Because the word of God comes from the Spirit of truth and spans all human history—past, present, and future—it is the source of absolute truth about life. The Psalmist declared, “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever” (Psalm 119:160). Furthermore, believers have the same Teacher within them confirming this truth as they read and hear it. God’s Creation was corrupted by the entrance of sin into it. People are now born with a spiritual nature of sin, separated from God, which corrupts their souls, makes them susceptible to the demonic deceptions of the fallen world, and ultimately leads to their physical deaths. The depraved world—unbelievers with souls being poisoned by sin—cannot hear the word of God. Conversely, those of us with believing faith, and thus, ears to hear what the Spirit is saying, can have our souls transformed as we live out the truth that God created through and in Jesus Christ.
The power of the word of God is unleashed in our reading and our hearing as the Spirit of truth moves into action interpreting it to us. Alongside of this, the Spirit of truth reveals to us Jesus Christ and our life in Him. Here is the connection between the word of God and the Word of God: the Spirit of truth uses His word to reveal to us the Word of God, Jesus Christ.
The Power to Change Souls
The Bible, is an integrated compilation of texts written over thousands of years by men inspired by the third person of God’s Triunity, the Spirit of God. Thus, the Bible is legitimately the word of God because it was essentially written by the Spirit of God (through men). (Anyone who thinks that John 1:1-18 was simply written by a 1st century Galilean fisherman is kidding himself.) This is why, in all my teachings, I consistently quote the Bible to confirm, enhance, illuminate, and underpin the truths that I strive to teach through the empowerment of the same Spirit. I say, “the apostle John wrote” or “kind David wrote” but what I am always absolutely implying is that this is what God wrote for our learning. The Bible says the same thing:
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)
Moreover, the gospels recorded Jesus frequently referring to the authority of the word of God. Six times He said, “have you not read” or “have you never read.” Eleven times He said, “is it not written” or “it is written,” three of which were towards Satan. On six other occasions he referred to the authority or the fulfillment of “Scripture”. During the ministry of Jesus and the early church period, Scripture was a reference to the earlier books of the Bible which were in existence at that time (what we now call the Old Testament). The use of the term now includes the New Testament so that Scripture is essentially a synonym for the Bible. Jesus frequently quoted and referenced Scripture for the same reason that I previously mentioned: it is absolute truth. This came out when Jesus declared to the Jews:
“Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’? If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken—do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? (John 10:34b-36)
Jesus declaring that the Scripture “cannot be broken” nails down the fact that the word of God is foundational truth that has the power to shape, but itself, will not be shaped.
The word of God has the power to change the souls of those of us who apply it because it literally feeds us with the truth in the midst of a false environment bent on our destruction. Jesus said “to the Jews who had believed him”:
“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31b-32)
Jesus asked God in prayer:
“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
Sanctify means to cleanse and make holy for God. This is what the word of God does to the soul of the believer.
The Bible provides further validation that the word of God has the power to change the soul through its descriptions of it being alive. The apostle Peter described it as “living and abiding” (1 Peter 1:23) and the author of Hebrews wrote:
Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:11-13)
Jesus used a seed in His parable of the sower to symbolize the word of God. A seed is barely noticeable, yet it has the inherent power to create something far greater than itself that will keep on multiplying and change the entire landscape of a region. The seed of the word of God has the power to dramatically transform the landscape of your soul if you are good ground, walking in the light and watered by the Holy Spirit.
Principles of Biblical Study
Building upon the foundation of the Word of God that I have laid in this teaching, I want to leave readers with 3 key principles for studying the Bible:
- The Holy Spirit is the Teacher
- Take the Bible literally unless you obviously should not
- Use the Bible to interpret the Bible
The Holy Spirit is the Teacher
Believers that are empowered by the Holy Spirit have the Spirit of truth with them to teach them the Bible. John explained this anointing:
But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth. ...
