When I read a medical textbook or journal, I am seeking knowledge. I am seeking information to better the lives of my patients. I would never intentionally violate this information and use it to make a wrong diagnosis. The consequences would be dire for the patient and myself. I have faith that the information I am reading and researching is valid. 

What about when I read the Bible? Do I have the same faith that what I am reading is valid? If I do, shouldn’t my attitude be similar to how I use my medical knowledge to treat my patients? Shouldn’t I never intentionally violate the Bible and use it for my personal gain or sinful purposes? Wouldn’t the consequences be even more dire for me?

The answer is clearly yes, however, why I am more susceptible to disobeying God’s Word than I am to disobey medical information? I don’t bend medical information to fit my selfish needs, I objectively apply it to each patient. Yet, I sometimes bend the Bible’s teaching to justify my sinful desires. Why does this happen?

I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. 

Romans 7:21-25 (NLT)

So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. 

Romans 10:17 (NLT)

My faith needs to be grounded in the Word of God. The great preacher, James Moody, wrote, “I used to think I should close my Bible and pray for faith, but I came to see that it was in studying the Word that I was to get faith.” I am in a continual battle with Satan who seeks to influence my old sinful nature to disobey my new nature, reborn with the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ. I must continue to equip myself with God’s Word which gives me faith to conquer my sinful nature.

Amen.

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.