Vance Havner made the statement, “The Bible is either absolute or it becomes obsolete.” When the disciple of Jesus Christ considers this statement, we are reminded that God has given us His Word fully and finally. We are a blessed people who have access to His infallible, inerrant, authoritative Word. With Havner’s statement, the text Psalm 119:133 comes to mind.
“Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.”
Discipleship’s Intention
Discipleship is not trying to get God to conform to our wishes and desires, it is for us to be shaped into the image of Jesus. (Romans 8:29)
A disciple encounters temptations when thinking about our relationship with God, and the study of God’s Word:
- Viewing God as a means to get what we want and how we want it.
- Treating His Word as optional, something we can negotiate with, or good words that only inspire us.
We see Psalm 119:133 as a charge not to go to God’s Word when it is convenient to do so, or it fits into how “spiritual” we’re feeling one day over another, it is our duty to submit to it as our authority each day. His Word will lead us to live a life steady under His authority in a very unsteady world.
God Molds Disciples by His Word
God’s intention with discipleship is not only to bless us, but to form us. When we read God’s Word, there is a pattern of transformative words used when referencing discipleship including shaping, refining, pruning, sanctifying, renewing, molding, and forming.
Robert Plummer, wrote that discipleship is “slow, steady, long-term obedience shaped by scripture one decision at a time.” Paul would also write this to the church at Corinth in his second letter to that church,
“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
The life of the disciple is not steadied by the world’s gifts, comfort, success or any identity we can create for ourselves. Our lives are steadied by His promise, His Word. Remember that ultimately, our conforming to the image of Christ is the Holy Spirit’s work by His Word. Adrian Rogers put it this way: “God’s goal is not to make you happy; God’s goal is to make you holy. Happiness is the by-product of holiness.”
The disciple who finds their joy, happiness and fulfillment in the Lord, will be satisfied and at peace in Him. Their steps will be steadied and directed by their loving Father in heaven. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
God’s Word Must be Absolute (Not Optional)
Havner said, “The Bible is either absolute or it is obsolete.” That means in the life of the disciple God’s Word does not go out of style, it is always relevant, and He speaks by His Word. What could make the Living Word obsolete? It is not that the Word itself becomes obsolete, but the effectiveness of HIs Word in our lives becomes obsolete when we do not submit. We may want to explain away or try to change the meaning of verses to fit our narrative. Spurgeon made the declaration, “We admire the scriptures too much to alter them. God forbid we should take from them a single word!” If we are truly disciples, we will not act as though we are the judge who rules over the Word to fit what we want it to say, we will be the humble servant who kneels at its pages and submits.
Paul Hinlicky follows this thought line in one of his writings by saying, “submitting not only our behavior but our imagination, our desires, and our worldview to the Word that judges us and makes us new.” Amen, Paul. May God strengthen us and give us conviction by His Spirit to submit.
This is where Psalm 119:133 should be part of our prayer, “Let no iniquity get dominion over me.” How do we prevent sin from gaining a foothold in our life? We walk in the Word, according to the Word and under the authority of the Word.
How Does the Word Form Us?
God’s Word transforms us (Romans 12:2, 2 Cor 3:18), informs us (2 Tim 3:16-17), and conforms us (8:29). The Holy Spirit makes application to the believer and we begin to desire the things of God. He will use His Word to align us with His will. We see this over and over in Psalm 119: “ Incline my heart”, “Teach me”, “Give me understanding”, “Turn my eyes.” God does not just “make us keep rules,” He uses His Word and His Spirit to shape our very desires.
What we love, seek after and pursue all becomes part of the sanctification process and obedience will come. Joyful obedience to His Word will be a joy and delight.
Closing Thoughts
What are some practical ways we can begin submitting to the Word this week?
- Let the Word saturate your mind and heart as you begin the day. The day is going to be noisy, start with the Word of God and let it captivate your heart, mind and spirit.
- Ask questions: “What desire in me does not reflect Christ?”, “What area in my life can I submit to the authority of God’s Word that I do not now?”
- Pray for the Holy Spirit to convict, sanctify, and transform you by God’s Word. Pray that God receives praise, honor and glory for His work in our lives. Pray God opens blinded eyes because of the glorious news of the Gospel and for opportunities that we can point people to Jesus.
Disciple, take heart in what God has done, and what He is doing. Praise God for salvation in His son Jesus, for the Spirit’s work to conform you, and His Word to shape you.
“To those who are elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with His blood.” 1 Peter 1:1-2