Is the Word of God at Work in Your Life?
Greetings!
Proverbs 3:1 says this,
“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments,”
Proverbs 3:1
The heart, my dear friend, encompasses our entire inner being, that mysterious realm we often conceal from the world. It’s the abode where our secret thoughts find solace, and where our true sinful selves can roam unencumbered. It is imperative that we devote attention to this perpetually flawed dwelling, for within it reside the very essence of who we are but not exactly who God says we should be—the thoughts we dare not utter, the musings we prefer to keep hidden. Yes, my friend, that is the genuine you—the you that God, in His divine omniscience, truly knows and comprehends but does not necessarily approve of. (Psalm 19:11; Psalm 139; Ezekiel 11:5; 1 Kings 8:39; 1 Chronicles 28:9; 1 Samuel 16:7; Revelation 2:23; Matthew 9:4)
Ah, the heart, my dear friend, acts as the receptacle for all that finds its way through your eyes and ears. It holds sway over every utterance that emanates from your not-so-adequately guarded word factory. Christian, I implore you, be vigilant! Take heed of what enters your being and what subsequently escapes it. Attend to the inflow and outflow, for they wield profound influence. Let your heart be a sanctuary that welcomes goodness and purity, and may it be the source from which goodness and purity resound.
“From the heart the mouth speaks”…
Matt 12:34; Prov 4:23; Prov 10:11; Prov 21:2; Luke 6:45; Matt 6:22-23
Not to mention,
” The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick;”
Jeremiah 17:9-10
Hence, it becomes paramount for you to grasp the profound wisdom that emanates solely from the divine Word of God. It is through this Word that you shall acquire the understanding bestowed by God alone. Christian, immerse yourself in the Word of God; let it permeate your very being.
Pose these inquiries to yourself: “Dear self, have you embraced the Word of God? Have you truly accepted it, recognizing it not as the mere utterance of mortals, but as what it genuinely represents—the living, enduring Word of God?”
Furthermore, inquire within, “Self, is the Word of God actively shaping and transforming your existence?”
These inquiries, my friend, hold eternal significance, extending beyond the limits of time and space. Enhancing the grammar, spelling, and clarity while preserving the author’s unique personality and writing style.
“And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.”
1 Thessalonians 2:13
In his profoundly uplifting letter to the Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul lavishes praise upon the church he played a pivotal role in establishing. With the tender care of a loving father, he extends his words of encouragement to the believers. Paul could discern the transformative power of the Word of God actively at work in their lives. Furthermore, he delighted in receiving reports from neighboring regions that spoke of the warm reception he had received among them.
“became imitators of [Paul] and of the Lord, for [they] received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that [they] became an example to all the believers.”
1 Thessalonians 1:6
Let us not overlook their fervent love for spreading the Word of God to others, as mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 1:8. They turned away from idols and dedicated themselves to serving the living and true God, as stated in 1 Thessalonians 1:9b.
We must glean wisdom from their exemplary conduct. It is insufficient to merely receive the Word of God on a daily basis; it must penetrate our often lukewarm hearts and effect profound transformation. We “receive” the Word of God through hearing (Romans 10:17), but we truly “accept” it when it permeates the depths of our hearts and molds our very being. Only through complete acceptance of the Word of God, acknowledging it as the authoritative utterance of the Almighty, can we activate the power of God in our lives (Isaiah 55:11; Hebrews 4:12; James 1:21; 1 Peter 1:23).
In the modern world, believers and non-believers alike have encountered the Word of God in various ways. They may have heard snippets, read portions of Scripture, or possessed ornate religious artifacts and decorations. However, not all have genuinely embraced the Word of God for what it truly is—a life-transforming, paradigm-shifting, and healing message of truth imparted to us by the one and only true God, Jesus Christ, the Creator of all things! Not everyone has allowed themselves to be shaped and molded by the Word of God. This privilege is reserved for those chosen by God (Ephesians 1:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5)—those who have experienced a profound transformation through the gospel, empowered by the Holy Spirit, with unwavering conviction (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5).
Therefore, Christian, ask yourself…
Have you received the Word of God? And if so, have you wholeheartedly accepted it as the very Word of God?
Is the Word of God actively at work in your life? How can you discern its impact?
I urge you to read the letter to the Thessalonians and learn from their shining example.
If you are a believer, rest assured that the Word of God will undoubtedly manifest its influence in your life! You are qualified to read and comprehend the Bible. This privilege is not limited to a select group of spiritually elite individuals who do not truly exist. The Word will work within you, regardless of any effort on your part. It is a living, breathing entity “at work in you believers” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). All Scripture is divinely inspired (2 Timothy 3:16). Through the power and influence of the Holy Spirit within your heart, Christ Himself will undertake the work. Our role is simply to trust, repent, and believe!
How does the word of God work in us? Good Question!
- It saves us. (1 peter 1:23; James 1:18)
- It blesses us. (Luke 11:28)
- It teaches us. (2 Tim 3:16)
- It guides us. (Psalm 119:115)
- It counsels us. ( Psalm 119:24)
- It revives us. (Psalm 119:154)
- It bears fruit in our lives. (Col 1:6)
- It warns us. (Psalm 19:11)
- It rewards us. (Psalm 19:11)
- It judges us. (Heb 4:12)
- It sanctifies us. (John 17:17)
- It purges us. (John 15:3)
- It frees us. (John 8:32)
- It gives us joy. (1 John 1:4)
- It strengthens and protects us. (Psalm 119:28)
- It prospers us. (Psalm 1; Josh 1:8-9)
- It gives us hope. (119:147)
Also see Psalm 19!
Is the word of God at work in your life?
Are you overwhelmed by his truths in a way that drives you to thanking him constantly? (1 Thess 2:13)
I know I said this week we would take a look at “Who man is?” and we will, next week, hopefully, God willing. This message here will serve as a set up for “Who man is?” as we continue the series “Take Me to Heaven” next week, hopefully, God willing!
In him, with love, for you all,
mike
