THE WORD OF GOD HAS THE POWER TO

CHANGE OUR LIVES

By J.Ullman

Romans 12:1-2 [1]. Consistently, the Bible teaches that the influence of the word of God has the dynamic power to transform our lives: in the way we think, the way we act, our aims and goals in life, and our entire attitude towards the purpose of living. Such a change in us will prepare us for Christ’s coming and the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth. In this passage the apostle Paul taught that we should be willing to sacrifice the natural ways of the flesh so that our character will become moulded after the pattern of Jesus Christ. We must learn to become “holy” (a word which means “separate” and “cleansed”), and thus become “acceptable to God”. Rather than being “conformed” to the will of the flesh and the ways of the world about us, we should become “transformed” so that we learn to think in harmony with the mind of God. This is the only means by which such a state can be achieved: through the “renewing” of our mind — i.e., by following the wise counsel found in God’s word we learn to think and evaluate things differently.  In short, we need a new mind; one which does not think according to the dictates of the flesh. It is the new mind which will enable us to “prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God”. If we would become true sons and daughters of God, this new approach to life is to be regarded as our “reasonable service.. .” (Gk. logikos, “logical, rational, reasoned, or reasonable.”) Philippians 2:5-9. The word of God, if we allow it free reign in our lives, must have the effect of developing within us a disposition in harmony with that of Christ (the Greek word rendered “mind” in v. 5 more correctly carries the idea of disposition, or attitude). These verses are teaching that the Lord Jesus Christ was obedient to his Father in all things, even to death. For him, this meant a life of sacrifice, always putting the will and purpose of his Father first in everything.  But because he gave such unqualified obedience to God he has now been “highly exalted” and having attained to divine nature can die no more. This is the great blessing of God which is held out to all who will learn the truth, and endeavour to humbly follow Christ’s example (1 Peter 5:6-7, etc.).

Luke 17:26-33. In these words the Son of God foretold judgment to come upon an evil and godless world. He spoke of the days of Noah and the flood, an age of divine judgment when all but eight human beings were destroyed. He also made reference to the days of Lot, when the evil people of Sodom and Gomof^ah were annihilated. The Lord said:

“Remember Lot’s wife.^1 He did not say: “Remember Lot.” Why was this? Because Lot’s wife found it impossible to make a wholehearted commitment to God. She knew something of the truth, but she wanted the best of both worlds.  She wanted to escape divine judgment, but she also wanted the things of Sodom. The result? She lost everything. Jesus reminded us of this incident so that we would not exhibit a double-minded attitude. Like Lot’s wife. On the other hand, if we are prepared to turn away from the godless ways of an evil world and turn to God in faith — armed with a true understanding of His word — we can live in hope of eternal life.

Titus 2:11-14. These verses show that God will exercise “grace” (a word which means “favour”) towards those who serve Him faithfully. He will give them “salvation”. God is prepared to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. We are called upon to turn away from all ungodliness, and live according to the principles of righteousness as set forth in God’s word. At the same time, we are to look earnestly for Christ’s coming, knowing that our hope of salvation is dependent upon his return to earth. In giving his life for us, Christ’s objective was to “purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Even though the world may think us somewhat “peculiar”, it is vital to please God rather than man. God can grant us forgiveness for our sins, eternal redemption and a life which will never end. The “world” can offer us nothing but the darkness of eternal death.  1 Peter 1:13-16. We have “hope” for the future, only if we strive to follow Christ. We will cast off our old way of life, if we are influenced by the truth of God’s word. We will recognise the flesh for what it is, and we will become transformed in our thinking. As “obedient children” we will listen attentively to the voice of God that we might become “holy” — a word which implies separation from that which is evil, to be made “clean” in the eyes of God. No matter how many trials and problems we may face in life, Christ will bring with him, when he comes, the “grace” of God, which will result in an eternal reward for those who have faithfully served him.

1 John 2:15-17. “Love not the world” because “the world” does

not honour God or represent His ways. The “world” (Gk.,

Cosmos, “the order or arrangement of things” — i.e., the

philosophies and systems of men) serves only the dictates

of the flesh. By giving reign to the flesh, God is dishonoured in three basic ways:

The lust of the flesh

The lust of the eyes

The pride of life

(c.p. Eve’s fall, through these three weaknesses: Gen. 3:6; cp. the way in which Christ was tempted in the same three ways — but overcame: Matt. 4:3-10).

The world as we know it today “is passing away” (v. 17, lit.  Gk.) because it is directed by the flesh and is therefore basically evil. The kosmos (the religious, political, military and social systems of men) will be swept away by Christ at his coming. During the kingdom age the human race will be educated according to divine •light”. Meanwhile, those who do the “will of God” now (v.17) will live for ever.  Luke 8:10-15. These challenging words from the Lord provide an apt conclusion for this section of our studies. Only a certain class of person can ever hope to understand the truth because the majority will not be willing to subvert their own will to the guidance of God. Even so, those who do learn the truth must exercise great care in continuing to submit their lives to the loving direction of their Heavenly Father. After accepting the truth some will still permit the things of the world to predominate in their lives. Such worldly or fleshly influences may choke” the word of God, leaving the individual spiritually destitute. Tragically, they may not realise their true state (cp. Rev.3:17. The ground for Christ’s rebuke of this Ecclesia was their ignorance: they had permitted their materialistic gains and ambitions to “choke” the influence of the word of God out of their lives).  Conversely, those who continue to humbly walk before God, conforming their lives to the will of Yahweh, will manifest those qualities of character in which God delights. Continuing in this way “with patience” they will bring forth fruit” to the glory of the Father. This faithful class of humanity, though they may be few in number, have a glorious hope: to become complete manifestations of what the Father now is: mentally, morally and physically — and ultimately living for ever in the glory of divine nature. The struggle against the forces of evil is well worth while, not only because of the promised reward, but most especially because we are striving to bring honour to the Mighty God who has created us and given us life, that we might glorify Him.

 “God be thanked that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you . . . For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us . . .” (Romans 6:17; 8:18).