The Powerful Instruction of God
Mankind is lost in sin. A truth we must not forget (Rom. 3:23). The history of man reveals a history of sin. Even those who have given their life to Christ are guilty of sin. For John said, “If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (1 Jn. 1:10). Therefore, men need a savior and we need an instruction manual which is why Paul penned, “for the grace that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us” (Tit. 2:11-12).
The Bible! An instruction manual like no other!
The law of the Lord is perfect and converts the soul (Psa. 19:7). It is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16). It is sharper than swords and divides the soul and spirit of a man (Heb. 4:12). And so, since His word lives and abides forever (1 Pet. 1:23), there is no area of man’s activities that God’s word does not direct.
The Word of God does so much for us. We should be as the psalmist who loves God’s law and meditates on it (Psa. 119:97-104). But, when was the last time you meditated on God’s Word? Or, have you ever? You must know that only the pure word of God is powerful enough for man and God’s use. And, it cannot be changed (2 Jn. 9). One who does not live up to this word cannot expect to be pleasing to God. But, perhaps you do not know what the word of God does for us?
Consider the following: (1) It gives life (Jn. 6:63). (2) It converts the soul (Acts 11:13-14). (3) It saves. James tells us that the engrafted word is able to save the soul (Jam. 1:21). How is that? Because faith comes by hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17). (4) It procreates the new life in Christ (Jam. 1:18). Paul gives further information on this by saying that we are born through the gospel (1 Cor. 4:15). (5) The word cleanses us (Jn. 15:3). (6) We are sanctified through the word (Jn. 17:17). (7) The word of God enables the Christian to make spiritual growth (1 Pet. 2:2).
Each of us is responsible for how we hear for we are to be doers of the word (Jam. 1:22) and not dull of hearing (Heb. 5:11). Therefore, we must grow from babes to eating strong meat (Heb. 5:12). We are expected to grow spiritually strong (1 Pet. 3:18) and not be like those in Heb. 5:12 who were rebuked because of their lack of growth. May we put the truth in our hearts. May we live by and teach it without adding or subtracting from it (Rev. 22:18-19) and may we declare the whole council of God (Acts 20:27).
We must give heed to the power of God’s Word. We must have receptive ears and hearts because we are hearing as we look at the horizon of eternity. May we ever teach the powerful, everlasting word of God and may we ever hold on to it.