Reform Through God’s Word ( 2)
THERE has been no instrument of transformation of lives in human history that is as powerful as the Scriptures. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two- edged sword…” ( Hebrews 4: 12). As Ezra stood to read the Word and his lieutenants interpreted it for the congregation to comprehend, “… all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.” Such deep contrition and conviction that the Word produces lead to genuine repentance, restoration, spiritual transformation and revival such as witnessed among the people of Israel.
Among other possibilities, the undiluted Word convicts ( Acts 2: 38,39); breaks hardened hearts ( Jeremiah 23: 29); saves ( James 1: 21); sanctifies ( John 17: 12); prepares the believer for the Spirit’s baptism ( Acts 2: 16); cleanses ( John 15: 3); renews spiritual strength ( Ecclesiastes 8: 4); revives ( 1 Thessalonians 2: 13); provides spiritual nourishment and edification ( Colossians 3: 16); preserves in righteousness ( Psalm 119: 11); quickens or activates faith ( Romans 10: 17); and assures of answers to prayers ( John 15: 7).
“And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them”. It is not enough to listen to many sermons and understand what God requires to be done; we must obey the word we hear, and resolve to live by its holy standards. Selective obedience to some portions of God’s Word will not bring abiding blessings.
So, God expects that His Word should be heartily read, humbly received, intuitively meditated on, correctly interpreted, dutifully obeyed, sacredly preserved and readily passed on to others. Only strict obedience to the undiluted Word assures us of Its inherent benefits for time and eternity. Those who reject Its timeless precepts, twist or mutilate Its sacred demands will face the wrath of God ultimately. Therefore, “be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves”
( James 1: 22).
Further Reading ( King James Version): Nehemiah 8: 19,13; Acts 2: 37- 42; 2 Peter 1: 4,20,21. Nehemiah 8: 5- 7; Deuteronomy 12: 32; Joshua 1: 8, 2 Timothy 3: 16,17; John
10: 35; Acts 20: 26,27; Revelation 22: 18,19. Nehemiah 8: 14,8,9; Deuteronomy 8: 3; 2 Kings 22: 8- 11; Psalm 119: 105; Micah 2: 7; Jeremiah 23: 29; James 1: 18,21; 1 Peter 1: 23; John 17: 17; 1 Thessalonians 2: 13; John 15: 3; Matthew 7: 24. Nehemiah 8: 10- 13; Psalms 1: 1- 3; 119: 6,97,127; Ecclesiastes
12: 13; James 1: 22; Romans 7: 12; Revelation 3: 8.