Don’t Stop at Just Reading God’s Word

by Rick Warren — June 29, 2023
From 40 Days in the Word

“Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

Matthew 7:24 (NIV)

There are many things you can do with God’s Word. You can receive it, read it, research it, remember it, and reflect on it. But if you fail to put into practice what you learn, all those things are useless. As James 1:22 says, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (ESV).

It can be hard to be a doer of the Word, because Satan fights it so intensely. He doesn’t mind you going to Bible studies, as long as you don’t do anything with what you learn. 

But God’s Word doesn’t really become part of you until you obey it. Just reading or studying a truth doesn’t mean you’ve internalized it.

Actually, you can be so busy with Bible study—going to the next class or seminar or Bible conference—that you have no time to implement what you’ve learned. You forget one study on your way to the next one! 

Without implementation, all our Bible studies are worthless. Jesus said, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24 NIV).

Jesus also pointed out that God’s blessing comes from obeying the truth, not just knowing it. He said, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them” (John 13:17 NIV).

It’s so valuable to be part of a small Bible study discussion group. We always learn truths from others that we would never learn on our own. Other people will help you see insights you would miss.

But be sure to take the next step too. Let God’s family help you apply his truth in a practical way. 

The best way to become a doer of the Word is to always write out an action step after you read, study, and reflect on God’s Word. Develop the habit of writing down exactly what you intend to do. This action step should be personal (involving you), practical (something you can do), and provable (with a deadline). Every application will involve either your relationship to God, your relationship to others, or your personal character.

As you become a doer of God’s Word, you’ll be building your life on a foundation that cannot be shaken.

Talk It Over

  • What has God already told you in his Word to do that you haven’t started doing yet?
  • How has your small group encouraged you to be a doer of the Word? If you don’t have a small group, how can you go about finding one—or starting one?
  • What has been the value of being part of a larger Bible study or conference? How have you applied what you learned?

Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.