The Word of God

The Word of God

1 session EBI

Wednesday 16 November 2011

For some years now I have read through the Bible twice every year. If you picture the Bible to be a mighty tree and every word a little branch, I have shaken every one of these branches because I wanted to know what it was and what it meant.

Martin Luther


Some people like to read so many [Bible] chapters every day. I would not dissuade them from the practice, but I would rather lay my soul asoak in half a dozen verses all day than rinse my hand in several chapters. Oh, to be bathed in a text of Scripture, and to let it be sucked up in your very soul, till it saturates your heart!

Charles Haddon Spurgeon


What does the WOG play second fiddle to in your life?

We believe it is the inerrant way God communicates and accomplishes his will in the world throughout history.

Job 23:12 - in the midst of trials and sufferings said,

“I have not departed from the commands of his lips;

I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.”


Hosea 4:6

...my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.

“Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.

People (many Christians) do not like the idea of the authoritative WOG telling them how to live - they act as if it was something a cult does!

God is not into suggestions - he is into commandments.


Hosea 4:6

...my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.

“Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.

People (many Christians) do not like the idea of the authoritative WOG telling them how to live - they act as if it was something a cult does!

God is not into suggestions - he is into commandments.

“The Bible, and only the Bible, is the absolute, definitive, errorless, authoritative, comprehensive and eternal Word of God. God does not have two or three books - he has one definitive revelation for mankind - the Bible”


1. God’s word is divine in origin

God’s word came directly from God, 2 Tim 3:16-17

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.


1.a. It’s inspired

Inspired = theopneustos = God breathed

It is the word breathed out by God - whether you acknowledge it as such or not

Because of this fact it is unlike any other book you will ever read.


1.b. It’s consistent

1,600 years

40 authors - fishermen, prophets, tax collectors, politicians, a doctor...

66 books - yet 1 book

Containing a single consistent message

2 Peter 1:21 - For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.


1.c. It’s alive

Heb 4:12-13 - For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

It has the power to change your life.

Peter’s testimony to the greatness of the WOG is found in 2 Peter 1:16-23


We weren't, you know, just wishing on a star when we laid the facts out before you regarding the powerful return of our Master, Jesus Christ. We were there for the preview! We saw it with our own eyes: Jesus resplendent with light from God the Father as the voice of Majestic Glory spoke: "This is my Son, marked by my love, focus of all my delight." We were there on the holy mountain with him. We heard the voice out of heaven with our very own ears.

We couldn't be more sure of what we saw and heard—God's glory, God's voice. The prophetic Word was confirmed to us. You'll do well to keep focusing on it. It's the one light you have in a dark time as you wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts. The main thing to keep in mind here is that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of private opinion. And why? Because it's not something concocted in the human heart. Prophecy resulted when the Holy Spirit prompted men and women to speak God's Word.


1.d. It comes from God

Many people say the Bible is the product of human beings - they even might like it, but still they argue it is a book written by sinful men and so has errors in it.

This is where we go back to 1 Peter 1:20-21

Scripture was written by men - under the influence of the Holy Spirit - they recorded the very thoughts of God.


"The word of God is like a lion; you don't have to defend it, you just turn it loose"

Charles Haddon Spurgeon


Evans says that writing scripture is like light coming through a stained glass window - the light is the same through each panel, but we see a different colour because of the colour of the glass.

John, James, Peter all had different writing styles but all recorded the mind of God.

Evans makes the point that the WOG is intricately tied to God - so much so that he simply allows a vehicle to transmit it - even a donkey - Num 22:28-30 - even animals know what to say when God is speaking










2. God’s word is absolute truth

In this it simply reflects God himself - he is truth so his word will be too.

This is important as it makes God trustworthy - if he makes a mistake on one thing we can question him on everything.


2.a. The whole truth

We all have trusted people who have let us down - we don’t need a God who lets us down too.

John 17 - After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.


Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

“I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.


So the process is, the word was:

Given to Jesus by the Father.

Jesus gave it to the disciples

The disciples wrote it down (along with other authors)

We know they got it right because Jesus promised;

Jn 14:17 - the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.


So the process is, the word was:

Given to Jesus by the Father.

Jesus gave it to the disciples

The disciples wrote it down (along with other authors)

We know they got it right because Jesus promised;

Jn 14:17 - the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

Jn 16:13 - But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.


2.b. The God of truth

The perfect God has overseen this process - and Jesus prays Jn 17:17 -Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

If God makes mistakes the Bible would be mistaken - and God would not be God - God does not lie, Titus 1:2 -in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,

So, if we claim there is an error in the Bible it is like staring into God’s face and calling him a liar!

You need to be able to trust what God says in the Bible - eternity depends on it


2.c. The word of truth

An argument used by people who say the Bible has errors:

1 Cor 10:8 says - We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died.

Numbers 23:9 - but those who died in the plague numbered 24,000.

Different numbers = contradiction.

Answer:...one day...


Evans also suggests that different people call numbers in different ways:

“How many students were there in class today?”

rdc: “20 or so”

Student: “19 with 2 absent”

Did rdc lie - or give an approximation?

Is the Bible allowed to use rounded off approximations?


Joshua 10:13 - So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies, as it is written in the Book of Jashar.

The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day.

Did the sun stop - or did the writers use poetic language?

