Be Doers of the Word: Living Out James 1:22

Podcast: Anchored in the Word with Dave Jenkins Show: Servants of Grace Podcast Network

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Episode Summary

Many Christians are surrounded by Bible content. We read Scripture, listen to sermons, podcasts, and teachings, yet often struggle to actually apply what we hear. In this episode of Anchored in the Word, Dave Jenkins walks through James 1:22 and the call to be doers of the Word, not hearers only. We look at why hearing without obedience leads to self-deception, how the Holy Spirit helps us, and practical steps for putting Scripture into practice in everyday life.

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Listen to the Episode

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Key Scripture

James 1:22 – “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

• James 1:22–25
• John 15–16
• Matthew 22:39
• Selected passages from Proverbs on wisdom and understanding

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Episode Highlights

1. Hearing Versus Doing

• Many Christians regularly hear Scripture, but James draws a clear line between hearing and doing.
• Hearing alone can create an illusion of spiritual growth if it is never translated into action.
• Illustration: reading an instruction manual but never assembling the furniture, the knowledge does not produce the intended result.

2. The Danger of Self Deception

• James warns that those who hear the Word without doing it “deceive” themselves.
• James 1:23–24 compares this to looking in a mirror, then walking away and forgetting what you saw.
• It is possible to confuse exposure to truth with obedience to truth.

3. Doctrine That Leads to Life

• Doctrine is teaching, and the source of sound doctrine is the Word of God.
• Sound doctrine is meant to lead to sound living, it should shape decisions, relationships, work, home, and church life.
• This applies to every believer, whether or not you have formal theological training.

4. Wisdom, Understanding, and Application

• Scripture gives us both wisdom and understanding. Wisdom knows that God’s Word is true and trustworthy.
• Understanding asks how this truth applies to our hearts, our habits, our relationships, and our witness.
• James reads like New Testament wisdom literature, calling us to bring truth home into every area of life.

5. The Blessing of Obedience

• James 1:25 speaks of the one who looks into the perfect law, perseveres, and acts. That person “will be blessed in his doing.”
• Obedience is not a cold checklist, it is the fruit of union with Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.
• True obedience begins in the heart and results in real change in how we live, love, forgive, and stand firm in the truth.

6. Practical Ways to Be a Doer of the Word

• Start small: When you read a passage, identify one concrete way to respond in your day.
• Obey in the ordinary: Look for everyday places to apply Scripture, in your home, work, church, and private life.
• Reflect, then act: Before you close your Bible or finish a sermon, ask, “What is one thing I can do with this truth this week?”
• See Scripture as personal and sufficient: God has given His Word to address your grief, suffering, joy, anxiety, and daily decisions.
• Grow in application for the sake of others: As you learn to apply God’s Word to your own heart, you will grow in evangelism, discipleship, and counseling others.

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Reflection and Application

1. Where in your life have you been mostly a hearer of the Word rather than a doer?
2. What is one passage of Scripture that God keeps bringing to mind that you need to obey today?
3. How can you build a simple habit of asking, “How should I live differently because of what I just read or heard?”
4. Who in your life might benefit from you gently sharing how God is teaching you to apply His Word?

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Connect and Stay Encouraged

If this episode encouraged you, please consider:

• Subscribing to the Anchored in the Word segment of the Servants of Grace podcast.
• Leaving a rating or review so others can find the show.
• Sharing this episode with a friend who wants to grow in applying Scripture.
• Visiting Anchored in the Word page at Servants of Grace or at our YouTube.

May the Lord help you not only to hear His Word, but to do it by His grace and in the strength of the Holy Spirit.