TLIC PROVERBS. JANUARY 23: HIS MOUTH.

Proverbs 2:6. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

The Bible opens up with God speaking. Let there be… Let there be… Let there be… From his mouth came all things, including knowledge and understanding. Everything God has ever spoken has been wise. It hasn’t just been good; it’s been the best. In fact, in Genesis 1 when God declares his creation to be “good,” That word does not just mean OK, it means everything is working the best way it possible could. God doesn’t say that there are many good ways to live. He says that there is ONE BEST way to live. The Jesus way.

A couple days ago we asked if we are listening to God. God speaks to us from his “mouth” in two ways: The Bible and Christ himself. The written word and the living word. The introductory word, and the final word. Jesus is the final and best word of God that comes from God. Through both the Bible and our union with Christ we have knowledge and understanding of the best way to live – living like Christ. Loving God and loving others. Trusting. Forgiving. Caring. Sacrificing. Serving.

If you ever claim that God told you something but it doesn’t sound like the Bible and look like Jesus and his cross, then it wasn’t God talking. It was your own sinful flesh masquerading as the Holy Spirit. Wisdom requires learning to discern between these two voices. Understanding comes when we can tell the difference between law and gospel. Works and grace. Do and done. The first stirs up the flesh, the second is stirred up by the Spirit.

You: How do you hear from God? The Bible alone? The Spirit alone? Bible and Spirit? Neither?

You in Christ: Christ is speaking to you, in you, and through you. Do you believe this? What have you heard Jesus saying to you lately?

Christ in you: Can you discern between law and gospel? How does focusing on the cross allow us to gain the understanding we need to distinguish between works and grace?

Pray: Father, help me to listen to you as I listen to your word and your Son. I want to be able to tell the difference between law and gospel, works and grace. Keep teaching me this difference. Amen.