Profit

For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. Hebrews 4:2 (KJV) emphasis mine

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mark 8:36 (KJV)

When we mix faith with the Word, the Word will profit us in every area of our lives- relationships, health, finances, careers, school, government, etc. The word profit in this verse is the Greek word opheleo, which means to be useful, to benefit, to give advantage, to better, to prevail, to do good, to profit, to further, to help, to be of use, to advance, to increase or grow. It is a positive word and we should all seek to profit from God’s Word.

When we put faith in God’s Word, it is useful to us, beneficial to us, to our advantage. It betters our situation and prevails when all else fails. It will do us good. The Word mixed with faith releases the benefits of God to us. What are the benefits of God?

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. Psalm 103:1-5 (KJV)

This passage talks of some of God’s benefits: forgiveness of sin, healing and health, redemption and deliverance from any form of destruction, the love and mercy of God, the renewal of our youth, and much more. Profits from the Word include a strong spirit, a sound mind, and a healthy body. God’s Word is absolute and unchanging when everything else is in constant change. His Word will advance us when nothing else can. It brings increase in all areas of life. It is what helps us to grow, and growth is what really profits us.

Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. Isaiah 48:17 (KJV)

Many people seek profit without God and His Word, which really ends up profiting them nothing (Malachi 3:14). There is great profit in knowing and loving God, seeking Him, and serving Him. When all else is gone, God and His Word (they are one) will remain. God will teach us to profit when we release our faith in His Word by listening to and following Him. He leads us in the direction to go, walking in His ways, which leads to profit. As we count the cost and pay the price with faith, obedience, and sacrifice, God will increase us more and more.

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63 (KJV)

The flesh profits nothing but the Spirit gives life. God’s Words are spirit and life. As we act based on God’s Word, there is great reward, profit, and increase for us. And the greatest profit of all is to know Jesus Christ and to be with Him forever.