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I like the Book of James. Many who know me also know that my favourite verse in the Bible is James 1:25. If there’s one verse in the Bible that captures what it means to truly study God’s Word, it’s this verse. James writes, “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.” It’s a short verse, but it’s packed with insight about how Scripture should shape our lives.
James isn’t just talking about casual reading. The phrase “looks intently” paints a picture of someone bending down to take a close, careful look at something precious. This isn’t the quick scroll through a daily verse on your phone before moving on to the next thing. It’s about leaning in—really paying attention. When we open our Bibles, God invites us to look closely, slowly, and thoughtfully. Studying Scripture is more like marinating than microwaving. The goal isn’t just to know more Bible facts; it’s to be transformed by God’s truth.
It's like reading a textbook for a class you are enrolled in. You know that your grade and you succeeding at this class requires a commanding knowledge of the text. So you would read this book quite differently from a Stephen King novel. You would have your computer open. You would have a pen and paper ready. You would go back over portions of the text with a highlighter. It's serious study because the stakes are higher.
James calls Scripture “the perfect law that gives freedom.” That’s a phrase that might sound ironic to modern ears. How can law bring freedom? But James is echoing what Jesus said in John 8:32: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” When we live by God’s Word, we aren’t bound—we’re liberated. Following Christ means being set free from sin and self, free to live the life God designed. The “law” that once condemned us now becomes a path of freedom through the gospel of grace.
In short, we are talking about the Law of Christ. Love God. Love others.
How do you love God? The Book of Hebrews says you obey his commands. That’s God’s love language.
How do you love others? By regarding other people as more important than yourself. That doesn’t mean they ARE more important than yourself anymore than Jesus was less important than the Father or all humanity when He emptied Himself and died on a cross on our behalf. He CHOSE to regard others as more important than Himself (Philippians 2:3-7).
But the real punch of the verse is in the phrase “continues in it.” Anyone can start reading the Bible for a week after a good sermon or a January resolution. James is talking about persistence—the long-haul, daily choice to keep returning to the Word. When we “continue” in it, we move from information to formation. It’s not about checking a devotional box; it’s about letting God’s Word read us. This kind of steady faithfulness changes how we speak, how we handle stress, how we treat coworkers, how we forgive, and how we endure trials.
Then comes the promise: a blessing. “They will be blessed in what they do.” This isn’t some prosperity formula. The blessing James describes is the deep well-being that comes from walking in sync with God’s will—peace that holds even when life is hard. When Scripture moves from our eyes to our hearts to our hands, God delights to bless that obedience.
So maybe the invitation today is simple: slow down with the Word. Study it with seriousness and joy. Ask not just “What does this mean?” but “How should this shape my life?” James reminds us that the Bible isn’t just a book to be read; it’s a mirror reflecting who we are and who we’re called to be. Look intently, continue faithfully, and watch how God blesses your obedience.