James was speaking to believers; he said that they had heard this doctrine; they had believed it; but they were not doing the word. James said they were like someone who looked in a mirror, saw food that had been caught in their teeth and just left it there!
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. DO WHAT IT SAYS. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” (Jam. 1:22-24)
Obedience should always be the bottom line of Bible study or biblical preaching. Correct application must always be built on correct interpretation. But to study the word just to fill your head with knowledge, without applying the word, short-circuits God’s purpose in giving it.
“But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom AND CONTINUES IN IT–not forgetting what they have heard BUT DOING IT—THEY WILL BE BLESSED IN WHAT THEY DO.” (Jam. 1:25)
How can a young man cleanse his way? How can he be saved from what will destroy mind, body, and soul?
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? BY LIVING ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD. I seek you with ALL MY HEART; do not let me stray from your commands. I HAVE HIDDEN YOUR WORD IN MY HEART THAT I MIGHT NOT SIN AGAINST YOU. Praise be to you, LORD; teach me your decrees.” (Psa. 119:9-12)
WE WILL STAY ON COURSE BY LIVING ACCORDING TO AND DOING YOUR WORD!
-Bill Stockham