Got Word? Part II

We often hear people making remarkable statements about God's Word that are based on a worldly perspective. They refer to the Bible as a book of philosophy, historical text, or group it as just another segment of “sacred literature” along with Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic and other religious texts. The bottom line is that to many, (sadly, heart-breakingly many,) they just think the Bible is a book.

Did I mention that many of the folks who think this way are in “the church”; some are even in “church” leadership? (Relax! The Bible says it's always been that way! But doesn't that just blow you away? It does me.)

God, however, designates scripture as "His Word" and He tells us that reading the Bible is a process with unique properties. When we read the Bible God’s Word changes us.

Now stop right there! _{(Huh, what?)}

Think about that sentence:

When we read the Bible God’s Word changes us.

We ask, we beg, we plead with God to change our hearts, to transform our minds, to make us into the people He wants us to be. No step will take us farther down that road than prayerfully reading God’s Word, reading His Word in His Presence.

Here is a series Scripture as parsed in John MacArthur’s “The MacArthur Topical Bible”*. These Bible passages pertain to God’s Word. Listen how God explains the process of taking His Word into ourselves and the powers of His Word upon us:

The Word of God discerns the thoughts and intents of [the Heart].
Heb 4:12 For the word of God 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.

The Word of God the means of producing [Holiness].
2 Tim 3:16–17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

The Word of God instrumental to [The indwelling of the Spirit].
Acts 10:44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.

Eph 5:26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,

_{[Here’s that passage in context: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.” Ephesians 5:25-27]}

The Word of God is the instrument of [Spiritual Life].
Is 55:3 Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you—The sure mercies of David.

1 Pet 4:6 For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

The Word of God keeps people from [Sin].
Ps 17:4 Concerning the works of men, By the word of Your lips, I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer.

Ps 119:11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.

The Word of God is [Truth].
John 17:17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

Did you catch that? Reading God's Word unleashes God inside of us! (So to speak.)

He pierces us and dissects us...
He equips us and makes us complete...
He corrects us...
He cleanses us and sets us apart...
He brings life to our souls...
He keeps destruction from us and keeps us from destruction...
He gives us, He gives our hearts, Truth!

The world says that we feed facts and experiences into our marvelous minds and our minds use these to change and improve ourselves. God says that our minds are filled with the wickedness of our hearts, but that He can come in and transform us, if we seek Him.

In Part I we talked about the "shoulds" that assail our lives. Do not believe for an instant that reading God's Word is an item for your "to do" list.

Shouldn't you be neck-deep in God's Word before you even think about creating your priorities?

Consider some common alternatives:

Use a "daily devotion" book, (usually 10% scripture/90% commentary and philosophy),

Read christian authors who peddle their ideas, suggestions and insights on following God, or

Commit to one of the many "holy-fication" plans and programs (with accompanying workbook and interactive DVD-ROM!) to be transformed through the development of your beliefs, habits and attitudes.

These, and others, aren't necessarily evil or unproductive. But isn't there a step missing?

Wouldn't you FIRST want to commit to devotedly and prayerfully reading God's Word in the most profound act of SURRENDER to TRANSFORMATION possible?

"But I don't understand the Bible when I read it!"
Let's look at that problem. It is real and it can be frustrating, but maybe the answer is easier than you think...
(To be continued...)

* _{MacArthur, John: The MacArthur Topical Bible : New King James Version. Nashville, Tenn. : Word Pub., 1999}