How to Make the Word of God Come to Life

From Pastor Adrian Rogers:

How to make the Word of God come to life

We must appreciate the virtues.

1. It is a timeless book: “Forever oh LORD, Your Word is settled in Heaven” Ps 119:89.
2. It is a truthful book: “Long have I known from your testimonies that you have founded them forever” Ps 119:152, “Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true” Ps 119:142, “But you are near, O LORD, and all your commandments are true” Ps 119:151.
3. God’s commands and His truths in scripture hold more authority than a vision or a possible prophetic message from a person: “If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized” 1 Cor 14:37-38, “Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let him who has my word speak my word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? declares the LORD. Is not my word like fire, declares the LORD, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?” Jer 23:28-29. This verse tells us that nothing is stronger than God’s Word or can withstand it. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” Matt 4:4. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” 2 Tim 3:16. “knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” 2 Pet 1:20-21. The God of TRUTH cannot speak error.

We must assimilate the vitality of the Word of God.

1. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” Heb 4:12. “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life” Jn 6:63.
2. How to assimilate the Word of God:

Pray over the Word: “Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments” Ps 119:73. Pray for understanding, revelation, or insight before reading it.

Ponder it, meditate on it: I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words. My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise.” Ps 119:147-148. Have a quiet time in prayer then read the Word and ask…

1. Is there a promise to claim?
2. Is there a lesson to learn?
3. Is there a blessing to enjoy?
4. Is there a command to obey?
5. Is there a sin to avoid?
6. Is there a new thought to carry with me?

Not only is this for you but now you have a teaching to share.

Now preserve it, practice it, and proclaim it.

1. “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” Ps 119:11, “I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word” Ps 119:16, “Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong,
   but walk in his ways! You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently” Ps 119:1-4, “Make me understand the way (to walk in it) of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works” Ps 119:27, “and I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts. I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame,” Ps 119:45-46. We must appropriate the Word of God.

I will add:

“Let your steadfast love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise; then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, for I trust in your word. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your rules” Ps 119:41-43.