James 1:23-25 - They will be blessed in what they do

1:23,24

Listening and not acting deceives us. We have learnt nothing and gained nothing, except possibly a warm feeling for a short time. The word of God speaks the truth and shines a light on our lives. It exposes what is wrong and what needs to change. It also encourages us to change. So if we hear the word and do nothing we are really being foolish. The word of God is given in order to promote change. And having been shown what we are like, and then doing nothing is not a sensible way to go.

1:25

The law gives freedom. Now what is Jame referring to here when he speaks of the “perfect law”? It must include the Law of the Old Testament, but also the “law” of the gospel. The two are not opposed to each other. The Law could only highlight sin, tell us what is right and wrong, good and bad. The gospel brings freedom, for it reveals how a sinful man or woman can possibly gain eternal life. Without the gospel the Law brings only condemnation, setting a standard that we cannot possibly attain to. The gospel sets us free to be who we were always meant to be. So if we continue in the word we will “be blessed in what we do”.