Philippians 2:12-16 teaches us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling and allow God to work in us. We must do all things without murmuring and disputing, and be children of God without fault, by being blameless and harmless. Now, fundamental to our ability to do all these things is that we “hold fast the word of life” (Phil. 2:16). How can we accomplish this? Ezra 7:10 provides three ways.
First, seek the law of the Lord (Ezra 7:10). Diligent study requires a desire for the Word like a baby longs for milk (1 Pet. 2:2-3), and receiving it and implanting it our hearts (Jas. 1:21). One way that this can be done is through daily Bible study (Ps. 1:1-3). Diligent Bible study is necessary because it will allow us “to present ourselves approved to God… [by] rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:14-16). So, if we really want to “hold fast the word of life” in a way that will help us eternally, we must start by preparing our own hearts to study it diligently!
Second, consistently apply God’s Word (Ezra 7:10). There is the danger of being a hearer, and not a doer of the Word (Jas. 1:22-25) in which we deceive ourselves and deprive ourselves of the true blessedness of God’s Word, which comes by DOING it, not just HEARING (or reading) it. There is also the danger of being like the Pharisees. Even though what they said was correct, they failed to practice what they preached (Matt. 23:1-3). Those who may not listen to what we say may be drawn to what we believe if we demonstrate the Word of God in our lives (1 Pet. 2:12). So, after we have learned God’s Will, let’s be sure to live it!
Finally, teach God’s Word to others (Ezra 7:10). This is the natural follow-up to study and application, and as the people of God, proclaiming the “Word of Life” is our primary function in this world (1 Pet. 2:9-10). In our proclamation lies the greatest hope of shedding light in this dark world of ours. Because if God has called US through His gospel (2 Thess. 2:14) out of darkness into His marvelous light, then He will do the same for those with whom we share the same gospel! So, as we diligently strive to serve Christ and His kingdom, let’s not neglect to share it with others!
-John Garza
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