Are you serious?

The Bible In your Heart Series

1 Corinthians 2: 12 – 14 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Introduction We are continuing in preparation for our new series “The Bible in your Heart.” Before we begin, I would like you to think for a moment, focus in on a conversation when someone told you something fantastic, unbelievable, or so incredible that you had to stop and say, “Are you serious?” if your neighbor came and said they had written a letter to President Obama and that he was personally coming to their house for a dinner meeting tomorrow night, you might say “For real, are you serious?” Well, I think you get my point. Some statements cause you to wonder whether there is any truth to them. Some statements cause you to look around and say, “Are you serious?” But there are three statements I’m going to make today that I pray you take seriously. They have to do with knowing, understanding, and receiving the Word of God. You see, we will be meditating on, memorizing, and applying a different verse each week. Because our goal is to be transformed by the Word of God. Here are three statements from these verses that are absolutely true and must be taken seriously if this is going to occur.

Redeemed – So first, when I say that in order to know the Word of God you must first be saved, I am absolutely serious. There is only one way to receive the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit takes up residence in your heart at the moment “you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;” No amount of tarrying, no amount of “good works”, no amount of self-inflicted pain and suffering will get you the Holy Spirit. You must accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord in order to receive the Holy Spirit. And according to this verse we have received the Spirit of God 1Jo 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: So, when I say that in order to know the Word of God you must first be saved, I am absolutely serious.

Revealed - So second when I say that in order to understand the Word of God the Holy Spirit must first reveal it to you, I am absolutely serious.From verse 12 that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. and 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; The Holy Spirit’s job is to teach us. Earlier in Verse 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. Do not be fooled by books or teachings which suggest that there are quick, easy and fast ways to get to know the Scriptures. Understanding the Word of God is a spiritual process, controlled by God, guided by His Spirit in His time, in His way, on His terms. If you get it, understand it, it is because the Spirit of God has revealed it. Not because you are smart, not because you are so good, but because He is good. So second when I say that in order to understand the Word of God the Holy Spirit must first reveal it to you, I am absolutely serious.

Received - And last when I say that in order for you to practice and apply the Word in of God in your life you must receive it, I am absolutely serious. V14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: Sometimes it is amazing what people do who do not know God, but then again that’s why they do what they do. Pastor says frequently “If they knew better they’d do better.” Unlike the natural man, we have another choice. To take the revealed Word of God and live it out. Not just satisfied with knowing about the Word of God, but living it out. Struggling with self, taking on the hard challenges, casting down those imaginations, becoming conformed to the image of Christ. Fair warning: James 4:17 Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin. To put that a bit more lightly "The best vitamin for a Christian is B1." So last then, when I say that in order for you to practice and apply the Word in of God in your life you must receive it, I am absolutely serious.
So now we begin. This week read, study, meditate, live out and memorize if you can Joshua 1:8. Let’s see what the Spirit of God reveals to us this week. As always, thanks for listening, Leslie