The Spirit of the Word

Text: II Cor . 3:5-6
MORE LESSONS: James 1: 18-27
Bible Reading in one Year: James 1-2

As we learn about the things of God through various means such as preaching the Word, fellowshipping with believers, studying the Bible and other anointed books and devotionals, the most important element that Jehovah uses to evaluate us is the transformation that occurs in our lives. The intention of God is the impartation of His life into us through His Word; so no matter how much knowledge of the things of God we accumulate, if it doesn't translate into our transformation to a more Christ-like life and attitude, we are not growing spiritually.

The Word of God is not to be approached with the analytical and critical mind and it is not to be treated like an academic treatise. Rather, with humility, we are to absorb the reality, grace and life in the Word and become more like Christ. A man can delve into the Word of God and become more and more religious but not more spiritual. Religion has to do with a set of rules of do’s and don't’s which does not necessarily give one the power to do or not to do. When men dwell on the letters of the Word, they become very religious and have quotations and knowledge in their head but which they have not experienced.

However, when you allow the life of the Word to change you so that you live and practise the Word, you become truly spiritual. We are to approach the Word of God as students and not as scholars. Scholars are experts that are so knowledgeable in a field that they can critique and analyse any topic. On the other hand, a student approaches each topic with a heart to learn. One difference between the attitude and the student attitude to the Word is humility and being teachable. James enjoins, So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener , God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life: James 1:21 (The Message).

Throw away all the confusing and complex garbage that men analyse out of Scriptures and, in humility and simplicity, receive, believe and practise the Word of God so that your soul will remain saved.

You have the Spirit of the Word when you practise the Word; you have the letters of the Word when you read it, write it, preach it and write volumes on it but never practise it. Go for the Spirit and not the letter of the Word because the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life: 2 Cor 3:6 ( NKJV) Don’t just be a hearer or talker of the Word, be a doer of the Word.

Prayer/Action
* Ask God to grant you the revelation knowledge of His Word.
* Pray that you will begin to understand God’s Word beyond the letters.
* Pray that God’s Word will not stop impacting your life.
*Ask that you will never resist the Word of God in your life.