Today, Tuesday November 23
The Word That Builds and Works
Jude 1:20-21 “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”
Over my almost fifty years as a pastor I did everything I could to encourage believers to take time each day to systematically read and study the Word of God! The only way to stay connected to the Foundation of Jesus Christ and to build on it, is to practice this daily discipline!
When the Apostle Paul was meeting with the Ephesian Elders for the last time in Acts 20, he gave them this final word: “And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32). Paul told the church at Thessalonica, “For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe”(1 Thessalonians 2:13).
Did you notice what Paul said about the “word of his grace, which is able to build you up….”. And that it is the “word of God, which also effectively works in you…” The Word of God is certainly central in spiritual growth. I have yet to meet a strong, fruitful Christian who ignores his Bible. We must daily spend devotional time in the Word, seeking the mind of God. We must also study the Word regularly, in a disciplined way, so that we better understand what it teaches.
The gifted Chinese preacher, Watchman Nee, used to read through the New Testament once a month. This becomes apparent when you read his books, for you are struck with his wonderful insights into God's Word. The members of the Chinese church used to have a saying, "No Bible—no breakfast!" If we followed that motto in America, I wonder how many Christians would go hungry.
Jude said, “Build yourselves up on your most holy faith….”. Your “most holy faith” is the Word of God! It is the Word of God that “builds you up” and at the same time “works effectively in you”. Please don’t neglect the Word today so that when the trials and temptations come you will stand and not stumble!
God Bless!