The Open Heaven 7 July 2025 devotional for today is CHRISTIAN INDEED?.
This is a daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
OPEN HEAVEN 7 JULY 2025 TODAY DEVOTIONAL
TOPIC: CHRISTIAN INDEED?
MEMORISE:
But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
James 1:25
READ: James 1:21-27
21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
RCCG OPEN HEAVEN 7 JULY 2025 TODAY MESSAGE
There is a difference between being called a Christian and actually being a Christian. Many people identify as Christians but don’t reflect Christ in their lives. Going to church, working in a church, fasting, and praying can all be mere religious activities if you don’t reflect Christ in your daily life.
Some people grew up in the church and are used to Christian religious activities but actually live in sin like unbelievers. The way to really know if you have Christ in you is through the changes that have happened in your life since you became born again.
If after two years, for example, the Holy Spirit has not influenced a change in some of your character traits, then you have probably just been playing religion.
Some people pray for hours, yet they lie habitually. Some even work miracles, yet they have unforgiveness in their hearts. While activities such as praying, fasting, evangelising, and so on are important, you must not forget the most important thing – being like Christ. All those activities are a means to an end and not the end in themselves.
Child of God, if you want to truly be like Christ, soak yourself in the word of God by studying your Bible diligently. When you study the Bible, you are fellowshipping with Christ Himself because He is the Word (John 1:1). John 17:17 says that sanctification comes by the word, Ephesians 5:26 says that we are cleansed by the word, and Psalm 119:11 teaches us that when we keep God’s word in our hearts, it will keep us from sinning against Him.
True transformation happens when you fellowship with God through His word. James 1:23 likens God’s word to a mirror. When people check themselves in a mirror, they don’t do it for mere formality but because they want to check their appearance and make changes or adjustments where necessary.
When you study God’s word, your desire should be for Him to transform your thoughts, attitudes, and character through the power in His word. If you were shortempered before you started reading the Bible, God’s word should take away your angry nature and transform you into a patient and calm fellow. If you were sad and sorrowful, His word should take away that garment of heaviness and replace it with praise and joy (Isaiah 61:3).
Beloved, you must allow God’s word to dwell richly in you in all wisdom (Colossians 3:16).
OPEN HEAVEN 7 JULY 2025 PRAYER POINT
Father, please help me to keep Your word in my heart and live according to Your will at all times, in Jesus’ name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Proverbs 24-26
HYMN 59: I WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS
OPEN HEAVEN DEVOTIONAL 7 JULY 2025 COMMENTARY
MEMORISE: James 1:25
“But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”
This verse captures the essence of true Christianity—not just hearing God’s Word but living it out. The “perfect law of liberty” refers to Scripture’s power to free us from sin’s grip when we obey it.
BIBLE READING: James 1:21-27
James contrasts empty religion with authentic faith:
- v. 22 – “Be doers of the Word, not hearers only.”
- v. 26 – “If anyone thinks he is religious but does not bridle his tongue, his religion is vain.”
- v. 27 – Pure religion cares for others and stays unspotted by the world.
The Difference Between Religion and True Christianity
The devotional exposes a critical truth: Many claim Christianity but lack Christlike transformation.
1. External Acts vs. Internal Change
- Religious Activities ≠ Salvation
- Church attendance, fasting, or even miracles (Matthew 7:22-23) don’t guarantee a redeemed heart.
- Example:
- Judas preached and worked miracles (Matthew 10:1-8) but remained a thief and betrayer (John 12:6).
- Evidence of New Birth
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 – True conversion produces visible change (e.g., love, patience, honesty).
- If after years there’s no growth in holiness, it signals unrepentance (Hebrews 12:14).
2. The Word as God’s Mirror (James 1:23-25)
- A Mirror Reveals Truth
- Just as we adjust messy hair after looking in a mirror, Scripture exposes sins we must repent of.
- Example:
- King David repented after Nathan confronted him with God’s Word (2 Samuel 12:7-13).
- Danger of Ignoring the Reflection
- Hearing sermons without application leads to self-deception (James 1:22).
3. How God’s Word Transforms
- Sanctifies (John 17:17) – Washes away sinful patterns.
- Renews the Mind (Romans 12:2) – Replaces worldly thinking with God’s truth.
- Produces Fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) – Cultivates love, joy, peace, etc.
- Guards Against Sin (Psalm 119:11) – “Thy word have I hid in mine heart…”
Practical Steps to Authentic Christianity
- Study Scripture Daily (Joshua 1:8)
- Don’t just read; meditate and obey.
- Pray for Conviction (Psalm 139:23-24)
- “Search me, O God, and know my heart…”
- Partner with the Holy Spirit
- He empowers change (Philippians 2:13).
- Seek Accountability
- Join a discipleship group to grow in holiness.
Conclusion: Christianity Is Christ in You
Ask yourself:
- “Does my life reflect Jesus’ character?”
- “Am I more loving, patient, and holy today than last year?”
Action Step:
- Commit to 15 minutes of Bible study daily, asking God to align your life with His Word.
True faith transforms—it’s not just tradition. Let God’s Word reshape you into Christ’s image!
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