Dave’s Monday Blast – June 24, 2019
The author of the book of James admonishes followers of Christ to “Prove themselves to be doers of the Word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:22). However, to be a doer one must first listen well to instruction from God’s Word. Over the last two weeks we have been examining three types of listeners that James identifies…they are as follows:
1. Deceived Listeners. They “hear” biblical truth but it has no impact on their thinking, attitudes or practices.
2. Distracted Listeners. They “hear” biblical truth and might connect with it emotionally, but once the emotion passes they forget what all the “hype” was about. (James 1:22 & 23)
3. Attentive Listeners. They “hear” biblical truth, they intently examine it, and then abide by it. (James 1:25)
New this week:
4. Obedient Listeners. Rather than becoming a forgetful hearer, these people are “effectual doers” who “will be blessed in what they do” (v.25). They take seriously Christ’s commands to love God and others (Mark 12:30 – 31), serve one another (Galatians 5:13), and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). Their faith isn’t a private matter but the motivating reason for personally ministering to other people by meeting practical, emotional, or spiritual needs.
Dr. Stanley comments, “Spiritual growth isn’t measured merely by how much we know about the Bible but how obedient we are to what we’ve learned. If the instruction we receive isn’t accompanied by involvement in other people’s lives, we haven’t truly grown as we should. Genuine spiritual growth is revealed by increasing Christ-likeness, which is manifested by our selfless love, care, and concern for other people. When we grow in this way, we become better representatives of Christ’s church to the world, as well as better friends for the Christians around us.”
Stanley continues, “As fellow believers, we should motivate each other to “do” God’s Word. The author of the book of Hebrews says, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). While the Spirit may be willing, the flesh is sometimes weak, but working together can inspire us toward greater obedience to the Word. Mutual discipleship is a powerful benefit of belonging to the body of Christ.”
Jesus gave His disciples the following warning and promise: “So take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him” (Luke 8:18).
