BEING PROPERLY INSTRUCTED IN THE WAY OF THE LORD - PART 3

TUESDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2022

Apollos was a man of great influence in Scriptural affairs, which simply signifies that he managed the Kingdom mysteries rightly and faithfully without reservation.

Reference: Acts 18:24-26 King James Version (KJV) "And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly."

By sharing the Word, Apollos effected lasting change in the lives of Christian believers he met at Achaia, in the most possible and helpful way, and thereby continued to make Christ known among the Jews. Colossians 1:28 (NIV) says, "He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ." Who do we proclaim? Christ!

The ministry of the Word is so powerfully important because we receive comfort, blessing and spiritual nourishment from it whenever we want or desire it. For this reason, the Bible says, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God" (Colossians 3:16 ESV). This was exactly what apollos was doing - teaching and admonishing others in all the wisdom of the Word. Just as we store our natural food in a proper place against the time we need it, we are encouraged in the book of Colossians to store the Word in our hearts in a rich manner. When it becomes the case, it will readily come out from our lips. When we are full of it and we share it, it becomes food for many people's faith.

Now watch this: Letting the word of Christ dwell in you richly actually means to have the multitudinous knowledge of it, with all the versions and categories associated with it. For instance, we understand that in the Word are milk for babes and meat for strong men, and more, meaning that Word is wholesome. By it, the people of God are nourished up in the path of eternal life. Therefore, "Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation"(1 Peter 2:2 ESV). This is a vital attitude required of every Christian. Also in 1 Corinthians 3:2 (AMP), Paul says, "I fed you with milk, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Even now you are still not ready." This implies that we are at different stages of perception and reception of the Word. However, solid food of the Word are highly esteemed more than the food or milk that is simply necessary and convenient for our faith.

Beloved, we ought not to be ignorant of the way of the Lord. Get involved in every form of necessary meditation and application of the Word. As long as we have the Spirit and life of Christ in us, His character will be moulded in our lives, by the same Spirit that dwells in us and will continually produce corresponding results through the Word. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - John 5:39; 1 Peter 1:25; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 2:15; Colossians 3:16.

Guided Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for instructing me in the way of righteousness. As I share the Gospel truth with unbelieving friends or neighbours, I see your faithfulness displayed in their lives. Even in the midst of challenging circumstances, I pray that they will consider your constant love, kindness and reliability, which will point them to Christ, whose blood has secured their salvation, in Jesus' Name, Amen!