By George Slover    |    Visit www.smcofc.org orwww.ibiblestudy.net

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"For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there,
But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud,That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
 
Every word that proceeds from the mouth of God will accomplish its intended purpose. “It runs like a swift messenger through nature and the world of man…to heal and to save; it does not return from its course till it has given effect to the will of the Sender.” (Keil and Delitzsch) The immediate application for Isaiah's listeners was the promise of deliverance from Babylon.  However, the power of God's word is manifest in various ways.
 
The force of God's word is seen in his miracles.  The universe, the earth, and its inhabitants were all created by the utterance of God. It was by God's word that the demons were cast out, the sea was calmed, the lame and the blind were healed, and the dead raised.  God's word will not return unto him void.
 
The efficacy of God's word is seen in its fruitfulness. God's word can probe into the hearts of men revealing their intentions and ways.  Its truth is either accepted or rejected. One cannot remain neutral. By clearly dividing the light from the path of darkness, God’s word accomplishes its purpose.  It exposes human folly. It will not return unto him void.
 
The power of God's word is seen in it's moral qualities.  When it is planted in an honest heart, it can radically change the life of that individual.  There is nothing more beautiful than a godly man or woman who has allowed its truths of love, gentleness, faith, and conviction to mold their character.  God's word will accomplish its purpose.
 
Throughout history man has sought for purpose by his own schemes. He has tried to fulfill his longing for contentment by worshiping idols made by his own hands. Like a steadfast beacon the word of God has been pointing to a way of genuine peace. His word is incorruptible and will accomplish its purpose.
 
There may be times when we may doubt it's power, but we have strong assurance that God's word will not return unto him void.  Learn it,  live by it, and share it.
 
George Slover
 

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)

The great argument of Paul’s letter to the Romans is the justification of man on the basis of grace through faith. The first eleven chapters are devoted to this great theme concluding with a hymn of praise as Paul stands in awe of God’s ways. Now, in chapter 12 Paul moves to a practical plea for a sacrificial living.

God beseeches us to sacrifice our own bodies to him. In chapter 6 Paul says: Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. (Romans 6:12-13) The surrendering of our bodies to godly principles means that our entire self is yielded to God.

First, God wants a living sacrifice. Under the Mosaical law the sacrifice was taken to the altar where it was slain and consumed. However, here the Christian’s physical life is not forfeited, but the carnal self is lost and a new life of honor is embraced. The old carnal feelings of envy, pride, and revenge must give way to love, joy, peace, and gentleness. A desire to please peers is replaced by a desire to please God. This desire to honor God is to be the chief affection of our heart.

Next, we notice this sacrifice is to be holy. Under the Law of Moses the animal offered was to be free from blemish. Here God enjoins holy living; to be totally dedicated to him. Those members of the body that must yield to God’s will are the eyes (Matthew 5:29), the ears (James 1:19,20), the hands (Mark 9:44), the feet (Mark 9:44), and the mouth (Ephesians 4:29). God wants our mind and heart. He wants our all.

This living, holy sacrifice of our bodies is well pleasing to God. Under Moses’ law only the priest could offer such sacrifices. However, through Christ all of his disciples are priests qualified to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. Such offerings must include our tribute of thanksgiving and adoration to God.
(Hebrews 13:15,16)

This consecrated life is motivated by the mercies of God. Shall not the Christian sacrifice all earthly affections to Christ? Shall he not hear the voice of Jesus above all others? When we think of what we owe the Lord, any sacrifice in our life will seem like a feeble effort to show our gratitude and love.

“You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!”

 - James 2:19 ESV

According to a 2012 Gallup poll, 77% of US citizens identify themselves as Christians. Strictly going by the numbers that’s not so bad. A little over three-fourths of our country believes in Jesus Christ and his teachings. However, this or any poll cannot take into account whether that belief in Christ or their identity as a Christian goes very deep.

There have been many articles and books written in the last year by various leaders of denominations pointing to a problem with the millennial generation leaving their churches. There is a deep concern over this trend, and rightfully so because when a nation forgets God it is doomed to go further and further into sin. This concern over lost members should of course not be about numbers, but about souls, which is what brought me to this verse in James. James puts forward a question about faith that we all need to spend some time considering, do I truly believe there is a God, and that He will do what He has said He will do?

When you ask people from that 77% of US citizens I am sure that 100% of them will tell you, “Yes, I believe there is a God.” How deep does that belief go? Consider the example James used when he wrote his letter: Even the demons believe—and shudder! Satan and the demons believe in God. They know who God is, and they know His power. However, their knowledge of God did not translate into obedience to Him. Satan and the demons know that there is punishment waiting for them, and they still don’t obey. (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6)

That punishment is waiting for each of us as well. God has revealed Himself to us (Romans 1:18-23) and given us everything we need to know to be saved. (1 Timothy 3:16-17) It is dependent on us whether we go on to punishment or to glory. It isn’t enough to just believe that God is, we need to act on that belief. Faith is the cause and obedience is the effect. James’ point is this, doing good works is proof of our faith in God. Our obedience to God’s will and submission to Him is what will prove our faith to be genuine when we stand before the Father on the last day. If we want to influence others with the gospel and save souls then we need to be certain of our own faith.

“And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.’” (Job 28:28)

In vivid terms Job describes (see Job 28:3) the way of those who mine precious metals. Man will hazard his life in search of precious ore. But, where is man’s success in pursuit of wisdom? He can dig and blast away, but true wisdom is beyond his reach. True wisdom is of incomparable value. Man cannot estimate its worth. Its price is far above gold and rubies. It cannot be discovered by man’s intuition. It is the property of God alone. (Job 28:12) It had to be revealed!

The wisdom from God contains two key elements is the 1) “fear of the Lord” and 2) “abstaining from evil”. True wisdom reminds us that it is man’s obligation to live in the fear of God. Man’s life on earth is fragile and quickly moving toward eternity. We were created for a higher purpose than to pursue the temporary. Solomon said, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

True wisdom protects us from destructive behavior – “to depart from evil is understanding.” Sin will not only destroy the soul eternally, but can disrupt relationships in this life – families, churches, communities, and even your own sense of worth. God’s wisdom points to abundant living, because it is in harmony with our design and purpose.

True wisdom is founded upon a recognition of God’s sovereignty. It gives us a true basis for faith and hope and promises special blessings to those who pursue it. Thankfully, God revealed his mind to us so that that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.” (1 Corinthians 1:31)