May 18: God’s Will Or Deception?

“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 (see also Luke 4:4 and Deuteronomy 8:3)

Jesus spoke in a way that teaches us to regard the Scriptures as spiritual nourishment. We are to partake of them daily, lest spiritual starvation come upon us. His word has a supernatural quality of constantly expanding its place in our lives. This expansion has the effect of displacing misconceptions, false ideas, and indifference, all of which are hindrances to learning of the character of the Lord Jesus. Like the layers of an onion (or, if you prefer, a parfait!), our initial understanding (the first layer) of what we are reading is only the beginning of getting to know the Lord. In a deepening relationship with Him, we will gain “saving knowledge” which guides us toward godly discernment, wisdom in decision-making, actions that bear fruit…

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:21

Self-deception is a very real and present danger. Our modern culture is all about “self-realization”, but focusing on self is a shortcut toward inner corruption. Yahweh’s love letter to us is the best and safest way to guard against deception of any sort. But we must rely upon its Author, the Holy Spirit, to guide us into correct understanding. The sooner I learn that my life is not about me, the greater the opportunity to be a winning influence upon others.

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” John 4:34

“As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” John 20:21b

Before his conversion, Paul was zealous to carry out what he thought (and had been taught) the Scriptures were saying. What a magnificent picture of God’s grace in confronting him on the road to Damascus! His fervor to serve the Lord was redirected (did a “180”, if you will).

The character of the Son of God is the exact opposite of self-realization: it is the ultimate character of self-expenditure. And He desires to transform us like unto Himself. The fact of the matter is we are “porous, leaky vessels” and desperately need a daily infilling of the Holy Spirit. Is this an accident? Not on your life! We are not meant to hoard our blessings, but to pour them out before the Lord for His pleasure: the sake of others!

“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38