Be Doers of the Word, Not Hearers Only

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

Introduction:

James, the half-brother of Jesus and leader in the early church, writes with direct and practical wisdom. In James 1:22, he calls out a dangerous form of deception — hearing the Word without obeying it. It’s not enough to just listen to preaching, read the Bible, or memorize Scripture. If we aren’t living out what we learn, we are deceiving ourselves into thinking we are right with God when we may not be.

The Bible is not meant to be information for the mind only; it is revelation that requires a response. Apostolic Pentecostal faith teaches not only believing in the oneness of God, baptism in Jesus’ name, and receiving the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues (Acts 2:38), but also walking in holiness and obedience daily. Our lives must reflect the truth we claim to believe.

James emphasizes that real faith is seen in action. Jesus said in Matthew 7:16, “You will know them by their fruits.” Just as you can identify a tree by what kind of fruit it produces, Christians should be identified by their lifestyle, their speech, their love, and their obedience to God’s Word.

Paul echoes this truth in 2 Corinthians 13:5 when he writes, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” If someone says they believe, but there’s no transformation or obedience, then that belief is dead (see James 2:17). Faith must produce works, not for salvation, but as the evidence of salvation.

Modern Example: Bart Ehrman

Consider Dr. Bart Ehrman, a well-known New Testament scholar who teaches about the Bible in academic settings but identifies as an agnostic or atheist. Though he can quote Scripture and explain its historical context better than most, he does not believe in its divine inspiration or live by its teachings.

James would say Ehrman is an example of someone who hears the word — even teaches it — but is not a doer of it. This illustrates James’ warning: knowledge without obedience is self-deception. Knowing Scripture intellectually means nothing without submission to it.

Likewise, in the church today, some may attend services, shout “Amen,” and know Acts 2:38 by heart, but still live like the world. If there’s no repentance, no holiness, and no fruit, it raises the question: do they really believe?

Conclusion:

God is calling us to live out His Word, not just listen to it. Being Apostolic is more than doctrine — it’s a way of life. When we receive the Holy Ghost, we are empowered to walk in righteousness and bear fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Let us not be like those who look in a mirror and forget what they saw (James 1:23-24) but let us continue in the Word and be blessed in our deeds (James 1:25).

Ask yourself today: Am I truly living what I believe? Is there evidence, is there fruit that shows I belong to Jesus?