God’s Word – Holy Scriptures (continued)
So how do we acknowledge and accept the correction and reproof of God and His Holy scriptures? It starts with faith in believing in the forgiveness we can receive as we ask Jesus into our lives. We acknowledge our sinful nature and that our faith in Jesus is the only answer to change us. We call on Jesus to be our teacher and we learn from Him through the lessons he delivers to us by God’s Word. We can know that scripture is to teach us what is truthful and right. In Proverbs we are reminded that the commandments of the Old Testament are given to instruct and warn us. “The commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light, and reproofs for discipline are the ways of life.” Proverbs 6:23. Thus, we must read and study Holy scriptures regularly and with the intention to learn what changes the Holy Spirit can make in our lives. The Holy scriptures are time tested and a roadmap to show us the right path for our lives. But we must open our eyes and our hearts to receive the instructions for “ small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:14
The life altering changes that can be obtained by seeking the corrections that transform our old self to the new person in Christ are found in God’s word. But it requires a lifelong pursuit that is filled with trials and challenges, still it is worth the reward. As Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “if you abide in My Word,then you are truly disciples of Mine; And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32. God’s word contains the truth that we can believe, but we must also obey the teaching it provides. Spiritual freedom comes when we accept and obey His word to be free to be true servants for His will.
Finally, it is important to be open to accepting corrections. How often do we feel the pressure of our peers to engage in an activity that could be harmful to ourselves and/or others. For example, for some of us when we first got our driver’s license it was tempting to speed. Getting caught and receiving that ticket was hopefully a lesson learned. One of the many truths revealed in Proverbs…”He (a person) is on the path of life who heeds correction, but he who forsakes reproof goes astray.” Proverbs 10:17
As mentioned earlier, the holy scriptures will give us teaching and corrections to lead us on the path that is narrow and “leads to life.” So we must “Trust the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3: 5-6. Let us trust our Lord to show us the corrections we all need and to accept them with a humble and teachable heart.
A few songs to us today;