Mining God's Word

Companies mine for coal because it is profitable for them in providing a service to the people. Mining the Word of God is profitable for the Believer and the people they interact with. In Nehemiah 8:13-18 we see the leaders of Israel have a desire to "mine" God's Word. Let us look at mining God's Word for us today.

In the first 12 verses of Nehemiah the Law has been read and explained to the people and they responded by confessing their sins and worshiping the Lord. As a result of this we read in verse 13 that "the heads of fathers' houses of all the people, with the priests and the Levites, came together to Ezra the scribe in order to study the words of the Law. The word "study" means to take an attentive interest. As a Believer, do you take an attentive interest in God's Word by studying and meditating on how it applies to you? If the church is going to be strong and affective it must have a membership that is spiritually strong which comes from studying the Word of God.

As a Believer there are four facts about the Word of God which will reveal to us why we need to study the Word of God.

The first fact is that the Bible is indeed God's Word, 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The word inspired in verse 16 means God breathed. Therefore these words came from the mouth of God. God has preserved His Word over the years as many men and women have denied it to be His Word. We are also told that God's Word is profitable for teaching, reproof,correction and for training in righteousness. Profitable means it is beneficial means it is good for us. "Teaching" refers to doctrine and there are many Believers who do not see the need for doctrine. However, a Believer's view of life and how they respond to all experiences in life is directly related to what they believe about God. For example, one who has been taught the doctrine of the sovereignty of God will turn to God for help in any and all circumstances they find themselves. One who does not understand who God really is will turn to themselves or someone else instead of looking to God. "Reproof" refers to showing one their sin.
"Correction" is showing one the need to confess the sin, ask for forgiveness and ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and strength not to sin. "Training in righteousness" is being taught the behavior God requires of each of His children.

The next fact is found in Hebrews 4:12-13. Some believe that God's Word is not applicable to us today yet these verses tell us that God's Word searches the depths of our hearts and minds to reveal the sin in our lives. As we see this sin we confess it and as for forgiveness. God immediately forgives us and empowers us by His Spirit to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him.

The third fact about God's word is found in Psalm 119:11. As we memorize God's Word we are less likely to sin for we know the difference between what is right and wrong according to God's Word.

The fourth fact is found in Psalm 119:105. God's Word gives us direction for our lives so we may make decisions which will honor the Lord.

Knowing these four facts about God's Word should motivate us to study His Word. However there is one more truth we must be aware of and that is what am I going to do with the knowledge I have when I study God's Word? We find the answer to this question in James 1:19-25. Once we have the knowledge from God we must use it. The word "Doers" actually refers to one's occupation. The occupation of the Believer is to study the Word of God and then live by the Word.

I trust all Believers will mine the Word of God for its truth and direction for our lives.