In the entire bible, there are 1,189 chapters and 31,103 verses! Which ones are we responsible for? The devil tempted Jesus after He had fasted for forty days and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on EVERY WORD that comes from the mouth of God.'” (Matt. 4:3-4) David said, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalms 119:11)
Where is that written? “Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness…He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna…to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on EVERY WORD that COMES FROM THE MOUTH OF THE LORD.” (Deut. 8:2-3)
Just what are God’s Words to us? “They are more PRECIOUS THAN GOLD, than MUCH PURE GOLD; they are sweeter than honey…By them your servant is WARNED; in KEEPING THEM there is great REWARD.” (Psa. 19:10-11) God’s Word can do this for us, “…get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and HUMBLY ACCEPT THE WORD God has planted in your hearts, for IT HAS THE POWER TO SAVE YOUR SOULS. But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must DO WHAT IT SAYS. Otherwise, you are only FOOLING YOURSELVES.” (James 1:21-22)
We do what God’s Word says because, “The grass withers and the flowers fade, but THE WORD OF OUR GOD STANDS (qûm: to arise and become powerful) FOREVER.” (Isa. 40:8) Just to verify, “Forever, O LORD, Your word is SETTLED IN HEAVEN.” (Psa. 119:89) The writer of Hebrews explains, “…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. 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.” (Heb. 4:12-13)
What are we accountable for? Moses was told by God to command the children of Israel to READ AND TEACH GOD’S WORD, “…you must COMMIT YOURSELVES WHOLEHEARTEDLY to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them AGAIN and AGAIN to YOUR CHILDREN. TALK ABOUT THEM when you are at HOME and when you are on the ROAD, when you are GOING TO BED and when you are GETTING UP. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deut. 6:4-9) Keep giving them God’s Word so they will LOVE and SERVE God!!!
-Bill Stockham