"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." -Hebrews 4:12-13 (NIV)
The Bible is an old book, but that does not mean that its message is antiquated or out of date! God's word is alive, active, and relevant to our lives today. The life and activity of God's word can reassure us, but there are some who fear its power.
Some people fear the Bible's power to expose their wicked ways, habits, and deeds. They seek to interpret the Bible to meet their own needs or justify their own desires. These individuals can cleverly twist the scriptures and intent of God's word, just like the serpent in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3) and the devil in his temptations of Jesus (Matthew 4)!
We must beware of the tendency of some people to twist and misinterpret God's word and the accompanying false teachings. Everything is visible to God. Even what we can hide from our fellow man is seen by God. We can become aware of false teachings by asking for and seeking God's wisdom and guidance to see what is hidden in twisted words and actions.
Once God has shown us false teachings, we need to be prepared to combat false claims and defend our faith in the one true God. To prepare, we must know the scriptures - the teachings of Jesus and of God our Father. We should work to build a relationship with God through devotional time, study, reading the Bible, fellowship with and learning from other believers, and prayer.
Take the time to learn the word of God. Ask for God's guidance. Use the power of His word wisely, defending what is good and rejecting what is evil, so that you have nothing to hide from God and nothing to fear in His word. As we build our relationship and understanding of God's word, we will see how alive and active His words are today!
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for providing me with Your alive, active, and relevant word. Help me to learn and know Your word, to recognize false teachings, and to be prepared to combat false teachings by wisely using Your word for the glory of Your kingdom. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
Some people fear the Bible's power to expose their wicked ways, habits, and deeds. They seek to interpret the Bible to meet their own needs or justify their own desires. These individuals can cleverly twist the scriptures and intent of God's word, just like the serpent in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3) and the devil in his temptations of Jesus (Matthew 4)!
We must beware of the tendency of some people to twist and misinterpret God's word and the accompanying false teachings. Everything is visible to God. Even what we can hide from our fellow man is seen by God. We can become aware of false teachings by asking for and seeking God's wisdom and guidance to see what is hidden in twisted words and actions.
Once God has shown us false teachings, we need to be prepared to combat false claims and defend our faith in the one true God. To prepare, we must know the scriptures - the teachings of Jesus and of God our Father. We should work to build a relationship with God through devotional time, study, reading the Bible, fellowship with and learning from other believers, and prayer.
Take the time to learn the word of God. Ask for God's guidance. Use the power of His word wisely, defending what is good and rejecting what is evil, so that you have nothing to hide from God and nothing to fear in His word. As we build our relationship and understanding of God's word, we will see how alive and active His words are today!
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for providing me with Your alive, active, and relevant word. Help me to learn and know Your word, to recognize false teachings, and to be prepared to combat false teachings by wisely using Your word for the glory of Your kingdom. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
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