Memorise: But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James 1:22
Read: James 1:22-25(KJV)
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
Bible in one year: Psalm 119, Haggai 2, Sing Hymn 3
Message:-
God expects His chosen generation to live by His word. Speaking on the source and purpose of the word, the Holy Spirit says in 2nd Timothy 3:16:
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
Sometimes one is left to wonder if the modern Church still accepts the Bible as a relevant, suitable and adequate source of doctrine, correction and receiving instruction in righteousness. Do churches still see any reason to reprove their members today? Do we still consider the word of God as a means of correcting our ways? These are questions we need to ponder today. What is doctrine? Basically, Christian doctrine is simply the teachings of the Christian faith, and they are very important to living life as a Christian. What place did doctrines have in the early church? We are told in Acts 2:42:
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
Not only did the believers live by the doctrines taught by the apostles, it was also reported that they propagated these doctrines. The high priest said to the apostles in Acts 5:28:
“…behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine…”
While commending the Christians in Rome, Paul wrote in Romans 6:17:
“But God be thanked, that ye were servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
From this verse, we understand that there was a definite “form of doctrine” delivered to the saints. How was this received? Paul testifies that they “obeyed from the heart”; in other words, by faith and not by reason.
Another function of God’s word is to serve as an instrument of reproof. Sadly, some modern day Christians do not like to be admonished. The state of a person’s heart is best tested by the effect reproof has on it. A good man with a humble mind will be submissive and thankful whenever his or her faults are pointed out. Beloved, we must be submissive to the correction being meted to us in God’s word by our parents, guardians or spiritual mentors.
There are three principles we ought to apply to corrections from God’s word in order to reap its benefits. First and foremost, self-correction is very vital for our spiritual wellbeing, as seen in the case of the publican in Luke 18:13-14. Secondly, when corrected by others, we must avoid trying to justify ourselves instead of reflecting on the message being conveyed (Proverbs 28:13, Proverbs 29:1). Lastly, when correcting others, the most effective method that will rescue and heal must be applied (James 5:19-20). Are you walking in these principles?
Prayer Point:Father, please make me an obedient doer of Your word, in Jesus’ Name.
Open Heavens Daily Devotional Lessons was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical Churches in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.
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