Ministry of the Word
THE SCRIPTURES
OUTLINE 1: THE INSPIRATION OF SCRIPTURE
There is a powerful poem composed by an unknown author that revealed how is the bible is inspired. If we are talking about scripture, we also means the BIBLE.
THE BIBLE – “SCRIPTURE”
This book is the mind of God. It reveals the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.
The doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter.
Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and hell disclosed. Christ is it’s grand object, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. Let it fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given in life, will be opened in the judgement, and remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the highest labour, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents”
- AUTHOR UNKNOWN
The “scriptures” or scripture is inspired by God. The bible said “All scripture is given by God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness ……”11Tim 3:16.17. God is the grand Author of the bible. He inspired the holy men of God to write. “For the prophesy came not in old time by the will of man.. .” 11Pet 1:21. From these verses we understand that bible is not the Book of the wise men; not words of adage; not proverbs of the wise men, not taboo, stories and tales of men. The expressions “thus saith the Lord”. “The lord spoke”. “The word of the Lord came unto me” etc are found over eight thousand time in the Bible. That is why God is the grand Author of the Bible. “For the prophesy – Bible, scripture, scriptures – came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost”. 11 Pet 1:21.
Jesus Christ emphasizes it that, Holy Ghost would teach – inspired, rule your heart – John 14:26. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, Whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things…”. You see God sent Holy Spirit through the Holy Men to write the scriptures, that is the Bible.
The bible contains sixty-six books, and the bible was written during a period of 2,800 years. Yet there is wonderful unity and harmony throughout the Bible.
The bible is very much superior to other books. It is called sacred. Other books like Shakespeare, chaste, novels of different kinds and literatures can not withstand the Bible in term of preservation. The Bible is very much preserved. Over 2,000 years ago, the Bible has never lost its value. It is the Bible that give light to the whole world. Ps 119:105, 130.
Let us understand what Paul was saying in Gal 1: 11.12. “….., that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the REVELATION OF JJESUS CHRIST”
God is the grand Author, Jesus Christ is the grand Master and the Holy Ghost is the Revealer or Medium. Then Holy men of God put it in White and black called Scroll.
OUTLINE 2 UNDERSTANDING SCRIPTURES
Earlier discussed in Outline one; that God is the grand Author of the Bible and Jesus Christ is the grand Master. Their personalities, including Holy Ghost are one. Also they are spirit Beings. Godhead operates in the super-natural realm. We can not equate this with man, who is ruling with his natural senses. Man is natural and carnal. Therefore man cannot understand God at all. 1 Cor 2:10.”But God hath revealed them unto us by his spirit….” Verse 14 “But the natural man received not the things of the spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Since man has fallen from grace, it is impossible for him to understand God. That is why Jesus, the Word himself came into the world and man refused to accept him.
Whosoever will understand God must definitely be filled with the spirit. Eph 5:18 “And be not drunk with wine wherein excess; but be filled with the spirit”. Man needs to tune to the frequency of God in order to understand. For example, he that wants to listen to FM Stereo, need to tune his radio to a station. Likewise of man to God.
Intellectualism, morality and psychology are foolishness unto God. 1Cor 1:24 “But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks. Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God”. Man needs to answer the call unto salvation before he can understand who Godhead is. John 3:6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the spirit is spirit”. Man needs to be born of the spirit before he can understand the Word – Scripture.
The works of the Holy Ghost is to guide man into all truth; to teach man of what to come and to remind man of what he has known.
Those who do not know Christ and those who have wrong conceptions about Christ cannot interpret the Bible aright. This is why cults and false religions do not understand the Bible. Christian Science says, Jesus was the divine idea of God. It proves that Jesus Christ is not God. Spiritualism says Christ is not the son of God. And just and perfect being is Christ … not divine except in the sense that we are all divine.
Rosicrucian’s says Christ is the highest initiate of the sun period.
The Bible leads man to Christ and Christ leads you to the Bible. Someone who has the mind of Christ can understand him. 1 Cor 2:16. “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ”. There are a lot of treasures packaged in that sacred book called the Bible. That is why we need to read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy.
The kind of heart you have is a great deciding factor in whether you will understand God’s word and benefit from its study. We need the divine Operation of the circumcision of our hearts. Deut 30:6, Ex 36:26, Heb 8:10.
OUTLINE 3: AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE
TEXT: II PET 1:21
So many verses of the Scriptures revealed Jesus Christ as the Author of the Bible. Jesus Christ referred to the DIVINE authority of the Old Testament. Matt 8:17 “That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah ……..”
Though, the Bible comprises of sixty-six separate and distinct books. That is why Bible is called “the library”, or “book of books” etc. these books were written by men. The Bible called them holy men. II Pet 1:21.
Jesus Christ and the Apostles testified about their writings. For example Genesis to Deuteronomy were written by Moses, other writers are Joshua, David, Ruth, Nehemiah, Ezra the Scribe etc. In the New Testament, there are various writers such as Matthew, Mark, Luke, Paul, John etc. All these people wrote at different location within a range number of years. But one thing is cleared, Jesus Christ through the Holy Ghost was the Bible written. II Pet 1:21 “For the prophesy – Bible, scriptures etc. came not in old time by the will of man; but Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost”.
Revelation, a sacred book of the Bible pointed Godhead as the grand Author of the Bible. Rev 1:1. “The Revelation of JESUS CHRIST, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants…”. Someone who own Revelation own the Vision. The scripture is given of God. That is God influences its writings, II Tim 3:16 “All scriptures is given Inspiration of God, …”. So there is no way God could be ruled out. Without God, there is no Bible.
Since God is the grand Author of it, that is why it is the Bible that is widely produced and sold throughout the world market. Never outdated.
