Previous Week Devotional

The Word of God has been given to us in order to instruct us about who God is and how we may please Him. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
(II Tim 3:16) We are also given examples of God’s grace, glory, majesty and righteousness; just to name a few. The Bible was written by divine inspiration and there are no private or new interpretations. “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed… Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.”(II Pt 1:19, 20) Before a person is able to comprehend the truths of scripture two very important things must take place.

First we must enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Until then, we are incapable of comprehending any facet of God’s holy word. “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”(I Cor 2:14) In our naturalness, we have no love for God nor are we able to interpret the ways of God. “…For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God…”(I Cor 2:9 – 13)

The second necessity happens simultaneously, receiving the Holy Spirit. When we accept God’s invitation by the leading and prompting of His Spirit, He comes to indwell each believer. The Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth; as we desire and seek to know the truth. (Jn 16:13) We understand the will and the word of God only as His Spirit reveals it to us and impresses it upon our heart. As we mature in our relationship with the Lord, we will search out the scriptures more and more for guidance, instruction and correction.

As new believers we are encouraged through the Word and ensured of our eternal position in the family of God. Scripture reminds us that Jesus gave His life and blood, that we may experience eternal redemption through God's immeasurable grace and love. The moment we ask Jesus Christ into our hearts, not only are we indwelt by the Holy Spirit, but we are also made joint heirs with our Lord. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us.”(Rom 8:16 – 18)

We need to study God’s word daily to learn His will and His ways. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” (I Pet 2:2) Rightly dividing the word of God requires our personal commitment to Christ and walking in the wisdom of His Holy Spirit. As believers we are instructed to study the scriptures and make sure it is applied to every area of our life. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”(II Tim 2:15) If we are to have the mind of Christ, we must know who God is and what His word says. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”(Phil 2:5) We grow in our knowledge and understanding of the character of God as we walk in constant fellowship with our Savior; commune with Him daily in prayer; and meditate upon His Word. The power of His word cannot be denied; it is a life changing force that must be used to further His kingdom. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged 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” (Heb 4:12)