As we begin this new series of growing in the Word, we are not talking about scripture only, but a living, breathing relationship with the Author Himself. Growing in God’s Word requires knowing Him experientially and is one of the most vital things we can do as believers and followers of Jesus Christ.
Even though this is true, it seems many Christians are either too busy to spend quality time alone with the Father to hear directly from Him, or they are not interested in reading, studying, memorizing, or meditating in the scripture to learn His ways and council.
We always want to see what the Bible, God’s written Word, has to say about everything that pertains to our lives if we want to walk pleasing the Lord.
The prophet Amos declared,
“Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” Amos 3:3
You and I will never be able to walk with the Lord successfully without knowing Him and agreeing with His Word.
A man once humorously shared how the Lord spoke to him one day and said, “Hey, (name)! You and I are incompatible, and by the way…I do not change!”
So, it is with you and me. If we are going to walk with the Lord, be close to Him, and learn His ways, we must change. He never changes. He cannot change. He is holy, pure, righteous, good, and perfect in all His ways.
"For I am the LORD, I do not change….” Malachi 3:6
That reminds me of the time God spoke to me and said, “Continue to adjust your attitude!” Ouch! What a gentle, but strong rebuke. This was a wakeup call to continue renewing my mind to His ways (Romans 12:1-2), which is still fresh in my memory.
We change our attitudes, desires, lifestyle, habits, and values by knowing The Father and the Lord Jesus, and applying His written (logos) and spoken (rhema) Word. It is not enough to even memorize the Word of God (which is imperative) … we must put it into practice.
In this series, we’ll delve into the benefits and positive impact of knowing and applying God’s Word (the written and spoken Word) to our lives. We’ll also look at the undesirable results of neglecting God’s Word and doing our own thing.
Prior to beginning His earthly ministry, Jesus fasted 40 days and nights alone in the wilderness. During this time He was being tempted of the devil. When the devil tried to tempt Jesus to make bread of the stones, Jesus rebuked him and said,
"It is written, 'MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD.' " Matthew 4:4
The Bible uses two main words for ‘word’, 'logos' and 'rhema'. The word used in the verse above is ‘rhema’ and means an uttered or spoken word. But notice, Jesus pulled this truth from scripture, which is the logos.
You and I must learn to do the same. When we are tempted by the devil, his minions, and the world, we must respond by what the scripture says. This can only be done if we have made it a priority to know God’s Word.
Many homes, especially in America and the West, have one or more Bibles. Sadly, not enough of the people in those homes have the Bible in their hearts.
The scripture has never become their daily fountain of wisdom, strength, hope, revelation, understanding, inspiration, and enlightenment. It’s just a periodic and ‘quick read’ to skim through.
There are some individuals who consider anyone who takes the word of God seriously and passionately as fanatics. They believe any such person is too extreme. Yet that same individual can tell you the words to hundreds of “1950’s Oldies” or the latest Rock and Pop. Or they can spit out the current and past sports stats. Or tell you close to every word of their favorite movies or TV sitcoms.
Of course, that’s not being extreme. That’s just being normal. Right?
Learning everything we can about God and His Word is not being extreme, it is being wise. It is the only sure foundation in which we can anchor our lives.
24) "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25) and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
26) "But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27) and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."
Matthew 7:24-27
This parable makes a clear distinction between the wise and foolish, and the importance of living by God’s Word, the Words He speaks to our hearts, and the written Word.
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God spoke through King David to his son Solomon and said:
20) My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. 21) Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; 22) For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. Proverbs 4:20-22
This applies to us also. When we seek to know the Father and Jesus more, and keep His Word in front of our eyes (physically and mentally) and retain it in the midst of our hearts, we can expect to experience its life and benefits.
On the other hand, ignoring God’s Word (written and spoken) is one of the worst mistakes we can make and leaves us to our own foolish and destructive ways.
We’ll continue our study next time. Until then, may God our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, richly bless and keep you.
James Brown
CST 05/10/2024
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