~ The Impact of The WORD of God Summarized
~
W O R D
The Word of God –
Handbook for Daily Living
Wonder is the first step in a four-step
progression which results from a study of the Word of God. Wonder at the God who created the universe.
Wonder that the same God who created all, including you, is enough interested
in you to provide this written communication to you. Wonder and amazement that
this same God desires fellowship with you and because of that was willing to
allow His only begotten Son to be cruelly crucified in order that you might
have direct access to Him.
“They
were all amazed at the majesty of God. But
while everyone marveled at all the things which Jesus did, He said to His
disciples, ‘Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is
about to be betrayed into the hands of men’” (Luke 9:43-44).
Obligation. The wonder of it all progresses to a deep
sense of obligation. Since God not only
created you but bought you back at Calvary, you owe Him a life that is
surrendered and obedient to Him. He has rights to you by virtue of having
created you. He further owns you by
outright purchase at the cross of Calvary. You owe Him a loving response of fellowship
with Him and a life which is lived in obedience to Him.
“That which
we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship
with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son
Jesus Christ. And these things we write
to you that your joy may be full” (1 John 1:3-4).
Relationship to Him. Having realized your obligation to Him, it is
up to you to respond in love and gratitude to Him. You must accept the authority of His Word;
realize, confess, and repent of your sins; ask Him to forgive you and to make
you His child, as you seek to make Him Lord of your life. As you do, God has promised to make you His
child. Since you are His child, then you
are His heir—and He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. Since you are His heir, you are a co-heir with
His own Son, your Savior, your Lord Jesus Christ.
“The
Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and
if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:16-17).
Discipleship is the fourth phase of the
progression. True discipleship yields
the greatest satisfaction and joy that you can ever achieve in this life. As a disciple you are physically, mentally,
emotionally, and most importantly spiritually in tune with life, and with your
Creator. You are satisfying the purpose
and the function for which you were created. You are experiencing the abundant life as you
translate what the Word of God tells you into your daily life. You, as a disciple, are being controlled in
every action by the Word of God.
“If you
abide in My Word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them] you are
truly My disciples. And you will know
the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32 Amplified).
The Word of
God is not only a book (the Book of Books), but also a person (John 1:1)
who deserves your thoughtful allegiance and obedience. He is the source of wisdom and He freely
imparts knowledge and power to those who truly put their trust and confidence
in Him.
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, Thy Will Be Done On Earth: Understanding
God’s Will for You, pages 28-29
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW
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