But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. – James 1:22
After the American Civil War, slavery was abolished, but the lives of many did not change immediately. Taskmasters disregarded the reality of freedom’s law and persisted in claiming authority over the free but uninformed and broken people. There is a similar dynamic at play in your spiritual life. Freedom has been secured for every person by the blood of Jesus Christ, but many still find themselves shackled to sin.
To be a “doer” of God’s word means reclaiming the authority previously possessed by the power of sin in your life. The apostle Paul addresses the mechanics of claiming that freedom: “wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24). Notice he asks WHO not WHAT will rescue me?
Counseling programs and small groups, accountability, and self-discipline cannot rescue you from sin. While each of these may assist you along the way, only the resurrection power of Jesus Christ through the grace of God can turn the key and release you from the chains of bondage. As a participant in the “law of liberty” (James 1:25), you may exercise the power of Christ to lead you out of old habits into new desires. This transforms you into a doer of God’s word, practicing God’s way of living.
Pray for the men and women who serve in public office in America who suffer in the bondage of sin. Pray that the Lord sends messengers of hope with the good news of Jesus Christ to release them today.
Today’s Verse: James 1:22
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Romans 8:2-6
2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
