What does "follow it" teach about obedience to God's commands in our lives? Scripture Snapshot James 1:22: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Core Lesson: Obedience Is Active • God’s word is not merely to be admired or analyzed; it is meant to be followed. • “Doers” (Greek: poiētai) describes continuous, habitual action—living Scripture out in daily choices. • Hearing without obeying leads to self-deception. We can think we are spiritually healthy while quietly ignoring God’s clear commands (cf. Ezekiel 33:31–32). Why Obedience Matters • Love proves itself through obedience (John 14:15). • Obedience brings blessing and protection (Luke 11:28; Deuteronomy 5:33). • Disobedience breaks fellowship and forfeits joy (1 John 1:6; John 15:10-11). • The watching world measures the reality of our faith by the consistency of our walk (Matthew 5:16). The Two Paths James Highlights 1. Hearer-only – Collects sermons, podcasts, and Bible facts. – Fails to translate knowledge into action. – Lives under an illusion of progress while staying spiritually stagnant. 2. Doer – Receives truth with a willing heart (James 1:21). – Immediately integrates it into speech, relationships, finances, and private thought life. – Experiences ongoing transformation and assurance (James 1:25; 1 John 2:3-6). Practical Ways to “Follow It” Today • Read with the intent to obey: before opening the Bible, decide that whatever God shows, you will put into practice. • Start small, stay specific: identify one command from today’s reading and act on it before day’s end (e.g., forgive, encourage, give, repent). • Pair Scripture with accountability: share what you’re obeying with a trusted believer (Hebrews 10:24). • Replace delay with immediacy: “I hastened and did not delay to keep Your commandments” (Psalm 119:60). • Pray as you go: ask the Spirit for strength to walk out each step (Galatians 5:16-18). The Promised Outcome • “He will be blessed in what he does” (James 1:25). The blessing is not merely material; it is the deep satisfaction of walking in harmony with God’s will. • Obedience keeps our hearts tender, our witness bright, and our fellowship with the Lord unbroken (1 Samuel 15:22; John 15:14). Final Thought Taking God’s word at face value and immediately conforming our lives to it is the life-pattern Scripture commends and James commands. Hear it, believe it, and—above all—follow it. |
    |