The Power of the Word of God
The Power of the Word of God
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
As I study this Scripture, I gain a greater insight as to how it should be appreciated and approached. The word becomes more vital (quick or alive) and speaks to me on different topics and in various depths of meaning. The more I read, the more awesome it becomes. The more I learn, the more I realize the greatness of its power. The power in the Word truly does defy imagination.
Creative Power
It was the spoken Word of God that created the world. Ten times in Genesis 1, we read that “God said…” Seven times it is creative, once decisive, and twice directive. God spoke the universe into existence. Think about that for just a moment. Before God spoke, there was only darkness. Every single thing, but mankind, was spoken into existence. Such awesome power contained within the Word of God.
Converting Power
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16
The power of God is contained within Scripture. The thought of salvation and redemption is a wonderful thought. “But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart; that is, the Word of Faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in line heart that God has raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:8-9. The Word of Faith that leads to salvation is the word of God. It is the gospel of Jesus Christ. The word has the power to convert and change us. “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” Psalm 19:7. The law and testimony of the Lord are both euphemisms for the Word of God. They both mean the Bible, Scripture, the Good Book, and the list goes on. Power to change lives is contained in the Word of God. Power to produce radical alterations and eliminate foolishness from the lives of the simple or immature. God created the world by His Word. He converts us by His Word.
Cleansing Power
God cleanses us with His Word. “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee; O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalms 119:9-11
How much clearer can God get about the power contained in the Bible? We are cleansed and kept from sin by the power of the Word. John 15:3 and Ephesians 5:25-26 both iterate that the Word purifies us, whether it be the spoken words of Christ for the written words of Scripture. We read of Jesus going into the wilderness to be tempted in Matthew 4. Jesus Christ used the Word to defeat Satan and the temptations that he brought. He quoted Moses and the prophets. If Jesus, our example, used the Word how much more important is it for us to study it and know it in our hearts and minds so that we are ready for spiritual attack? His Word helps us to overcome temptation and defeat Satan.
The book I hold in my hands contains the greatest power in the universe. Between the covers is the power to create life. Scripture is powerful enough to change us. We have an eternal covenant with God through His Word. The Bible will cleanse us. The Word is strong enough and powerful enough to keep us from sin, regardless of the age in which we live.
Each day as I study, I am more impressed by the powerful principles that lay within the Word of God. I am convinced that I need to study and meditate on the messages put forth in Scripture. Join me in a commitment to read and reflect on a portion of the Bible everyday, even if it is a single chapter. Join me also in prayer that God would bless the study of His Word and aid me in being an example of a life lived according to biblical principles.
