THEMES FROM SELECTED EPISTLES a) Explain James's advice to Christians to be doers of the word and not hearers only ( 11 marks ) (b) State two factors that h...

Answer Details

(a) James's advice to be doers of the word and not hearers only

In his epistle, James urged Christians to put their faith into practice. He first advised that every man should be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger, for the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God.

He told them to put away all filthiness and wickedness and to receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save their souls. Then came his central charge: "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."

James illustrated this with the picture of a mirror. Anyone who hears the word but does not do it is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, then goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law of liberty and perseveres, being no hearer that forgets but a doer that acts, shall be blessed in his doing.

He warned that if anyone thinks he is religious, yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, that person's religion is vain (worthless). He then defined true religion in practical terms: "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."

The whole teaching stresses that genuine faith must be shown by obedient action and good works, not merely by listening to or professing the word.

(b) Two factors that hinder Christians from doing the will of God

1. Worldly desires and temptations - love of wealth, pleasure and material things draws Christians away from obeying God.
2. Fear and weakness of faith - fear of persecution, ridicule or loss, together with a weak or lukewarm faith, prevents Christians from carrying out God's will.