Even the Old Testament proved the authority of the Bible as the Lord. One of its writers, David said in his Psalm. II Sam 23:2 “The spirit of the Lord Spoke by me and his Word was in my tongue” From this verse it is clearly revealed that the word David spoke was influenced by God. So others is no verse which can be said was written out of the sense of man or out of Psychology of man.
Moses, the writer of Deuteronomy prophesized concerning a prophet. Deut 18:18 “ I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak unto them all that I shall commanded him” I, here is God and the Prophet mentioned is Jesus Christ. According to John1:1 “In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God; and the word was God” I John5:7 “For there are three that bear record in Heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one”. From these verses it is understood that Jesus Christ is that Word. John 20:31 “But there are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ…” Here it is clearly said, “These are written”. That is the Bible.
ITEM 4: THE POWER AND THE PURPOSE OF SCRIPTURE
TEXT: HEB 4:12
The word of God, also known as scripture or Bible is the principal asset that God uses to fulfill his counsel on man. Quoting from Heb 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thought, and intents of the heart.” From the scripture here, the word of God is used as a powerful weapon to deal with man. As you know, man composes of soul and spirit, joints and marrow still the word of God can restructure, mould and make man.
Man thinks he needs pleasure, money and other things but God reveals man’s real need in the Bible. Man is ignorant of his need. It is only in the Bible that the needs of man are met. The bible is the guidebook of the Christian’s life. Such needs: the need for repentance from sins, Is 59:2. “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God …….”. Isa 55: 6, 7 “Seek ye the lord while he may be found,”. “Let the wicked forsake his way,… and let them return unto the Lord …”. The purpose of this scripture is to reveal the need for salvation. The need for protection and divine guidance. Ps 119:11 “They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them”. The need for sanctification is revealed in Eph 5:26 “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word”.
The scripture can be said to be the mirror God reveals his purpose. The way to God is revealed. John 14:6, Acts 4:12; 16: 30,31, Rom 10: 9,10. Man understands God as the way, truth and the life. That God is the author and source of man’s salvation.
Furthermore, how salvation could be found by man is unveiled. Man cannot discover the way to God without the revelation of scripture. The way to God is made plain and simple in the Bible.
The scripture has the power to cleanse that is, to wash. Ps 51:2 “Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin”. How can man see himself according to God’s standard? The word of God does. Jesus emphasized in John 15:3 “Now yea are clean through the WORD which I have spoken unto you”. The scripture cleanses. When man sees himself, he tends to be sober and show godly sorrow in repentance. Quoted from Ephesians – Eph 5: 26 “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the WORD”.
The word of God, that is, the scripture is regarded as Incorruptible seed. The scripture is the seed sown to produce godliness and righteousness in man. I pet 2:23 “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible by the WORD of God, which liveth and abideth for ever”. As farmer sows seed and expecting it to bring forth fruits likewise the scripture which is sown and expecting to bring forth fruits unto righteousness.
The scripture, which is the WORD of God, make someone grow. It is regarded as food. As newborn babies that desiring milk. The scripture is the MILK of the Word I Pet 2:2 “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, which ye may grow thereby”.
Reading and meditating on the word increase faith. That is, it builds faith in man. Rom. 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing the WORD of God”. Believers grow into maturity by the knowledge of the Word. Other references are Josh 1:8, Ps 1:2, 3.
ITEM 5: VALUE OF LEARNING SCRIPTURE
KEY SCRIPTURE : II TIM 2:15
“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”. II Tim 2:15. The word of God, the scripture is the only asset in man’s hand to show his worth. Even, the wise or the foolish is differentiating by the word of God. There is far end difference between Elijah and King Ahab, between King Saul and King David, between the young Prophet from Judah and Jeroboam. There is difference between the wise and the foolish. Even the book of proverb says “A wise man is strong, yea; a man of knowledge increaseth strength”. When you say, you are a man of knowledge; it means you have been approved by God. To be approved by God, you must be a man of the Bible. Reading and meditating the word make you a man of worth. What distinguished men in the Bible is their closeness to the word of God. Moses was an example, who heard God and obeyed His command. Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Elijah, Samuel and so on are men who heard God. Jesus ought to have been a victim of Pharisees and Sadducees hit. He was a man of wisdom who knew God Word. Jesus quoted scriptures to overcome Satan. Likewise he quoted scriptures to disapprove the Pharisees for example, when Jesus was accused of attributing himself to be God in10: 30-37. Jesus replied quoting scripture John 10: 34 “Jesus answered, ‘is it not written in your law, I said ye are gods?”.
The value of learning scripture is that someone would be a man of truth. John 8:44 “Ye are of your father, the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do…, and abode not in the truth …”. Jesus said in John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life..”. He is the WORD himself. John 1:1-3. Anyone who abide in Him, abide in the truth. A man who always close to the scripture abide in the truth.
Pr 2: 7 “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom; and with all thy getting get understanding”. There is major significance of wisdom. Wisdom distinguishes a man among thousands. Matt 22:15-46 shows catalogue of accusation against Jesus by the religion leader. He was tempted beyond reasonable doubt in order to lay charge against him. Among the charges to defend are: Is it lawful to pay tribute unto Caesar? Secondly the Issue of resurrection of the death, Also, they want to capture him base on the fact of the law, they asked, which of the commandment is the greatest? Through wisdom, Jesus answered them accordingly. He used scriptures to answer them. Jesus was very wise in dealing with some of their challenges. This is the value of learning scripture. It will make you wise. You see, Jesus is the wisdom Incarnate. Pr 8:1-36, Jesus is the wisdom of God. Likewise the Bible revealed that the Gospel is the wisdom and power of God. Therefore, whosoever then close contact with the word is wise in all things.
SUMMARY : THE SCRIPTURES
To summarize the whole epistle, scripture which is called the Bible that comprises of sixty six books. Thirty-seven of Old Testament and twenty-nine of New Testament is said to be inspired. Inspired means God-breathe
The Bible originally had no chapter or verse divisions. Cardinal Hugo and Stephen Langston have been credited with chapter divisions in the 13th century.