I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him. (1 John 2:20-21, 26-27)
Anointed believers have everything they need to learn the Bible. Teachers are gifted to illuminate the word of God, but it is the Spirit Who is the real Teacher. If we are not being taught by Him, we know nothing. This is why there are some people who read the Bible everyday and get nowhere. There are many concepts in the Bible that must be spiritually discerned for the believer to truly understand them. Thinking this through to a deeper level, we discover that God actually controls the understanding of His word in the hearts of men. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
Literal Unless Obviously Not
The Bible should be interpreted literally, unless it is obvious that it should not be. Keep in mind that the word of God contains many symbolic references and uses many literary devices.
The word of God is always preeminent to the word of man. Never, ever exalt a concept derived from man over the word of God because of your lack of knowledge. The reality of a literal 6-day Creation over evolution is perhaps the most prominent example. I have found that in every field, notably archaeology and the sciences, there are people whose work proves the truth of the Bible in every respect. Seek and you will find. The internet leaves you with no excuse.
The Bible Interprets The Bible
Beyond patiently listening to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, using the Bible itself to interpret the Bible will be your most profitable and accurate tool. The Bible is a cohesive guide put forth under the direction of the Holy Spirit. To quote Dr. Chuck Missler, the Bible is a “highly integrated message system.” The best way to study a word, concept, or phrase in the Bible is to examine its usage elsewhere in the Bible. I do this constantly with the help of Blue Letter Bible. This process allows the Holy Spirit to teach you thoroughly as you comprehensively review what He has written regarding a particular topic.
Conclusion
I hope you found this detailed study on the Word of God, the word of God, and this overview of Bible interpretation guidelines helpful for understanding where I am coming from as I bring forth teaching on True Vine Life. The whole purpose of True Vine Life is to equip believers with the word of God so that they will come to know the Word of God more clearly and powerfully.
Endnotes
[1] Jesus is not the word of God as in the Biblical texts which is why the only place the Word of God is capitalized in our English translation Bibles is John 1:1-5, 14; 1 John 1:1; and Revelation 19:13 where this revelation is specifically dealt with by John. Likewise, in our modern grammar, the “Word of God” is capitalized when used as an alternative name for the Bible, but the “word of God” as a reference to Biblical texts or statements of God is not.
These next two verses will tell you that God’s Word LITERALLY, and I mean LITERALLY, has the power to sanctify you. Here they are:
1. “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
2. “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes.” (Psalm 119:9-12)
The first verse is flat out telling us that we are sanctified by the Word – and the Word of God gives us the SPECIFIC DIVINE TRUTHS that will cause this sanctification to take place in the Lord. If more Christians knew that the Word of God can have this kind of transforming effect on their minds and souls, I think more of them would be diving head first into the Word so this can all take place with the Lord.
Since all of the Bible is coming direct to us from God the Father through the Holy Spirit, then the Bible is the ONLY BOOK we have down here on this earth that will have this transforming effect on us. No other book, I repeat, no other book ever written down here on this earth has this kind of supernatural power literally residing in it that can cause this kind of spiritual growth to occur in this lifetime.
As a result, every single Christian, and every single Christian church should be learning as much as they possibly can from this one Holy Book so people’s lives can be changed and transformed for the glory of our Lord and Savior. God is the Potter and we are His clay – but God still needs something to work with to get this sanctification process started – and that something are the divine truths that are contained in the Bible.
The very first listed above simply says it all!
Will you let God’s word change you? This is a question we all need to ask ourselves. Each of us has free will and we can allow God’s word to transform us, or we can resist. If we resist, we hinder the work that the Lord wants to do in our lives. This will have eternal consequences. How has the Lord’s word changed you? How did the Lord’s word change your priorities and direction in life?
