{"id":3709,"date":"2015-10-19T00:00:57","date_gmt":"2015-10-19T07:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.hoc6.org\/global\/?p=3709"},"modified":"2015-10-18T20:26:49","modified_gmt":"2015-10-19T03:26:49","slug":"1019-words-the-word-of-god-and-words","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hoc6.org\/global\/2015\/10\/19\/1019-words-the-word-of-god-and-words\/","title":{"rendered":"10\/19: Words, the Word of God and &#8216;words&#8217; (\u7bb425:11-20 \u63d0\u524d4:1-16 \u803640:7\u201342:22)"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>\u8bfb\u7ecf\uff1a\u7bb425:11-20 \u63d0\u524d4:1-16 \u803640:7\u201342:22<\/h2>\n<h2>Words, the Word of God and &#8216;words&#8217;<\/h2>\n<div class=\"bioy-body\">\n<p>Actor David Suchet, well known for his title role in <em>Poirot<\/em>, tells how a few years ago he was lying in his bath in a hotel in America, when he had a sudden and impulsive desire to read the Bible. He managed to find a Gideon Bible and started to read the New Testament. As he read, he encountered Jesus Christ. He said:<\/p>\n<p>\u2018From somewhere I got this desire to read the Bible again. That\u2019s the most important part of my conversion. I started with the Acts of the Apostles and then moved to Paul\u2019s Letters \u2013 Romans and Corinthians. And it was only after that I came to the Gospels. In the New Testament I suddenly discovered the way that life should be followed.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>The most powerful words ever written are in the Bible. Words are an important theme in it, and the word \u2018word\u2019 is used in different senses in today\u2019s passages.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>First, it is used in the sense of <em>our words<\/em>. The things we say can be good or bad (Proverbs 25:11-20).<\/li>\n<li>Second, it is also used in the sense of the <em>Word of Go<\/em>d. This is supremely Jesus Christ (John 1:1, Hebrews 1:2), but also refers to the Word of God in the Scriptures and in preaching and teaching (1 Timothy 4:1-16).<\/li>\n<li>Third, the Bible also uses the phrase \u2018<em>word of the Lord<\/em>\u2019 in the sense of prophecy (Jeremiah 42:7). God continues to speak to the church through prophetic messages (1 Timothy 4:14). Of course we need to distinguish the Old Testament prophets, whose \u2018words\u2019 were definitely \u2018the word of the Lord\u2019 and are now part of Scripture, from prophetic \u2018words\u2019 today, which need testing against Scripture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bioy-body\">\n<h2>1. Use your words to good effect<\/h2>\n<p><a class=\"inline-reading\" href=\"http:\/\/classic.biblegateway.com\/passage\/?search=Proverbs%2025:11-20&amp;version=NIV&amp;interface=print\" target=\"_blank\">Proverbs 25:11-20<\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Good words<br \/>\nThe words we speak really matter. Sometimes, they have a very good effect. When someone finds the right words for the right occasion there is something very beautiful about it: \u2018The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewellery\u2019 (v.11, MSG).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"rteindent1\">Something less easy to hear, but equally valuable is \u2018a wise rebuke to a listening ear\u2019 (v.12b). Receiving criticism is always hard but, as the writer of Proverbs says, \u2018a wise friend\u2019s timely reprimand is like a gold ring slipped on your finger\u2019 (v.12, MSG). Friends who love us enough to challenge us are highly valuable.<\/p>\n<p class=\"rteindent1\">Likewise, a trustworthy friend or messenger who keeps to their word is a great blessing: \u2018Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat \u2013 refreshing!\u2019 (v.13, MSG).<\/p>\n<p class=\"rteindent1\">The tongue is so powerful: \u2018Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone\u2019 (v.15). Or as <em>The Message<\/em> puts it, \u2018gentle speech breaks down rigid defences.\u2019<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Bad words<br \/>\nHowever, there are some uses of words that the writer of Proverbs warns us against. Empty promises lead to disappointment. When someone makes a pledge that they do not honour, the writer of Proverbs says, \u2018Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given\u2019 (v.14).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"rteindent1\">On the whole, it is not good to spend too much time talking to any one person or group of people: \u2018When you find a friend, don\u2019t outwear your welcome; show up at all hours and he\u2019ll soon get fed up\u2019 (v.17, MSG). We need a balance in our relationships. Words need to be spread widely.