Throughout the New Testament we see a compelling rhythm of “hear” and “do”: Hear God’s Word and do God’s Word. To hear God’s Word but not do God’s Word is to miss the point. Scripture is to form God’s people as a ministry force in the world and to shape the heart of God’s people around the gospel message of grace and love. Without God’s people doing what God’s Word tells us to do, the forming and shaping would not come to pass.
The passages below represent the rhythm of “hear” and “do.” As you read these verses, let your heart be soft toward adjustments you can make to be not only a hearer (which is very vital), but also a doer of God’s Word.
Matthew 7:24-27
24“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Luke 8:19-21
19Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. 20Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” 21He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”
John 14:21
21 “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
Philippians 4:9
9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
James 1:25
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
John 14:21
21 “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
So, what are some of the “dos” that Scripture asks us to do? Below are a few samples—actual Scripture telling us to do something specific. As you read these verses, underline anything that describes the type of person who is to be cared for.
Matthew 25:37-40
37“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Matthew 10:34
34 “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
Colossians 3:13
3 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Hebrews 13:1-3
1 Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. 2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. 3Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
James 1:26-27
26Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Now let’s process what you just observed. Look at the types of persons we are asked to care for in these passages and write that in the chart below. Then note the action the verses tell us to take toward each person. Then, get hyper-personal and hyper-practical by attaching a name from your personal circles.
| Verse | Type of person to care for | Action toward that person | Someone in your personal circles | How you can do the instruction |
| Matthew 10:34 | ||||
| Matthew 25:37-40 | ||||
| Colossians 3:13 | ||||
| Hebrews 13:1-3 | ||||
| James 1:26-27 |
Now let’s get personal. Write the name of someone in your personal circles who fits these descriptions.
Now let’s get hyper-practical. Write an idea on how you can do the instruction.
And there you have it. Obedience is simple. Hear God’s Word. Do God’s Word.