Doers of the Word: Living as True Disciples By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22, NIV)
Introduction
In a world consumed by self-centeredness and fleeting pursuits, the divine call to be doers of God’s Word, not merely hearers, resonates with profound urgency. The message delivered is a clarion call to authentic discipleship, emphasizing that true followers of Christ are those who actively live out His teachings in humility and obedience. God demands that His people prioritize His kingdom over personal ambitions, following the example of Jesus, who came to build His Father’s kingdom with love, forgiveness, and sacrifice. This lesson explores the transformative power of being doers of the Word, highlighting the dangers of hypocrisy, the necessity of forgiveness, and the eternal rewards of serving God’s kingdom. Through scriptural insights and practical applications, this article unpacks the message, urging believers to live as true disciples, reflecting the love and truth of Christ in a lost and dying world. By aligning our lives with God’s will, we are set free from the bondage of carnality and empowered to shine as witnesses of His eternal kingdom.
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The Call to Be Doers of the Word
God’s command is clear: His people are to be doers of His Word, not merely hearers. Those who hear but fail to obey are deemed unworthy, as their actions reveal a heart that loves self more than God. True discipleship requires active obedience, following the pattern set by Jesus Christ, who lived in complete submission to the Father’s will. This call challenges believers to move beyond passive listening to a lifestyle of action that reflects God’s truth.
“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” (John 14:21, NIV)
Being a doer of the Word means living out God’s commands in every aspect of life—loving others, forgiving enemies, and serving with humility. It is a deliberate choice to prioritize God’s kingdom over personal desires, trusting that obedience leads to eternal rewards. By living as doers, we demonstrate our love for God and become true disciples, worthy of His calling.
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The Example of Jesus’ Humility
Jesus Christ, the ultimate example of obedience, came to earth in humility, seeking not His own glory but the Father’s. His life was a testament to selfless service, as He built God’s kingdom through love, sacrifice, and forgiveness. The message underscores that Jesus did not seek to establish His own kingdom but to lead humanity to the higher kingdom where God reigns. Believers are called to emulate this humility, prioritizing God’s will above all else.
“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.” (Philippians 2:6-7, NIV)
To follow Jesus’ example, believers must reject the temptation to seek earthly recognition or reward. Instead, we are to live with humility, submitting to God’s authority and serving others with love. This humility sets us apart from a world obsessed with self-promotion, enabling us to reflect the character of Christ and draw others to His kingdom.
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The Dangers of Self-Centeredness
The message warns against the peril of choosing self over God, a choice that leads to temporary earthly rewards but eternal condemnation. Multitudes pursue their own ambitions, prospering in the here and now but neglecting the eternal kingdom. Such self-centeredness is a form of idolatry, placing personal desires above God’s will and leading to spiritual death.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21, NIV)
Believers are called to reject the fleeting pleasures of self-centeredness and to choose the eternal life offered by God. This requires a shift in focus from the temporary to the everlasting, trusting that God’s rewards far surpass the achievements of this world. By prioritizing His kingdom, we find true fulfillment and avoid the condemnation that comes from living for self.
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The Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is at the heart of the gospel, as demonstrated by Jesus’ love for His enemies, including Saul, who became Paul. The message highlights that without forgiveness, all are slaves to sin, but through Christ’s sacrifice, humanity is set free. Believers are called to extend this same forgiveness to others, reflecting the mercy they have received and breaking the chains of bitterness.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32, NIV)
Forgiveness is not merely an act but a lifestyle that frees us from the bondage of resentment and aligns us with God’s heart. Like the one leper who returned to give thanks, we are called to respond to God’s mercy with gratitude and service. By forgiving others, we become living witnesses of Christ’s love, drawing others to the freedom found in Him.
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The Call to Serve God’s Kingdom
God’s desire is for souls to be harvested for His eternal kingdom, and He calls His people to be active participants in this mission. The message emphasizes that believers are to serve God with gladness, laboring for His kingdom rather than their own. This service is not a burden but a privilege, offering rewards in this life and the life to come.
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV)
Serving God’s kingdom requires commitment and obedience, responding to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and sharing the gospel with the lost. Like Paul, who was transformed from an enemy to an apostle, we are called to be bold witnesses, trusting God to work through us to reach those bound by sin. Our labor for His kingdom is eternal, bearing fruit that lasts forever.
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The Danger of Hypocrisy
Hypocrisy—hearing the Word but failing to live it—undermines the witness of believers and repels those seeking truth. The message warns that hypocrites are despised by sinners, as their false example betrays the authenticity of the gospel. True disciples are those who live out God’s Word, demonstrating its power through their actions and integrity.
“You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.’” (Matthew 15:7-8, NIV)
To avoid hypocrisy, believers must align their lives with their profession of faith, living as genuine witnesses of Christ. This requires daily surrender to God, allowing His Word to shape our thoughts, words, and deeds. By being doers of the Word, we become credible ambassadors of God’s kingdom, drawing others to the truth.
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Summary
The message is a powerful call to live as true disciples by being doers of God’s Word, not merely hearers. It challenges believers to follow Jesus’ example of humility, reject self-centeredness, and embrace forgiveness as a way of life. God desires His people to serve His eternal kingdom with gladness, laboring to harvest souls and avoiding the pitfalls of hypocrisy. By living out His Word, we reflect the love and truth of Christ, becoming lights in a dark world and fulfilling our calling as His disciples.
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Conclusion
In a generation marked by selfishness and hypocrisy, the call to be doers of God’s Word is both a challenge and a privilege. By following the pattern of Jesus’ humility, extending forgiveness, and serving God’s kingdom, believers can live lives of eternal significance. The message reminds us that God is able to transform even the hardest hearts, as seen in Paul’s conversion, and He empowers us to be His witnesses in a lost world. Let us commit to living as true disciples, obeying His Word and shining His light in every sphere of life.
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Call to Action
Believers are urged to examine their lives and ensure they are doers of God’s Word, not merely hearers. Begin each day with prayer, asking for the strength to live out His commands. Extend forgiveness to those who have wronged you, and serve God’s kingdom with gladness by sharing the gospel with others. Reject hypocrisy by aligning your actions with your faith, and trust God to work through you to reach the lost.
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Final Word of Encouragement
God has called you to a life of purpose and impact as a doer of His Word. Rejoice in the privilege of serving His eternal kingdom, knowing that your labor is not in vain. Trust in His power to transform lives, and walk boldly as His disciple, reflecting His love and truth to a world in need.
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Prayer of Salvation
Heavenly Father, I come before You, recognizing my sin and need for Your mercy. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. I confess my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. I invite Jesus into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to live as a doer of Your Word. Thank You for Your love and the promise of eternal life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
