By Garry Knighton Church of Christ/North - Shreveport, La.
	THE NATURE AND POWER OF GOD'S WORD

• INTRODUCTION:
• • The source of Scripture.
    • The Bible was written over 1500 years by 40 different men.
  • Many ask, "where did they get their information?"
    • It was not by the will of man - II Peter 1:20-21.
    • The Holy Spirit guided or revealed truth.
      • Ephesians 3:1-6.
      • I Cor. 2:9-13.
    • Therefore, the Scriptures are "God breathed" writings.
      • II Timothy 3:16-17.
  • We need to cultivate a greater respect for the word of God.
  • Today let's study what James wrote on the importance of God's word and then apply these truths to our lives.

• THE NATURE OF GOD'S WORD.
  • The word of God is an expression (revelation) of the will of God - James 1:18.
    • God's will is available to all men.
    • To please God one must obey after believing His will - Matthew 7:21.
  • God's word is SEED which is able to produce new life - James 1:18, 21 - brought us forth, implanted.
    • K.J.V. - begat, or A.S.V. - brought forth.
    • In the SEED is the power to produce new life - I Peter 1:22-25.
    • The SEED is the word of God - Luke 8:11.
  • The word of God is "THE WORD OF TRUTH" - James 1:18.
    • There is no false advertising in His word.
    • Truth is available - John 8:32; 17:1f.
    • One learns truth by going to the source of truth - God's Word.
  • God's Word is "THE PERFECT LAW OF LIBERTY" - James 1:25.
    • God's Word is law because it is the rule (standard) to live by.
    • It is perfect (complete) because it is sufficient to accomplish it's purpose -- SALVATION -- James 1:21.
    • It is a law of liberty because it frees man from the bondage of sin.
• THE POWER OF GOD'S WORD.
  • Enables one to see himself as he really is - James 1:24.
    • Sees the reality of sin - Romans 5:6-9.
    • Shows a man the reality of sin in his own life - Romans 3:23.
    • Shows me the deep desire of God to save all men - II Tim. 2:4.
  • Power to save the soul of man - James 1:21.
  • Power to produce a "New Creature" - James 1:18.
    • II Cor. 5:17.
    • He has a new relationship with:
      • God - now his Father.
      • Christ - now his advocate, High Priest, brother.
      • Other Christians - now brethren, family.
      • Satan - now his enemy - I Peter 5:8.
  • Power to bless the lives that obey it - James 1:25.
    • Blesses with security in Christ - I John 2:3-4.
    • Blesses with direction - John 14:6.
    • Blesses with purpose - Eccl. 12:13-14.

• CONCLUSION:
  • The reception or rejection of the truth lies within the heart and life of the believer.
    • One should be "swift to hear" - James 1:19.
    • One must "receive" the word - James 1:22.
    • Word must become "implanted" in the heart - James 1:21.
    • Word must be "obeyed" - James 1:22-23.
  • The destiny of man is determined by his relationship to the Word of God and with the God of the Word.

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