Receiving The Word of God-Part 1 Submitting to The Word of God

Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. James 1:18 (NKJV)

I remember when I first accepted Christ some 33-years ago.  I was excited, and eager to go to church.  I wanted to hear the Word of God being spoken, and I wanted to learn more about the Bible.  I think every true believer has had this experience when they were given a saving faith in Jesus Christ.  In fact you can always tell when someone is walking with the Lord strongly - they have this vast hunger for the Word of God.

• They are going to church
• They are reading their Bible all the time
• They are talking to other people about what they are learning
• They are going to Bible studies
• They can't get enough of God's Word

We can see this truth pointed out in the Psalms.

As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. Psalms 42:1 (NKJV)

I believe this to be a clear indicator of someone being saved they're receiving the Scriptures as God's infallible and inerrant Word.  Jesus speaks of this as well. 

"He who is of God hears God's words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God." John 8:47 (NKJV)

We can clearly see a person's believing in Jesus Christ, and their Believing in the Word of God go together.  And their receiving it as truth, and submitting to it are the fruit of their true belief.  God's Word tells us we are saved by Grace through Faith and that not of ourselves; it is the gift of God (Eph. 2:8).  We have been given faith, but we must exercise it for it to be active.  

When we put our Trust in God's Word, our Faith is being made active. Faith and Trust are inseparable - to have Faith in God is to TRUST His Word.  

• Our Faith rests on the Truth of God's Word
• Our prayers are asked in Faith - based on our Trusting in the truth of the promises in God's Word
• Doubt and fear are the twin enemies of Faith and Trust
• Our Faith grows out Trusting and acting upon the Word of God-

We are told in James 1:21 to receive the implanted Word, which is able to save our souls.  So to receive Gods Word properly can result in the Saving of our souls. To properly receive it though, we must have a proper attitude, and I believe there are 3-things we must do when receiving Gods Word.  Lets look at the first 

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

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV)

We are told in God's Word, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2Tim. 3:16-17)."  Therefore it is our reasonable service to willingly submit to God's Word so it will continue to transform us, and so we will know His Will for our lives (Rom. 12:1-2). 

We are told in James 1:18, "Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth."  This means the Word of God saved us. The word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb. 4:12). 

I find it interesting how many people will actually live their lives by the way they feel, rather than seek God's Word for guidance and direction.  The enemy loves this, because he has successfully distracted and deceived us into thinking our ways are right when they ultimately will only lead to death. 

I want to encourage you today to seek the Word of God - prayerfully read it each and every day.  Seek God's wisdom and direction for every decision you are contemplating, and He will be faithful to guide you and to keep you safe. 

STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn about the Word of God from the Scriptures contained within this devotional?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you submitting to the Word of God?  Do you believe "All" Scripture contained within the Bible is "God Breathed?"

APPLICATION: Read your Bible every day and submit to it in every aspect of your life.