Main Point
God’s Word is full of information that we need to know, but unless we are being transformed by it we are missing the point. We are to receive the Word and then apply it to our lives as doers of the Word.
"19 My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, 20 for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. 21 Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save your souls."
James 1:19-21 CSB
Receive the Word (James 1:19-21)
We have two ears and one mouth, which is a reality that can help us remember we should listen twice as much as we speak, especially when we are talking about hearing the Word of God.
While the world offers numerous and continual distractions, sometimes the voices that are distracting us from hearing God are the ones in our own heads.
"22 But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like someone looking at his own face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of person he was. 25 But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer who works — this person will be blessed in what he does."
James 1:22-25 CSB
Be Hearers and Doers (James 1:22-25)
The goal is to let God’s Word sink deeply into our lives and take root so that it can live and grow.
If you call yourself a Christian and don’t put the Word into practice, you are deceiving yourself.
"1 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.
2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God."Romans 12:1-2 CSB
Be Transformed (Romans 12:1-2)
In presenting your body as a living sacrifice the implication is that you are not only a willing sacrifice, but you are also an ongoing sacrifice. This is not a one time only offering. We are to offer ourselves daily on the altar of sacrifice so that we are living for Him, hearing the Word and doing the Word, and not living according to our selfish desires or sin nature.
Conformation is easier, quicker, and gains more accolades from the world. Transformation takes intentionality and time and draws persecution more than celebration from the world. But the rewards of transformation are life changing and eternal.