The Word That Guides Us- Part Three

To conclude this three part study, consider what Paul states in Philippians 2:5 “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,” and in Philippians 2:13 “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” We are to think like Jesus, because Jesus dwells in us through his word (see previous post). God works in us, by that which we put into ourselves, the Mind of Jesus, by the Holy Word that we study and again, put into ourselves. We learn that as we fill ourselves with the Word, which is how Jesus dwells in us, that we learn to obey God, and do his will on this earth. 1 Thessalonians 2.13 confirms this very point: “And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.” We see here that when we believe the word, or the Bible, and accept it, it works in us! Again we see how powerful the Bible is. Again we see how important our part is! If we don’t put God’s Spirit in us, then we have none of these blessings.
Also consider 1 Corinthians 13:10 “But when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away.” That which is in part, miraculous abilities given by the Holy Spirit, will be done away for that which is perfect, or complete, the word of God. The Holy Spirit at one time guided, directed, and empowered the Christians of the first century. God now works with us, guiding us, directing us, and empowering us, by the Holy Bible, which is complete and provides for every good work (2 Tim. 3:17).

Now therefore, if the Holy Spirit representatively indwells the Christian through his word, and the word is what “is at work in you believers”, we learn that the Holy Spirit of God is not personally guiding and directing us, but that his Holy Word, the Bible, is what guides and directs us. We can have the Holy Spirit, Jesus, and God the Father dwelling in us by filling ourselves up with the words of the Holy Bible. No one can deny the power of the word of God (Romans 1.16). Paul states in Romans 8:14 “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” Remember the facts established in these papers; The Spirit of God delivered the Breath of God, the Holy Bible, and the Holy Bible leads us to God.

The Hebrew writer claims the following about the Holy Bible in Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.” The Bible is living and active in our lives. The Bible can discern the thoughts and intentions of every living soul, whether those thoughts and actions are right and pleasing to God, or wrong and displeasing to God. The Bible, the Holy Message Shining, is so important to the followers of God. It is amazing what God is able to do through his word.

John tells us that hearing the word and believing it is how God and Christ dwell with us on this earth, 1 John 2:24 “Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father.” We can abide in the “Son and in the Father” IF we let, and continue to let, God’s Holy Word dwell in us, which is “what you heard” (Romans 10:17, Faith, the Bible!). How is this done? Peter answers this question in 1 Peter 1:22-23 “Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently: having been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which liveth and abideth." Thanks be to God for giving us this unspeakable gift.