Reading God's Word, Hearing God's Voice

    As I am writing this, I look as shelves of books. Hundreds of books, ranging from classic novels to systematic theologies, scores of Biblical commentaries, books on church growth, and Christian living. Each of these books are noteworthy, having contributed to the field of literature, theology, ecclesiology, or living the faith. 

    I am reminded of walking through the library at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft.Worth, TX. At the time it was the largest theological library in North America. My wife was with me. She looked in wonder at  three floors of books, shelves upon shelves of volumes. With widened eyes she said, “Just think, all these books are written about one book.” And that one book, is unlike any other book that has ever existed, or will ever exist. 

    If we seek to live indwelt by the word of God, we must make reading that one book, The Bible, utmost priority. But as we read that book, it behooves us to keep in mind its unique nature. The Bible is unlike any other book, and when we read it we are hearing the very voice of God. 

    We hear the voice of God in the Bible because the Bible is God breathed. In 2 Timothy 3:16 we read, “All Scripture is breathed out by God, and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (ESV) With this verse we enter the realm of inspiration, but notice that Scripture is described as being inspired, not just the human authors God used to pen it. Marvin Vincent explained that the Bible proceeds from God Himself. In doing so it supernaturally carries His nature. The source of Scripture is the inspiration of God, no other writing or utterance carries this God ordained authority. It is the voice of God speaking to you through His divine Word. 

    We hear the voice of God in the Bible because the Bible is living and active. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edeged sword, piercing the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (ESV) In context the author is speaking of men and women who heard God’s utterances, responded disobediently and did not receive the blessing intended for them. We are urged then, to act upon God’s utterances, allowing them to bring blessing into our life. These utterances are recorded in the Scripture. But wait, this is more than a record of what God has said. The Bible carries His nature, thus it is living, as He is living, active as He is active. This Greek word translated “living” focuses upon the act of living, as opposed to existing as an inanimate object. The word “active” is used referring to the ability within its object to make something happen. Other books you read might give you information upon which to act, but in and of themselves these books are nothing more than the recorded words of the author. However the Bible is living. It pierces deep within our hearts and causes the intentions of God to come to be in our lives. 

    We hear the voice of God in the Bible because it comes to dwell within us. Colossians 3:16 reads, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” (ESV) When you read the Bible, you will see this recurring concept of dwelling. It emphasizes the act of making a permanent home. IN this same chapter of Colossians, we read that God intends for the peace of Christ to dwell in believers, else where we read of the Spirit of Christ dwelling in us (1 Cor. 3:16), and the fullness of God dwelling in Jesus (Col. 1:19). Scholars reminds us that the word of Christ mentioned here is meant to dwell in the community of believers, but to do so it must first dwell in the individuals which make up that community.  When you read the Bible you are reading words which supernaturally take up residence in your heart. 

    We hear the voice of God in the Bible because it calls us into fellowship with God and His people. John was the last of Jesus original twelve disciples to leave the earth. While the others died a martyr’s death (expect Judas who died a traitor), Jesus had other plans for John. Even though God used Paul’s pen to write the most books in the New Testaments, He used John to write the largest amount. Between John’s gospel, the book of Revelation, and his three letters, John is the most prolific New Testament writer. In his first letter, 1 John, he makes two statements reminding the reader of his intentions. He says, “we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete” (1:4) and “this is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you” (1:5). What is the intention of the message, now recorded in Scripture? “That you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. (1:3). As you read the proclaimed message of Jesus, now sent forth in the Scripture, just like John’s first readers you are being called into fellowship with Jesus and His people. The idea of fellowship is close association with mutual involvement. The Bible then is more than the rules for being a Christian, it is one way Christ continually calls you into fellowship with Himself and His people. 

    Since the Bible is like any other book, we must read it unlike we read any other book. 

• Read it reverently. Imagine your attitude if your hero were to make an appointment to speak with you. You would consider your dress, your posture, even the venue of the conversation. When we read the Bible, God is speaking to us, so enter the time with reverence. 
• Read it with anticipation. I grew up on a cattle farm. My grandfather always told me to be alert around the cows and to expect something to happen. God’s Word is living and active, we should anticipate spiritual activity when we read it. 
• Read it listening. Have you ever caught yourself not listening. Maybe in the car with your spouse, or as your co-worker is relating tales of her latest amazing trip. You are present, the other person is talking, but you are not listening. At time we do listen. When our children have done well on the latest school project, our spouse has had a hard day at work, or our mother calls to tell the latest family news. Our level of listening is directly contingent upon the value of the information we receive. The Bible is God speaking, there is nothing more important to listen to.