The Lord desires all of us to be transformed by His word and become people of faith because God has more for you. James1:22But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.[1]
The Lord wants us to both hear the word and do what it says because He knows this is best for us. The word of the Lord is lamp that guides each step. The Lord does not want us to look any farther ahead than where we are and to depend on Him daily. Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. [2]
Jesus’ Words Brought Transformation
Luke 5:1One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. [3] The people that gathered along the Sea of Galilee were blessed to hear Jesus in person. The crowds were amazed by Jesus’ teaching because He taught with authority unlike the rabbis. We are also given the amazing gift of God’s word as we read the Scriptures. What will you do with the gift of God’s word?
Let God’s Word Transform You
If we are to offer ourselves to God as living sacrifices, we have a role to play. You will be able to discern and do God’s will only when you “let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” Here the Greek verb translated “be transformed” means an ongoing process. Transformation doesn’t happen automatically, when we first put our faith in Christ. Rather, it is a life-long process of opening ourselves to the power of God’s renewing word.
Notice that God transforms you by “changing the way you think.” This renewed mind comes as you allow Scripture to teach God’s truth. It comes as you meditate on God’s word. Though we cannot transform ourselves, we can participate in the process which opens our heart to the Holy Spirit. As this happens, we will be able to know God’s will so we can build His Kingdom.
The Word of God changes the hearts of those who meditate on its teachings and are open to its instructions. It purifies us, comforts us, and strengthens us. It’s our protection against sin; it guides us and enhances our worship.
These messages are intended to bring about a permanent God-pleasing transformation in our lives by teaching us how to meditate and pray on the Scriptures. No matter how much you’ve heard about how to live the Christian life, you need to learn how to feed on God’s Word because if you don’t, whatever you do will ultimately fail.
“Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”
James 1:21 KJV
I love this verse. The Holy Spirit reminds me of it daily. Deny self, pick up cross, follow Jesus Christ.
The Bible is clear that God made human beings in his own image (Gen 1:26–27). Because we are image-bearers he also gave humanity a commission to live out: “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth” (Gen 1:28). God made human beings to reflect his beauty as we fill the earth and rule over it under the authority of the ultimate king—God himself. By worshiping God, humanity would reflect his character.
Marred by Our Sin
But things went horribly wrong. Adam and Eve rejected their identity as image-bearers by rebelling against God. Instead of joyfully submitting to God they placed themselves at the center of the universe (Gen 3:1–24) and committed idolatry (Rom 1:21–23). Now instead of worshiping God and reflecting his beauty, we pursue vain things like idols and become like them (Ps 115:3–8; 135:15–18; Isa 44:1–20). So because of Adam’s rebellion against God in the garden, we enter this world with a deeply ingrained tendency towards idolatry. We are like the shopping cart with the bent wheel that always pulls the cart the wrong direction. The way idolatry shows up varies from person to person. But no one is immune to it. Unless someone intervenes at the deepest level of our heart and soul we will pursue idolatry in some form or fashion.
Image Renewed
Praise God that’s exactly what he’s done! As the true and complete image of God, Jesus Christ lived the life of perfect obedience that we could not live. He died the death that we should have died for our sins. He rose from the dead three days later to defeat our greatest enemies: sin, death, and the devil. Forty days later he ascended into heaven, and shortly afterward poured out the Holy Spirit on his people. In addition to making us spiritually alive, the Holy Spirit is the one who opens our eyes to see “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor 4:6). As a result, we are transformed into true worshipers who worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). As we worship the one true God in Jesus Christ, we become like him. As we see who Christ is and what he has done for us we are transformed so that we more fully reflect the image of Jesus Christ himself (2 Cor 3:18; 1 John 3:2-3).
Tool for Renewal
So where do we see the beauty and glory of Jesus Christ most clearly? In the Bible. God has given us the Bible to tell us who he is, what he has done for us, and how we should live. He uses the Bible to change us so that our lives demonstrate that we bear his image.
Psalm 19:7-11 gives us a beautiful description of the various ways that God’s Word changes us:
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.
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
Look at all the things that God’s Word does: revives the soul, makes the simple wise, rejoices our hearts, enlightens our eyes, and warns us. No wonder David describes God’s Word as more desirable than gold and sweeter than the sweetest honey!
