Saturday, 27 May 2023
KNOWING THE WORD OF GOD
The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes (Psalm 19:8).
When we emphasize the importance of knowing the Word of God, some think we mean acquiring "Bible Knowledge" from a university or religious institution. That may have its place, but knowing the Word by revelation and guidance of the Holy Spirit is different.
There're Bible scholars who studied Bible knowledge as a course but have no idea what the Word of God is. All scripture is God-breathed; that is, the contents and the message of the Bible came from God and are inspired by His Spirit. It's His document of truth, and it's trustworthy and dependable.
2 Timothy 3:16 AMPC says, "Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action)." Hebrews 4:12 further tells us something extraordinary about the Word of God. It says, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
But then, what is the Word of God? The Word is that message from God that reveals or communicates His works, will, thoughts, plans, purposes and pursuit to bring men into, or promote, fellowship with Him in love. It's His message of truth with the content and power to build His image into the life of the hearers.
Now, the content of the Word is the embodiment of Christ's revelations, provisions, perfections and instructions, profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction and for training in righteousness. Therefore, knowing or having the knowledge of the Word means knowing God in His thoughts about anything. You know His thoughts, opinions, ideas, and agenda; you're looking into God's mind or His heart about anything! What a wonder!
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank you for your Word that propels, empowers, inspires, uplifts, motivates and gives me clarity of purpose. I'm educated to know your thoughts, opinions, ideas and agenda in the earth, as your Spirit guides me into all truth, teaching me to make the right choices and decisions that are consistent with your perfect will always, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Psalm 19:7; 2 Peter 1:21; 2 Timothy 3:14-17
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 13:1-30 & 2 Kings 20-22
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 13:12-23 & Numbers 30