The Simplicity of the Word - Part I

Main Course: For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). NIV

The simplicity of the Word is this: Empty yourself out and fill yourself up with the Word so you can be controlled by the Spirit of God. And how do you empty yourself out? Use the Word, rhema (daily manna). And how do you fill yourself up? With the Word, rhema (daily manna). Now, the Word to empty out and fill your life/heart with may be in various forms such as confession, meditation, praise and worship, fasting, prayer, or speaking in tongues. Nevertheless, this is nothing but the 2-edged/doubled sword that does double duty in our lives to perfect us and transform us into the image of Christ. It can uproot, pull down, destroy and throw down (empty out) so you build and plant (fill up) your life (Jer. 1:9; cf. Neh. 6:15). There is no vacancy for anything else besides the Word of God. You are full to capacity. As the old clique goes, “you can kill two birds with one stone.” You use the Word to empty out the garbage and filth that has accumulated over a lifetime, over years and decades (2 Cor. 10:4-6; Philip 2:13; Rms. 12:1-2), and fill yourself up at the same time because of the power of the Word.

Once the word takes residence, God’s Spirit can now begin to control, His lordship takes effect. Now the secret and key to all this is to keep your life in this “status” or mode of submission. Stay filled with the Word. If you don’t stay sober and vigilant you won’t have the strength to resist the devil (2 Pet. 5:8-9). Many times we deceive ourselves into thinking that we have all or most of our bases covered without doing the necessary work or maintenance required to keep our garden (heart) clear, clean and free. When the tempter comes and if there is anything in your house (life) besides the Word of God, he executes his plan and intentions to destroy you (Jn. 14:30; 10:10). - (cont'd)