October 28, 2023 RECEIVING INSTRUCTION
1 THESSALONIANS 4:1-2 “Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you may excel still more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.”
We rightly think of the Bible as the word of God, and we agree that it is a good book to read. However, some may think that to live according to the Bible is beyond their reach; they claim that they are ‘not perfect.’ Our primary view of God’s word should be that it is a book of instructions that God has given to His followers. (His word is not only a book of instructions; in His word God reveals His character and we learn about the history of God’s dealing with man, the origin of the universe and so much more.) Throughout the New Testament we find many specific instructions on how we are to live and how we are to relate to one another and how we are to relate to God. I must confess that there have been times when I read from God’s word, but then ‘go my way,’ practically forgetting what I just read. The amazing reality and the trap that we must be aware of is that we can feel good about ourselves just because we read from God’s word; it’s like we get our spiritual ‘fix’ by just reading His word. When we receive God’s word for what it is, we are challenged to the core; our motives and the intentions of our hearts or revealed; and we are reminded of the great love God has for us. Because God loves us, He gives us instructions as to how we are to live; left to ourselves we would not have a clue as to how to live abundantly. We are to view His word not as a list of rules we must keep, but as a book in which we find the keys to life. Importantly, we are not to follow His instructions only when we ‘feel like it;’ we are to obey His instructions even if our emotions are opposed to it or if seems inconvenient at the moment. The best goal we could ever have is to live life in a way that is pleasing to God. It is true that none of us are perfect in all of our ways; but when we recognize where we are wrong and then turn form it, that pleases God. The point is, let us not see the Bible as a book of good suggestions or see the instructions beyond our reach; let us see God’s word as His instructions that He has given that we might experience life to the fullest. Our motive for following His instructions should not be to earn His love and approval, but we are to walk in His ways BECAUSE He loves us, and His words are life. As we read His word, let us us be looking for instructions to obey.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Hebrews 4:12 “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.”
Blessings, Buddy
1 THESSALONIANS 4:1-2 “Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you may excel still more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.”
We rightly think of the Bible as the word of God, and we agree that it is a good book to read. However, some may think that to live according to the Bible is beyond their reach; they claim that they are ‘not perfect.’ Our primary view of God’s word should be that it is a book of instructions that God has given to His followers. (His word is not only a book of instructions; in His word God reveals His character and we learn about the history of God’s dealing with man, the origin of the universe and so much more.) Throughout the New Testament we find many specific instructions on how we are to live and how we are to relate to one another and how we are to relate to God. I must confess that there have been times when I read from God’s word, but then ‘go my way,’ practically forgetting what I just read. The amazing reality and the trap that we must be aware of is that we can feel good about ourselves just because we read from God’s word; it’s like we get our spiritual ‘fix’ by just reading His word. When we receive God’s word for what it is, we are challenged to the core; our motives and the intentions of our hearts or revealed; and we are reminded of the great love God has for us. Because God loves us, He gives us instructions as to how we are to live; left to ourselves we would not have a clue as to how to live abundantly. We are to view His word not as a list of rules we must keep, but as a book in which we find the keys to life. Importantly, we are not to follow His instructions only when we ‘feel like it;’ we are to obey His instructions even if our emotions are opposed to it or if seems inconvenient at the moment. The best goal we could ever have is to live life in a way that is pleasing to God. It is true that none of us are perfect in all of our ways; but when we recognize where we are wrong and then turn form it, that pleases God. The point is, let us not see the Bible as a book of good suggestions or see the instructions beyond our reach; let us see God’s word as His instructions that He has given that we might experience life to the fullest. Our motive for following His instructions should not be to earn His love and approval, but we are to walk in His ways BECAUSE He loves us, and His words are life. As we read His word, let us us be looking for instructions to obey.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Hebrews 4:12 “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.”
Blessings, Buddy
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