What can we learn from God’s Word?

© 2020 Kona Seisay / Harvest City Church

To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

One of my favourite things about the Bible is how relevant God’s Word is through all seasons of life. There is nothing that we can go through that we cannot find the answer to in God’s Word. God is dependable and we can confidently trust in His Word: it is much-needed truth, especially in current times. We don’t want our minds and opinions to be clouded by our emotions. By referring to God’s Word to help us make sense of the different situations life throws at us, we seek His wisdom and He will set us off on the right path.

Scripture reminds us that God’s Word is a lamp to guide our feet and a light for our path (Psalm 119:105). It is eternal and stands firm in heaven (Psalm 119:89) and His faithfulness continues through all generations (Psalm 119:90).

God’s Word is the measure or standard by which we must live our lives as Christians. We are to be either all-in or all-out. We cannot afford to have a lukewarm attitude towards the things of God. He isn’t just good when things are going well, He is good all the time. Through tears, pain, brokeness, loss, grief, sadness, disappointment, discouragement—through all our darkest moments—God is good. He remains the light of salvation. We can trust His Word because no matter what is happening in our lives, we know He has a plan and a purpose behind everything.

‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ (Jeremiah 29:11)

Why is it so important to adopt a godly perspective?

God’s Word is as relevant in our generation as it was in biblical times. Paul warns Timothy about the dangers of the last days (2 Timothy 3:1-17). As people of faith, there is a great deal of insight to be gained from this. We need to rely on God’s Word because it provides an eternal perspective; a perspective that stands above all other perspectives.

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:2)

Christ urges us to not allow the things that dominate the minds of unbelievers to dominate our thoughts (Matthew 6:31-33). Instead, we are to seek the Kingdom of God first, above all else.

What insight can we gain?

1. Trust in God and imitate the faith of those He has placed in authority over you. Let His Word become your standard. Everyone’s talking about a new way of living, and as vitally important as it is to abide by the laws and regulations of this land, we are to remember God’s standard for living a holy, pure and righteous life.

2. In the last days there will be many challenges to our faith, but we’ve got to stand up for what we believe—even when it goes against popular opinion. We have to remain faithful to what we have been taught. He has called us for such a time as this, and He continues to prepare and equip us through His Word.

Fear nothing that you are about to suffer. Be aware that the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested [in your faith], and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful to the point of death [if you must die for your faith], and I will give you the crown [consisting] of life. (Revelation 2:10)

3. Know those that labour among you. Being planted in a local church and knowing those around us means we know that we can trust what they teach. Everything I have learned from God has come through the mouths of those I know and trust.

4. Don’t mix the seed and be on guard for those with counterfeit faith or you will be led astray (2 Timothy 3:2-9). Paul warns, ‘Stay away from people like that!’. It’s easy to say ‘It won’t happen to me’, but no matter how much we think we love God, we cannot afford to think highly of ourselves. No one is exempt from the threats of the prowling lion.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

5. Don’t miss church meetings—even when they’re online! Being able to fellowship together brings us closer and the preached Word brings new insight and prevents us from being contaminated by the sea of thoughts and opinions that surround us. Church helps to bring our focus back to Jesus and the purpose of our salvation.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16)

Now, more than ever, it is important to stand up for what we believe. We can learn from the examples of Daniel, Joseph, Job and the many others who stood firm for what they believed in the face of great challenges. Know that your faith will be tried and tested: how else will unbelievers know the truth about the Gospel?