The Importance of Obedience

Doers of the Word: The Call to Obedience

Bible Passage: James 1:22–25

On our next session of the "Foundations of the Faith" series, we are diving into a topic that is challenging for most of us to practice: obedience. Previously, we explored how God’s Word is our Guide, The Power of Prayer, and Living in Community. Each of these foundational truths builds on the other. God’s Word guides us, prayer empowers us, and community encourages us—but obedience is where these foundations come to life.

How many of us have heard God’s Word... but found ourselves struggling to actually live it out?

Let me start with a story. There was once a boy who wanted to bake cookies. His mom gave him a recipe, but he decided to change it—adding salt instead of sugar. The result? Salty cookies that no one wanted to eat! Sometimes, we think we know better than God’s "recipe" for our lives. Obedience to His guidance ensures we create the sweetest results, just like following a recipe closely leads to delicious cookies. When we substitute God’s instructions with our own ideas, we end up with something far from the blessings He intended.

"But why is this obedience so critical to our faith? Let’s look at James 1:22–25, where James calls us to be not just hearers of the Word but doers as well. He challenges us to move beyond knowing God's Word to living it out. It's not just about what we hear, but about how we act on what we hear. True faith is demonstrated through obedience. It challenges us to reflect on our actions and align them with God’s teachings, leading us to real transformation. Knowledge of God’s Word is essential, but obedience brings it to life. Why is obedience so challenging?

Fear of the unknown-Sometimes we hesitate because God’s plan doesn’t make sense to us, but we must trust that His way is best.

Pride or self-reliance-We want control, and obedience often feels like surrendering that control. But in surrender, we find God’s peace.

Past hurts or unforgiveness-Obedience can be difficult, especially when God calls us to forgive someone who has deeply hurt us. But forgiveness opens the door to healing and freedom.

I remember a time when God clearly impressed on my heart to forgive someone who had hurt me deeply. I wrestled with it for a while, justifying my reluctance. But when I finally obeyed, the peace and freedom I felt were undeniable. That’s the beauty of obedience—it leads to blessings we can’t foresee.

Christ is the ultimate example of obedience, fulfilling the law and being the Word made flesh. In practicing obedience, we follow His model, as He said John 14:15

John 14:15 NKJV

15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.

Obedience to God’s Word is the true evidence of our faith and the pathway to experiencing His blessings in our lives.

James 1:22–25 NKJV

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

Be Doers, Not Hearers

James 1:22 NKJV

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

James exhorts us to be doers of the Word, not merely hearers. Genuine faith requires active response and action, mirroring Christ’s obedience to the Father’s will. This means integrating biblical teachings into our daily lives and living consistently with our faith.

When we hear the term "doers," we might think of applying our faith occasionally. However, James calls us to be habitual doers—making obedience our regular business. This is obedience that lasts. It’s not just about sitting in the pew and hearing sermons week after week; it’s about taking what we hear and acting on it.

Imagine what would have happened if Noah had only listened to God’s instructions but never acted on them. He obeyed, even when it seemed absurd to those around him. His obedience saved not only himself but his entire family.

What about us? Are there areas in our lives where we merely listen instead of act? When you hear God’s Word—whether through a sermon, Bible study, or personal reading—what is your typical response? Do you act on it, or does it fade away like a distant echo?

Obedience isn’t a one-time event; it’s a daily commitment. Just like a farmer consistently plants, waters, and nurtures crops to see a harvest, we must consistently obey God’s Word to see spiritual growth.

For example, if God’s Word calls us to forgive, do we take steps to reconcile with others? If it calls us to serve, do we look for opportunities to meet others’ needs? Let’s examine our hearts and commit to being doers of the Word.

2. Mirror of Oblivion

James 1:23–24 NKJV

23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.

James compares someone who hears God’s Word but doesn’t act on it to a person who looks in the mirror, sees something that needs attention, but walks away and forgets what they’ve seen. God’s Word holds up a mirror to our hearts, revealing areas that need transformation. But if we just walk away without taking action, we miss the life-changing opportunities He offers. Jesus acted upon every word of God and set a perfect example for us. We must avoid superficial faith and press for deeper, practical engagement with Scripture.