Notice David’s response to what God’s word is and what it does (19:12-14):
Who can discern his errors?
Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Reading God’s Word reveals our sin to us, and calls us to confess it and turn away from it. It prompts a desire in God’s people to pursue spiritual growth so that what we say, think, do, and feel reflects the one who is our rock and our redeemer.
This transformation, however, does not take place in isolation. We hear, read, and study the Bible not only as individuals, but as part of a community of fellow believers—the church. God has given us other Christians to learn from and learn with as we take in God’s Word. As we hear God’s Word preached and taught, study it together in small groups, and talk about it with other believers, God uses his Word to transform us into clearer reflections of his Son, Jesus Christ.
So the next time you open up your Bible, take a moment to pray that God will change you to resemble Jesus more closely. That is a prayer that God loves to answer!
God’s word is to be studied. We study to show ourselves approved unto God, not man. 2 Timothy 2:15
7 Encouraging Scriptures about Transformation
2 Corinthians 5:17–Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Ezekiel 36:26–And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
Romans 12:2–Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Philippians 1:6–And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Luke 6:43-45–“For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush.The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Psalm 139:23-24–Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
Jeremiah 32:38-40–And they shall be my people, and I will be their God.I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me.
Read It. Live It.
I purposefully picked 7 verses (not more or less), to encourage you to engage Scripture each day of the week.
Here are a few ideas of what you can do with one or more of the passages:
- Read one passage every day this week.
- Pick one and study it, writing down observations and applications
- Memorize one of the passages.
- Text it to a friend.
- Write one or more verses on an index card and put them up throughout the house, on the fridge, on your bathroom mirror, next to your charging dock, above your computer, etc.
- Share it on your Facebook page.
- Write an old-fashioned letter (pen, paper, and stamp!) and include one of the passages.
- Pray the passage out loud inserting your own name in it
- Write the original Hebrew and Greek (learn those too!!)
Invite the Holy Spirit to transform your life by engaging these encouraging Scriptures today.
What Happens When you Read the Bible Every Day?
Many things in life are hard to totally understand until you experience them for yourself; such as marriage, parenthood, grief, and loss.
What happens when you read the Bible every day? Similar to other habits, we won’t understand or realize the impact it will have until we start reading the Bible every day and make it part of our daily routine.
If you think about what you do every day (what you see, hear, taste, and smell), there are positive and negative life consequences to your choices.
Our diet, exercise routine, and the people who surround us are good examples of daily investments that produce either positive or negative consequences.
“People are creatures of habit, and routines offer a way to promote health and wellness through structure and organization. Having a routine can greatly improve your health. Everyone is unique.
Not everyone requires a fully scheduled day to reap the health benefits of a routine, so make the choices that work for you, knowing they’ll only make you healthier and more efficient with your time.”
Reading the Bible every day has amazing positive consequences on our hearts, mind, and soul!
We can experience spiritual growth even if reading the Bible comes from a heart of obligation; that is how powerful God’s word is. But when we read the Bible and pray from a heart of love and desire to know Jesus, we grow, change, and become more like Christ. This is how we see a change in our life.
“Read your Bible daily. Do not be content to skim through a chapter merely to satisfy your conscience. Hide the Word of God in your heart. It comforts, guides, corrects, andencourages; all we need is there.”
“These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.”
Acts 17:11 NKJV
How the Bible can Change Your Life
I have witnessed so many examples of how the Bible can change your life. The more I invest in reading and studying the Bible the closer I grow to God and understand His story and experience Godly contentment.
How the Bible can change your life is best explained through scripture.
Four Major Benefits of Reading the Bible
Bible Verses for Comfort
Reading the Bible in conjunction with prayer and singing worship songsprovides deep comfort to my soul. When I am feeling a sense of disappointment, discouragement, or despair, I turn to a few Bible verses to find comfort.
How the Bible can change your life? It affirms how much God cares for youand brings supernatural peace and comfort to your soul.
Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”
Psalm 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.”
John 14:1 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.”
Bible Verses for Wisdom
When we sit down to read the Bible with the intention of learning and gaining wisdom, God shows up, and we gain a deeper understanding of who He is.
Here are a few scriptures that remind me of the wisdom available through Jesus in the Bible.
How the Bible can change your life? It provides wisdom and guidance.
Proverbs 2:6 “For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Colossians 3:16 “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives.”
James 1:5 “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
Bible Verses for Strength
After fasting, Jesus is tempted in the wilderness, and each time He is tempted He uses scripture to find strength and resist the enemy. Christ’s strength is available to us through reading the Bible and the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
When you feel like giving up, God’s words can help you persevere.
How the Bible can change your life? It provides strength and courage to keep going and be encouraged.
Philippians 4:13 “For I can do everything through Christ,[a] who gives me strength.”
Isaiah 41:10 “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Exodus 15:2 “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him””my father’s God, and I will exalt him!”
1 Corinthians 10:13 “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”
Bible Verses about Connecting with God
The greatest benefit of studying the Bible is a stronger connection and relationship with Jesus. The more time we spend reading the Bible the stronger our identity in Christ becomes.
When we walk confidently in our identity, we are able to love and forgive others, and our gifts and mission become clear. Also the closer we grow to Christ the more we desire to read His word.
How the Bible can change your life? The greatest benefit is a stronger connection with God.
Hebrews 11:6 “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”
John 1:1 “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:14 “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”
Turning to the Bible during times of struggle, to gain wisdom, or to connect with God, helps you understand and experience how the Bible can change your life.
The Bible and a love for its words are a natural extension of your desire to honor the great sacrifice of Christ and know Him better.
Why is the Bible Important?
The Bible has been the most influential book in my life. It has guided me as I have surrendered and released control to God.
Why is the Bible important? It solidifies our relationship with Christ, builds trust, and is the “manual” we use to develop our transformed identity and find our Godly purpose.
I would say that is pretty important. But why is it so easy to read other things more than the Bible?
One of the biggest competitors in the race for our attention is social media.
In an excerpt from an article on Social Media’s effect on our mental health by Mclean Hospital, a Harvard Medical School affiliate, the reason we spend so much time on social media is explained:
“Social media has a reinforcing nature. Using it activates the brain’s reward center by releasing dopamine, a “feel-good chemical”:The platforms are designed to be addictive and are associated with anxiety,depression, and even physical ailments. According to the Pew Research Center, 69% of adults and 81% of teens in the U.S. use social media.
This puts a large amount of the population at an increased risk of feeling anxious, depressed, or ill over their social media use. But what makes users come back for more even when it can literally make them feel sick?
“When the outcome is unpredictable, the behavior is more likely to repeat,” Sperling says. “Think of a slot machine: if game players knew they never were going to get money by playing the game, then they never would play. The idea of a potential future reward keeps the machines in use. The same goes for social media sites.
One does not know how many likes a picture will get, who will ‘like’ the picture, and when the picture will receive likes. The unknown outcome and the possibility of a desired outcome can keep users engaged with the sites.”
I am not anti-social media, but I try to be a good steward of my time (not always successfully!) I know the positive influence the Bible has on my life, but I cannot say the same for the time I spend on social media.
Having this type of research reminds me to be intentional with my time and what I am allowing myself to be exposed to.
Social media is powerful and can lead to negative results. But the power found in the words of God is stronger and leads to positive results which answers the question of why is the Bible important.
“Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Ephesians 6:17 NLT
How the Bible can Change Your Life
Studying the Bible for me takes place alone, in small groups, and in church. All three methods have taught me many lessons.
How and where you read the Bibledoesn’t affect how reading the Bible can change your life as long as you start somewhere.
As a child, I did not win the Bible competition, but what I did win was of greater value in my life. Seeds of truth were planted and grew inside my heart for a lifetime.