The modern verse divisions were made by Robert Stephens. The Bible which is commonly used in Bible-believing churches is the Authorized version translated in 1611 by order of King James 1 of England captioned by “Complete Bible Study Series” Volume 1. Written by Pastor W.F. Kumuyi.
Bible is God-inspired writings. Though written by holy-men but grand author is God. The Bible proved the inspiration of the scripture. II Tim 3:16, 17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…..”. Why is it inspired? Continue in verse 17 “that the man of God may be perfect thoroughly furnished unto all good works”. The scripture is written to make man perfect. The scripture is not written to cater or guard animals nor beats nor birds. It is primarily and mainly for man. Eph 4:12 “For the perfecting of the saint …”. The scripture is regarded as divine constitution. The constitution of a country or nation is said to safeguard the citizens of such country. Likewise the Bible. The vary difference between a nation constitution and the Bible is the fact that the former is man’s will while the later is God’s breathe. II Pet 1:21 “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost”.
Now, as Bible has been directed to man to perfect his way, likewise man ought to understand the scripture. Understanding the scripture is a cognizant priority of man. Though, the natural man or carnal man cannot understand the word of God. God is spirit and His words are spiritual. Only man of spirit can understand likewise. John revealed that God is spirit and he that must worship must worship Him in spirit and in truth. So, man ought to be transformed from his carnality and spiritual. I Cor 2:10 “But God hath revealed them unto us by his spirit …”. We can understand God because we are spiritual. Verse 16 “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But WE have the mind of Christ revealed the Father unto us. He breathes his Spirit unto us and then we received the spirit of Christ. This makes us understand God. So, it is good for man to be filled with the spirit always. Even Paul is his writings said in Eph 5:18 “And be not drunk with wine, wherein to excess but be filled with the spirit”.
God relates with man all the time. Example of Adam and Eve in the Bible. The Bible revealed that God came down to visit them in the Garden of Eden. During this time, the Glory of God was upon Adam. But immediately sin entered and man came to his senses (and his eyes were opened), man could not withstand God again. Adam resumed to his sense-ruled and not spirit-ruled that is why, it is very difficult for people in the Old Testament to understand God. That is why it was very difficult to keep his laws. That was why his chosen people called the Israelites could not come to the standard of God. They disobeyed God and ended up as captives in the land of their enemies. But when Christ came, he broke the wall of partition between God and Man. Man tends to know God. Especially on the day of Pentecost, the spirit of God came upon the disciples which later effected on three thousand during Peter’s first speech and a lots of thousands souls.
“The Holy Bible, which is the scripture, is the inspired word of God and it is the only source of the knowledge of the Almighty God to all mankind. It is the contact point between the finite man and the infinite God, and its prime purpose is to give mankind a revelation of God. II Tim 15-17 – “Study to show thyself approved unto God …” bible is severally referred to as the Holy scriptures. Rom 1:2 “When he had promised afore by his prophets in the Holy Scriptures”. Also, the word of life, the word of God, the word of Christ; God’s Oracle etc.
The pre-eminence of the Bible. Is 40:8 Ps 119:89 makes it indispensable to all men today. While other books have limited influence on individuals because they are products of finite minds, the Bible which is God’s revelation to man has solution to every problem today. No man can live successfully without an adequate grasp of the Bible and no Christian is really qualified for the ministry of the church without a through knowledge of the Bible.
The Bible is God’s inspired revelation of the origin and destiny of all things. It is the power of God unto eternal salvation and it is the source of present help for body, soul and spirit. Rom 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the GOSPEL OF CHRIST, for it is the power of God unto SALVATION to every one that believeth …”. Also John 15:7 “If ye abide in me , and my WORDS abide in you, …”. It is God’s will and testament to men of all ages, revealing the plan of God, for man here and now and in the next life. It is the record of God’s dealing with men: past, present and future. It contains God’s message of eternal salvation to all who believe in Christ and of eternal damnation to those who rebel against the gospel. Every believer in the Church today can benefit from the hidden treasures in the Bible. Treasures are not found except by searching or digging earnestly. Likewise the deep Bible truths needs to be sought for and in doing this we will discover Christ the more. Above all, it is the regular habit of prayer, resignation to the whole will of God and His Word that will make us discover the treasures hidden in the Bible.
PART II: DOCTRINE SERMON
TITLE: THE SCRIPTURES
TEXT:2 TIM 3:16,17; I COR 2:14-16, 2 PET 1:21, HEB 4:12, 2 TIM 2: 15.
INTRODUCTION:
The name scripture also means “the Bible”, “The Word of God”, “The Oracle of God”, “the will of God” etc. Ps 19:7, 8 “the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statues of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes from the above quotation, the scripture is referred to as the law of the Lord, the testimony of the Lord; and the commandment of the Lord.
The name Bible comes from the Greek word ‘biblios’ which means ‘the book’. The bible is divided into two major sections, the Old Testament and the New Testament. There are thirty nine books in the Old Testament, and twenty seven books in the New Testament, for a total of sixty six books in the Bible.
The word Testament was originally translated ‘covenant’. Both the Old Testament and New Testament represent a covenant that God made with His people. It is important to remember that the Old Testament laws, or covenant has now been superceded by the New covenant (Testament) established by Christ. Heb 6:6-10, 18. Quotes from Heb8: 6s “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises”. The old covenant has not been cancelled out, but has been over written by the fulfillment of Christ’s work.
