Is It God’s Word or Your Words?

by Donovan Sabog on November 09, 2023

SCRIPTURE:

Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other. 1 Corinthians 4:6

 

OBSERVATION:

Have you ever treated Scripture like clay, molding it into your own meaning? Have you ever read the Bible, saw a verse that kind-of-but-not-really applied to a situation you’re facing, but still used it anyway? Have you ever intentionally or unintentionally taken a Scripture out of context?

In reflecting on these questions, I think the answer is that most of us have done this in our walk with Christ. And, for the most part, our intentions in doing so have not been for malice or slander, but to genuinely encourage or edify others. Yet, Paul encourages us today to “not go beyond what is written.” 

When reading God’s Word, we must be careful to not impose our own meaning onto God’s meaning. The Bible is not a text message for us to edit and change freely as we wish; its text is God’s Message to us so that we may edit our actions and change our hearts to fully experience freedom as He wishes for us. 

The Bible is the incorruptible, immutable, unchanging word of God. It is not a tool for us to mold toward our own purposes; as Paul expresses 2 Timothy 3:16-17, it exists to teach us, rebuke us, correct us, and train us in righteousness so that we may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

APPLICATION:

Don’t read the Bible; let the Bible read you. As you read the Scriptures, receive each word as if God were speaking directly to you––because He is speaking to you. Don’t rush through each chapter; leisurely spend time to meditate and reflect on each verse. The Bible is not your word; it’s God’s Word. Remember that God’s Word is a gift, and through His word, God will surely speak timely messages into your life.

Scripture is not the clay; you are the clay. Don’t mold the Scriptures into your meaning; let the Scriptures mold you. Don’t read for your purposes; read to receive His purposes for your life. Don’t go searching for meaning in places God never intended them to be; follow His leading and find unexpected gems of wisdom along the way. Allow God to soften your heart, shape your mind, and smooth your imperfections. Yield to the shaping of the potter’s hand, and become the masterpiece He created you to be.

 

PRAYER:

God,

Thank You for your Word. Thank You for speaking to me through the Scriptures and for being with me through the presence of the Holy Spirit. Continue to reveal Your truths to me in Your perfect timing, and allow me to grow deeper in wisdom and relationship with You as I spend time with You in Your Word. My desire is to know Your heart.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

About the Author

Donovan Sabog

Pastor Donovan Sabog joined our staff in 2020 and was appointed as our Executive Pastor in 2025. He loves God, loves people, and is passionate about helping people discover their God-given potential, release their dreams, and become all God created them to be.

Donovan grew up at New Hope Oahu and has been a part of this church with his family since 2004. Starting from a young age, he served on our Worship, Youth Performing Arts Center, NHO Music, and Children’s Ark teams, and he led our Lighting Team through its transition from Farrington High School to our Ministry Center when he was a high school student at Punahou School. 

These experiences led him to Yale University, where he received B.A. degrees with distinction in Economics and History, and worked as Head Recruitment Coordinator and Senior Presenter for Yale Undergraduate Admissions. While at Yale, he performed in the Yale Spizzwinks and Yale Whiffenpoofs a cappella groups, traveling with these groups to 25 states and 35 countries across all six inhabited continents. Donovan also received his M.A. in Formational Leadership from Lancaster Bible College and Capital Seminary.

Prior to New Hope, Donovan was a management consultant in New York City and has held various internships in finance, investment, education, government, and strategic policy at various firms in Hawaii. 

When he's not at church, you’ll probably find him eating a plate lunch (Garlic Chicken or Tonkatsu…with white rice and mac salad, of course), on a plane headed to serve the global Church on mission, or loving on people God places in his path.

Donovan is grateful to serve God, serve you, and do church as a team here at NHO. And if there’s one thing Donovan hopes that you always remember, it’s that “YOU ARE LOVED!”

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” - Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV

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