There is a wide-ranging belief amongst the Evangelical sects that it is the influence of the Holy Spirit directly in their lives that has influenced the change in their lives; to them, Jesus has “taken over”. One senses in discussion with such folk that the Scriptures are considered almost as secondary, as a text book about divine ideals, but not a force to change people for God.
However, when we look at the contextual evidence in the Epistles, it is abundantly clear that even in the days of open manifestation of divine power, the scriptures were turned to for guidance and also as the spiritual energy to keep brethren and sisters going. The sad feature of modern-day concepts of Holy Spirit guidance is the fact that the Bible is being not only neglected, but in some cases despised, a sort of second-division source of inspiration (after all, why do you need the Bible if you are being directed and guided by the Spirit!).
Let us, then, glance at a few references to guage the Apostlolic attitude to the Word of God:
“When ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe” (1 Thess.2:13).
The marvellous change in these one-time pagans was due to their response to the Word heard and also their allowing that word to work in them.
If it was “effectual” in their experience, should it not also be in ours? The striking point that Paul makes here is that we are only believers when the Word is working, and that with effect in our lives! All else is but a sham!
Another point which comes out of this verse and which leads us on to our next observation is that efforts is required on our part, namely, to allow ourselves to be influenced and opened up by that Word. So Paul says the mature members in Christ are those “Who by reason of use have their senses excerised to discern both good and evil” (Heb:5:14). In the context here he is reproving the brethren and sisters for not seeing the deeper things of the Word, even needing to be reminded of the first principles. Is not this a danger with us? Surely the first principle references carry both exhortational as well as doctrinal principles (for example, one God is there such in our lives? See James 2:19).
We have to grow up spiritually, by the following process:
Birth – “Being Born again by the word of God” (1 Pet.1:23).
Growth – “Sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Pet.2:2).
Maturity – “Meat to them that are of full age” (Heb.5:14).
Note in the three references given (please do look at the contexts!) it is the Word of God that brings the quickening and change. John writes that the young men were strong, for “the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one” (1 John 2:14). The “wicked one” is the world (see verses 15 & 16) which constitutes the lusts of flesh, eyes and pride of life. Surely if these young men had overcome these traits by the Word of God and because of this are called “strong”, then it must be imperative that we also heed this same Word by reading, meditation and application. Further, it is folly for us not to encourage our young men (and women!) to turn to the Word of life. Social gatherings, more visual aids, etc. are no substitutes for the diligent application of our minds to the Word in the privacy of our own homes There is too much substitute Bible study in our midst these days!
In Philippians ch.2 the balance of God’s working with us and our cooperation with Him is brought out beautifully: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (2:12,13). How does God work in us? To the Thessalonians it was through the Word. Is it any different for us than it was with these pilgrims of faith? Earlier in this same chapter Paul had talked of the mind which Christ had (from the Father, of course – v.5). The Master, through absorbing the mind of his Father, displayed perfection of character God worked through him. By allowing the mind of God (found in the Scriptures) to dictate decision-making and to mould our outlook and character (“work out your own salvation”), God’s will is being remembered, and in performance of that will, His “good pleasure” is revealed. Thus it is of God, and not of our own will.
There is, then, a process, and Jesus Christ beautifully presents it to us in the analogy of the vine (John ch.15):
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you (and how can that he,unless they are an integral part of our thinking), ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” (v.7).
Note what is said:
- If we abide in him.
- and his words abide in us,
- prayer influenced and controlled by the Word is understood and accepted by the Father.
And the result of this intimate fellowship? Joy yes, real, truth-loving joy, for as the Master says, “these things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full (v.11). Let us not be fooled. Biblical joy arises from close fellowship with God through His Son by meditating upon His precious Word, and by humble prayer and diligent application. The joy that is allegedly missing from our Community (according to some who have gone to “other fields”) is perhaps missing because we have neglected the source of joy, the Word of life! (see Jer.15:16).
Let us, then, use the Scriptures on ourselves like the Priest used his knife to open up the animal and inspect its internals (see Heb.4:12); we also need to be opened up. Then, having our shortcomings revealed by the Scriptures, we turn to our great High Priest to find forgiveness of the sins revealed by his words (Heb.4:14,15). How wonderful! From a living Word to a living Saviour that’s surely “walking in light” (1 John 1:7).
The Solution