Rightly Dividing God’s Word
God did not start speaking at the first word of Genesis nor did He quit at the end of Revelation. Just as He revealed Himself to Abraham, the father of our faith, His anointed Word is spoken to us if we have ears to hear. He can speak to us in many ways with many types of confirmation. I have discerned a “quickening” of the Holy Spirit in communications such as a newspaper or a phone call. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word (rhema) of God. We must hear that Word in our inner man (the still small voice) spoken or confirmed by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of prophesy is the Spirit of Christ. He dwells in us while the Holy Spirit leads us into all truth. The true Word has power to perform what is spoken. This is how Jesus Christ was conceived as the Word became incarnate. Mary received the Word of YHWH and it became flesh; John 1:1-3.
The Bible contains the record of the Word and works of Yahweh through many years and messengers. It does not contain all inclusively the things that the Lord has said and done. We have been told in the gospels that if there was a written record of the works of Jesus that the world could not contain all the books. There are other writings besides the scriptures that have God’s will and wisdom in them. Yahshua/Jesus quoted from and fulfilled many apocryphal teachings which are found in books outside of the canon of the Bible. It is important that we do not limit the Lord by putting too much emphasis upon the book and not the Spirit for He reveals His will in many ways. We should be witnessing the increase of His prophetic messages and other vocal spiritual gifts in our meetings as we grow in our ministries and callings.
The written testimony of Yahweh and others that we read about is called logos and is what Christ called the letter of the law. Some manuscripts have been altered through the ages as scribes or translators have interjected their own beliefs or commentary. This is why Jesus rebuked the Scribes because they were rewriting or falsely interpreting the scrolls. There is still life giving power in His promises and we can meditate upon them for the truth never changes. Yet, because the carnal mind is at enmity with God we must acknowledge that certain things in scripture and prophesy are only discerned or revealed through the Spirit. Whatever we believe must be operational as experience. James exclaims; "Faith without works is dead".
Jesus warned us, “don’t search the scriptures for eternal life.” I’m not playing down the Bible in any way but only sharing that we must have the Spirit to give life, meaning and action to the recorded word. The letter kills but the Spirit gives life. We have so many divisions in the body because there are too many carnal (mis)interpretations out there. God’s Word is not mentally ascertained but spiritually revealed. When the people of God hear His Word of revelation, corporately, as well as individually, they will be in total agreement. To be in one accord is like playing instruments in a symphony. Different parts of the same song sound out various harmonies, tones and accents. This power of agreement in the Word will be operational in the glorious Church.
When Jesus was taken by the Spirit into the wilderness after his baptism he was tested on his ability to know YHWH’s Word. Three areas were tested; the lust of the eyes, the lusts of the flesh and the pride of life. The devil tried to get him to accept a false use of scripture. Christ knew not only the word of the scrolls but the living spiritually revealed Word; the voice of the Father. He only did what he saw and heard the Father do. This shows us that he relied on revealed truth and discernment as he walked in the Spirit. The Son of Man was listening with his inner ear for the still small voice to find his Father’s will and timing. He replied to the tempter, “man does not live by bread alone but by every word that [continually] proceeds from the mouth of God”. That is how e could decalre, "behold I come in the volume of the book; it is written of me I have come to do Thy will O God".
The enemy will try to get us to accept something that sounds true but is partly lies or out of God’s perfect timing. He will even quote scripture, but the wise will discern that the spirit behind it is wrong. A prophet is known by his fruit (love) more than by what he speaks or even miracles he performs. When Moses did powerful works in Pharaoh’s court the magicians copied them up to a point. Taking this into what we have in churches today I have seen some problems. The enemy hates the anointing that breaks the yoke, especially in the music ministry that brings forth the flow of gifts before the congregation. WE need to learn how to wait upon the Lord and enter into His manifested presence. He will also pervert this ministry by either making it seem unimportant or have people get involved with "wildfire" where false prophets use it for control or "fortune telling" without judgment of the true prophetic office. The Spirit of Christ is the Spirit of prophesy.
The Devil has much knowledge but no wisdom. Quoting 1 Cor. 2:6-8 However,we speak wisdom among them who are mature,yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age,who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery,the hidden wisdom that God ordained before the ages for our glory,which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known,they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory. This is why Jesus said to Peter on one occasion, “get thee behind me Satan for you are speaking the things of man and not of God". Another time he shared that Peter was speaking the mind of the Father through the revelation of the Holy Spirit in proclaiming that Jesus was “the Christ, the Son of the Living God”. This is the rock (revelation knowledge), not Peter, that the Church is built upon.
