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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