The Word of God…plainly stated it gives life and it also destroys life. The Word itself is life but it also has the power to condemn those that choose to disregard it. It either builds you up as a child of God or it breaks you down over time (if you do not accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior). If you claim to follow the Lord, there also has to be a place and time where you will follow, and be obedient to, God’s Word. There will always be conflict in your life if there is a lack of regard or obedience to His Word. When Peter stepped out of the boat to walk on the water after Jesus called to him (Matthew 14:29), he was trusting not just in Jesus, but also in His Word, for He proclaims that His Word is truth (Psalm 119:160: John 17:17).
1. The Christian life is dependent on the Word of God.
Christians need to regard His Word as a source of light in a very dark world (Psalm 119:105). This is important because we live in a world that is in spiritual darkness (Isaiah 5:20). God’s Word is needed to set the boundaries between right and wrong. The world will continually change the definition of good and evil where good is evil to the world and what God calls evil as being acceptable to the world. There is also error in our life if we fail to know God’s Word. Jesus told them, “Are you not deceived because you don’t know the Scriptures or the power of God?” (Mark 12:24)
It is impossible to be successful as a Christian without God’s knowledge. You can’t be a witness for God and fly by the seat of your pants with a lack of knowledge of His Word. Please note that we are not to confuse evil behavior as being a blessing from God (Malachi 2:17). What is valued by man is not valued by God. And He told them: “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly admired by people is revolting in God’s sight.” (Mark 16:15) God’s Word will always give understanding and clarity for those who seek it (Psalm 119:130).
2. It is the Word that gives life (Philippians 2:16; John 6:63, 68; John 8:32).
The Word not only gives life but it renews it and sustains it. Without it we are incapable of living a Christlike life. You cannot serve the world and also serve Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:10). With God’s Word, we live a life that is pleasing to God and He gives us the tools and abilities to do this (James 1:17; Hebrews 13:21).
3. The Word is to dwell richly within you (Colossians 3:16; Philippians 4:8).
The word “dwell” refers to how we think about God’s Word and how it will impact our lives. It is to ponder, deliberate and analyze long enough to take into account it’s character and realize its implications for your life. The Word is to reside in your heart to influence you towards what is good. Without God’s Word in your life, the natural tendency is to be drawn to and remain in sin. The Word is to be a part of your overall thought process and it identifies you to others for who you are and what you stand for. We are to use God’s Word for discernment. When resolving something in your mind, ask is it based in truth? His Word has the answers. Is it honorable before God? Is it pure? Is it based upon what man considers as righteous, or is there a higher standard? Is it lovely in God’s sight? Is it admirable when God hears of a report about it? Is our action to be considered as excellent and worthy of praise before God? (Philippians 4:8)
“Sow a thought…reap an action. Sow an action…reap a habit. Sow a habit…reap a character. Sow a character…reap a destiny.” –John Stott
4. The Word builds or destroys a person (Jeremiah 23:29; Hosea 6:5-6; Jeremiah 44:28; Isaiah 45:22-24; Malachi 3:15-18).
Akron Alliance Fellowship 