Articles
How Do You View God's Word - 11.12.23 Bulletin
How Do You View God’s Word
In Psalm 1.1-2 the Psalmist writes the man who is blessed is the one who delights “in the law of the Lord” and meditates on it day and night. On another occasion says “I find my delight in your commandments, which I love (Psalm 119.47). God’s commands brought him joy and happiness and were constantly in the forefront of his mind. What is it about God’s word that causes these emotions?
Peter writes “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1.3). The word of God brings a reader joy because God has given us everything pertaining to our spiritual needs. The “life” refers to how to be saved from our sins. Mankind is a sinful creature, deserving of spiritual death because of our actions. But God being rich in mercy and grace because of His love for mankind provided a way for him to have salvation, thus being made alive again through Christ (Ephesians 2.1-7). Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10.10). “Godliness” refers to how to remain saved. Though God loves mankind, he demands obedience. We must do our part to maintain our salvation. 2 Peter 1.8-11 tells us we must grow in certain characteristics to be fruitful servants of God to ensure our salvation.
Not only does the Bible speak to the spiritual needs of man, but also to the physical. God knows what is best for His creation and has revealed to us what we need to know, that we might follow His commands. Deuteronomy 29.29 says, “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” There are many societal issues that can be traced back to failing to live as God’s word has commanded. Psalms 119.92 says, “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.” A life lived in devotion to God produces the best physical life and spiritual life. With the many blessings that come from God’s word it’s no wonder why it brings the reader joy. So why do so many still find no delight in God’s commands?
Some approach the word from a wrong perspective. They view the Bible as a book that tells them all the things they can’t do, instead of how the word can make their lives better and complete. The Bible does list many things that a person needs to abstain from because God knows they are not good for mankind to engage in. One example being the lusts of the flesh listed in Galatians 5.19-21. We were not made for those things; they are of no benefit to us. We were made to be God’s workmanship to live a life of righteous and holy conduct (1 Peter 1.16). Mankind may think they know what is best, but God does know. The wisdom of man is foolishness compared to the wisdom of God.
Other are afraid to change. God’s word has never “fit-in” with the popular culture of the day. What is popular and celebrated today the Bible condemns. Those who followed God’s word were counterculture in Jesus’ day and will still be in the 21st century. Jesus calls on His follower to be different, to live by higher and nobler way (Matthew 5-7). Many know following the Bible will cause them to have to make changes, but they are comfortable going with the flow, even if that is leading them down the wrong path. It is more important in their eyes to be liked by men instead of being approved by God. Which is a sad situation. It is not going to be the most popular, well-liked or the wealthiest who inherit the kingdom of heaven, but those who humble themselves and submit to the will of God. “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ (Galatians 1.10).
-- Derek Steen
- Glad_Tidings_11.12.2023_PDF.pdf (5.12 MB)
