Here are six ways that we must correctly respond to God’s Word:
1. We must receive it as God’s word to us, not man’s word.
We are not to hear, listen to, and receive God’s word as if it were of human origin, with a human message. We should not treat the Bible as if it were a mere human book. It is God’s word not man’s word.
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)
2. We must believe the message of the Bible.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. (Romans 1:16)
We must receive it as God’s word and believe it. We must accept it in faith. We must believe the message of the Bible.
3. We must approach God’s word with a pure heart.
We must come to God’s word with a clean heart, laying aside all rebellion and sin.
Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls (James 1:21)
4. We must remain teachable and humble.
“If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. (Mark 4:23-24)
We must receive God’s word with humility and a teachable spirit. We must stay teachable to what God is actually saying to us. Meekness is being teachable, laying aside preconceived ideas. The opposite of meekness is rebellion—refusing to receive instruction and refusing to change and make adjustments in our lives.
5. We must fear the Lord and reverently respect God and his Word.
Good and upright is the LORD; therefore, He teaches sinners in the way. The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way… Who is the man that fears the LORD? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses… The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant. (Psalm 25:8-9, 12, 14)
6. We must be willing and obedient to put God’s word into practice in our lives.
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (James 1:22)
There are important character requirements for receiving the maximum from God’s word. God selects His students; if you want to be one of His students, you must be prepared to meet His standards. Will you decide right now to approach God’s word and adopt the attitude necessary to respond? Pray and ask the Holy Spirit for revelation knowledge and to make the word of God real and personal to you.
