Scripture to Read: Matthew 5:19
Jesus continued in Matthew 5:19, saying of God’s Commands, “but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Walking in God’s commands is the path that always leads to life. Walking in obedience to God’s Truth is not always the easiest path, and sometimes it will be the hardest to walk, but it is the most fulfilling. God tells us to be “doers” of His Word and not just “hearers” in Matthew 7:24–27, Luke 6:46–49, Romans 2:13, James 1:22–25, and James 2:14–20. Many people sit in worship services throughout this country and “hear” the Word of God preached every week, but they walk away unchanged. They heard the Word but did not allow God’s Word to penetrate their heart to be transformed by God’s Word. People treat the Word of God like a cookbook today. If we read a recipe in a cookbook, we have our appetite stirred by the recipe, but if we do nothing with the recipe, we still walk away empty and hungry. God’s Word is treated much like the cookbook. People hear the Word of God preached, or maybe even they’ll read God’s Word, but if God’s Word is not allowed to penetrate their minds and hearts, they will walk away empty and hungry. Only those who apply God’s Word after they read it, or it is taught to them, are the ones who are changed by God’s Word. Being a “doer” of God’s Word brings incredible blessings, so never settle for anything less than being a “doer.”
Challenge & Application
· Why do so many people treat the Word of God like a cookbook?
· How are you being a “doer” of God’s Word and not simply a “hearer?”
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!