How does Ezekiel 3:27 connect with James 1:22 about being doers of the word? Hearing and Responding: Ezekiel’s Commission • Ezekiel 3:27: “But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you shall say to them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’ Whoever will hear, let him hear; and whoever will refuse, let him refuse; for they are a rebellious house.” • God opens Ezekiel’s mouth, showing that hearing His voice leads immediately to speaking—and therefore acting—on His message. • The hearer’s responsibility is clear: either receive the word and obey or reject it and bear the consequences (cf. Deuteronomy 30:19). • Silence is not an option for the prophet; obedience means communicating God’s word regardless of response (Jeremiah 20:9). Doing Versus Deceiving: James’ Charge • James 1:22: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” • True hearing is validated by action; passive listening leads to self-deception. • James echoes Jesus’ teaching: “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28; cf. Matthew 7:24-27). • The same two-way choice Ezekiel presented—hear and obey, or hear and refuse—appears here, applied to every believer. Connecting the Two Passages 1. Same divine expectation – Ezekiel: Speak what God says. – James: Do what God says. 2. Same audience response required – Ezekiel: “Whoever will hear, let him hear.” – James: “Be doers … not hearers only.” 3. Same warning against self-deception – Ezekiel’s rebels thought they could ignore God’s word with impunity. – James says hearers-only “deceive” themselves into thinking they are obedient. 4. Same outcome of obedience – Ezekiel 18:9: “He follows My statutes … he will surely live.” – James 1:25: “The one who perseveres … this one will be blessed in what he does.” Practical Takeaways for Today • Receive the Word—Scripture, sermons, personal study—as God’s voice opening your mouth and hands for action. • Move immediately from insight to obedience; delayed obedience is practical refusal (Psalm 119:60). • Measure faith by follow-through: What command of God did I obey today? (John 13:17). • Share truth faithfully like Ezekiel; live it consistently like James, demonstrating that authentic hearing always produces visible doing (1 John 2:3-5). |
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