Be Enriched By God's Word

Be Enriched by God’s Word (2 Tim 3:16,17)

Too few people experience the fullness of God’s enrichment from the word of God. His word is life, empowerment and enabler to please the Lord in all respects filling us with the knowledge of His will.

Let us examine a few of the benefits of God’s word as a way of elevating to higher levels of spiritual wisdom and insight and intimacy with the Lord Jesus.

Illustration: From Mutiny on the Bounty

Illustration: One of the most dramatic examples of the Bible’s divine ability to transform men and women involved the famous mutiny on the "Bounty." Following their rebellion against the notorious Captain Bligh, nine mutineers, along with the Tahatian men and women who accompanied them, found their way to Pitcairn Island, a tiny dot in the South Pacific only two miles long and a mile wide. Ten years later, drink and fighting had left only one man alive--John Adams. Eleven women and 23 children made up the rest of the Island’s population. So far this is the familiar story made famous in the book and motion picture. But the rest of the story is even more remarkable. About this time, Adams came across the "Bounty’s" Bible in the bottom of an old chest. He began to read it, and the divine power of God’s Word reached into the heart of that hardened murderer on a tiny volcanic speck in the vast Pacific Ocean--and changed his life forever. The peace and love that Adams found in the Bible entirely replaced the old life of quarreling, brawling, and liquor. He began to teach the children from the Bible until every person on the island had experienced the same amazing change that he had found. Today, with a population of slightly less than 100, nearly every person on Pitcairn Island is a Christian.

From Signs of the Times, August, 1988, p. 5.

Song: Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light, unto my path. When I go astray, think I’ve my way. You are there right beside me.

Illustration: An unknown writer said, "This Book is the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its 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, 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 character. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. Follow its precepts and it will lead you to Calvary, to the empty tomb, to a resurrected life in Christ; yes, to glory itself, for eternity.

Illustration: It is said that when the famous missionary, Dr. David Livingstone, started his trek across Africa he had 73 books in 3 packs, weighing 180 pounds. After the party had gone 300 miles, Livingstone was obliged to throw away some of the books because of the fatigue of those carrying his baggage. As he continued on his journey his library grew less and less, until he had but one book left--his Bible.

Today in the Word, April, 1989, p. 28.

1. TEACHING - God’s word gives systematic instruction, information and ideas that are necessary for life and godliness. Even when we think we may know what we need, God’s word enables us to do things that we could not perceive to be possible, probable or practical. Ask the Lord to help you be more teachable so you are not one who is always learning but never coming to the knowledge of the truth. Speak the truth in love so that you can help others grow in all aspects into Him who is the head.

2. REPROOF - God’s word has a way of rebuking us without rebuffing, rejecting or restricting us from what is good. We all need to be shown where we have gotten off the path of righteousness thinking, being and doing. Those who harden their hearts and fail to receive the rebukes of God’s word often become callous, indifferent and immature in their thinking.

3. CORRECTION - God’s word is profitable to help show us where we can get back on the path of righteous thinking, being and behaving. It is not enough to simply learn about truth or receive a rebuke, but it is essential to make the corrective adjustments in our thinking, character and obedient behavior. Correction is essential to readjust our atttidues so conform more to the perspectives of Christ.