Reading and studying the Bible has changed my life by drawing me closer to God, helping me hear His voice, gain wisdom and trust Himmore. Only through God’s grace and truth have I learned that the Bible can transform my life to shine the light of Christ on others.
I would love to hear how reading the Bible changed your life!
In a time when the godlessness of the world is ever-increasing, it is more important than ever to heed the word of God.
The word of God is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105). It is a sure foundation that we can build our lives upon (2 Timothy 3:16).
When we neglect the word of God, we are neglecting the very thing that has the power to change our lives. The word of God has the power to convict us of sin, to teach us truth, and to lead us in righteousness (Psalm 119:9-11). It is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12), able to convict us of sin and dispel our self deception.
Let us not be like those who cast aside the word of God, preferring instead the empty promises of this world. Let us treasure the word of God, hiding it in our hearts so that we might not sin against Him (Psalm 119:11).
Reflect on the following Bible Verses about the Word of God to help you treasure it in your heart.
God's word provides guidance and direction
God's word is like a map that provides guidance and direction. It shows us the way to go and what to avoid. When we are lost, it is there to guide us back to the right path. And when we are feeling alone, it is there to comfort us and remind us that God is with us.
Isaiah 55:11
So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Job 23:12
I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.
Matthew 4:4
Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Luke 11:28
He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
John 17:17
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
God's word is eternal truth
God's word is eternal and true. It never changes and it is always relevant. It is a firm foundation that we can rely on, no matter what else is happening in our lives.
Psalm 119:160
The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.
Proverbs 30:5
Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Isaiah 40:8
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.
Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
God's word helps us fight against sin
God's word pierces our hearts and minds, revealing the truth to us. It convicts us of our sin and points us to Jesus Christ as the only way of salvation.
Psalm 119:11
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Ephesians 6:17
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
James 1:21-22
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Study and Teach the Word of God
When we meditate on God's word, we are transformed by its power (Romans 12:2). We become more like Christ and are better equipped to serve Him.
1 Corinthians 2:13
And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
2 Timothy 2:15
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
Romans 10:17
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Acts 17:11
Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
Titus 1:1-3
Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior.
Christian Quotes about the Word of God
"The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection. And we must not select a few favorite passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian." - A. W. Tozer
"The Word of God is like a lion. You don't have to defend a lion. All you have to do is let the lion loose, and it will defend itself." - Charles Spurgeon
"The Bible is God's voice speaking to us, just as truly as if we heard it audibly." - John Wycliffe
"The whole of Scripture therefore demonstrates how God, by His Word, offers and bestows upon us every good thing." - John Calvin
"The word of God is like a hammer that shatters the rock of our resistance and a fire that consumes our resistance." - John Knox
A Prayer to Treasure God’s Word in Your Heart
Dear God,
You are the source of everlasting truth. You are good and wise, and have revealed your wisdom through your word. Thank you for your truth. It is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Help me to treasure your words in my heart. That I would live by every word that comes from your mouth.
Help me to store up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Help me to follow your path and obey your commands.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Can We Change The Word Of God To Fit Today? The Lord God Almighty, His Word, and the Good News of the Gospel are unchanging, the same today, yesterday, and forever.
Deuteronomy 4:2 says, “You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.”
Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Proverbs 30:5-6 says, “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.”
Revelation 22:18-19 says, “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.”
In the world, every time a new politician steps in, he/she promises to bring change. Change can be good or bad. We know we should and regularly change the oil in our car engines, engine-generators, and motorcycles. And growth requires change. Similarly, many people believe we should also change our morals, ethics, and beliefs to accommodate changes in culture. But should everything be open to change? Scripture or the Word of God, Bible gives us clear guidelines on what should change and what should stay the same. “I, the Lord, never change,” God declares in Malachi 3:6. Change means a move in another direction. For the Lord God to change would mean that He either becomes better or worse, and the Lord God is ultimate perfection. The Lord God cannot change because He cannot be better than He already is, and He cannot fail or become less than perfect (immutability).
