The Word Unleashed - Radio

James 1 teaches that there is no clearer test of the reality of your relationship to the Triune God than your response to the Word of God—the Scripture. James says you must have a teachable heart; you must respond to the Bible with obedience; and you must not only be a hearer of the word but a doer.

How do you approach God's Word in your daily life? Unfortunately, even as faithful Christians, we can develop flawed perspectives on Scripture if we aren't vigilant and intentional in how we handle it. These misguided approaches can subtly infiltrate our personal study, our homes, and yes—even our church communities.

The Word of God is able to sanctify believers, to make us more like our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Perhaps most importantly, Scripture serves as the ultimate spiritual diagnostic tool. Like a mirror held up to your heart, it reveals whether your faith stands genuine and unshakable or merely superficial and unstable.

There is not one single Christian to whom this passage does not apply. If you claim to be a believer in Jesus Christ, then James 1 is speaking directly to you. The message of verses 19–27 can be summarized this way: Our response to the Word of God diagnoses our true spiritual condition.

In Philippians 1, Paul reminds the church at Philippi that there are consequences that come from belonging to Jesus Christ and His heavenly kingdom. For us as Christians, Paul reminds us that we are in good company when we suffer for Jesus' sake: We have stood for the gospel along with the apostles and the first century church, as well as with Christians in church history.

Christians have entered into a partnership, a spiritual fellowship with the Creator of the universe as adopted, beloved children. God becomes not just our Lord, but our Father. And it’s in Philippians where the apostle Paul stresses that we are to live worthy of this heavenly citizenship and calling. Our lives should reflect the values, priorities, and character of the kingdom we now represent.

Believers have earthly citizenship based on where they reside and a heavenly citizenship based on the person and work of Jesus Christ. But a heavenly citizenship comes with key responsibilities—one of which states that we must strive together for the sake and faith of the gospel. In other words, as Christians, we must actively defend and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Because of our belief in Jesus Christ and the good news of the gospel, we have become citizens of heaven. Practically, this simply means that we have entered into partnership, into a spiritual fellowship with God’s people. We have become members of a new community—what the New Testament calls the “church.” And, as Christians, Paul calls us to live in light of that wonderful reality.

The truth revealed in God’s Word is a sacred trust—a treasure to be vigilantly protected and faithfully passed to those who come after us. Pastor Tom encourages us to proclaim this treasure of sound doctrine to the next generation of believers.

In 2 Timothy 2, the apostle Paul urges Timothy not only to treasure the truth of Scripture and the gospel of Jesus Christ, but to carefully pass it on to the next generation of disciples. Pastor Tom challenges us to embrace this wonderful calling.