Feb 18, 2016
Episode 13: The Word of God
The phrase “The word of God” is very familiar to many of us. It is
used throughout the Bible. However I would like to suggest to us
that for the most part, when we read “The word of God” or “The word
of the Lord” in the scriptures that the reference is not to the
Bible but rather to something else. Do we think of “The word of
God” as only applying to the scriptures? I believe it is important
to have a clear understanding of this because Jesus said “Man shall
not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the
mouth of God.”
• In Heb. 4:12 The Word of God is described as living,
powerful, dividing soul and spirit, and a discerner of the thoughts
and intents of the heart
• Faith comes by hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17)
• Jesus is called the Word of God (John 1:1, Rev. 19:13)
• The word that Jesus speaks is spirit and life (John
6:62)
• In the OT, when we read the “word of God” or “the word of
the Lord” came to so and so” it was not the prophet reading from
some part of the scriptures. Rather it was direct communication by
God to a prophet and then the prophet spoke the word to others.
• In the NT we find a different working. “All shall know me”
(Heb. 8:11, 10:16) Now God is writing His word on our hearts and
minds by the Sprit. It is a “new and living way.”
• Because of Christ we now have direct access to the Father by
the Spirit. (Eph. 2:18)
• God chooses how He will communicate to us, but the Spirit is
always the One who makes it living to us (I John 2:27). Some of the
primary means are:
o The scriptures
o Through other men (fellow believers, ministers, spiritual
gifts)
o Directly to our spirit (as we look to God in prayer)
o Circumstances (spiritual insight)
o Through creation
• We are commanded to have “ears to hear” (Rev. 2 and 3)
• Any communication that we say is of God should:
o Result in light to walk in, clarity, and peace. This is the
basis of faith.
o Consistent with what is recorded for us in the
scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16)
o Verified with other believers depending on the content
Christ opened up to us a “new and living way” whereby we can speak directly to God and He can communicate directly to us.
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley
Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com