It is important to remember that the Bible was not originally divided into Chapters and verses as we have it today. The Bible was originally written on “the scroll”. It is for our own convenient today as Christian fathers of early age set to divide the scroll into Chapters and verses. It is now very easy to be directed to a book of the Bible, following by Chapters and verses. Cardinal Hugo and Stephen Langston have been credited with Chapter divisions in the 13th century. The modern verse divisions were made by Robert Stephens. The Bible which is commonly used is Bible-believing churches is the Authorized Version translated in 1611 by order of King James 1 of England.
OUTLINE 1: INSPIRATION OF THE SCRIPTURE
“All scripture is given by Inspiration.. 2 Tim 3:16. The term “Inspiration” as it is applied to scripture came from the Apostle Paul’s statement. The word “Inspire” in Latin word which means “breathe in”. The Greek word actually used in Theo-pneustos” which means or translated “to breathe or blow”. The meaning of the word “Theo-pneutos” is therefore “breathed out of God”. Therefore Bible is regarded as God-Breathed Words. When the Holy Spirit is spoke through the Apostle Paul and said “All scripture is given by Inspiration [breathed out by God]”. He was telling us that God did not breathe a special power unto the writing or thoughts of men; instead God breathed out his words into the minds of men to be written down.
The scriptures are inspired revelation from God. II Tim 3:16, 17; 2 Pet 1:21, John 14:26, Gal 1:11, 12, 2 pet 3:15, 16. The expression “Thus saith the Lord” “the Lord spoke”, “The word of the Lord came unto me; etc are found over 3,308 times in the Bible. You see, God breathed unto the minds of people and these people wrote the Bible. 2pet 1:21 “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost”. God is the Grand-Author and breathed in into over forty different men, in different times. And these people wrote and their writings contradicted not one another.
Jesus Christ Himself testified to the Inspiration of the Bible. Christ believed the Bible to have given under the Inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Mk 12:36 “For David himself said by the Holy Ghost “The Lord said to my Lord …”. Jesus believed that during the time David was written the Psalms, he was not writing out of his Psychological minds and not by his will. Jesus believed that David was empowered by the Holy Ghost. That is God breathed to him to write the Psalms. Secondly Christ referred to the Bible as the “word of God”; making the Word of God of none effect through the Jewish tradition. Mark 7:11-13, The Lord Jesus says, ‘Moses wrote of ME”, “Abraham rejoiced to see my day” John 8:56, “David called me Lord” Matt 22:45. These quotations from the very lips of our Lord confirm the Inspiration of the scriptures.
The proofs that the Bible is the inspired revelation of God are
UNITY: over forty different writers wrote the sixty-six books of the Bible during a period of 2800 years. Yet there is wonderful unity and harmony throughout the Bible. No one contradict another.
VERSALITY. That is, it meets the need of all peoples-of whatever races, nationality, language, custom or background. That is why there is no place, village, town, city or nation where Bible is not found. Every home has it. Every man problems are met in the Bible.
SUPERIRITY. I believe there is no book that can withstand the Bible in terms of sales of volume in the market, reliability and the likes. Right from ages Bible has loss its taste and its standard. Bible is unchangeable standard in a change world. Some other literatures can last for decades or century but no one has withstood the longetivity of the Bible.
Furthermore the scripture has its influence on individual and nations. Even when we have so called Communist countries where there is total denial of the gospel still the word of God has found its way through. The spread of Bible is rapid even over all countries of the World. Country like America has its foundation established on God. There are great nations producing great men of God especially, Nigeria. The scripture has influenced people’s life. Many murderers, fornicators and armed robbers are today the ministers of the Gospel.
INSPIRED REVELATION. To proof the bible as the God-breathe writings is the fact that God speaks or spoke about what would soon come to pass. Examples of such are Gen .3:15 “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy seed, and thou shalt bruise his heel”. Thousands of years later Jesus was born who was the seed of the woman that bruised the devil head. Ps 22:24 and others are Prophetic Psalms, which came to pass. Consider the verses Isa 7:14, Micah 5:2, Ez 36:19, 2 Chr 7:19, Matt 24:4-7, 2 Tim 3:1-5, 1 Tim 4:1-3.
Whenever Jesus Christ, the Truth, referred to the scriptures, He did so in such a manner as to inspire absolute confidence that the scriptures are indeed the word of God. He knew of no mistake or flaw in it but insisted with strongest emphasis possible, that the scriptures are wholly divinely inspired writings.
1. UNDERSTANDING THE SCRIPTURES.
Man by searching cannot find God except God makes Himself Known to him. Job 11:6 “Canst thou by searching find God?” canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?”. Man tends to be natural and carnal after the fall. 1 Cor 2:14 “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned”. Example of such is Eunuch of Ethiopia in Acts 8:27-40. Even he was reading the Prophecies from the book of Isaiah the Prophet but he could not understand anything from it. Not until Philip approached him and expounded the scriptures with him. Then his eyes were opened and understand what he was reading.
Understanding the Scriptures would take the following factors:
Firstly, the power of the Holy Ghost of God works in, through and with the word of God. 1 Cor 2:10 “But God hath revealed them unto us by his spirit, for the spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God”. The Holy Spirit helps our understanding to the Scripture. Jesus Christ was with the disciples for a period of three and half years still they could not comprehend the message of Christ just because they had not been filled with the spirit of God. Consider Luke 24:25 “then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the Prophets have spoken; …” Consider what later happened when the disciples received the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit fulfilled his mission when Christ commissioned him in John 14:26 “But the comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the father will send in my name, he shall tech you all things …”. Apostle Peter expounded the word of God with the men of Judah and Jerusalem in Acts 2:14-16 “But peter standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and said unto them … but this is that which was spoken by the Prophet Joel..”. The Baptism of Holy Spirit on the life of people would make them to understand the Scripture.
Secondly Illumination of the mind and heart of man must then occur. The Illumination would enable man to understand what is being revealed by God. This Illumination is given by the spirit of truth. John 14:17 “Even the spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him, but ye know him, for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you”. Verse 26 “he shall teach us all things and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you”.
