Transformation
"Don't copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect" Romans 12:2
"And the Lord – who is the Spirit – make us more and more like Him as we are changed (transformed) into His glorious image." 2 Corinthians 3:18
The master theme of the Bible is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our Lord and Friend and our attitude to the Bible reflects our attitude to Jesus. The Bible is light (Psalm 119:105) and Jesus is light (John 8:12). Jesus called Himself the 'bread of life' (John 6:48) and the Word is bread that nourishes our spirit (Matthew 4:4). Jesus is "the truth" (John 14:6), and the Word of God is truth (John 17:17). Our correct responses to the Word and towards Jesus are given by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 2:13 - "Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received His message from us, you didn't think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God – which, of course it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe".
Firstly, we need to appreciate the Word because it is God's word and not 'mere human ideas.
Secondly, we need to appropriate the Word. Food does us no good unless we eat it and digest it. What digestion is to the body, meditation is to our inner person.
Thirdly, we need to apply God's Word, because it is "alive and powerful" (Hebrews 12:4).
The Holy Spirit, the author of the Scriptures, lives in each believer, and is our Teacher and Helper. The Word of God can be applied to every area of our lives, and because it has Divine Energy, it can work deep within us to change us. (Ephesians 3:20-21), (Philippians 2:12-13).
Transformation is gradual. Our Lord and Friend, Who is rich and love and abounding in patience and loving kindness, so that we too like the Psalmist can say "Your laws are my treasure, they are my heart's delight".
Rich blessings
Kath
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