2023_06_14 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- Joshua 1, Hebrews 4, Joshua 6, Joshua 24
Opinions, big ideas, “my truth”… these get a lot of attention today. We have the freedom to think whatever we want, but it doesn’t mean that what we think, no matter how fervent or sincere we are, is true. Truth is limited to what accurately conforms to reality, and the premier source for this is our Creator God. This is why the Bible is an essential resource for us in building our lives. We are free to believe what we want, but we are not free to choose the consequences of those beliefs. This week we see this amazing passage in Hebrews 4:
“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” Hebrews 4:12-13 (NLT)
God, in His love and kindness, has communicated to us truth so that we can accurately navigate our inner and outer lives. This passage shows us that God has given us the Bible as a tool to help expose our thoughts and desires, so we can remove the unhealthy ones and cling to the good ones. Bible study isn’t merely an exercise in finding fun facts or “happy promises” but also about exposing ourselves to reality and examining our lives in the bright light of it. When we do, God’s Holy Spirit is ready to help us change, grow, and mature in our faith.
Of course, there are times we will read the Bible and be encouraged. Other times we will discover insights that give us guidance. And then there are times when we will come face to face with an attitude or habit we need to admit is out of line and replace with something God says is right and good. 2 Timothy captures it this way:
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NLT)
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor