James 1: 22-25 - True Freedom and Blessings Comes In Your Deeds

"Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard but doing it- he will be blessed in what he does."

Part 1 verse 22

It is not enough to actively listen to God's word but it is also very important to do what it says. The bible says very clearly that one must be a doer and not just a hearer that one must listen to God's word and respond in active obedience.

The word 'deceive' is the Greek word 'paralogizomai' which means 'to cheat or deceive by false reasoning'.
The deception comes when we think that just by listening and growing in our knowledge of God's word is sufficient enough but that is only the beginning. It must be followed through in our actions and deeds.

Part 2 verse 23- 24
The bible uses the analogy of a man looking into the mirror(the word of God), and sees the places where he should change and the right path that he should walk in. But the moment he turns away, he forgets what he ought to do and hence the power and grace given to him to walk with God is not used.

The verse says 'immediately forgets' shows us that this man hears and grows in knowledge but at the same time has this 'spiritual absent mindedness' that robs him of the true freedom and blessings that comes from God's word.

Part 3 verse 25

The way to handle the word of God involves a very important step and that is to have an intent and a sustained look with a readiness to respond to it is the key to spiritual strength and continues maturity.

The word 'looks intently into' (Greek:parakypsas) means 'to stoop down down' in order to have a good close look.

The paradox that one must note here is the verse 'the Law that gives freedom'. As we know, the law has its rules and regulations and suggests some form of a restraint and a lack of freedom. But God's law is not restrictive but we can through it be propelled into real freedom.
In John 8:31-32, Christ says ,'Hold on to my teaching, then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.'

When we follow God's word, we will find tru freedom and be bless by God who gives us the grace to obey Him. Isn't that wonderful? HALLELUJAH!

Important Note :
I have chosen based on my study from 'The Bible Knowledge Commentary' by John F.Walvoord and Roy B.Zack and selectively re-typed some of the more important parts, together with some of my own additional explanation to make this study simpler to digest and understand. My re-phrasing does not show a different meaning to what was originally written.