Receive, Retain, … . Many of us know the next word in this phrase:
Release! This simple formula is the key to successful living. Here is the full
version that is most helpful in growing and developing the truth of God’s
Word in your life:
| Receive |
with meekness the engrafted Word.
James 1:21 |
| Retain |
with conviction the faithful Word.
Titus 1:9 |
| Release |
with boldness the Word of Life.
Philippians 2:16 |
Many of us are very privileged to have access to so much of God’s Word
rightly divided. The classes, seminars, books, CD teachings are rich and
abundant. We need to remember the aim of education is action. After receiving
and retaining so much, it is time for releasing. And really isn’t it what
the Father would have us to do? We have been so privileged to have an accurate
knowledge, we need to respond appropriately and share it with others.
I Thessalonians 2:4:
But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we
speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
I am for ever indebted to the person who had the boldness to witness to me
and speak God’s Word. It saved my life. It brought me from eternal death to
eternal life! There is no greater joy and thrill in life than to help someone
learn God’s Word, so they can be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.
This is what God greatly desires. “Who will have all men to be saved, and to
come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (I Timothy 2:4).
Matthew 10:8 says, “…freely ye have received, freely give.” God so
loved that He gave. Let us be like our Heavenly Father and give God’s Word.
People are going to continue to be lost without an accurate knowledge of
God’s Word. The only way they will hear, is for us to speak it.
Romans 10:14 and 15:
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how
shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they
hear without a preacher?
And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How
beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring
glad tidings of good things!
Few really know the truth of God’s Word. We have an obligation to
hold it forth.
II Corinthians 5:18-20:
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by
Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not
imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of
reconciliation.
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you
by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Let’s live a full and rewarding life by receiving, retaining and releasing
God’s Word.
- Bob Lindfelt
