We have been reminded by Jude during our Sunday morning worship, not to forget what the Scriptures teach about God’s judgment on those who failed to abide by His Word (Jude 5). Jude used some vivid and tragic illustrations from the Old Testament to emphasize this point (Jude 5-7, 11, 14-15). Thus, it is from Scripture that we are reminded; and it is being saturated with Scripture that makes a believer wise and equipped to handle all things spiritually. Wisdom comes from the Word of God and every Christian that is obedient to it will walk correctly (Psalm 119:105). This matters as all people will inevitably stand before God’s mandatory judgment seat (Romans 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 4:13).
One difference between Christians and all other religionists is that Christians believe in the absolute authority of the Bible. Many religions will teach parts of the Bible, but never demand their congregants to submit entirely to all of its authority; unlike the Christian, who submits to all Biblical truth and attempts to abide by it. Christians know it is unnecessary to perform “good works” in an attempt to “earn” salvation, as many false religions teach. But Christians do good works as a result of their salvation. Obviously, this requires faith on the part of the believer, and even that faith is a gift from God so that nobody can boast in self-righteousness (Ephesians 2:8-9)! It is this “free gift from God” reality, known as grace, which is rejected by the false teachers. To them, it is unfathomable that people cannot contribute toward their own salvation; yet salvation is solely given by the grace of God!
James commands Christians to be “doers” of the word and not just “hearers” only (James 1:22). Jesus Christ declared…”Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28). He also taught that our love for Him is evident when we keep (that is, obey) His commandments. In return we are assured that we will know the Father’s love (John 14:21-23).
God’s love for His own is demonstrated in the provision of godly, hard-working pastors who protect the church from the false teachers. Men whose love and devotion for the Bible is clearly manifested for all to see as they diligently teach God’s Word. Such men are obvious in their dedication to Scriptural application, and they thoroughly utilize it while shepherding the flock entrusted to them by God. Such a ministry is not restricted only to Sundays—as some like to joke. Truth speakers (as opposed to the false) sacrificially and loyally teach the Word practically and regularly. They live it also, and it is reassuring to know that if a disagreement, dispute, or difference, arises between other believers, God’s true pastors will refer to the Bible and let it dictate the appropriate course of action needed to resolve the issue.
I have been reminded that this is what the Apostle Paul instructed young Timothy to do (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Paul taught Timothy that the Word of God made …”the man of God competent, equipped for every good work”, v.17. In essence, being constantly and consistently exposed to God’s Word will not only help God’s people resolve all issues between them, but it will equip them to spot false teaching and enable them to “contend for the faith” in all circumstances (Jude 3). The more one relies on the truth of God’s Word, the less he or she will be “tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14).
Hebrews 4:12 states: “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart”. And we’re told, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16).
If we let verses like these above dictate, dominate and direct our life, we will be a discerning, wise, content, loving, instructive, admonishing, joyful and thankful Christian. With such fruitfulness as this and under the instruction of a pastor devoted to the teaching of the Bible, a believer cannot fail to lead a life pleasing to God. And even though heaven and earth will fade away; the Word of God will never cease to exist; it will always be (Isaiah 40:8, Matthew 5:18)! Amen!
Posted on May 1st, 2009 by Robert
Filed under: From the Pew