<\/p>\n<p class=\"rteindent1\">Another bad use of words is false testimony. This could be in court or simply in our conversation or online. \u2018Anyone who tells lies against their neighbours in court or on the street is a loose cannon\u2019 (v.18, MSG). It is very painful to read or hear things said about ourselves that are simply untrue.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Lord, thank you for the power of words to bring blessing. Today, put a guard over my lips and watch over my tongue that I might speak only good words.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bioy-body\">\n<h2>2. Devote yourself to the Word of God<\/h2>\n<p><a class=\"inline-reading\" href=\"http:\/\/classic.biblegateway.com\/passage\/?search=1%20Timothy%204:1-16&amp;version=NIV&amp;interface=print\" target=\"_blank\">1 Timothy 4:1-16<\/a>It is so sad and disappointing when professing Christians stray from their faith. Paul writes that some are giving up on their faith and chasing after \u2018demonic illusions put forth by professional liars\u2019 (v.1, MSG).<\/p>\n<p>Guard yourself against deception by studying the truth \u2013 which is revealed by the Holy Spirit in the Word of God.<\/p>\n<p>Paul warns against false teaching that tells us \u2018not to get married\u2019 or \u2018not to eat this or that food\u2019 (v.3, MSG). He writes, \u2018The Spirit clearly <em>says<\/em>\u2026\u2019 (v.1) and \u2018everything God created is good, and is to be received with thanks. Nothing is to be sneered at and thrown out. God\u2019s Word and our prayers make every item in creation holy\u2019 (vv.4\u20135, MSG).<\/p>\n<p>Paul urges Timothy to pass on the \u2018<em>good teaching<\/em>\u2019 he has received (v.6). An example of the good teaching is \u2018a trustworthy <em>saying<\/em>\u2019 (v.9) \u2013 that God \u2018is the Saviour of all people, and especially of those who believe\u2019 (v.10).<\/p>\n<p>Timothy is called to \u2018Get the word out. <em>Teach <\/em>all these things\u2019 (v.11, MSG). He is to be an example to the believers in <em>speech <\/em>(as well as in life, in love, in faith and in purity). Paul urges him to devote himself to the public<em> reading of Scripture<\/em>, of <em>preaching <\/em>and <em>teaching <\/em>(v.13). This must always be a high priority for Christian leaders (see 5:17).<\/p>\n<p>All this is part of training \u2018yourself to be godly\u2019 (4:7). It is good to exercise and keep fit: \u2018Physical training is of some value\u2019 (v.8a), but training in \u2018godliness\u2019 is far more important than physical training. \u2018Exercise daily in God \u2013 no spiritual flabbiness&#8230; making you fit both today and forever\u2019 (v.8b, MSG).<\/p>\n<p>In the Christian life your age does not define your maturity. Paul writes, \u2018Don\u2019t let anyone put you down because you\u2019re young\u2019 (v.11, MSG). Whatever your age, you can set an example by your life. Furthermore, age is no bar to teaching the word of God.<\/p>\n<p>Paul urges Timothy to watch his life and doctrine closely (v.16). Yesterday we saw how much a leader\u2019s life matters. Today we see that the words they speak matter as well. Watch your <em>life <\/em>and your <em>lips<\/em>. \u2018Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching\u2019 (v.16, MSG).<\/p>\n<p>He also refers to a gift that was given to Timothy through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid hands on him. This is an example of a \u2018word\u2019 from the Lord given through the gift of prophecy in the New Testament.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Lord, help me to train myself in godliness (v.7b), to devote myself to the Scriptures and to set an example in every area of my life (vv.12\u201313).<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bioy-body\">\n<h2>3. Listen carefully to the \u2018words\u2019 of the prophets<\/h2>\n<p><a class=\"inline-reading\" href=\"http:\/\/classic.biblegateway.com\/passage\/?search=Jeremiah%2040:7%E2%80%9342:22&amp;version=NIV&amp;interface=print\" target=\"_blank\">Jeremiah 40:7\u201342:22<\/a>Have you ever been in a situation where you decided what you were going to do and then looked for a word from God to confirm what you had already decided in your heart to do?