E-Free Church - Gaylord Campus
When we take steps forward we make progress! In our message series, STEPS, we will all look to take a step forward in 5 areas of growth in our walk with the Lord.
The Christian life is like swimming upstream. You only have two strokes. Without both strokes, you go backwards
Stroke #1 – Bible Reading
Stroke #2 - Prayer
2 Timothy 2:15 NASB1995
Be diligent = To give diligence by exerting yourself; The idea of giving great effort
Yourself = Singular; Command is for each believer
James 1:22-25 NASB1995
How to RESPOND to the Word properly (James 1:22-25)
The PRINCIPLE involved (v22)
We are to be doers of the Word (Present imperative = We are commanded to continually be doers of the Word)
Listening to the Word is not enough – deluding ourselves into thinking we are growing spiritually when we are not
Jesus taught the same principle (Luke 11:28)
Luke 11:28 NASB1995
The PROBLEM involved (v23-24)
Hearing the Word without doing the Word is likened to a man who looks at himself in a mirror but does nothing to fix his appearance
Once he leaves the mirror, he no longer remembers what he looks like and, as a result, no improvements are made
To listen to the Word but not obey it results in no spiritual improvements being made in one’s life
The PROFIT involved (v25)
In contrast, James now describes the one who is a doer, not just a hearer of the Word
We need to look intently into the Word (this word was used of Peter stooping down to get a better look in the empty tomb in Luke 24:12)
We need to be an effectual doer of the Word – to remain in the activity; give full attention to; stay with it
The man who hears & does is blessed in all of his ways
We need to put on our spiritual SPECS
SINS to avoid
PROMISES to claim
EXAMPLES to follow
COMMANDS to obey
STATEMENTS about God
How to REPRESENT the Word properly (1:26-27)
The Word changes your CONVERSATION with others
The Word changes your CONCERN for others
The Word changes your CONDUCT before others
WHAT STEP WILL YOU TAKE?
Step 1: Read one chapter in the book of James
Step 2: Read the entire book of James daily
Step 3: Read the entire book of James and memorize a verse daily