Verbs: The Actions Of God's Word

Action words are powerful words. They describe what we do, from running and jumping to studying and learning. Verbs paint a picture of the movement in the constant motion of our day.

Some of us use more verbs than others. Instead of sitting and relaxing, we're cooking, cleaning, errand-running, working, building and creating. Sound like some familiar action words in your own life?

Paul knew all about verbs. He fills his letters to the various churches with words that spurred action. He wanted to encourage other believers to get up and do something, and it was always personal and specific.

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. Colossians 1:9-13

Look at all those verbs: pray, fill, walk, fruitful, work, increase, strengthen, give, deliver and translate. This is a very busy, action-filled passage of Scripture! No sitting around watching soap operas and eating bonbons.


But look closer. Some of these are our actions, but many are God's. We're called to do many things in our Christian lives, and they're pretty specific, but we're also told everything God is doing in our lives as well. It would be to our benefit to know which are our verbs and which are God's.


Us: praying, walking, being fruitful, increasing in knowledge and giving thanks. It's our responsibility to spend time in prayer, walk in obedience to the Lord, bring forth spiritual fruit, study His word and respond with all the thanksgiving that is in us.


God: fill His followers with knowledge, strengthen us, show His glorious power, make us partakers of the inheritance, deliver us from the power of darkness and translate us to the kingdom of Jesus Christ.


When we break down Scripture, in this case looking at verbs, it's so clear to see and understand what God is asking from us. He wants us to know exactly what He expects from believers - He doesn't play games and He doesn't hide His will. 


As we read our Bibles this week, let's look for verbs. Let's learn what actions God wants us to do and what He promises He'll do for us. That's a whole lot of action to look forward to in the next seven days. Can you keep up?

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