Thirdly, no more new revelation, man should understand that there is human endeavour, including great sermons or wonderful Christian books can produce new revelation outside the scripture. The bible is the foundation of other revelation. Any other revelation that is not established in the scripture is regarded void and of no effect.
If people today claim to have a new revelation from God, it means one of two things – firstly they have received illumination (a fresh understanding of an already revealed truth), or they have been deceived by a spirit other God’s Holy Spirit.
2. AUTHORITY OF THE SCRIPTURE.
II Pet 1:21 “For the Prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit”. Many writers of different books have written books on history, Philosophy, drama, romance and so on. Likewise over forty writers at different locations have written the Bible. One thing is sure, on one contradicted one another. How could this be? There is underneath grand author who inspired these people (writers) to write. The grand author is God.
Our God is a God who delights in making Himself known to His creatures. God revealed His thought to man through the Scriptures.
FIVE TESTS OF AUTHENTICITY
DIVINE AUTHORITY. Each book in the Bible possesses a Prophetic or divine pronouncement and often contains the Phrases “Thus saith the Lord”, or “the word of the Lord came to me”. This divine authority was also shown in the telling of what God had done in the History of His people. Though, not all messages of the Bible were spoken by God. Moses spoke likewise other prominent men in the Bible but God approved their sayings as divine.
PROPHETIC AUTHORITY: Prophetic Authorship in the word of God is given to His people through Spirit filled – moved, God appointed men known as Prophets. Heb 1:1 “God who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in times past unto the fathers by the prophets”. Like I have said earlier, God approved their sayings and Prophetic utterances as divine.
Authentic truth. Facts of a book those are not divine, if follow is an heresy. A book with heresy, or false doctrine, was obviously not inspired by God. There is proof that Bible contains truth and nothing but the truth. Each book would agree with the other books God has inspired. II Tim 3:16 “All Scripture is given by Inspiration of God …”.
Dynamic power. The word of God has life-changing power. For instance II Tim 3:16 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is PROFITABLE for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”. Likewise Heb 4:12 “The word of God is quick and powerful ...” False teaching discourages tears down and leads to bondage.
Wide Acceptance: People all over the lands and seas accept Bible as God-breathed. Bible was accepted bared on canon. The canon of the old Testament was completed is 400 BC by the Hebrews, and the New Testament canon by 170 AD.
POWER AND PURPOSE OF SCRIPTURES
There is purpose for the revelation of the scripture. Heb 4:12 “For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is discerned of the thought and the intents of the heart”. From this verse, the Words of God are directly to man for many purposes. For the works of salvation, help, comforts deliverance and the likes.
Scripture is studied to realize that the Holy Scriptures are able to make one wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Scriptures produce life. John 6:63 “it is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the WORDS that I speak unto you they are spirit, and they are life”. John 15:3 “You are already clean because of the Word I have spoken to you”. See also Ephesians 2:25-27. The Word of God, the Scripture is light from our lives. 2 Pet 1:19 ‘… as to a LIGHT shining in a dark place …’ it gives understanding in a dark world. Ps 19:8 “...The commandment of the Lord is radiant, giving LIGHT to the eyes”. Consider Ps 119:105,130.
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of his who called us by his own glory and goodness.
VALUE OF LEARNING SCRIPTURE
There are numerous values of learning scripture. One is made perfect. His ways are right before God. 2 Tim 2:15. God strictly commanded for man to study the Scripture “Study to show yourself approved unto God...” Further references are Psalm 19:7,9 “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul, the testimony of the Lord is sure making wise the simple. The statues of the lord are right, rejoicing the heart, the commandment of the lord is pure, enlightening the eyes”. The values are identified.
a. the word of God convert the soul
b. making wise the simple
c. Rejoicing the heart
d. The word of God enlightening the eyes.
Furthermore truth is known for a man who sits down to learn the scripture. Wisdom is identified for whosoever learns the scripture. Jesus was identified as wisdom incarnate. Matt 22:15-46, Jesus confronted and challenged his accusers. He used wisdom to tackle their accusation.
The best safeguard for man is to know the genuine scriptures thoroughly. The only way to do this is to study with a heart that is open to the Holy Spirit’s illumination. The word of God is a necessary part of Spiritual growth. I Pet 2:2 “As a new born babe, desire the pure milk of the word that you may grow thereby”. The word of God imparts Spiritual freedom and liberty. John 8:31-32. This freedom breaks the yoke of emotional, mental and spiritual bondage.
Furthermore the Scripture establishes a warning safeguard against sin. Ps 119:11 “Your Word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against thee.”
The Word of God strengthens and edifies us. Ps 119:28 “Strengthen me according to your Word.” Also Act 20:32.
The Word of God equips us. 2Tim 3:16,17 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…”.
CONCLUSION
Remember, God has given us HIS Word so that we can know Him. His Word is Truth, and should not be changed or added to. God’s Word is full of promises, benefit, and those will remain until they have accomplished every purpose for which they were sent. The Bible contains very specific Words and Phrases inspired by the Holy Spirit and used to describe the Word of God such as hammer, water, sword etc. Knowing these words and apply them can help to understand and use the scripture.
REFERENCES
1. Holy Bible – King James Version
2. Complete Bible Study Series in one Volume – By W.F. Kumuyi.
3. Acts Magazine. International Edition.
4. Success Magnet. Volume 1. Py Ebelle Toni-Uche.
THE WORD
“Word” in the Singular or Plural is used severally in the Bible. It is used 182 times in the book of Jeremiah, 45 times in Isaiah, 79 times in Ezekiel, 74 times in all the twelve Minor Prophets. It is used 858 times in the rest of the Bible; and nearly always of the Word of God as received by men or declared by them in preaching and teaching.