Wisdom is the why, how and when-the operational connection of the knowledge of God’s Word. It is found in those who have humility, who are not into boasting or self-serving. Without wisdom, things that we learn or act upon from knowledge alone can be empty (without power or understanding) or out of order. Knowledge can make people arrogant or presumptuous bringing diverse opinions and arguments. Envy and strife coming from pride in our knowledge causes confusion and evil works, but love edifies (gives strength and confidence). James relates; the wisdom from above is first pure and then peaceable,gentle,willing to yield,full of mercy and good fruits,without partiality or hypocrisy;easy to be entreated],the fruit of righteousness;sownin peace by those who make peace. If what you believe is not seen in works then there is a misconnection from the power behind the words you believe.
Jesus was filled with the fullness of the Godhead bodily as the only begotten Son of the Father; Col.2:3, 9. He spoke as a prophet therefore some scriptures are misunderstood as to what Jesus spoke about himself (or from Almighty YHWH) because he spoke in first person what was shown to him as direct revelation. This is how Jesus could say I and the Father are One. This revealed Word is not of flesh and blood but Spiritual life. The witness/anointing of the Holy Spirit brings the Word to pass for YHWH promises that He will perform what He has spoken. The Word should continue to operate in our lives this same way. Then we truly have become disciples. Our part is to believe what He says, refusing to entertain doubt by considering/observing negative circumstances (Is. chapter 11:1-5). We keep our minds and hearts true to His Word by casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against (above) the knowledge of Yahweh. Our Father freely gives us this wisdom when we ask in faith. Part of the missing link I believe is that we aren't disciplined to learn to yield to the Holy Spirit and hear God's still small voice.
The Messiah gave to mankind the ability to overcome the world, flesh and evil one through the work of the atonement (John 1:12). Acts 3:21 states: whom(Jesus) heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things,which God has spoken by the mouths of all His holy prophets since the world began. The word restoration denotes returning something completely to it’s original state. Christ is called the New Adam because he restored that which was lost in the “fall” of mankind; the connection spirit to spirit with the Father. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. Jesus Christ is the head of an operational, corporate Body that must function in the anointing/unction to regain the rest of the territory, ie our soul and then our body being transformed from the inside out; 1 Cor.15:20-28. Christ in me the hope of glory is an important declaration we need to acknowledge in our lives.
What we must understand is that Christ gave us something that was finished in the spiritual realm which is called position. Authority/power was made available through his example of perfected life. Those who have received this testimony of truth by the Spirit as well as the atonement can walk in glory and power that is delegated/imparted to/through his true disciples. Who Christ is, in glorified life, must be experienced in his living, obedient Body upon the earth as we continue in God’s Word. The literal completion of the greater works (the restoration of all things) will be accomplished before he returns; 1 Cor.15:20-28; then the Kingdom can be established. If it all happened automatically without pursuing what is Holy in bringing the perfection of our whole being , we would be in the Kingdom now.
Jesus said, “behold I come in the volume of the Book; I come to do Your will O Lord. This Will of the Father must also become completed in and through us. We are admonished that we must walk the talk connecting confession with possession. Unless we have the testimony of the signs/works that follow those who believe we are not mature yet, becoming as Christ to the full measure of his stature. Meditate upon this...If we are not at this very moment shining forth with God’s glory then we still have deception and unsanctified places in our hearts/lives. The identification with the cross, (Gal. 2:20, Rom, 12:1-2), is for the renewal of our minds and hearts in Christlikeness. 1John 3:2 reads; When he appears we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is(in the spirit.3 And everyone who has this hope in him,purifies himself,just as he is pure.
The first century church understood that John’s baptism was not only a turning away from sin but a heart felt rejection of all of the world’s temptations and lusts. They lived a life set apart (sanctified unto the Lord). Their souls/lives were transformed as they identified with Christ’s crucifixion and allowed the resurrection power to be manifested in their experiences. What they believed; they also performed. We read of the Acts of the Apostles, not the sayings alone or philoshophies that other great religious men teach. They represented the former rain flow of the Spirit. We are expecting to see the later rain manifestation of His glory not just filling the earth but first shining forth in God’s faithful ones. This rain should help the ministry of the word to grow with signs and wonders following. Isaiah 60:1-2 is a wonderful prophesy concerning this manifestation. Arise,shine for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.2 For behold,the darkness shall cover the earth and deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you,and His glory shall be seen upon you.
