of God grown since you’ve devoted your time studying the Scriptures?

3
Obey the Word.

. . . and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. James 1:25

God did not make Scripture only with the thought of adding more knowledge to His people. He wrote Scripture so we will know His will and obey His commands. He desires to see transformation in our lives, and change will only happen when we put the Word into action. Hearing and studying the Word are not enough. What God requires of us is obedience. Obedience leads us to His will and it is the key to see His Words come to life in our realities. What does James 1:23,24 say about a man who hears the Word, but does not do what it says?

application

What is one thing you can do to improve the habit of hearing God’s Word in your life this week?

How do you study God’s Word everyday? Who can help you grow in your devotion to His Word?

How is God telling you to obey His Word this week? Who are you encouraging to follow and obey His Word? How are you doing this?

prayer

Thank God for revealing His will and promises to us through Scripture.

Pray that God will give you the grace to hear, study, and obey His Word every day.

Believe for the transforming power of God to be evident in your life as you obey His Word. Pray that this will open doors for you to preach the gospel to your family and friends.

© 2018 by VICTORY®
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Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), Copyright © 2001
by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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