God declared His motives, thoughts, will, plans, strategies, direction and so on in His library called “The Bible” it is vital wrong to connote the meaning of Bible as “The Word of God”. The Word Bible means ‘The Library’, ‘the Book of Books’. It is Logos in nature. That is “The written Word”. The power of God through inspiration to illuminate the contents of it. It is then becomes the spoken word – known as Rhema or The Revealed Word.
The Word of God is also known as Read Ps 19:7-11; Ps 119:1-end.
1. The Scripture
2. The Scriptures
3. The Law of the Lord.
4. The Statues of the Lord.
5. The Commandment of the Lord.
6. The Fear of the Lord.
7. The Judgement of the Lord.
8. The Precept of the Lord.
9. The Testimonies of the Lord.
10. The Word of the Lord.
Primarily ‘he Word’ is expressed vividly in the Bible. Its usage shows its potentiality. The proper examination of the word – “word” shows the following.
1. The Word of God is found only 3 times in the Old Testament and 44 times in the New Testament. Rom 10:17, 2 cor4:3, Eph 6:17, Heb 4:13, I pet 1:23, Rev 1:2,9; 6:9.
2. The Word of the Holy one. Isa 5:24.
3. The Word of Our God. Isa 40:8.
4. The Word of Truth. Psalm 119:43, 2 cor 6:7, Eph 1:13.
5. The Word of Righteousness. Psalm 119:123, Heb 5:13.
6. The Word of His Mouth. Jer 9:20.
7. The Word of the Gospel. Acts 15:7.
8. The Word of His Grace. Acts 20:32.
9. The Word of Promises. Rom 9:9.
10. The Word of Faith. Rom 10:8.
11. The Word of Life. Phil 2:16, I Jn 1:1.
12. The Engrafted Word. Isa 1:21.
13. The Word of My Patience. Rev 3:10.
14. His Word. 2 Sam 23:2.
15. My Word. Isa 55:11.
16. Thy Word. Psalm 119:9.
17. The Word of Christ. Col 3:16.
18. The Words of Eternal Life. John 6:88.
THE SYMBOLS OF THE WORD OF GOD.
The Symbols used to describe the Word of God shows its effectiveness. These symbols are used to connote its characteristics. As these symbols are ordinarily so also the efficacies of the word of God.
1. A hammer: To convict, to break down, and to pull down. Jer 23:29.
2. A fire: To refine, to purify. Jer 23:29.
3. A mirror: To reflect. Isa 1:23.
4. Seed: To multiply. I pet 1:23.
5. A laver: To cleanse. Eph 5:26.
6. A Lamp: To guide. Psalm 119:105.
7. Rain and Snow: To refresh. Isa 55:10.
8. A Sword: To piece, to cut. Heb 4:12, Eph 6:17.
9. A Bow: To revenge. Hab 3:9.
10. Gold: To enrich. Ps 19:1-10.
11. Power: To create faith. Rom 10:17 and eternal life. I pet 1:23.
12. Food: To Nourish
a. Milk for babes. I pet 2:2.
b. Breast for the hungry. Matt 4:4.
c. Meat for men. Heb 5:11-14.
d. Honey. Ps 19:10.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF MAN TO THE WORD OF GOD.
God has never left man alone without any responsibility to perform. God has given us the Word, and then we have duties to be performed. Yet, God enumerated these responsibilities.
1. To be read Publicly – Duet 31:11-13, Josh 8:33-35, 2 Kings 23:2, 2chr 17:7-9, Luke 4:16, Acts 13:15, 27.
2. Read privately Hab 2:2, Rev 1:2-37.
3. Studied: 2 Tim 2:15; 3:16-17.
4. Expounded: Neh 8:8, Luke 4: 16,17; 24:27; 45.
5. Searched: John 5:39, 7:52, Acts 17:11.
6. Meditated in day and night. Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:2-3.
7. Heard and practiced. Duet 30:11-14, Romans 2:13, James 1:22-25, Joshua 1:8.
8. Desired: I pet 2:1-3.
9. Accepted without change. Duet 4:2, 12:32, Pr 30:6, Rev 22: 18-19.
10. Preached. Mk 16:15, 2 Tim 4:2.
11. Taught: Duet 6:7, 11:19, Mt 28: 19,20.
12. Believed: Mk 1:15, Acts 4:4, 13:39, Rom 1:16, 10:17.
CONFIRMATION OF THE WORD.
The Psalmist confirmed the Word of God by expressing its characteristics.
1. It is pure. Psalm 12:6; 119:140.
2. It is tried. Psalm 12:6; 18:30.
3. It is right. Psalm 33:4.
4. It is created. Psalm 33:6
5. It heals. Psalm 107:20.
6. It quickens. Psalm 119:25, 50,154.
7. It is eternal. Psalm 119:89.
8. It is sweet. Psalm 119:103.
9. It is a lamp to the feet. Psalm 119:105.
10. It is a light. Psalm 119:130.
11. It is true. Psalm 119:160.
12. It controls the weather. Psalm 147:18, 148.
Furthermore Isa 44:26 reveals the confirmation of the Word. “That confirmeth the Word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers …” God promised to confirm the Word and the counsel of all His Messengers (the Prophet) who had made predictions of these things. The idea is that God always supports the Word that He gives to Prophet to speak to men, fulfilling the promises and predictions thereof.
BIBLICAL EXAMPLES AND PROOFS.
1. Moses and Aaron: He confirmed every word, which were spoken by Moses and Aaron before Pharaoh. Exodus 2-14. Consider Ex 7:1. “And the Lord said unto Moses, see I have made thee a god to Pharaoh; and Aaron they brother shall be thy Prophet”.
2. Joshua: The Lord did exactly as Joshua commanded as he ordered the sun and the moon to stand still. Joshua 10:12-14 “…. And he said in the sight of Israel, sun stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, moon, in the valley of Ajalon. And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed,…. And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD fought for Israel”.
