Doers of the Word: A Sermon by Pastor Mensa Otabil

Introduction

On Sunday, November 16, 2024, Pastor Mensa Otabil delivered a profound sermon titled Living for God – Pt. 6 (Doers of the Word) at ICGC Christ Temple East. 

This message, part of an ongoing series on living a life dedicated to God, focused on the practical call to move beyond merely hearing or reading God’s Word to actively living it out. 

Drawing from James 1:22-25, Pastor Otabil challenged believers to reflect deeply on their engagement with Scripture, emphasizing the transformative power of becoming doers of the Word. 

His insights, rich with practical wisdom and spiritual truth, offered a roadmap for Christians seeking to align their daily lives with God’s teachings.

The Mirror of God’s Word

Pastor Otabil opened by exploring the profound metaphor James used: the Word of God as a mirror. He explained that Scripture reflects both Christ’s victory and human shortcomings. “When we look into the Bible,” he said, “we see who Christ is, what He has made us, and areas where we fall short.” 

However, he warned against being a “hearer only” – someone who sees their reflection but immediately forgets it.  

James likened hearers-only Christians to those who glance in a mirror, see their flaws, and walk away unchanged. Pastor Otabil observed, “You read the Bible and see that Christ has given you victory, but when life slaps you left, right, and center, you forget what you saw.”  

Two Types of Christians

Pastor Otabil identified two types of believers: hearers-only and doers of the Word. Hearers-only Christians engage with Scripture but fail to act on its truths. This inaction leads to self-deception. “They deceive themselves,” he stressed. “Not God, not the Holy Spirit—only themselves.”  

In contrast, doers of the Word internalize Scripture and act on its principles. They don’t just read about forgiveness; they forgive. They don’t merely memorize promises of victory; they live victoriously. “Quoting Bible passages is great,” Pastor Otabil noted, “but what good is it if it doesn’t show up in our lives?”  

From Hearing to Doing

Pastor Otabil unpacked James’ unique phrasing: “doers of the Word” (verse 22) and “doers of the work” (verse 25). He explained that while both terms focus on action, they differ slightly. “Doers of the Word” emphasizes obedience to Scripture, while “doers of the work” highlights active engagement in God’s assignments.  

Both groups begin by seeing themselves in the Word. But where hearers-only Christians turn away, doers continue to look intently into the “perfect law of liberty” and act on it. This perseverance leads to blessing. Pastor Otabil encouraged the congregation: “If you commit to doing what the Word says, you will be blessed in what you do.”  

A Practical Challenge

Pastor Otabil challenged believers to move beyond superficial engagement with Scripture. He shared a relatable example: seeing the Bible’s command to forgive yet refusing to reconcile with a neighbor. “The mirror shows you the truth,” he said, “but you must decide to act on it.” 

Conclusion: Living the Word

As Pastor Otabil wrapped up, he reminded the congregation that living for God requires more than knowledge—it demands action. “God is not impressed by how many verses we can quote but by how much of His Word we live out,” he concluded.  

In a world filled with distractions and challenges, this sermon served as a timely reminder to anchor one’s life in Scripture—not just as a hearer but as a doer. Indeed, those who act on the Word are promised a life of blessing and purpose.