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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 also learned our first of three things necessary to properly receive God's Word, which was:
1. We must be willing to Submit to God's Word.
In Part 2 we learned:
2. We must be willing to receive God's Word with a repentive heart.
Let's continue to look at the next thing necessary to properly receive God's Word.
3. We must be willing to receive God's Word with Humility.
...receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your so James 1:21b(NKJV)
When we are saved, we will receive God's implanted Word in meekness. This word, Meeknessis translated from the Greek word, "prautes," prah-oo´-tace; Meaning gentleness or humility. This means we should have this gentle and meek attitude to properly receive God's Word. Jesus placed a very high value on being meek, as seen when giving His Beatitudes.
Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5 (NKJV)
Q: Why is it important to have a meek and humble spirit and attitude?
A: Because when we truly have a proper Spirit of humility, we are going to be teachable rather than prideful and hard-hearted. We will not possess the attitude which says, "I don't need to know that stuff" - or - "I already know what I need to know..."
So, we are to receive the implanted Word with meekness. This word Implanted is translated from the Greek word emphutos, em´-foo-tos; meaning to plant or attach something permanently.
And it is exactly what Jesus was speaking about when He gave the parable of the "Good soil."
But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." Matthew 13:23 (NKJV)
So James is saying the Word of God will take root in the Heart of the Believer at the time of Salvation - it's what the Apostle Paul said as well, as recorded in the Book of Romans.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. Romans 1:16 (NKJV)
And the Holy Spirit will continue to interpret it for us, and empower it within our lives to form a mighty weapon with which to fight the enemy.
For 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. Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)
As we meditate on the Word of God, we will find:
- It will transform us and change us to be more like Christ
- It will direct our paths and choices we make
- It will keep us humble
- It will empower us to do all that God wants us to do
- It will heal, correct, and encourage those whose minds are polluted with the enemy's lies.
- It will rebuke, admonish, and exhort
- It will bring forth life to those who hear it - those unsaved souls
This all starts with a proper attitude. When our attitudes are proper - when we are willing to receive God's Word in Submission, with a Repentive heart and in Humility,
- We are going to hear it
- We are going to understand it
- It is going to take root
- It is going to have power to transform our lives
- And it is going to change the lives of those around us
- It is up to us to walk in obedience to Its Truth - we are to believe it because we Trust God - we can never simply rely on our feelings
STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn from the Scripture with regard to our being humble and our Salvation?
PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you willing to receive God's Word with a humble heart - to be teachable and willing to be transformed?
APPLICATION: Seek the Lord daily to learn of His Word. Allow God to transform you continually.
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