Move from scriptures to the Word

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. (Jn. 5:39 )

The Pharisees and the Sadducees were very knowledgeable about the scripture-well, we can at least say so to some degree. The scriptures are the written inspired words of God, which constitute the Old Testament to the Jews in Jesus day and to us the Bible. The Pharisees and Doctors of the law were men who could memorize the entire Jewish scriptures by heart. But there was a problem. They had the scriptures, but not the Word of God that those scriptures were designed to convey. The scriptures were essentially talking about one Person-that is Jesus, the Living Word of God. He came to them, and they did not recognize Him.

The Bible is the written Word of God. The scripture in the Bible contains the Word of God. Someone could have a solid knowledge of the scriptures but not the Word that those scriptures are conveying. The scriptures are received in our “head” and this can be an entirely intellectual process. They have no power in themselves to transform anyone or command a change. The Word, however, dwells in the heart, and is alive, active and will produce results. The Holy Spirit makes the scriptures come alive. He reveals the Word in the scriptures. He takes God’s Word and reveals to you what He is saying, and unleashes the power of that Word in your life. You cannot receive the Word and stay the same. However, you can be very knowledgeable with scriptures, quoting and even teaching them, without any life or power in them.

Seek to receive the Word from the biblical scripture that is brought to you. It is this word residing in your heart that is full of God’s life and power.

MEDITATE

As you ponder on God’s Word, you give the Spirit the opportunity to open your eyes to “see” what God is saying and to “hear” His voice behind the scriptures. That is the voice that communicates the Word. Revelation and inspiration are simply the breath of God-His voice to your spirit!

PRAYER

There is a reason why we pray when we study the scriptures- so that the Spirit will open our hearts to see and receive the Word of God. We do not just want to memorize bible verses. We want those verses to come alive in our circumstances and interact with us on a practical note.

ACT ON THE WORD

We need to make the “head to heart” move with the bible verses we have learned. If a scripture does not change your circumstance, what good is it? God did not send His Word to inform our minds only, but to reveal Himself, transform our lives and change our circumstances. This is the meaning of Hebrew 4:12 that the Word of God is active and powerful. It is not some dead writing. You can start by asking God today to open your eyes, meaning bring revelation to you, on the bible verses you have probably memorized but not seeing any results in your heart and life.