The scripture tells us without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). We know faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). The word used here in Romans for the Word of God is ‘rhema’ which flows out of the ‘logos’ or written word (the scriptures) or the “Logos” the Living Word, Jesus Christ (John 1:1; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12-13; Revelation 19:11-13).
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1
1) God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2) has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; Hebrews 1:1-2
12) For the Word of God (Jesus) is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13) And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12 -13
11) Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12) His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. Rev 13) He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. Revelation 19:11-13
When we read scripture, the Holy Spirit can illuminate it to become a revealed word or ‘rhema’ to our hearts and minds. According to Jesus, man is to live by every word (rhema) that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).
God has given us His Word for our redemption, learning, edification, and well-being. It has been written for our sakes, so we can align our hearts with His righteousness, and walk in His ways and eternal plan.
God’s Word is our recipe for success as He defines success (Psalms 1:1-3, Joshua 1:8-9). No, it may not look like the world’s success (i.e., Hollywood or Fortune 500), yet it will generate the maximum yield of godliness and fruitfulness in our lives (Matthew 13:3-9).
As mentioned in the previous post of this series, the only way we can know God is through His Word and by His Holy Spirit. It is through the Word we can know what pleases or displeases Him. It is through the Word we are able to renew our minds and attitudes to conform to His righteousness and holiness.
Those who Reject the Word
This is one reason many people avoid hearing, reading, and meditating upon God’s Word (rhema and logos). They are not willing to change or adjust their lives to line up with His thoughts and ways. Instead, they choose to disregard His truth to live according to their own opinions and values.
These individuals are like those described in Romans 1:18-32 who know there is a God who will judge all men, but intentionally worship other things and deny the only true God and our Savior Jesus Christ. Their end will be self-imposed destruction. God will not be blamed in the day of judgement (Romans 1:29-32).
The Word is a Mirror
The Word of God is like a mirror that allows us to see ourselves as God sees us. We are illuminated in the light of His word and must then decide to accept or reject what we see (James 1:22-25). If we choose to walk in the light of God’s Word, we can and will have fellowship with other believers who are committed to doing the same.
Study the Word
The apostle Paul admonished Timothy, his son in the faith, to study (KJV) or be diligent (NKJV) to show himself approved of God, rightly dividing the Word of truth.
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15
This mindset can only come by prayerfully spending time in God’s Word, meditating in it, and applying it to our lives and circumstances.
God takes His Word very seriously, and so should we. It will be the standard by which we are judged in the end.
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11
As we share with fellow believers what the Father is doing in our lives through His Word (the rhema and logos), it will strengthen, admonish, and correct them, while building them up in the faith.
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 05/25/2024
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