Salvation is an ongoing process which begins with the “incorruptible seed” being planted in our hearts. It continues as we gain the things of the Spirit and “lose” (die to) our soul life. The Parable of the Sower shows us the things that can hinder the further nurturing and harvest of the Word of God in our hearts. In this parable of the Kingdom we are shown the many things that quench the Word/ seed such as weeds and stones. The important thing to know is that Satan comes to steal the Word. We can expect trials and persecutions for the Word’s sake. In these afflictions we are to resist letting any root of bitterness come into our hearts for it will defile us, preventing us from being true Sons of the Father. Unforgiveness robs us of not just our peace, but our destiny in Christ impairing us from becoming a fruitful tree (wisdom). Those who love God’s law shall not be offended.
We have seen many times more “word” sown through the electronic means than ever before in history. Much of it is not the Truth or people would be changed, healed and delivered by the signs that follow the preaching of the Word. Ministers who get wealthy from these messages will have to give an account to the Lord for their alignment with mammon, Luke16:13. Many are discovering that the "prosperity message" that is accepted as a sign of godliness is a subtle deception. YHWH admonishes us that we cannot serve two masters; for the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the Word. Too many Christians are caught in the rat race of serving mammon all the time feeling that their prosperity is God’s blessing when it is a curse upon their spiritual growth. The Word (living Seed)is being dried up in their hearts and when things get bad they will not blame the god of this world who enslaves them, but Almighty God who warned them not to be deceived by riches.
Jesus warned of wrong attitudes or motives about wealth that prevent people from entering the Kingdom of Heaven. James rebuked those who gave special honor to the rich. They can’t participate in the function of the Body of Christ i.e. those who lay down their lives for each other. The needs of our Brethren will be considered ours as well, if we are truly a part of one another. When one member hurts we all feel the pain and the same when each one is blessed. The message that Christ taught was 100 percent commitment that meant death to our self and giving up our so called rights. Unless a grain of wheat dies it remains alone; a qualifier of whether we have actually laid down our lives so that the Word will bear fruit in our lives. Each ear of corn that is planted and regenerates in the Spring bears a harvest that is multiplied. Each plant is tested to see what remains. There are different levels of yields in this eternal harvest; bringing thirty, sixty or a hundred fold. The mature tree/plant bears much fruit. This is represented in the book of Revelation as the Tree of Life which bears twelve types of fruit, one for each month of the year. Note that this is also a symbol of wisdom in the book of Proverbs.
“We don’t have a right to be right; only to be humble.” That was silent testimony of Christ when Pilate asked, “What is truth”, and looked Jesus right in the eyes. The Lamb of God kept silent for he was filled with the Spirit of Truth that let him submit to great torture and shame for the good of all. We all speak many words daily and should be more aware of those which bring the anointing of YHWH into poeple's lives and yes sometimes we should just "hold our peace" until we know for sure whwta YaHweh is speaking. Let no corrupt communication come out of your mouth is proclaimed in Paul's letter to the Colossians. When the Truth is spoken in love by the members of the Body it brings edification and sanctification. The salvation of our soul increases as we mature. A man of God, a great intercessor, clarified this next level. When you are born again your sins are forgiven but then you must deal with Self that is the root of our sinful nature. An example of this is the story you have perhaps heard about the man at the altar praying for God to wipe out all of the cobwebs in his heart. The preacher overhearing this prayer spoke; “ Lord, kill the spider”.
Roman’s 12:1-2 reads; I beseech you therefore, brethren by the mercies of God, that you present your own bodies a living sacrifice, Holy,acceptable,to God, which is your reasonable service(of worship/obedience).And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Our minds are renewed by the living, Spirit revealed Word of God. This is not from man’s reasoning, observations, doctrines nor traditions that are passed down over the years. We are changed to an extent by meditating upon the scriptures and allowing them to permeate our mind and enter our heart. He gives us the scriptures to confirm His will. A higher and more expedient way is being enlightened directly with the truth that sets us free for the Spirit of Prophesy is the Spirit of Christ. To continue in His Word we need to keep asking and seeking so that we might know and do His perfect not just permissible will. When we abide in the Lord and His Word, we can ask what we will and it is given. We must keep two way communication going for the work to be completed.
