"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." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
When I listen to a sermon on Sunday at church - I am listening for the Holy Spirit to speak to my heart. Certainly I listen to the preacher, but more I am waiting for the Spirit of God to penetrate my heart with spiritual truth. The word "inspiration" in some translations is rendered as "God-breathed" or "given to the writers by inspiration of the Spirit of God". The Spirit of God has also been called the Spirit of Truth. Jesus said -
"They [the disciples and those who were to follow] are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world." - John 17:16-18
We are sanctified - strengthened through the reading, and in the absence of the written Word, by the hearing of the Word. The Word of God is a critical element to the maturity of our faith. They are tied together.
"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." - Romans 10:17
I made note of several "nuggets" that were shared from the pulpit this past Sunday. The man bringing the Word of God, was not trained in a seminary or Bible college.
"It is far better to be plain in speech, yet walking openly and consistently with the gospel, than to be admired by thousands, and be lifted up in pride" … Matthew Henry
I told him that he was anointed by God to preach and teach the Word some months ago. That always seems to unsettle people when I call out an anointing or gifting that I see at work in and through them. But they should be affirmed - not so my words would puffed them up - no - but so that they would be encouraged and humbled by the knowing that God has chosen to use them - the wretch that they were before Jesus met them on the road to wherever they were going. It is a fearful thing to speak for God all the while knowing that you are but a mere mortal.
The first truth that was illuminated in me heart was that we should not listen or read for the purpose of accumulating spiritual information. We should listen or read so that our hearts might be illuminated so that we would find it "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that [we as the children of God] may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
It requires the Spirit of God for that to happen. It also requires a heart that is open to receiving the Truth and letting that Truth do its transforming work in us. Jesus said that the Father would send the Spirit for that purpose, but not for that purpose alone.
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." - John 14:26
Does your heart burn when you hear the Truth of God? I hope so!
"They [two of the disciples] asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” - Luke 24:32
With the Apostle Paul -
"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength." Ephesians 1:18-19
Receive it - Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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