Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is alive, and active (powerful, effectual), and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews tells us the Word of God is alive (quick) and powerful. But what does that mean? Is His Word mighty? How is it powerful in our lives? What does God's Word do for us? Does the Bible affect our lives? These questions and more will be looked at in the following couple of articles as we look into the power of God's Word.
There are three things to be highlighted in this introductory article. The first is the relationship between Christ and God's Word, the second is the authority of God's Word, and the third is the work the Word has in us who believe. In each of these, we will see the power of God's Word.
God's Word is Powerful
THE RELATION BETWEEN CHRIST AND THE WORD
When we talk about the Word, it is generally understood that this can reference both Jesus and the Bible. The Bible is God’s written Word; Jesus is God’s Word personified (also known as the Word in the flesh). This highlights the relationship between Jesus and the Bible. It enforces the idea that if we want to be in right relationship with Jesus, we need to have a right relationship with the Bible.
Jesus said in John 15:4-5 - Remain in Me, as I also remain in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, neither can you, unless you remain in Me. 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who remains in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit. For without Me you can do nothing.
John 15:7 - If you remain in Me, and My words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it shall be done for you.
This passage reminds us that part of remaining (abiding) in Christ includes His words remaining (abiding) in us. It says in Colossians 3:16 - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom. So we recognize that Christ and the Word are inseparable.
Another verse emphasizing this relationship between Jesus and God's Word is John 15:9-10 - “As the Father loved Me, I also loved you. Remain in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, even as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.
We notice it says, "Remain in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love."
John 14:21 - He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. There is a connection between remaining (abiding) in the love of Christ and keeping His commandments which would include the written Word.
So again, if we want to be in right relationship with Jesus, we need to have a right relationship with the Bible.
THE AUTHORITY BEHIND GOD'S WORD
We can't talk about the Power of God's Word without addressing the authority that backs up this Word.
When we examine the authority of Scripture, we see the word authority comes from another familiar word - "author." We understand that the author gives authority to whatever is produced.
So who is the author of the Bible, the Scriptures? The Bible gives us the answer to this question. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 - All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
When it says that the inspiration of God gives all Scripture, it is saying it was “God-breathed.” God breathed (spoke) His Word into existence through the Holy Spirit as He inspired those who put words to paper. Since He is the author, He is the one who stands as the authority and power behind His Word.
Isaiah 55:11 - My word that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void (ineffective, empty-handed), but it shall accomplish that which I (God) please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
God’s Word will go out and accomplish (complete) the task that God intended for it.
When we consider that today, we can be confident that what God has spoken in His Word regarding what will happen in the world will be accomplished. No political power, spiritual power, political figure, and nation can come against and defeat what He has spoken.
In relation to personal to our lives, as we receive it - It is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
If we want to be complete and fully equipped for all that God has for us, wants to do in/through us, the source of that preparation is the Bible. The power of God’s Word will accomplish in us God's desired purpose.
GOD'S WORD WORKS IN US
1 Thessalonians 2:13 - For this reason we thank God without ceasing because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which effectively works also in you who believe.
We know that God’s Word will accomplish what God says. Yet, there is a balance to that statement in our personal lives. We have the responsibility to receive it in faith (believing). God’s principles function within the bounds of faith. Just read Hebrews 11:6. As this verse says, it is possible to receive His Word, but accept it as the word of man. If we receive it in that manner, it cannot work its complete work in us.
On the other side, if we receive it as God’s Word, accepting it in faith, it will effectively work in us who believe.
That is why it is good when you read your Bible to occasionally take time to say to the Lord, “I believe this is Your Word. I receive it as Your Word. Thank you that it will accomplish in me what you purpose.”
So what will it accomplish? 2 Peter 1:3 - His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who has called us by His own glory and excellence,
This passage from 2 Peter makes an incredible statement of truth. It says that God’s divine, omnipotent power has already given to us everything we are ever going to need for life and godliness. The words "life and godliness" encompass every part of our lives. God is concerned not only with our eternal life, not only with our spiritual condition but with every part of us. He is divinely interested in the natural/physical part of who we are.
Please understand that God is aware and not only knowledgeable but divinely interested in your everyday life and working in all aspects of who you are. So He has provided all related things to us. Sometimes we can be so spiritually minded that we are no earthly good. We forget or neglect to realize that our physical/natural life is part of His plan.
Some might think, well, where is it? If God has given all this to me, why am I missing it? Look at the phrase through the knowledge of Him - in verse 4 - by which He has given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, so that through these things you might become partakers of the divine nature and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.
All these things (pertaining to life and godliness) are found in His exceedingly great and precious promises. If we want to receive all the abundance of God for our lives, we have to accept it through His promises, and in His promises, we will find everything we need.
What do you need today? His Word is the standard of His will. You will find it in His promises. Where are His promises revealed? In His Word. How do we know Him? Through His Word.
Do not neglect your Bible. It is the key to your wellbeing and the key to life.
In the following article, we will begin to see further that His Word is quick and powerful and has a tremendous effect in our lives.
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