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Theme: THE IMPORTANCE OF THE WORD OF GOD
Text: “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” – John 15:3
Comment: As water is used for cleaning, so is the word of God an instrument for spiritual cleanliness. God Almighty is clean and holy. He, therefore, expects His worshippers to be clean – spiritually, physically, morally, and otherwise. (1 Peter 1:16) Our Lord recognized the importance of spiritual cleanliness in God’s service, hence he cleansed the apostles through the word. (John 15:3) In John 17:17, he prayed, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
God’s word is a tool for reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16,17) King David said that God uses His word to warn His servants. (Psalm 19:11) Thus, the word of God convicts those who read it reverently and guides them in the path of righteousness. (Psalm 119:11) In Hebrews 4:12, St. Paul declared, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12.
Besides purification from sin, God’s word cleanses one from superstitious beliefs, teachings or customs of men, and false religion. Those whom God has called into His organization, where the truth of His word is preached, must not again entangle themselves with the filthiness of falsehood as it would lead to defilement. St. Paul stated, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers…for ye are the temple of the living God…” – 2 Corinthians 6:14-17.
Friday, May 6, 2022
Text: “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” – John 8:31, 32.
Comment: Our Lord, Jesus Christ, explained the meaning of true discipleship. While teaching in the temple, many of the Jews believed in him. (John 8:30) However, he told them that being his disciple indeed goes beyond mere belief in the word of God: they must continue in it if they want to be called the children of God. To continue in the word, the truth, is to keep and obey them faithfully. Apostle James stated, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (James 1:22) The truth purifies one to become holy; it instills the fear of God in one’s heart; it gives faith, and it gives sound wisdom and understanding that enables one to distinguish between holy and unholy, or right and wrong. The freedom that comes with knowing the truth is freedom from superstition, sin and above all, death.
Some temptations may come with trying to continue in the word, but we must continue to forge ahead till the end by the grace of God. To this end, St. Paul admonished Timothy, “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” – 2 Timothy 3:14, 15.