Human Beings who receive the Word of God (Genesis 2:16-17)
-Jesus Christ who is the image of God is our righteousness, holiness, and truth (1 Cor. 1:30, john 14:6). Human beings lost the righteousness, holiness, and truth after the Fall of Adam and Eve. Therefore, they cannot know the spiritual truth concerning God the Creator. They as sinners cannot become righteous and holy before God because they cannot resolve the problem of sin. As a result, all human beings need the Redeemer and Savior for them. He must resolve the problem of sin, separation from God, and slaves of Satan. Who can resolve these fundamental problem (original sin)? The Bible promises the Christ (Messiah) saves us. Who is the Christ? Jesus is the Christ!
Matthew 16:16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
-In order to believe in Jesus Christ, we must listen and receive God’s Word. Originally, human beings are the being of the Word. What does it mean?
1.God gave His Word to the original man
1)God gave only human beings His Word.
①God said that Adam and Even could eat freely fruits of all trees.
Genesis 2:16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat;
-There is freedom for human beings in the beginning.
②However, God commanded Adam not to eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If they eat it, they shall surely die.
Genesis 2:17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die
-This freedom of human beings are the limited freedom under God’s sovereignty. Why does God give this Word to them?
③The reason that God gave this Word to human beings.
-In this Word and covenant, God shows the dependency of human beings on God alone. This word testifies that God is our Creator and human beings are His creatures. Looking this forbidden tree, they must think who God is and who they are.
-Therefore, the Word of God is our standard to live as creatures and people of God. To stay in the Word of God is the principle of creation for human beings.
2)We must know the state of human beings who do not have the Word of God: The state of human beings who lose God’s Word
①Darkness: After human beings left the principle of creation that is to remain in the Word of God, the darkness came upon human beings. They are under the power of the darkness.
Isaiah 60:2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.
②Failure and thirsty: After success, someday they will crumble suddenly. They face spiritual failure and thirsty in their lives.
Amos 8:11-13 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord God, “That I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine of bread, Nor a thirst for water, But of hearing the words of the Lord. 12 They shall wander from sea to sea, And from north to east; They shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord, But shall not find it. 13 “In that day the fair virgins And strong young men Shall faint from thirst.
③Unusual state (abnormal state): They live the inhuman life without the Word of God. Accordingly, they are afflicted by the spiritual oppression and problems.
Mark 5:1-5 Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. 2 And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, 3 who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, 4 because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him. 5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones.
3)We must know the state of the human beings who have the Word of God: The state of humankind who holds onto God’s Word
①Order: The order of all things will be restored to you. We can live according to the principle of creation.
Genesis 1:2-3 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.
②Healing: We receive many scars and diseases. Our spirit, mind, heart, and body will be healed by God’s Word.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
③Usual state (normal state): The method for human beings to be complete is the Word of the Gospel. We can enjoy the original and normal state of human beings within the Word of God.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
④God’s prosperity: God makes the person of the Gospel prosper. To meditate upon the Word of God is the best way to taste and enjoy the prosperity of God in our lives.
Psalm 1:2-3 But his (the blessed one’s) delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.
2.The time to receive the Word of God is the happiest time
1)God gives the Word of God to human beings in order to be happy and good.
-Through the Word of God, we can restore fellowship and communication with God.
Deuteronomy 10:12-13 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good?
2)Happy are human beings who are close to the Word of God
Deuteronomy 30:14 But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.
①You will be peaceful and safe.
Proverbs 1:33 But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.
②You will receive God’s blessing
Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
③The obstacles will be disappeared
Psalms 119:165 Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble.
④You will gain hope and everything will be revived.
Psalms 119:48-50 My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments, Which I love, And I will meditate on Your statutes. 49 Remember the word to Your servant, Upon which You have caused me to hope. 50 This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your word has given me life.
3)Challenge yourself to receive the Word of God
Psalms 107:9 For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
①Challenge yourself to attend public worship: Sunday, Wednesday worship, Friday prayer meeting, Early morning prayer meeting.
②Receive the spiritual nurturing through the Word of God in week: Personal and Group gospel nurturing system
③Make the schedule to receive the Word of God. Prioritize it in your schedule.
-Make sure the time, place, and day in order to read, meditate upon, and listen to God’s Word
Conclusion
1)Abide in the Word of God
John 8:31-32 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
-What is to abide in God’s Word? It is to hold onto it, meditate upon it, make it as our standard to think, judge, choose, and decide.
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
-If we stay in the covenant of Jesus Christ, we will experience true freedom from sin, death, and Satan.