Receiving The Word of God-Part 2 Repenting of Sin

Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, Acts 3:19 (NKJV)

We are looking at a 3-part devotional series titled, Receiving The Word of God.  In Part 1 we learned believing in Jesus and believing in God's Word go hand in hand - they are inseparable.  We learned we have been given faith to believe (Eph. 2:8), and this faith is made active when we place our trust in God's Word. 

We then began to look at what was necessary to properly receive God's Word.  We listed the 1st of three things necessary, which was:

1.    We must be willing to Submit to God's Word

Let's continue to look at the next thing necessary to properly receive God's Word.

2.    We must be willing to receive God's Word with a repentive heart.

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness... James 1:21a (NKJV)

Jesus' first words in ministry were, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt. 4:17), and it is what John the Baptist said as well when paving the way for Jesus (Matt. 3:2).

A repentive heart is essential to a true believer and will result in our abiding in God's Word, and living in purity.  The Apostle Paul wrote to the Church in Ephesus and instructed them to put offtheir former conduct which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and to be renewed in the Spirit of their mind - that renewing which happens when we think on the things of God.  And they were to put on the new man, which was created according to God in true righteousness and holiness (Eph. 4:22-24). 

We are told in Colossians 3:8-10, to put off anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language, and were not to lie to one another.  

Q:    Why?

A:    Because we have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge (God's Word) according to the image of Him (God) who created him (us). 

When we are sinning we are creating an obstruction, which hinders us from properly hearing and understanding God's Word.  This is exactly what the Apostle Paul was telling those in Thessonilica. 

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. 1Thessalonians 2:13 (NKJV)

This is the point - if we truly believe the Word of God and we are submitting to it, then we need to apply it to our life.  There should be a marked difference in our life continually as we apply the scriptures and allow them to transform us (Rom. 12:2).  Jesus confirmed this truth as well.

"If you love Me, keep My commandments." John 14:15 (NKJV)

He then said, "He who does not love Me does not keep My words" (John 14:24). 

Submitting to, and obeying the Word of God is a sure sign of one's regeneration and it shows we truly love God. 

Hey Christian, I want to encourage you today to ask the Lord to show you any areas in your life where you need to submit to Him.  We should say as the Psalmist did, "See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

In our last part, we will look at the third thing necessary to properly receive God's Word.

STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn from the Scriptures contained within this devotional with respect to our need in repenting and submitting to God's Word in purity?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you fully submitting to God's Word, or are you picking and choosing which ones to apply in your life?

APPLICATION: When you read God's Word, make it your desire to abide in it and to apply it fully to your life - you will be blessed, and it will be a blessing to those in your life.