It is not enough to merely listen to the Word. It is not enough to merely read the Word. It is not enough to attend church. It is not enough to expose yourself to the Word. There was a group of people who were very interest in the Word that Jesus spoke about. “”Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ ” (Matthew 7:21–23, NIV84)
The problem for this group of people was that although they surrounded themselves with the word, they lack a heart submitted to and obedient to the Father. “For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. ” (Hebrews 4:2, NIV84) Faith is obedience prompted by love. Faith is the expression of our passion for Jesus expressed by loving the Word and obeying the Word. Faith is never merely obedience because obedience without love is legalism and will lead to a religious spirit.
What do you think about when you hear your Pastor preach? Do you pray that the Word of God would transform you? Or do you sit and think that this message is not for you?
Every message preached that is Biblical is a Word for you. It is the power and the potential to move you towards your destiny. It can transform your life. All the Word needs is a passionate heart that will receive the Word and obey the Word.
We do not get to pick and choose which parts of the Word we will embrace. We cannot choose healing Scriptures and neglect the Scriptures about loving our brother. We cannot choose prosperity Scriptures and ignore the Scriptures about giving. We cannot choose the Scriptures about God’s love for us and neglect those Scriptures that speak of God’s intense hatred for sin.
If we would begin to obey all the Word, we would become transformed. Our obedience springing from passionate love carries power and authority to change the world around us.
Lord, today I will begin again. I will love you. I will obey you. My faith will be expressed in surrender to your Word and submission to those who proclaim it. I want you to change my life and empower me to fulfill your amazing purpose for my life.
“The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. ” (John 6:63, NIV84)
