WHAT A DIFFERENCE A WORD MAKES
(Luke 8:18)
Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
Many people hear the word of the Lord, but Jesus once stated, Take heed how ye hear (Luke 8:18) . In another passage, He stated, Take heed what ye hear (Mark 4:24). Today, we're going to focus on the "how".
When someone attempts to communicate with us, they choose certain words to express themselves. In order for communication to be successful, we must apply the same meanings to the words as they do. If this does not occur, the result will be chaotic and possibly devastating. In 2 Peter 3:16, Peter states: As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. For us, this becomes an exhortation to be both learned and stable.
Today's "hearing" focus will be on vocabulary. Change the meaning of one word in a sentence and you can change the whole message. If we "take heed how we hear" the Lord and apply the same meanings, it will help to enhance and promote our success in Him. I'm going to dive right in and share some passages of scripture along with some definitions (with help from the Strong's concordance) to illustrate this concept. I pray that this will provoke all of us to love and good works as we study the word of God.
- EXPERIENCE (Romans 5:3-5): And not only so, but we
glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
{4} And patience, experience; and experience, hope: {5} And hope maketh
not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the
Holy Ghost which is given unto us. We constantly hear people talk
about experience in God. We put stock in how many years people have been
saved. We have seen the word experience in scripture and may apply a meaning
that God is not implying. The word "experience" also means "proof" or "trial".
This is why James says, But let patience have her perfect work (James 1:4)
because patience works experience. By definition, "experience" means "trustiness".
In other words, it is through the exercising of patience that we obtain
experience -- the ability and willingness to trust God through whatever.
This is why it's important to endure temptation and tribulation in an obedient
manner. Then and only then will we see God for who He really is.
- WITNESS (Acts 1:8): But ye shall receive power, after
that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me
both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost
part of the earth. Practically all Christians, at one time or another,
talk about the need or desire to "witness". An interesting point here is
that God didn't really call us to witness. Surprised? Matthew 28:19 tells
us to go ye therefore and "teach". The word "teach" means to enroll someone
as a scholar. There is a great difference between "giving witness" and "teaching".
In Acts 1:8, the word "witness", doesn't mean to tell someone about Jesus.
It means "martyr". How many of us want to be martyrs? Well, I have good
news. By definition, a "martyr" doesn't necessarily mean someone who literally
dies for a cause. It does, however, refer to someone who gives up all for
the purpose of a cause. For some, that has eventually cost them their lives.
For all it means to give up our wanton ways and anything else that is contrary
to the gospel of Jesus Christ, with a sacrificial dedication towards the
furthering of the gospel. Different, huh?
- DESPITEFULLY USE (Matthew 5:44): But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you... When we think of someone being used (in a sterotypical sense), we rarely if ever see the same definition in scripture. "Despitefully use" is represented by one word in the Greek. It means to threaten, slander or falsely accuse. Taking a page from last week's InSight, we are to pray for those that despitefully use us. By applying the proper definition, we can more easily fulfill the commandment.
- KNOWLEDGE (2 Peter 1:5-8) : And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; {6} And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; {7} And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. {8} For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our society tends to think of knowledge regarding the possession of information. This is not always the scriptural definition. In this passage, knowledge has two meanings. The first occurence of the word has to do with the stereotypical definition. The second usage of the word has to do with "full discernment". Going from one type of knowledge to the next, as illustrated also by the passage, incorporates other actions. In more common words, just knowing something isn't enough. We must apply what we know. That's the type of "knowledge" Peter is talking about.
- CROWN (Proverbs 12:4): A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. Have you ever read this passage? What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a crown? Did you apply that definition when you read the passage. Ready for the surprise? The word "crown" comes from a root word that means: to encircle from attack as a form of protection. In other words, a virtuous woman is someone that has her husband's back, if you will. She is a protector for him. Eve violated this principle by presenting to Adam the very thing that would kill him. Big difference, huh?
Time won't permit me to cover any more today. We'll revisit "hearing" another time. In closing, John 8:31-32 says, Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; {32} And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Jesus also said, If ye love me, keep my commandments. We cannot continue in what we have not received and we have not truly received if we do not receive in the proper manner. We also cannot keep what we have not understood. Let's make sure that we are hearing the Lord properly. Let's seek wisdom from Him in understanding His word. Those who do not continue in the word are not His disciples indeed. Consequently, these same people WILL NOT know the truth and will not be made free.
What a difference a word makes! Let's take the time to study that we might show ourselves approved unto God. Let's take heed how we hear. Until next time, keep the word and be blessed!
Reprinted from Remnant Online -- Volume 1, Issue 6
"What A Difference a Word Makes" by Darren W. Hood
Copyright © 1997, 2001 Scenario Ministries International. All rights
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Feel free to reproduce for non-commercial purposes.
