Why do so many read God’s Word and receive little benefit?

Author: Wendy Goubej

Summary: Without Christ, reading Scripture is no different than reading any other text.

Hebrews 4:2 tells us “...the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.”

There are over 3000 promises in the Bible. They are assurances from a loving heavenly Father of His care and concern. Accepting them by faith brings a peace and a calm assurance of His love and power in our lives. It is faith that connects us with heaven, and brings us strength for coping with the powers of darkness. In Christ, God has provided means for subduing every sinful trait, and resisting every temptation, however strong. But many feel that they lack faith, and therefore they remain away from Christ. Let these souls, in their helpless unworthiness, cast themselves upon the mercy of their compassionate Saviour. Look not to self, but to Christ. Desire of Ages page 429 tells us this:

He who healed the sick and cast out demons when He walked among men is the same mighty Redeemer today. Faith comes by the word of God (Romans 10:17). Then grasp His promise, ‘Whoever comes to Me I will never drive away’ John 6:37. Cast yourself at His feet with the cry, ‘Lord, I believe, help my unbelief’ (Mark 9:24). You can never perish while you do this, never!

Without Christ we can do nothing (John 15:5), but with Christ we can all things (Philippians 4:13). Christ promises that when we abide in Him, there will be a host of benefits. We will bear much fruit (John 15:8). This fruit will manifest itself as “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” (Galatians 5:22-23). Our souls will be restored (Psalm 23:3), and He will give us “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (Isaiah 61:3). Others will glorify and praise Jesus for the fruit they see in our lives (Philippians 1:11). His glory will be our glory too.

The glory that God is speaking of is not a self-centered egotistical kind of glory, but rather one that results in blessings to others. Jesus says in John 12:32, “But I, when I am lifted up, will draw all men to Myself.” It is not until God is lifted up and glorified that He can bring men to Himself for the purpose of salvation to mankind. His glory brings blessings to the world. The kind of glory Robert Schuller teaches and preaches about leaves Jesus Christ out of the equation.

Just as a baby must receive nourishment through the umbilical cord in the womb of the mother, so we, too, receive nourishment through our vital connection with God. Without it we are powerless in our battle against evil. Without it we are helpless in our struggle against temptations and sin. Our works do not save us, but they are the evidence of genuine faith in God in our lives. They are instrumental in leading others to Christ and salvation.

Ahead to What is Faith?

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