3. Elijah. This Prophet of God, Elijah shut the window of heaven to give rain for a period of three and half years. I Kings 17:1 “And Elijah the Tishbite who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the Lord God of Israel Liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but ACCORDING TO MY WORD”. Likewise the Lord confirmed the word in Elijah’s mouth for the dead child of a woman raised to life. Here is the testimony in I Kings 17:22-24 “As the Lord heard the voice of Elijah, and the soul of the child came into him again and he revived … And the woman said to Elijah Now by this, I know that thou art a MAN OF GOD, and that the Word of the Lord IN THY MOUTH is truth”.
4. David: David challenged the captain of the host of Philistines named Goliath. Isaiah 17:45 “Then said David to the Philistine..” the result of the Word of David was the defeat of Goliath before David and before Israel. Verse 50 “ So David prevailed over the philistine with a shiny and with a stone, and smote the philistines, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David”.
So many great miracles occurred among the Prophets of God. God confirmed every word in their mouth.
To trace the confirmation of the Word in the New Testament:
1. Jesus Christ: Jesus being God incarnate yet worked as human. The centurion soldier understands the authority of the Word and its confirmation. He spoke in Matt 8:8, 9 “…..But speak the Word only and my servant shall be healed..”. Likewise there is power following the confirmed word in the life of Jesus Christ. Verse 16 “When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils, and he cast out the spirits with HIS WORD, and healed all that were sick. Jesus Christ, in the Gospel of John, impacted this Word into the lives of His Apostles. John 15:3 “Now ye are clean through the WORD which I have spoken unto you”.
2. Peter: Acts 2:6-8 “Then Peter said, silver and gold have I none, but such as I have given I thee; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise and walk.. And he leaping up stood, and walked,….”. There was demonstration of the Word of God through Peter. He judged Ananiah and Sappira, he preached and three thousand souls were won for Christ; he silenced the authority of religion sects and so on.
3. The messages of Salvation were preached by the Apostles. Acts 4:33 “And with Great power gave the Apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus; and great grace was upon them all”.
THE WORD OF GOD AND PRAYER
"How constantly, in the Scriptures, do we encounter such words as 'field,' 'seed,' 'sower,' 'reaper,' 'seed-time,' 'harvest'! Employing such metaphors interprets a fact of nature by a parable of grace. The field is the world and the good seed is the Word of God .Whether the Word be spoken or written, it is the power of God unto salvation. In our work of evangelism, the whole world is our field, every creature the object of effort and every book and tract, a seed of God." -- David Fant, Jr.
GOD'S Word is a record of prayer -- of praying men and their achievements, of the Divine warrant of prayer and of the encouragement given to those who pray. No one can read the instances, commands, examples, multiform statements which concern themselves with prayer, without realizing that the cause of God, and the success of His work in this world is committed to prayer; that praying men have been God's vicegerents on earth; that prayerless men have never been used of Him.
A reverence for God's holy Name is closely related to a high regard for His Word. This hallowing of God's Name; the ability to do His will on earth, as it is done in heaven; the establishment and glory of God's kingdom, are as much involved in prayer, as when Jesus taught men the Universal Prayer. That "men ought always to pray and not to faint," is as fundamental to God's cause, today, as when Jesus Christ enshrined that great truth in the immortal settings of the Parable of the Importunate Widow.
As God's house is called "the house of prayer," because prayer is the most important of its holy offices; so by the same token, the Bible may be called the Book of Prayer. Prayer is the great theme and content of its message to mankind.
God's Word is the basis, as it is the directory of the prayer of faith. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom," says St. Paul, "teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."
As this word of Christ dwelling in us richly is transmuted and assimilated, it issues in praying. Faith is constructed of the Word and the Spirit, and faith is the body and substance of prayer.
In many of its aspects, prayer is dependent upon the Word of God. Jesus says:
"If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."
The Word of God is the fulcrum upon which the lever of prayer is placed, and by which things are mightily moved. God has committed Himself, His purpose and His promise to prayer. His Word becomes the basis, the inspiration of our praying, and there are circumstances under which, by importunate prayer, we may obtain an addition, or an enlargement of His promises. It is said of the old saints that they, "through faith obtained promises." There would seem to be in prayer the capacity for going even beyond the Word, of getting even beyond His promise, into the very presence of God, Himself.
Jacob wrestled, not so much with a promise, as with the Promiser. We must take hold of the Promiser, lest the promise prove nugatory. Prayer may well be defined as that force which vitalizes and energizes the Word of God, by taking hold of God, Himself. By taking hold of the Promiser, prayer reissues, and makes personal the promise. "There is none that stirreth up himself to take hold of Me," is God's sad lament. "Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me," is God's recipe for prayer.
By Scriptural warrant, prayer may be divided into the petition of faith and that of submission. The prayer of faith is based on the written Word, for "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." It receives its answer, inevitably -- the very thing for which it prays.
The prayer of submission is without a definite word of promise, so to speak, but takes hold of God with a lowly and contrite spirit, and asks and pleads with Him, for that which the soul desires. Abraham had no definite promise that God would spare Sodom. Moses had no definite promise that God would spare Israel; on the contrary, there was the declaration of His wrath, and of His purpose to destroy. But the devoted leader gained his plea with God, when he interceded for the Israelites with incessant prayers and many tears. Daniel had no definite promise that God would reveal to him the meaning of the king's dream, but he prayed specifically, and God answered definitely.
The Word of God is made effectual and operative, by the process and practice of prayer. The Word of the Lord came to Elijah, "Go show thyself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the earth." Elijah showed himself to Ahab; but the answer to his prayer did not come, until he had pressed his fiery prayer upon the Lord seven times.
Paul had the definite promise from Christ, that he "would be delivered from the people and the Gentiles," but we find him exhorting the Romans in the urgent and solemn manner concerning this very matter:
"Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; that I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea, and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints."
