James 1:25

Today (after seeing verses 22-24) we finally see the difference stated between one who only hears and one who is an effectual doer. Verse 22 said,

But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. James 1:22

The difference between a hearer and a doer is twofold. Not only does the doer look intently at the perfect law of liberty (instead of himself), he also abides by it (remains beside it, continues always near). This aligns with Psalm 1:

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:1-2

We must realize that the law of the Lord mentioned by the Psalmist  is the same as the perfect law of liberty but from two different historical perspectives. The law of the Lord pointed to Christ and the law of liberty is Christ:

But their minds were hardened; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed in Christ. But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart; but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:14-17

Both the law of the Lord and the law of liberty are perfect (given by God) but we can fail in our desire to become doers by failing to do it God’s way. This is extremely important to note! The Jew had failed in seeing this:

For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their [Jews] own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. Romans 10:3-4

They figured they could walk righteously before God in their efforts without faith:

Therefore, since it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly had good news preached to them failed to enter because of disobedience…Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:6, 11

A hearer is one who listens to the law of liberty but never experiences it since he does not abide by it (walking by faith). He hears the truth but only imagines (deceived) himself performing (doer) it. Yet the doer is one who hears the law of liberty, holds it dear and remains near to it.

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Galatians 5:18

So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Galatians 3:5

Essentially the difference is that one (doer) is spiritual in his walk while the hearer would be either an unbeliever (never exercised faith in the Gospel at all) or a carnal believer (walking according to the flesh) and is trying in his best intentions to be righteous in his walk. He has placed himself under the Law voluntarily and becomes a slave to it:

For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them.” Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, “The righteous man shall live by faith.” Galatians 3:10-11

The moment a person places their trust in Jesus Christ, they are baptized (identified)  into Christ. His righteousness becomes ours. The work that Jesus Christ did becomes our work. His death becomes our death, his burial ours, His resurrection is also ours that we might walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:3-4). This is only a reality to the person who comes to God by faith not by works. He becomes a doer of the word.

For in it [the Gospel] the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.” Romans 1:17

Now, having been placed in Christ (declared righteous), we walk by faith which results in being doers not merely hearers. Happy is the man who practices this!

James 1:22

James says to rid ourselves of distractions (v. 21), be quick to listen (v. 19)  and receive the Word (v. 21).

The idea here is that we not remain listeners only. The word James uses for hearers is ἀκροατής (akroates – noun). This is a word used of people coming to hear a public speaker. It could also refer to a disciple or pupil. An audience.

The other verb in the verse is the word prove and it is in the imperative mood, therefore we should see it as a command. This word could be translated ‘come into being’ or ‘become’.  What are we to become? We are to become doers of the Word. The word used for doers (noun) is very interesting.  In Acts 17:28 it is translated ‘poet’. The famous Greek poet was called a doer. It was used for the composer of music, the painter, the author of a speech, the deliverer of it, the inventor as well to describe a workman. It apparently was a title given to performers, to the genuine article as it were. The doer is placed in contrast to a person in the audience who merely entertains the notion of being a performer in his mind. This person is deluded. Interestingly, Paul makes use of these same words in Romans for justification (saved from the penalty of sin).

for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified. Romans 2:13

By faith in Christ (who was the perfect doer of the law), we are identified by God as doers as well since He sees us in Christ. The person who has trusted by faith in Jesus Christ alone for his salvation becomes identified with Christ and is therefore a doer of the law (righteous).

James is making use of these words to show us that sanctification (for the believer) is similar. We should become doers, performers or speakers of the word and not merely one of the audience.

The person who takes this verse with an incorrect understanding, will end up trying to do good works for God. The verse is not saying this. We should realize that those of the audience (hearers) merely come to observe the performer (doer). They are entertained and can pretend to be something by watching the doer but they aren’t the doer. There is a difference between one of the audience and the performer.

As you come to spend time with God and through a growing understanding of His Word, He will renew your mind to an understanding of who He has declared you to be. This is your new reality, who you really are. You were not reborn to be part of the audience but to perform. God wants to use you and He will if you walk by faith in Christ and His work, declaring you His child.