HI FB BIBLE class Lesson three Initial Effects of God’s Word We shall now examine the practical effects which the Bible claims to produce in those who receive it. In Hebrews 4:12 we are told that “the word of God is living and powerful.” The Greek word translated “powerful” is the one from which we get the English word energetic. The picture conveyed to us is one of intense, vibrant energy and activity. Similarly, Jesus Himself says, “The words that I speak to you are spirit and they are life” (John 6:63). Again, the apostle Paul tells the Christians in Thessalonica: For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe (1 Thess. 2:13). Mark this (effectively works in you who believe) God’s Word is life, It is spirit; it is alive; it is active; it is energetic; it works effectively in those Who believe it. Response Determines Effect we find that God’s Word can produce quite different effects in different people and that these effects are decided by the reactions of those who hear it. For this reason we read in Hebrews 4:12 not merely that Gods Word is “alive” and “active,” but also that it “is a discerner of the mind and intents of the heart.” In other words, God’s Word brings 0ut into the Open’ the inward nature and character of those who hear it and distinguishes sharply between the different types of hearers. In this manner Paul describes the dividing and revealing character of the gospel. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but to us who are being saved it is the power of God(1C0r 1:18). There is no difference in the message preached; the message is the same to all men. The difference lies in the reaction of those who hear it.For those who react in one way, the message appears to be mere foolishness ,for those who react in the opposite way, the message becomes the saving power of God actually experienced in their lives. The same BOILING WATER that hardens the EGG softens the CARROT - its not the waters fault, its the substance of whats in the water. If you have EGG SUBSTANCE in you then you will get HARD,but if you have carrot substance in you then you will get soft. SAME WATER, DIFFERENT RESULTS. However the Bible also makes it plain that the manner and the degree in which it works in any given instance are decided by the response of those who hear it. For this reason James says: Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness naughtiness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls (James 1:21). Before the Word of God can be received into the soul with saving effect, there are certain things which must be laid aside. The two things James specifies are “filthiness” and “wickedness,” or naughtiness. Filthiness denotes a perverse delight in that which is licentious and impure. This attitude closes the mind and heart against the saving influence of God’s Word. On the other hand, naughtiness particularly suggests the bad behavior of a child. We call a child “naughty” when he refuses to accept instruction or correction from his senior but argues and answers back. This attitude is often found in the unregenerated soul toward God. Several passages of Scripture refer to this attitude. But indeed, 0 man, who are you to reply against God? (Rom. 9:20). Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him? He who rebukes God, let him answer it (Job 40:2). This attitude, like that of filthiness closes the heart and mind to the beneficial effects of God’s Word. The opposite of filthiness and naughtiness is described by James as meekness. We shall now examine the practical effects which the Bible claims to produce in those who receive it. The first of these effects is faith. So then faith Comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Rom. 10:17), There are three successive stages is the spiritual process here described: 1) God’s Word 2) hearing, 3) faith. It is important to see that the hearing of God’s Word initiates a process in the soul out of which faith develops and that this process requires a minimum period of time. This explains why there is so LITTLE FAITH to be found among so many professing Christians today. They never devote enough time to the hearing of God’s Word to allow it to produce in them any substantial proportion of faith. If they ever devote any time at all to private devotions and the study of God’s Word, the whole thing is conducted in such a hurried and haphazard way that it is all over before faith has had time to develop. As we study how faith is produced we also come to understand much more clearly how scriptural faith should be defined. In general conversation we use the word faith very freely. We speak of having faith in doctor or faith in a medicine or faith in a newspaper or faith in a Politician or political party. In scriptural terms, however, the word faith must be much more strictly defined. Since faith comes only from hearing God’s Word, faith is always directly related to God’s Word. Scriptural faith does not consist in believing anything that we ourselves may wish or please or fancy. Scriptural faith may be defined as believing that God means what He has said in His Word — that God will do what He has promised in His Word to do. For example, David exercised this scriptural kind of faith when he said to the Lord: And now, 0 Lord, the word which You have spoken concerning Your servant and concerning his house, let it be established forever, and do as You have said (1 Chron. 17:23). Scriptural faith is expressed in those five short words: “do as You have said.” Likewise, the virgin Mary exercised the same kind of scriptural faith when the angel Gabriel brought her a message of promise from God, and she replied: Let it be to me according to your word (Luke 1:38). That is the secret of scriptural faith — according to Your word. Scriptural faith is produced within the soul by the hearing of God’s Word and is expressed by the active response of claiming the fulfillment of that which God has said. We have emphasized that faith is the first effect produced in the soul by God’s Word because faith of this kind is basic to any positive transaction between God and any human soul. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6). We see that faith is the first and indispensable response of the human soul in its approach to God. He who comes to God must believe (Heb. 11:6). In our next lesson we shall talk about the second effect of Gods word in the life of a believer. Lesson four will be posted on Saturday
Posted on: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 17:31:38 +0000
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