Think about how often we check our appearance in mirrors or selfies throughout the day, ensuring we look presentable. But how often do we check our hearts against God’s Word to ensure we’re spiritually presentable?

2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV

18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

We are to being transformed into the image of Christ was we reflect Him. God’s word serves as a mirror for our hearts.

Let’s ask ourselves: Are we applying what we read in the Bible to our lives daily, or are we treating it as just a feel-good message? Think about one verse or truth you heard recently but didn’t act on. What would it look like if you applied that verse this week? Imagine how it might change your relationships, your work, or your outlook on life.

Jesus emphasized this in Matthew 7:24–27, where He likened those who put His words into practice to a wise man building on a firm foundation. Let’s build our lives on the solid rock of obedience.

3. Liberty in Lawfulness

James 1:25 NKJV

25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

The mirror reveals our need for transformation, but it’s obedience to God’s Word that brings true freedom.True freedom in Christ doesn’t mean doing whatever we want—it means being obedient to His commands, which, paradoxically, is where we find true freedom. Obedience in Christ doesn’t confine us—it liberates us to live fully and joyfully in His will.

Galatians 5:1 NKJV

1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

Think of a kite. It’s only free to soar when tethered to a string. Without the string, it crashes. Similarly, obedience to God’s Word keeps us grounded and allows us to experience true freedom.

Hebrews & James 2. A Contrast of Responses to God’s Command (vv. 22–25)

Verse 25 uses the mirror metaphor with four verbs to picture the response of obedient listeners to God’s message. First, obedient people look intently into the perfect law that gives freedom. This describes someone who gazes at God’s message with a desire to learn. The same verb—translated as bent over—pictures the apostle John staring into Jesus’ empty tomb (John 20:5). John’s look led to an obedient faith (John 20:8).

Second, obedient people continued to do what God said. They put God’s Word into practice and follow through with commitment. Third, obedient listeners do not forget what they hear. Spiritual amnesia never conquers their minds. Fourth, obedient listeners do what God’s message instructs them to do.

Good listening, endurance, clear memory, and obedience characterize committed Christians. They are eager to receive and obey what God tells them to do.

Paul’s transformation on the Damascus road exemplifies this. He wasn’t just a hearer of God’s Word; he became a doer, and the world was turned upside down because of his obedience.

Imagine what our church, families, and community could look like if we all obeyed God’s Word fully. Marriages would heal, friendships would strengthen, and the world would see Christ through us.

As parents, we must model obedience to teach our children. At work or school, we can obey God by being honest in challenging situations, treating difficult coworkers with kindness, or standing up for our faith with grace and love. Are there areas where you’ve delayed obedience, like giving, forgiving someone, or stepping into a ministry role? Trust God and take that step this week.

Conclusion

Before we move into our time of prayer, I want to challenge each of you to think about one area in your life where God is calling you to deeper obedience. It might be a conversation you need to have, a relationship you need to restore, or a step of service you've been avoiding. Ask God to give you the courage to act on that this week.

Obedience isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Remember, Christ’s obedience didn’t just fulfill the law—it opened the way for our salvation. His perfect obedience, credited to us, empowers us to obey. So this week, let’s take one step toward deeper obedience—one step that reflects His love and sacrifice for us. How will you respond to His example today?

Jesus didn’t obey just because it was the right thing to do—He obeyed to fulfill the law on our behalf. His perfect obedience is credited to us, so when we struggle, we don’t have to rely on our own strength. His obedience is the source of our strength to obey.

"Father, we thank You for Your Word that guides us, Your Spirit that empowers us, and Your Son who modeled perfect obedience. Help us to not just hear Your Word but to live it out daily. Give us the courage to act on Your truth and the joy that comes from walking in Your ways. Amen.

As we move into a time of prayer, let’s not just hear these words—let’s act on them together. Obedience starts now, in this moment.

I want to do our invitation a little dirrently today. Yes, we are going to get out of our comfort zone. What we are going to do is turn to our neighbor, or if you feel led, someone else in the room, and As we pray for one another, let’s not only ask for strength, but also for accountability. Share one area where you’re struggling to obey God, and commit to checking in with each other this week. Together, we can encourage one another to walk in obedience. It is time for us to be a church that acts on God’s word, not just hears it. After a few minutes, I will close us in prayer.