Read the Instructions

How many times have you found yourselves purchasing a product that is assembly required, and always tend not to read the instruction, which is a guide that gives us careful instructions on just how to put the product together. There you are at beginning and find something always happens, or that it does not look right; simply because you failed to read the instructions. Maybe you finish your project and see that there are pieces left and can't seem to figure out where they go; again all because you failed to read the instructions. Of course, this does not only apply to items that need assembly, it could also be with today's technology; like a phone, a lap top, computer, or an ipad, ipod for that matter. I guess this is where our stubbornness tends to always get in the way, or the pride of thinking that we can do anything without instructions. How about when we are traveling and we just can't find what we are looking for, and our spouse's suggests to ask for directions. I am almost sure that we all have been there sometime or another. One thing for sure if we do persist in doing this or going about this the wrong way we will fail in accomplishing what we set our minds out to do, or started to do, if we do not take the time to read the instructions. After all the instruction are there for us to be at ease, and to make the project much easier than it should be, and we may enjoy it faster than we think. So, what should we be doing instead, “read the instructions!”

That of course was a metaphor, or template if you will, to what the real subject of the matter is all about. What we do have, is the word of God, and it is seen in many different forms, percepts, and connotation. Today I wish to see it as an instruction manual that is pertinent for the child of God to heed everything that is written there of.

The first passage that I wish to look at, is written in the second book of Timothy, a sound letter from the Apostle Paul written to Timothy. As we know that were two letters that are filled with instructions; that can also be applied toward us in our service to the Lord (2Ti.2:14,15)In the King James version the word “study” is used in place of show [be diligent] diligence. We all know that all of the men who are the writers in God's word were all instructed by either God or the Holy Spirit of God. As well as, the Holy Spirit of God enlightened our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and so has the Apostles received such instructions to help all the listeners to understand what all needs to be done; for them to engage in the path of eternal salvation. Only, today, in our time of age we already have everything in our hands, the written word of God, the will of God, His commandments, the Holy Spirit of God in black and white. Our instruction manual that is inspired by God Himself (2Ti.3:16,17).

One thing that we are going to notice is the emphasis of reading and studying these instructions, can never be seen unnoticed. Even in the time of our Lords ministry he constantly rebuked the people, including the Jewish rulers and leaders, about reading the laws, the commandments, and the scriptures; and with Jesus already knowing the intents of their hearts, and even knew that they did not read any of the scriptures: as he made it very clear throughout his entire ministry. Simply by asking them “if you knew my Father you would see Him in me?” Also, he himself reading from the scriptures in the synagogues, and as he continually gave them instructions, and expressed to them what is written in the Law of Moses, the actual word of God. For example, we read several passages in the book of Matthew. Although, they failed to comprehend, exactly what was he trying to get across, because of their blindness of their heart, eyes, and ears: which is explained by the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians (2Co.3:12-17). Here are some of the passages of this dilemma; where we can find our Lord asking them about their reading(Ma.12:3,5; 19:4; 21:16,42; 22:31) all of these passages have one thing in common, and that is, that they have the phrases like: have you not read, or did you not read. So the question is do we want to be asked that at any given time? That is why I have the tendency of emphasizing the great importance of reading the word of God; it is our Spiritual food, it is the increase of our growth. The growth that we receive from God not from no one or anything else (1Co.3:5-8).

There is no other way of knowing anything that pertains to our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ; other than finding it in the scriptures (2Co3:1-6), now I ask how can this be done if we do not read the word of God; there is no way. It is through the same scriptures that we were introduced to our Lord and Savior, by a holy person whom God chose to be His deliverer, for each and everyone of us. All glory to our Heavenly Father on how he uses us to help the lost reach His kingdom. All this is done through this man of God to do God's holy purpose, as he is reading and studying the instructions that can only be found in the word of God.

For informational purposes, and in fact, in my research I have found that the word “read” is used 66 times in the entire word of God, and the word “study” is used only 5 times, and the word “instruction” is used 33 times, which most will be found in the book of Proverbs; in which we all know them as moral virtues and their contrary vises, strong and clear instructions for the children of God, and along with (Jeremiah32:33,35)they have not listened to receive instruction: Will you not receive instruction to obey my word, (Ezekiel5:15)When I execute judgment among you in anger and in fury and in furious rebukes, and (Zephaniah)Surely you will fear me, You will receive instruction-so that her dwelling will not be cut off; and the last but not least (2Ti.2:15) Study [give diligence] to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Its quite evident that even in the word of God, we are constantly told to read and study the instruction manual; that God has left for us to use as it is there for our benefit, as well as the benefit for the listeners; and this is proclaimed in two text that is very well known to us (2Ti3:16,17)All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2Pe.1:20,21)Knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but by holy men of God spoke as the were moved by the Holy Spirit. So we being in the same scenario we too have the Holy Spirit guiding us as well, and this is one reason as to why we should never quench the Holy Spirit and never despise prophecies (1The.5:19,20)

Another text that is quite powerful, but very strong in its connotation is in (Job33:14-17)For God may speak in one way, or in another, yet man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls upon men, while slumbering on their beds, then He opens the ears of men, and seals their instructions, in order to turn man from his deeds, and conceal pride from man.

These are only a few examples that I brought up, so we can see just how important it is for us to never stop obey the commandments of God by reading the instructions. Its all about our spiritual growth so we can maybe one day reach the stature of Christ (Ep.4:11-15), and have the same growth through the same obedience. I guess one word may have slipped my mind and that would be “doer”! Which it too goes very well with what this lesson is all about, and one text comes to mind and we can find it in the book of (James1:21-25), and this of course goes with what our Lord Jesus Christ told the multitudes during his ministry in (Ma.7:21-28); what is the key word here “obedience”; in being “doer” of the will of God.

The bottom line is that we will never fail God if we do read the instructions on a daily basis; because if do not do it we may loose what we have already done through the grace of God. For many who do not know how to read, but have become a true child of God, believe me that God has done something wonderful for that person some how some way. For those who can not see, our Father has given that person stronger perception through their hearing and understanding, I for one do believe this to be very true as our merciful Father does love His children and will never let us down as we do Him. As for us who are able to read the word of God; we should find the time from our busy schedule and read the instructions that are written throughout the word of God. If we fail in doing so we will be found in the devils playground; which is known as the idle mind. We all know that we can easily become lazy, and become full of slackness and tend to procrastinate with many issues that will always get in the way of our studies. As we all know that through our minds we as humans can easily be controlled or manipulated; and this is where satan works on all of us if we are weak in faith. And faith comes from hearing the word of God, but in this concept, reading the instruction to strengthen our faith (1Co15:58)Therefore, my beloved brethern, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

 Finally, brothers and sisters I will say it again and again, we all need to study the word of God, we need to read the instructions so that we can never ever fail God and ourselves. This is to the glory of God after all we owe Him everything that we are, everything that we have, and more importantly what we are going to receive in due time. May the good Lord always bless us and keep us in the guidance of his glorious instructions as we head on our journey to worship Him in Heaven!