“For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it” (Hebrews 4:2).
God’s imperishable word is powerful (Hebrews 4:12). It has the power to create faith (Romans 10:17), to purify your soul (1 Peter 1:22), to make you a child of God (1 Peter 1:23), to sanctify you (John 17:17), and to save your soul (James 1:21).
Because it is like seed (Luke 8:11), the soil in which it is planted determines whether it germinates, matures, and produces a crop (Luke 8:5-8). There are no “automatic” blessings from God’s word. Its profitability is determined by you.
For God’s powerful word to profit you as it is capable, you must mix it with faith.
Because of your faith in its truthfulness, you need to be swift to hear it, slow to argue with it, and slow to be offended or upset by it (James 1:19). Because of your faith in its holiness, you need to cleanse your heart of evil and spiritual filth before receiving it (James 1:21). Because of your faith in its authority, you need to receive it with meekness (James 1:21).
An evil heart of unbelief will thwart the blessings of God’s word. Such a heart will hinder all the benefits it offers.
Receive God’s powerful word so that it profits you.
