When we think about God’s word, what comes to mind? So many people in this world seem to put God’s word on a level with other writings. Let me give an example. Recently I attended a graduation at a university and as we all know there is the valedictorian that gives an inspiring speech. Within this speech there were numerous quotes from different “experts” within the field of study. This particular person that was giving the speech used this “expert’s” opinion as concrete evidence. You see when people are in a field of study they are willing to take the “expert’s” opinion as fact but when it comes to God’s word we don’t.
I have found in my studies that we as Christians are not willing to take God’s word for exactly as it is (not all people, but most). There is the excuse of saying that God’s word is outdated. Lets look at this point for a moment. God’s word, outdated. How could the God of this universe, the God that created all things be outdated? As a matter of fact God is cutting edge. You see, God’s word goes hand and hand with who He is, it’s not the other way around. The word doesn’t dictate who God is but rather God dictated the word. In other words, God inspired the scripture and not the scripture inspiring who God is.2nd Timothy 3:16, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
Paul even touched on this in the book of Romans. Paul told the people that their believing did not start the process of God existing but rather He was there before they even knew who He was. God’s word can never grow old or weak because God is neither old or weak. There is the excuse that people come up with by saying that God’s word is intended for the Jews. God’s word is who He is. The inspired word of God dictates to us who God is. God doesn’t change simply because of who you are. In the book of Galatians we find that no amount of works will get us right with God. Galations 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Regardless if you are Jew or Gentile God is the same. Now, just for clarification, there are different promises granted to the Jews as to the promises given to the Gentiles but none the less God is still the same yesterday, today, and forever more. Numbers 23:19, God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
How about where people say “God couldn’t have meant this but maybe He did mean this.” This is called speculation. So many times I have heard people say, “there is no way that God would have intended for us to do this” (regarding whatever the topic of discussion was). When you bring to their attention exactly what the word says they still make excuses by saying that there are many interpretations of God’s word. This is a true statement. There are indeed many interpretations to God’s word, however; there is only one true interpretation and that’s God’s. The fact of the matter is that there is only one interpretation and the possibility of many applications. Maybe this is part of our problem in our fast paced modern world. The interpretation is taken from a commentary or a person rather than taking the questions that we have before the Lord Himself. What has happened to the old fashion work hard to get what we want/need attitude? Instead, the plague of fast paced life has handcuffed us to the thought that if we need to know something we have to have the answer now. If the Bible tells us that we do not need man to teach us but rather the Holy Spirit than why do we continue to turn to the commentaries and other men? 1st John 2:27, But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
Please, do not take the thought that commentaries are inspired. I once heard a preacher say that commentaries are inspired by God and it nearly made me fall out of my seat. If commentaries were indeed inspired, why do they differ? Has God changed His mind? No, for God is not man that He should change His mind. Malachi 3:6, For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
It is man that changes, it is man that can’t make up his mind, not God! So how do we learn what God wants from us through the Bible? The answer has already been given. Prayer, is the key to our understanding of God’s word. If God inspired His word, which He did, then why would we ask anyone else? 2nd Peter 1:21, For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
If you had a problem with a Toyota vehicle, would you take it to general mechanic or a Toyota mechanic? I guess the question that needs to follow that is, do we want to have the makers input to the problem, the one who is specifically trained on only that make or would we want the opinion of the person who may have seen the problem that you are encountering? Me personally, I want the person who has studied and worked only on my vehicle. I want the person who knows the manufacturer personally. I want the truth the first time and not someone’s opinion. There is no difference with God. We must take our questions and problems with God’s word to God Himself.Philippians 4:6, Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Not only do we have to take our questions and concerns about God’s word to Him in prayer but we also have to make a decision as to whether we believe His word. We have to be determined to follow His word no matter what. If you are going into prayer with a preconceived notion as to what the answer is going to be and you are already deciding that God’s answer will not change your mind then you are un-teachable. The very moment that you are un-teachable you are treading on dangerous territory. When you are un-teachable, what you are saying is that you know better then God. You must have a teachable heart in order for God to mold you and shape you. What kind of heart do you have? Do you already know all the answers before you even take the concerns before God? Be open to what God is trying to teach you. No matter how much you may think you know, go into prayer convinced that God can teach you something. Be confident that God knows more than you about His word. The truth of the matter is that you may have been taught incorrectly by someone in the past. If someone has taught you incorrectly then that means you are in the wrong, what then? This is why we must remain teachable about all matters at all times, even about what we know. |
