They will be blessed in what they do
James 1:25 - Those who pursue unflagging study and application of God’s Word receive His favor and joy!
“But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”
James 1:25 NIV
How do you look at “the perfect law that gives freedom”? Here James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Christian church, is writing to followers abroad both spatially (at that time) and temporally (including our time). In a nutshell, this verse tells us to study the Gospel intently, remember what it tells us, and to act upon what we have learned. That being done, we will be blessed in our actions. Do you study the Gospel constantly and intently, or do you do what Barb and I used to do — read a Bible In One Year plan without really comprehending what was said?
The ancient Greek word for “looks intently” is παρακύπτω (parakyptō), defined as bending over to examine something. Think of walking on a beach when you see a hermit crab walking across the sand. You can just glance at it and continue, or you can “parakyptō”, stopping and stooping down to look at the crab close up and in detail. By doing the latter, you’ll know a lot more about the crab — how its eyes are placed, the size and number of its claws, what kind of shell it is using as its current home, etc…
James is reminding the readers of this epistle to really examine the Gospel — not just glance at it or nod approvingly at a sermon about a verse or book of the Bible. By using the Greek word τέλειος (teleios - perfect), James was stating that the God’s law is complete and mature — it needs no editing or improvement.
What did James mean by the “law that gives freedom”? He’s highlighting how the Gospel can transform believers, freeing them from the shame of sin and providing the power to live righteous lives.
The next phrase “and continues in it” is important as well. James is telling the early Christians that they need to be in an ongoing commitment to study and understand God’s Word. Particularly in a situation like that found in the early days of the church, continuous spiritual growth was vital to create a faith that could stand up to persecution.
Image by Khalil Rahdi via Unsplash
What’s even more important than increasing one’s knowledge and understanding of the Gospel? Action! James puts it this way, “not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it”. In James 2:26, he reiterates this biblical principle, stating that “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”
The early Christians were well known for being charitable and serving others, living out their faith so that others in the community experienced God’s love in action. Things haven’t changed in 2,000 years — Christians should still support their church, their community, and those in need worldwide through volunteering, giving, or going on mission.
Finally, James reminds us of the benefit of growing in knowledge of the Gospel and of living our faith — “they will be blessed in what they do.” The Greek word used for “blessed” is μακάριος (makarios), defined as divine favor or a state of happiness. Sadly, many believers fail to realize that God’s blessing is not about money or material things; it’s about fulfillment and spiritual well-being.
In the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-11), Jesus explains exactly what blessings will accrue from living in a way pleasing to God. James is repeating that message; those who pursue unflagging study and application of God’s Word receive His favor and joy!
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Dear God, thank You for reminding me through your servant James to keep my heart focused on the unshakeable truth of Your Word. You have set me free to follow not a life of sin and death, but an eternal life in Jesus. I pray that through studying Your truth, I may become more like Jesus and act on that truth in word and deed. I ask this in Jesus’ name, AMEN.