Thursday, June 30, 2011

June 30th – Proverbs 30: His Word is Flawless

"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Proverbs 30:5

The Word of God is an amazing gift we have been given by God. As it claims of itself, “Every Word of God is flawless”. It is without error or flaw. The Word of God has an amazing ability to protect and become a refuge for any who would hide themselves in it. Just about any Christian home in America has several copies of it. Multiplied millions of Christians around the world claim allegiance to its precepts. Thousands of books have been written in study of it and millions of sermons have been preached on it. I dare say that millions of Christians would die to protect the integrity of it. I have heard it said, “I can find 1,000 men who would die for the Word of God for every 1 man that will actually read it!” Yet for all of our claimed allegiance to it, for all of our bluster, few really read it (and obey it) as it is.

So the question needs to be asked, “If the word of God is so amazing, why don’t we obey it?” Also, “If the Bible is so wonderful, why do we feel the need to add to it?” Now, I obviously don’t have a problem with digging into scriptures and pouring through them, unlocking their meaning and how it applies to our lives. But what I do have a problem with (and God does too) is adding to what God has already said. Many churches and ministries, even ministry and bible schools have a set of core values that in many cases supersede the Word of God in priority. They are defined not by what the Word of God says about them, but by what they say about the Word of God.

“Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.” – Proverbs 30:6

We are in an age of increased knowledge (Daniel 12:4) and these days, among the wise and learned in Christendom, there is a belief that in addition to the scriptures you need a “special” revelation of the scriptures to live the life that God intended. This is the basis of Gnosticism and was prevalent in the early church. It’s a destructive heresy that takes the emphasis off of the Word of God and onto our understanding of the Word of God. Maybe people don’t want to be defined by the Bible because the Word of God is serious business!

“For the word of God is living 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

LIFE LESSON:
Let us not get our identity from our understanding of the Bible, but FROM the Bible.

1 comment:

  1. Thank you Ryan! It's good to hear it spelled out how it is.

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