The Word is Spirit and Life By Babatunde Olugboji
In the past couple of weeks, we have been taking a deep dive into the essence of God’s Word. We’ve examined the Word as a sharp sword, as fire, and as that powerful tool called a hammer. This week we will discuss the Word as Spirit and life, and as something that is pure.
Jesus said: “The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John. 6:63). After declaring Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior, in other words after being born again, to mature as believers, we should seek nourishment by consuming the Word as the Bible admonishes: “…as new-born babes, desire the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby.” (1 Peter 2:2) The Word is an essential spiritual food as “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word of God.” (Luke 4:4)
Are you allowing the Word to actively work in your life?
Apostle Paul delighted in believers who received the Word and were spiritually built up by it: “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.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13)
Paul asked believers to allow the Word of Christ to dwell in them richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another.” (Colossians 3:16)
Increased knowledge not just for the acquisition of knowledge but to be changed by the Word, increases grace: “…but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18). Unfortunately, many believers only grow in knowledge and not in grace.
Pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit who alone can guide you into all truth. (John 14:26) He makes the Word alive in your heart by ensuring that Bible study is not merely an academic activity but part of your spiritual growth. Be determined to “be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” (Colossians 1:9) Your main objective in life should be to do the will of the Father. (Matthew 7:21) Knowledge about His will is not gained through extra-biblical revelations such as dreams and visions, but through serious Bible study.
The flawlessness of the Word is proof that it is unquestionably pure. It is unchanging and trustworthy. The psalmist says: “Your Word is very pure.” (Psalm 119:140) “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.” (Psalm 12:6) Should you doubt, disregard, discredit or discard the Word of God, you will be judged by the Word on the last day.
As a believer, you should not detract from the truth and the applicability of the Word by over-spiritualizing or allegorizing it, including by relegating it to the level of human mythology. The shame and contempt of those who do so will be everlasting. (Daniel 12:2)
Rather, put your trust in the pure Word of God as it will lead you to salvation: “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” (1 Timothy 1:15).
Have a great week.
Kingdom Dynamics, a weekly column written by Dr. Babatunde Olugboji, the President, Kingdom House, a non-profit organization in New Jersey, USA.
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