Are You Doing? – (11.23.25 – Mt. 13:1-9)

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Dear St. Paul family,
 

Sermon - Are you Doing?

Explanation of Midnight Praises - Explanation of Midnight Praises - Psali

The gospel is from Mt. 13:1-9, the parable of the Sower and Seed.

The parable of the Sower is explained by Christ explaining to us that the Sower is God, the Seed is the Word of God and they were spread on four soils.

Have you ever heard your GPS saying to turn right, and you just ignored it? How about when your doctor to change your diet and start a exercise regime, and you heard, but just didn’t do anything. Have you bought a gym membership, great shoes, clothing but didn’t go?

This is similar to what James said in James 1:22-25, where he mentions that we look in the mirror, notice some faults and just move on.

So, are we supposed to believe or do? The answer – both. Belief + Action = Faith.

There are many verses about doing the word of God, such as “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22)
“It is not the hearers of the law who are righteous… but the doers of the law will be justified.” (Romans 2:13)

Some sayings from our church fathers about doing:
St. John Chrysostom
“The profit comes not from hearing, but from doing. Hearing without doing is like sowing without reaping.”
“Many are pleased by the sound of the words, but they do not care for the practice. What is the use of praise if there is no obedience?”

 

1. Doing Starts With Hearing (Listening)

   • “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom. 10:17)

   • Hearing is the beginning, not the end.

   • Jesus spoke, they listened, then told them to follow

   • Always a response

2. Doing Requires a Mirror

   • Scripture is meant to be a mirror: it exposes us. Do I look like Christ?

   • Benefit only when I adjust something

3. Doing Results in Transformation

   • Obedience opens our hearts to receive grace (humility: James 4:6)

   • He helps us overcome our weaknesses and gives us His strength

How do we go about doing the word of God:
 

1. Ask

   • Ask God, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” (Acts. 9:6)

   • What is my action?

2. Be Obedient

   • Practice it. Do it!

   • Faithful not Flawless

3. Committed

   • Hold yourself accountable

   • Friend or spiritual guide

Listening is important, but it is just the beginning, it needs to be followed by doing. After we read, ask God what your action is, be obedient to doing it and committed. Let us imagine that every day I am doing one action from my reading, such as praying or forgiving or bearing someone’s burdens or encouraging or serving them. How different will my life be? Would I see a transformation?

Fr. James

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