READ: James 1:19-27
When I was a Bible college student, a name occasionally mentioned in Greek class was that of Granville Sharp. He was a renowned Greek scholar (1735–1813) whose studies resulted in principles of biblical interpretation that continue to guide our understanding of the original language of the New Testament.
To study the Scriptures and learn the powerful truths they contain is a noble exercise but, no matter how deeply we study, it is not enough. James challenged us to understand this when he wrote: “But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was” (James 1:22-24).
Granville Sharp understood this and put his faith into practice. In addition to being a biblical scholar, he also fought to eradicate slavery in England. Sharp said, “A toleration of slavery is, in effect, a toleration of inhumanity.” His biblical understanding of the worth of a human soul and the justice of a holy God compelled him to act on his beliefs.
We can benefit from Sharp’s passion for the Word—and for living out the truth that Word contains.
His Word from day to day,
Not just for knowledge, but much more—
To love Him and obey. —Hess
Bible in One Year: Psalms 74-76; Romans 9:16-33