The Word of God is a great help in prayer. If it be lodged and written in our hearts, it will form an outflowing current of prayer, full and irresistible. Promises, stored in the heart, are to be the fuel from which prayer receives life and warmth, just as the coal, stored in the earth, ministers to our comfort on stormy days and wintry nights. The Word of God is the food, by which prayer is nourished and made strong. Prayer, like man, cannot live by bread alone, "but by every word which proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord."
Unless the vital forces of prayer are supplied by God's Word, prayer, though earnest, even vociferous, in its urgency, is, in reality, flabby, and vapid, and void. The absence of vital force in praying, can be traced to the absence of a constant supply of God's Word, to repair the waste, and renew the life. He who would learn to pray well, must first study God's Word, and store it in his memory and thought.
When we consult God's Word, we find that no duty is more binding, more exacting, than that of prayer. On the other hand, we discover that no privilege is more exalted, no habit more richly owned of God. No promises are more radiant, more abounding, more explicit, more often reiterated, than those which are attached to prayer. "All things, whatsoever" are received by prayer, because "all things whatsoever" are promised. There is no limit to the provisions, included in the promises to prayer, and no exclusion from its promises. "Every one that asketh, receiveth." The word of our Lord is to this all-embracing effect: "If ye shall ask anything in My Name, I will do it."
Here are some of the comprehensive, and exhaustive statements of the Word of God about prayer, the things to be taken in by prayer, the strong promise made in answer to prayer:
"Pray without ceasing;" "continue in prayer;" "continuing instant in prayer;" "in everything by prayer, let your request be made known unto God;" "pray always, pray and not faint;" "men should pray everywhere;" "praying always, with all prayer and supplication."
What clear and strong statements are those which are put in the Divine record, to furnish us with a sure basis of faith, and to urge, constrain and encourage us to pray! How wide the range of prayer, as given us, in the Divine Revelation! How these Scriptures incite us to seek the God of prayer, with all our wants, with all our burdens!
In addition to these statements left on record for our encouragement, the sacred pages teem with facts, examples, incidents, and observations, stressing the importance and the absolute necessity of prayer, and putting emphasis on its all-prevailing power.
The utmost reach and full benefit of the rich promises of the Word of God, should humbly be received by us, and put to the test. The world will never receive the full benefits of the Gospel until this be done. Neither Christian experience nor Christian living will be what they ought to be till these Divine promises have been fully tested by those who pray. By prayer, we bring these promises of God's holy will into the realm of the actual and the real. Prayer is the philosopher's stone which transmutes them into gold.
If it be asked, what is to be done in order to render God's promises real, the answer is, that we must pray, until the words of the promise are clothed upon with the rich raiment of fulfilment.
God's promises are altogether too large to be mastered by desultory praying. When we examine ourselves, all too often, we discover that our praying does not rise to the demands of the situation; is so limited that it is little more than a mere oasis amid the waste and desert of the world's sin. Who of us, in our praying, measures up to this promise of our Lord:
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also, and greater works than these shall he do, because I go to My Father."
How comprehensive, how far reaching, how all-embracing! How much is here, for the glory of God, how much for the good of man! How much for the manifestation of Christ's enthroned power, how much for the reward of abundant faith! And how great and gracious are the results which can be made to accrue from the exercise of commensurate, believing prayer!
Look, for a moment, at another of God's great promises, and discover how we may be undergirded by the Word as we pray, and on what firm ground we may stand on which to make our petitions to our God:
"If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."
In these comprehensive words, God turns Himself over to the will of His people. When Christ becomes our all-in-all, prayer lays God's treasures at our feet. Primitive Christianity had an easy and practical solution of the situation, and got all which God had to give. That simple and terse solution is recorded in John's First Epistle:
"Whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things which are pleasing in His sight."
Prayer, coupled with loving obedience, is the way to put God to the test, and to make prayer answer all ends and all things. Prayer, joined to the Word of God, hallows and makes sacred all God's gifts. Prayer is not simply to get things from God, but to make those things holy, which already have been received from Him. It is not merely to get a blessing, but also to be able to give a blessing. Prayer makes common things holy and secular things, sacred. It receives things from God with thanksgiving and hallows them with thankful hearts, and devoted service.
In the First Epistle to Timothy, Paul gives us these words:
"For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving. For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer."
That is a statement which gives a negative to mere asceticism. God's good gifts are to be holy, not only by God's creative power, but, also, because they are made holy to us by prayer. We receive them, appropriate them and sanctify them by prayer.
Doing God's will, and having His Word abiding in us, is an imperative of effectual praying. But, it may be asked, how are we to know what God's will is? The answer is, by studying His Word, by hiding it in our hearts, and by letting the Word dwell in us richly. "The entrance of Thy word, giveth light."
To know God's will in prayer, we must be filled with God's Spirit, who maketh intercession for the saints, and in the saints, according to the will of God. To be filled with God's Spirit, to be filled with God's Word, is to know God's will. It is to be put in such a frame of mind, to be found in such a state of heart, as will enable us to read and interpret aright the purposes of the Infinite. Such filling of the heart, with the Word and the Spirit, gives us an insight into the will of the Father, and enables us to rightly discern His will, and puts within us, a disposition of mind and heart to make it the guide and compass of our lives.
Epaphras prayed that the Colossians might stand "perfect and complete in all the will of God." This is proof positive that, not only may we know the will of God, but that we may know all the will of God. And not only may we know all the will of God, but we may do all the will of God. We may, moreover, do all the will of God, not occasionally, or by a mere impulse, but with a settled habit of conduct. Still further, it shows us that we may not only do the will of God externally, but from the heart, doing it cheerfully, without reluctance, or secret disinclination, or any drawing or holding back from the intimate presence of the Lord.