Got Word? Part III

In "Got Word?" we discussed the problem of "Reading the Bible" becoming confused and lost in the myriad of "responsible" things expected from christians.

In "Got Word? Part II" we discussed the power of God's Word and the promises God has given us about what reading His Word will do within and to us. We finished "Part II" with the promise to discuss the problem that many people don't understand the Bible when they read it. It frustrates them.

Addressing that problem needs to be done in two parts. The first part is to address the spiritual issue and the second is to address the material issue. Oh, and it needs to be done quickly because "Part II" was way, way too long! Here goes:

The Spiritual Issue
When God made His promises concerning the power and activity of His Word in believers did you notice that He never spoke about our understanding or intelligence? We are so programmed to believing that the power of an idea is found in our understanding and application that we cannot fathom God's Word where it is the seeking that unleashes the power.

The power in God's Word IS NOT the power of the IDEAS in the Bible. The power of God's Word is GOD in the Words. You are transformed by seeking and finding God in His Word, not by finding God's ideas. In fact, Proverbs specifically warns us against leaning upon our understanding as the foundation of our lives!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.
This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.

- Proverbs 3:5-8 NIV

You are reading God's Word! Do you really expect to understand God? Relax, read God's Word, trust Him and that His love is absolute. Don't worry about understanding right away. He will lead you!

Now that's where some will will say:

What a load of metaphysical manure!!!
God said that we are to "rightly divide the Word of Truth"!
Don't you dare teach people that God's Word is a metaphysical meditation aid!

That complaint is absolutely true. The Bible isn't a philosophical/meditation/mystery tool that you are supposed to trip through in blissful ignorance. The point is simple:

God is going to teach you.

In patience and faith, if you seek God's face and ask Him to reveal Himself to you through His Word He will provide you the lessons He wants you to learn in His Word.

If you are just starting out in His Word I cannot caution you strongly enough about arrogance and self-confidence because your mind and our enemy will try to assert themselves to frustrate and embarrass you. Relax, be humble, follow God and continue to seek God's Face. He has promised to lead you, teach you and transform you according to His design.

Submerge yourself into His Word. When "teachers" arise and "lessons" present themselves in the world, prayerfully ask God's guidance in showing you what is from Him. Compare everything to His Word. He cannot, He will not contradict Himself. He will not teach you in contradiction of His Word.

Accept no substitute! Work out your salvation with fear and trembling as He leads you and you will discover His Peace, His Love, and His Grace in His Word. Every man and Woman of God has been taught by Him in His special school designed for that individual by the individual's master and creator.

There will be times when His Word shows you your sin, your unworthiness, and the impossibility of a person like you pleasing Him. Those times will come and they will be stepping stones to growth if you turn to Him in faith, prayfully take your hurts and fears to Him and allow Him to show you how He has provided for your unworthiness. Trust Him. He will.

Don't be intimidated or frightened when you don't understand. Relax and trust He will show you the answers. God encourages and welcomes your questions.

Be frightened of being certain about something that is not of God! That's where the real danger lies.

"My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,
and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones."

"Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.
For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you."

- Proverbs 2:1-11

(One last Part Coming: To Be Continued...)