Many have said that they believe in God, but when asked about Him give descriptions unworthy of Him. Although God has made Himself known generally to all through His created world, He can only be known personally through His written Word. A.W. Pink affirms, “Apart from the Scriptures, even a theoretical acquaintance with Him is impossible…Where the Scriptures are ignored, God is ‘the unknown God’ (Acts 17:23)” (20).THE SCRIPTURES AND GOD
Since the fall, man has had difficulty with Lordship. Pink states, “The lie of the serpent which lured our first parents to their destruction was, ‘Ye shall be as gods’ (Gen. 3:5). And ever since then the heart-sentiment of the natural man has been, ‘Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways. What is the Almighty that we should serve him?’ (Ps. 12:4)” (23). The result of this initial sin was separation between God and man. Scripture, however, directs us back to a right relationship with God through the person and work of Christ. Peter explains, “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” (1 Peter 3:18).
As we mature in our faith, we should develop a clearer respect for God’s rightful rule over our lives. Paul asserted, “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1 Cor. 6:19-20).
2) We know we have profited from the Word when we have a greater fear of God’s greatness.
According to Pink, “God is so high above us that the thought of His majesty should make us tremble. His power is so great that the realization of it ought to terrify us. He is so (extremely) holy, and His (hatred) of sin is so infinite, that the very thought of wrongdoing ought to fill us with horror” (25). A psalmist wrote, “In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him” (Ps. 89:7).
3) We know we have profited from the Word when we have a deeper admiration for God’s commandments.
The same Spirit who shows us our need of God’s grace also shows us our need of His commandments. Jesus teaches, “"If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching.” (John 14:23). Pink asserts, “A spirit of obedience is communicated to every regenerated soul” (26).
4) We know we have profited from the Word when we have a more certain trust in God’s sufficiency.
Whatever we trust in most is our ‘god.’ Most people, if honest, would admit to placing more of their trust in self, wealth, family and friends then they do in the living God. Through the reading of God’s Word, our faith should be strengthened knowing that He is more than enough for us. May we express the attitude of David who wrote, “In God I trust; I will not be afraid” (Ps. 56:11).
5) We know we have profited from the Word when we have a fuller delight in God’s perfections.
The great thing about peace for a Christian is that it can be experienced in the midst of hardships because it is not influenced by the circumstances of the world, but by one thing. Pink explains, “The carnal man has many cravings and ambitions; the regenerate soul declares, ‘One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord’ (Ps. 27:4)” (29). According to Pink, “Thus, To the extent that you are being weaned from the empty pleasures of this world, are learning that there is no blessing outside of God, are discovering that He is the source and sum of all excellency, and your heart is being drawn out to Him, your mind stayed on Him, your soul finding its joy and satisfaction in Him, are you really profiting from the Scriptures” (29-30).
6) We know we have profited from the Word when we have a greater submission to the providence of God.
As we read about who God is and what He does from Scripture, we should have an increased admiration for His wisdom and be comforted by the fact that He does all things well. As our knowledge increases, it should become easier and easier to say, “Not my will but Yours be done.”
7) We know we have profited from the Word when we have a more passionate praise for God’s goodness.
Pink asserts, “What abundant cause have God’s people for praising Him! Loved with an everlasting love, made sons and heirs, all things working together for their good, their every need supplied, an eternity of bliss assured them, their harps of gladness ought never to be silent” (30). As we profit from the Word, may we say with David, “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Ps. 34:1).
Pink, A.W. Profiting from the Word. Carlisle, Pennsylvania: The Banner of Truth Trust. 1977. 19-31.
