Practicality of the Word of God (Hebrews 4:2)
Glory be to God
Practicality of the Word of God
"For unto us was the gospel preached as well as unto them; but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it (Hebrews 4:2)
In Romans 10:17 says faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ. Therefore, what we hear must be the words of Christ. Today many people worshipping God in vain by teaching and counselling men's manner of commandments and doctrines (Matthew15:9, Mark7:7). Therefore, their words and teachings didn't bring faith to the hearers Jesus is asking His disciples to teach what He had commanded (Matthew 28:20). For this reason, Apostle Paul certify his experience with confidence, he boldly declares that he neither received it of man, nor he was taught, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:12). Even though St.Paul did not partake in the last Supper of the Lord, he received the experience of the Lord’s table from the Lord and delivered unto us (1 Corinthians 11:23) At that time in Jerusalem there was a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people named Gamaliel (Acts 5:34), Apostle Paul was taught at his feet according to the perfect manner of the law (Acts 22:3). Yet when Paul turned to God and became a disciple of Jesus, he says that those who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me (Galatians 2:6). He proudly states that neither was he taught nor received it of man but by the revelation of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:12). Therefore, all the saints of God who are in His hand must sit at His feet and receive of His words.(Deuteronomy 33:3). They must diligently hear His Word and encourage the people in making them to hear by standing in the counsel of the Lord (Jeremiah 23:18,22). If they do so, God will interact with His people according to their exact state, through them God will give His doctrine and speeches and shall distil as the dew, small rain upon the tender herb and as the showers upon the grass (Deuteronomy 32:1–2). In Spirit, by God when they speak of the great things of God, hearers will think as if God is speaking in their language unto them thereby the word of Christ brings faith in them (Acts 2:6–11). In otherwise shepherds who are diligent to know the state of the flock when they receive words and doctrines from God and give to the people then it will be mixed with faith and is profitable in their life (Proverbs 27:23). Just as Cornelius gathered his kinsmen and near friends into his house and said to Peter, “Now therefore are we all here present before God to hear all things commanded thee of God,” so also the children of God must gather with the same mindset before God (Acts 10:24,33). They must come with longing for the commandments of God, and pray to God in His presence by opening their mouths saying that God must speak to them according to their state and life's situation (Psalm 119:132). Then our God will give us the ministers who will search in His presence to know the counsel of God (Isaiah 40:13).As well our God will provide pastors after His own heart, who will make them to hear God's words by feeding the church with divine wisdom and understanding thereby it will be mixed with faith in their life and is beneficial to them (Jeremiah 3:15).
James 2:14 asks, “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works?" Therefore, we must understand that faith without works is dead and fruitless (James 2:17,20). For our faith to be useful, it must be wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect. Concerning Abraham, when he offered his son upon the altar, he was justified by works. Therefore, the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness " (James 2:21–23). In this way, our faith will become profitable will be even fulfilled in us. For example, Psalm 133 we read “How good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! it is where the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. If a person hears this Word and believes it, for the Word to benefit them and for them to receive the promised blessings and life for evermore, they must live in unity with their family in oneness of mind by dwelling together in joy. If they live being separated, like the scattered fruit of sundal tree the Word will not be bring any profit to them. Like Esau and Jacob having hatred and deceit in their heart though living together in one house as the children of one mother, our God who knows the hearts will not bless instead separate them. If we endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace then will we have the blessing of God (Ephesians 4:3).
In Romans 4th chapter, when Apostle Paul speaks of being imputing righteousness without works. But in Romans 4:3–16, he clarifies that by faith counting righteousness without works is grace, he reminds that through this gift of grace, one is saved (Ephesians 2:8–9). For we received salvation which is the gift of God, not by circumcision or by works of the law, but by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. But in Mark 16:16, Jesus says" he that believeth and is baptized will be saved, he also reminds he that believeth not will be damned". Therefore he that doesn't not believe, shows in his works without taking baptism thereby the promise of the gift of salvation by grace will not profit him instead he'll have condemnation. In Romans 6:17–18, Paul tells us they that were the servants of sin, have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered being justified and become the servants of righteousness.In Romans 4:17,when it is said about God whom Abraham believed, has two features: one, quickening the dead, two: calling those things which are not as though they were. Here, in Romans 4:18–22 when Apostle Paul says concerning the second feature who against hope believed in hope, being fully persuaded what He had promised, was able to perform, he also says other than giving glory to God he has nothing else to do. He being justified when we say it is only the first part of justification (Romans 4:17) The first feature of God whom he believed is the incident of quickening the dead which is the second part of faith seen in James 2:21-24. Its because Abraham believed that God could give life to the dead, he offered Isaac on the altar thereby his faith is revealed by works. In this way, faith working together with its actions, and by works faith is made perfect. Thereby the scripture, faith is imputed as righteousness was fulfilled. Abraham revealed the first part of faith by giving glory to God at Isaac’s birth. But when he offered Isaac on the altar, he reached the fullness of faith, only then the scripture, “being justified,” was fulfilled.
Therefore, the words of Christ that we hear in our lives must mix with faith and do the works which is needed, so that our faith will be perfected. Then our God will fulfil His Word for us, and the blessings we receive through these word of God bring profit unto us (Isaiah 55:10–11). May our God the Father make us worthy of these experiences and fill us with His abundance of blessings, and glorify His holy name.