As Yahweh dwells more in us His Word becomes the mind of Christ in our experience. The hearing of the Word in our inner man brings forth the power of faith for the obedience of Christ to be accomplished. Eventually we enter into communion/ communication where His thoughts are our thoughts. A Holy amalgamation has taken place as we are translated into spiritual/ heavenly places and supernatural experiences. We are transformed by beholding the Father as we abide in His presence; looking away unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Yahweh dwells increasingly in the humble and obedient. We partake of the Divine Nature; imparted Holiness where He abides. The Word then becomes flesh in us in supernatural power.
Turning to 1 Peter 1:3-7 we can confirm this part of the message. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away,reserved in heaven for you. 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice,though now for a little while, if need be,you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith being much more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise ,honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Along with the baptism unto repentance comes the baptism of fire. Discipline/chastening and revelation/truth go together. Because we live and are taught in the world there are many things that influence our mind, will, and emotions; all the senses and appetites included. Our soul-man wants stimulation and can be a monster to tame when we try to walk a more submitted life. This is why we can’t live by our own understanding or opinions. When the Lord says, “don’t look to the left or the right”, He is saying don’t be led by your intellect or feelings. Science has proven that these are the divisions of our human brain; the right being our senses/creativity and the left side having our logical/reasoning part. In Isaiah 30 He encourages us to look to Him in confidence and quietness, and we will hear His voice behind us saying, “ this is the way to walk.” The “still small voice” transcends the loudness of the world, John16:13-14
That part of us that we feed and exercise will become large and influential in our lives. This is why we are admonished to put our bodies under and exercise our spiritual senses. We must deny focusing upon the temporal things of the world. Becuase we are in the world but not of it; our source of existence is not in economic or social systems of man. Many churches teach directly or imply it’s all right to desire/covet the things of mammon as they are blessings from God. Gain is not godliness but selfish materialism if it is used in the wrong way. As our needs are provided by Yah, we then share what we have with the needy; to be partakers of the true religion. How we treat others will determine our faithfulenss to His word. This is why many are sick and have died because they have not discerned the Body.
Back to the Garden...to continue in the explaination... Adam was disobedient to God’s spoken/revealed directive. He was not supposed to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Paradise of God. When he “fell” he lost abiding fellowship with his heavenly Father. The glory covering of protection which was not subject to sin and death was now gone. The Tree that we partake of shows us the root and the fruit. Did Adam and Eve actually become as god? They became wise in their own eyes. When they became separated from Yahweh’s presence they were distanced from truth and freedom from fear. Satan convinced Eve ( sometimes seen as the representation of the human soul) to doubt the spoken Word of the Lord. Anything not of faith is sin. He offered a smooth lie; an enticement to escape the discipline of hearing and believing. When Satan asked Eve, “did the Lord say?”, he planted in her mind that she could judge for herself what is good or evil. Through that process she actually doubted Yahweh’s goodness. We still eat of that tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil way too often.
“He can turn all things around for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose”. Instead, we tend to judge things byour own superficial observation rather than seeing supernatural results. Be anxious for nothing but through prayer and supplication with Thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God and the Peace of the Lord which passes understanding will keep your thoughts and minds in and through Christ Jesus, Whatsoever things are good and worthy and true keep your thoughts on them. The Kingdom is always positive so refuse to receive doubt and fear, trusting God to restore health and relationships and peace. An awesome thought is that He will slay the wicked with the breath of his mouth at his appearing. That is another testimony to the power of His spoken word.
We read in Revelation of Christ riding upon the white horse with the banner The Word of God across his chest. He was and is the Word that became flesh and dwelt/tabernacled among us. What we believe (receive by and through faith) becomes birthed in us as the creative force to bring His will to pass in the earth as in the heavenly places in the Spirit. He spoke in to existance the creation of the universe. Hebrews 4:12-The word of God is living and powerful,sharper than any two-edged sword,piercing even to the division of soul and spirit,and of joints and marrow,and is the discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight,but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account.