We know the sun does not rise - the earth rotates - but still we use the expression. Is God simply communicating to us in a way we can / could understand?


This is important - we have to accept the Bible as authoritative absolute truth.

If you accept it on this basis and walk according to it you will benefit from its truth - if you don’t, it is still true!

The Bible is not a science book - but when it speaks scientifically it speaks perfectly - it is not a history book, but when it speaks historically it speaks perfectly.

The WOG is absolute truth.

Make sure what you are living your life by is in the Bible - not just some old saying from your grandmother.


2.d. An enduring standard

1 + 1 = 2, Or does it?

What would happen if you decided that 1 + 1 = 5?

Chaos! There would be no foundational truth that we agree upon to work it out.

In the same way when we decide to worship anything we decide to call gods there is no foundational standard in what we call or worship as ‘God’

So morals, ethics etc. have no standard to be measured by - our rebellion says we can make it what we want


2.d. An enduring standard

1 + 1 = 2, Or does it?

What would happen if you decided that 1 + 1 = 5?

Chaos! There would be no foundational truth that we agree upon to work it out.

In the same way when we decide to worship anything we decide to call gods there is no foundational standard in what we call or worship as ‘God’

So morals, ethics etc. have no standard to be measured by - our rebellion says we can make it what we want

Christians believe they have the foundational standard.

The world does not agree - they say we are fanatics.

In the words of Pilate, “what is truth?”

Only if you have a foundational standard to measure this by can you agree on an answer.


3. God’s word accomplishes his sovereign will

Isa 55:10-11

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it

God’s word is accompanied by God’s power


3.a. God’s will

Gen 1:3 - And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

No vote or decision making process. God spoke and it happened.

Ps 147:15-18 - He sends his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast? He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.

God commands the weather!


3.a. God’s will





Jeremiah 1:10 - See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”

Power over nations

Mark 5:1-20

Power over demons


3.a. God’s will





Jeremiah 1:10 - See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”

Power over nations

Mark 5:1-20

Power over demons


3.b. God’s sword

Eph 6:17 - Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

It can cut through and deal with the spiritual root of any problems - physical, spiritual, emotional etc.

Jesus defeated satan with the WOG - Luke 4 - it has power that your words, thoughts or ideas will never have

Acts 19:1-6 -Sons of Sceva - problem, they had no power, no word!

Excalibur – King Arthur’s sword, given to him by the Lady of the Lake; the sword

was magical.


4. God’s word sufficient for every spiritual need

Life is complex - God’s word is sufficient to address every spiritual need.

No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main;

John Donne 1630


4.a. Everything we need

Psalm 19 - things the WOG can do for you:

The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul.

The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. (the right path)

The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.

The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous.


4.a. Everything we need

Psalm 19 - things the WOG can do for you:

The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul.

The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. (the right path)

The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.

The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous.

Psalm 19 - ESV

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul;

the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;

the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;

the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;

the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;

the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.


Psalm 19:10 - of the WOG:

They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;

What do you value more - the Bible or your money?

David was a man after God’s own heart - because his primary value was in the WOG.

The WOG needs to be your sufficiency - not your money

4.b. Better than gold


Ps 119:11 - I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Ps 19:13 - Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.

God’s word purifies us and keeps us from addictions and bad habits.

The WOG searches our hearts and minds - it reveals sin, enabling us to confess and come clean

Ps 119:9 - How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.

4.c. Purifying agent


5. God’s word is beneficial to those who obey

Joshua 1:5-8

No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.


5.a. Success

Know, meditate upon and do the WOG - then you will be successful - easy!

The WOG becomes the filtering process through which all thoughts come

Success in God means simply being obedient - this is what you should aim for at the end of your life.

Paul said -2 Tim 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.


5.b. Freedom

Jn 8:31-32

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

The Bible offers the line for judging if you are free


5.c. Spiritual Vitality

The Bible gives us:

1. Life Php 2:16

2. Makes us righteous - 1 Cor 15:1-2

3. Produces growth - 1 Pet 2:2

4. Sanctifies us - Jn 17:17

5. Gives us wisdom - Ps 119:98

In effect the Bible is like a daily does of vitamins for our spirits.

People need the Bible - the WOG, today.


5.c. Spiritual Vitality

The Bible gives us:

1. Life Php 2:16

2. Makes us righteous - 1 Cor 15:1-2

3. Produces growth - 1 Pet 2:2

4. Sanctifies us - Jn 17:17

5. Gives us wisdom - Ps 119:98

In effect the Bible is like a daily does of vitamins for our spirits.

People need the Bible - the WOG, today.

2 Tim 4:2Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.


Responding to the WOG

"A Bible that's falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't." Charles Spurgeon

1. Work on thinking about and researching the ‘contradictions’ people might speak about within the bIble. Get and answer thought out.

2. Are you walking in obedience to the Bible - are you in rebellion against some commandments?


Responding to the WOG

"A Bible that's falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't." Charles Spurgeon

1. Work on thinking about and researching the ‘contradictions’ people might speak about within the bIble. Get and answer thought out.

2. Are you walking in obedience to the Bible - are you in rebellion against some commandments?

3. Set yourself a target of memorising Bible verses - e.g. 1/day, or 2-3/week

4. Memorise Isaiah 55:1 -so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.


Date post:	14-Nov-2014
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