173. Bible Study Isn't Supposed to Leave Us the Same
The Finding Freedom Co. Podcast | Bible Study & Christian Living for WomenShow Notes
Bible Study Isn't Supposed to Leave Us the Same What happens when we know what God's Word says but don't actually live in response to it? We can read our Bibles, attend church, listen to sermons, and participate in Bible studies. But knowing Scripture and obeying Scripture aren't the same thing. In Episode 173 of The Finding Freedom Co. Podcast, we're continuing our Foundations of a Faithful Life series by studying James 1:22–25 and exploring why biblical knowledge should lead to faithful obedience. I'm also sharing part of my personal testimony and why Jesus' teaching about building our lives on the rock has remained so important to me throughout my walk with God. Together, we'll look at what it means to hear God's Word and do what it says, why Scripture should lead us to examine our lives, and how obedience becomes an outward expression of the faith we profess.
IN THIS EPISODE: Why hearing God's Word and obeying it are two different things
My personal testimony and what it means to build your life on a solid foundation
What James's mirror illustration teaches us about examining our lives
Why we need to study Scripture intentionally rather than simply checking a box
Four principles of obedience: without delay, completely, even without all the answers, and joyfully
Biblical examples of obedience and disobedience
The relationship between faith, grace, obedience, and blessing
How I use the Finding Freedom Planner to keep God's Word before me throughout the day
An invitation to join our free Freedom 5 Challenge beginning November 1
SCRIPTURE MENTIONED: James 1:22–25
Matthew 7:24–27
2 Timothy 3:16–17
Luke 11:28
Romans 2:13; 3:23
Ephesians 2:8–9
Psalm 1; Psalm 119:18
John 8:32
Deuteronomy 28
Jonah
1 Samuel 15
Genesis 6; 12
Numbers 20
Hebrews 11
Matthew 4
Ecclesiastes
RESOURCES MENTIONED: James Bible Study Guide A printable, verse-by-verse study guide to help you work through the book of James. [INSERT JAMES STUDY GUIDE LINK] Bible Study Basics Learn a practical process for observing, interpreting, and applying Scripture.
The Finding Freedom Planner A planner designed to keep your time in God's Word connected to your daily responsibilities, with space for Bible study, prayer, and planning.
Freedom 5 Challenge | November 1-December 31, 2026 Join us for 61 days of practicing five daily rhythms together: Time in God's Word
Prayer
Gratitude
Movement
A daily house chore
The challenge is completely free and takes place inside the Finding Freedom Community. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thefindingfreedomco
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES MENTIONED: My Heart Christ's Home
Not Consumed Obedience Study
HAVE A QUESTION FOR THE PODCAST? Have a question about Scripture, spiritual growth, faithful living, or something we've discussed on the podcast? Submit your question here for a future Q&A episode: https://www.thefindingfreedomco.com/podcast
CONNECT WITH FINDING FREEDOM: Website: https://www.thefindingfreedomco.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefindingfreedomco/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFindingFreedomCo Finding Freedom Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thefindingfreedomco
More from The Finding Freedom Co. Podcast | Bible Study & Christian Living for Women
How can we know what faithfulness looks like if we don't first know the God we're trying to be faithful to?
How often have you told yourself, “Once things settle down, then I’ll…”? I’ve caught myself saying some version of that over and over again through moves, transitions, changing routines, and uncertain seasons. But eventually I had to ask myself: What if I keep waiting for my life to settle down and miss the life God has actually given me to live right now? In this episode of The Finding Freedom Co. Podcast, we’re talking about what it means to stop postponing faithfulness and begin intentionally stewarding the season, responsibilities, people, and opportunities God has entrusted to us today. We’ll look at Ephesians 5:15-17 and consider what it means to walk wisely, make the most of the time we’ve been given, and live faithfully even when our circumstances aren't what we hoped they would be.
After 5 years and 170 episodes, I’m sharing something deeply personal in today’s episode: why I’m stepping into a sabbatical season. This isn’t goodbye. It’s not burnout. And it’s not walking away from ministry. It’s a Spirit-led pause.
As we close our verse-by-verse study through the book of James, we’re stepping back to see the full picture of what God has been forming in us. James is not just a collection of teachings, it’s a roadmap for a living, active, and steady faith. In this final episode, we revisit the major themes of the book and reflect on what it means to live a faith that is: steady in trials
As James closes his letter, he doesn’t give a summary, he gives us a lifestyle. In James 5:13–20, we see that prayer isn’t meant to be occasional or reactive… it’s meant to shape every part of our lives. In this verse-by-verse teaching, we walk through what it looks like to: Turn to God in both suffering and joy