A Lack Of Information Or Application?

Jarrod Jacobs

                   The Bible is a unique book, to be sure. While it is not a science book, it is scientifically accurate. Though it is not a geography book, it is geographically accurate. It is historically true and is obviously a spiritually-focused book. Within the pages of inspiration, we learn that God has given us “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (II Pet. 1:3). The inspired Scriptures are “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work” (II Tim. 3:16-17). The word Christ spoke ought to take first place in our lives because it is this word that will judge us one day (Jn. 12:48). Knowing these things are true, is it any wonder that Peter would, by inspiration, write to Christians and say, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (I Pet. 4:11)?

                   I cite the passages above to make it clear that God has provided all the information necessary for us to get from earth to Heaven! The Bible has been written; the word is true (Jn. 17:17); and the gospel will save us (Rom. 1:16). The question now is whether or not we will apply the information to our lives! James wrote that a man who hears and does is considered a “blessed man” (Jas. 1:25). He further writes that “faith without works is dead” (Jas. 2:17, 20, 26). Jesus said the ones who will see Heaven are those who “do the will of my father which is in Heaven” (Matt. 7:21). In other words, when it comes to pleasing God, we do not lack the information, but we often lack the application! 

                   Throughout history, this fact is what has separated God’s children from the world! Many people have heard God’s word in various ways. In the book of Exodus, we see Pharaoh heard God’s word, but he “hardened his heart” (Ex. 7:14, 22, 8:15, 19, 32, 9:7, etc.) and was punished as a result of his pride. Others who knew the truth but refused to obey were many of the “chief rulers” in Christ’s day. They knew who Christ was, but refused to confess Him because they feared what the Pharisees would say (Jn. 12:42-43). Another person who knew the truth was Agrippa. He knew the truth, but would not confess Christ, nor be baptized (Acts 26:27-28). This list could be extended, but the point is that God did not leave them ignorant of the truth! Yet, they were condemned because they did not act upon what they knew!

                   What about us? We have the Bible at our fingertips. Yes, some know more than others, but is this really what is stopping us from being what God would have us to be? Is this really what is stopping us from obeying the Lord and living as He wants us to live? I suggest that it is not so much a matter of information, but it is a matter of application! We do not want to do those things Christ has said! Shame on us for being that way! Let us listen to the Lord, who tells us to be obedient to Him (Jn. 14:15; I Jn. 5:3) and prepare ourselves for Heaven by applying the information God has revealed! In so doing, we will be a blessed people! (Jas. 1:25)

Jacob’s Response To God’s Word

Jarrod Jacobs

                   Genesis 28:1-15 record Jacob traveling. One night, he had a dream in which he saw, “a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it” (Gen. 28:12). God then blessed Jacob, promising him the same things He had promised Abraham and Isaac (Gen. 28:13-15).

                   What did Jacob do next? Notice that Jacob, “awoke from his sleep … And he was afraid and said, ‘How awesome is this place! …. And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone … and set it up for a pillar and poured oil upon the top of it” (Gen. 28:16-18).

                   What do we learn here? First, notice that Jacob awoke (v. 16). In like manner, people today need to awaken from their spiritual slumber that has them oblivious to the problems around them (Jer. 6:14, 8:11)! It is high time that we understood that sin and error are not to be taken lightly. Let us wake up and hear the voice of God though His word (Rom. 13:11-14)!

                   Secondly, Jacob was afraid (v. 17). He had been in the presence of God Almighty! Friend, it is high time that people became afraid! Too many portray an attitude which says they have no fear of anything. This is dangerous (Heb. 10:26-31)! Those that have refused God’s word need to be afraid; for God’s word will judge them one day (Jn. 12:48).

                   Finally, Jacob arose and built an altar (v. 18). When people hear God’s word today (through the Bible), the honest hearts will have the same reaction. After awakening to the truth, and being afraid to stay in sins, arise and do what God commands (Rom. 12:1-2).