Letting the Word of God speak

Letting the Word of God speak for itself....

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Scriptures: II Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; John 3:29-31

Over the years, I have been blessed to sit and be taught by some very gifted teachers in the Body of Christ. Through their being led by the Holy Spirit, they have done research on the background of the scriptures that they were teaching on. The history of the culture of the time that the scripture was referring to. The depth and significance of the teaching has been great.  I am and continue to be thankful to God and to the gifted teachers for this.

But something that I believe we all need to minimize is our opinions when teaching God's word. The opinions are going to be there and they will come out as we are teaching. But as teachers, we need to actively seek our Lord, and be filled with His Spirit. We also need to continually read His word and have our minds filled with it. Then, more of His word will be taught and less of our human opinions. Hebrews 4:12 says that the Word of God is living and active. That it IS sharper than a double edged sword. That it IS able to divide between soul and spirit. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of our heart. It lays us open to our Lord. It can cut deep into where we really are...where we live...the “real us”! When scripture does this, our Lord can work real change in our lives. I DO NOT believe that scripture mentions our opinions being able to do that. Hmm....something to think about....

In II Timothy 3:16-17, we read that ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God. It is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction. It can instruct us in righteousness. The word of God is able to make us complete, and equip us for every good work that our Lord wants to accomplish through us.

So...what should we do? I think that it is time to let God's word speak for itself. In the book of John, we read a quote from a man that our Lord calls the “greatest of the old testament prophets”, John the Baptist. That He (Jesus) must increase, but that he (John) must decrease. Maybe one of the practical ways to apply this, is to allow the word of God to be the Word of God and minimize injecting our opinions when we teach. In other words....Let the Word of God speak for itself! Hmm....

Lord, may we decrease that You would increase in our lives. We offer ourselves to You, to Your Holy Spirit. Use us for the glory of You and Your kingdom we pray.

In Christ our Lord,

Don