<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve been there. It is not a good place to be. This is what happened here. They had decided they wanted to go down to Egypt and they wanted Jeremiah to give them a message from God confirming it was the right thing to do. It led to disaster.<\/p>\n<p>Jeremiah was an Old Testament prophet who had a reputation for being able to hear \u2018the word of the Lord\u2019 (42:1\u20137).<\/p>\n<p>Israel had reached one of the lowest points in its history. Gedaliah, who had been appointed as governor over the remnant of the people who had not gone into exile (40:7), had been murdered (40:7\u201341:15). Since the water supply was so precious in Palestine, the fouling of the system was a particularly irresponsible act of vandalism (41:9).<\/p>\n<p>Johanan was thoroughly competent to deal with the situation involving military skill. But his only thought was to escape to Egypt from what he imagined to be the inevitable Babylonian reprisals. In this policy he was to clash with Jeremiah.<\/p>\n<p>Johanan and all the army officers came to Jeremiah and asked him to \u2018pray that the Lord your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do\u2019 (42:3).<\/p>\n<p>Jeremiah\u2019s response was \u2018I will certainly pray to the Lord your God as requested; I will tell you everything the Lord says and will keep nothing back from you\u2019 (v.4).<\/p>\n<p>They promise, \u2018Whether it is favourable or unfavourable, we will obey the Lord our God\u2019 (v.6).<\/p>\n<p>It is interesting to note that, even for Jeremiah, guidance did not come instantly on the spur of the moment. Instead, \u2018Ten days later the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah\u2019 (v.7).<\/p>\n<p>He faithfully passed it on: \u2018This is what the Lord\u2026 says\u2026\u2019 (v.9). He promises blessing if they stay in the land (vv.10\u201312) and judgment if they go in to Egypt (v.13 onwards).<\/p>\n<p>It turned out that they had already decided what they would do and merely wanted the Lord to confirm it. They made the mistake of not obeying the word of the Lord (v.21). How vital it is to ask the Lord before we make our decisions rather than after!<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Lord, thank you that you speak to us through the Scriptures and the prophets. Help me to listen carefully to your words and to obey them.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"bioy-body\">Pippa Adds<\/h2>\n<div class=\"bioy-body\">\n<p><strong>Proverbs 25:17<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u2018Seldom set foot in your neighbour&#8217;s house \u2013 too much of you, and you will be hated.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Most days we have loads of people through the house for meetings and meals. I am still enjoying it\u2026 so far!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"mh-excerpt\"><p>\u8bfb\u7ecf\uff1a\u7bb425:11-20 \u63d0\u524d4:1-16 \u803640:7\u201342:22 W <a class=\"mh-excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hoc6.org\/global\/2015\/10\/19\/1019-words-the-word-of-god-and-words\/\" title=\"10\/19: Words, the Word of God and &#8216;words&#8217; (\u7bb425:11-20 \u63d0\u524d4:1-16 \u803640:7\u201342:22)\">[&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":148,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3709","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bibleinoneyear"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hoc6.org\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3709","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hoc6.org\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hoc6.org\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hoc6.org\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hoc6.org\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3709"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.hoc6.org\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3709\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3710,"href":"https:\/\/www.hoc6.org\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3709\/revisions\/3710"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hoc6.org\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/148"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hoc6.org\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3709"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hoc6.org\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3709"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hoc6.org\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3709"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}