Can We Change The Word Of God To Fit Today?
Can we change God’s Word to fit today? No. In fact, Scripture teaches that God’s Word doesn’t change and it is never outdated. Matthew 24:35says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Likewise, 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” Today, many say the way moral issues are looked at must change. That would mean changing God’s Word to fit the changing world. Is this reasonable? No, because man does not have the authority to change the will of God on any subject. Thus, we can’t change God’s Word to make it fit us. Scripture gives severe warnings on several occasions about trying to make changes to God’s Word. According to Galatians 1:6-9, perverting the Gospel by changing it will accurse us.
Unlike humans, God never changes, and nothing about Him changes: His character traits such as Love, Compassion, Kindness, Goodness, Mercy, Wisdom, and Justice always exist in perfection. While the methods God used to deal with human beings have evolved and changed through the centuries, the core values and purposes behind those methods have not changed. For example, under the Mosaic Covenant, God described that animals sacrificed in the manner He prescribed would atone for sins (Leviticus 4:23; 9:2–13; Numbers 29:11). Under the New Covenant, the Son of God Himself became the sacrifice, and the old system, having served its purpose, became obsolete (Luke 22:20; Hebrews 9:11–14). While God’s Holiness, His wrath against Sin, and His extension of mercy did not change, He did provide us a better sacrifice: the Perfect Lamb of God(John 1:29; Hebrews 10:10). This change secures Eternal Life for those who believe in Christ (John 3:16–18).
Can We Change The Word Of God To Fit Today?
Deuteronomy 4:2 – “You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.“
Proverbs 30:5-6 – “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.”
Revelation 22:18-19 – “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.”
Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Isaiah 40:8 – “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”
Malachi 3:6 – “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”
Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Group 1 – Can We Change The Word Of God To Fit Today
Matthew 24:35 – “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.“
James 1:17 – “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,”
John 17:17 – “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
Galatians 1:6-9 – “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.”
Group 2 – Can We Change The Word Of God To Fit Today
Proverbs 30:5 – “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”
Numbers 23:19 – “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?“
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.“
James 1:21 – “Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
Matthew 4:4 – But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
John 1:14 – “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.“
Group 3 – Can We Change The Word Of God To Fit Today
1 Peter 2:2 – “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—“
Revelation 22:18 – “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book,”
2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
Proverbs 30:6 – “Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.”
Psalm 119:130 – “The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.”
Psalm 119:160 – “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.”
Romans 12:1-2 – “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Group 4 – Can We Change The Word Of God To Fit Today
James 1:22 – “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
Deuteronomy 12:32 – “Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it.“
Luke 11:28 – But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
Psalm 119:11 – “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.“
Psalm 119:9 – “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.”
Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.“
Group 5 – Can We Change The Word Of God To Fit Today
Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Deuteronomy 8:3 – “And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 4:2 – “But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.”
Luke 1:37 – “For nothing will be impossible with God.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Revelation 1:1 – “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,”
1 Corinthians 2:14 – “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”
Group 6 – Can We Change The Word Of God To Fit Today
Matthew 15:14 – “Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”
2 Peter 1:20-21 – “Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
Psalm 18:2 – “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.“
Matthew 7:24 – “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.“
2 Timothy 2:15 – “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.“
1 Thessalonians 2:13 – “And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.”
Colossians 3:10 – “And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”
Group 7 – Can We Change The Word Of God To Fit Today
1 Peter 1:23 – “Since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;“
Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Hebrews 1:3 – “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,”
2 Corinthians 2:17 – “For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.“
Psalm 119:89 – “Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.”
1 Corinthians 4:6 – “I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.“
John 8:31-32 – So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Group 8 – Can We Change The Word Of God To Fit Today
Psalm 18:30 – “This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.”
Acts 19:1-5 – “And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John’s baptism.” And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Revelation 1:1-20 – “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. …“
Group 9 – Can We Change The Word Of God To Fit Today
John 15:3 – “Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.“
1 Corinthians 15:51 – “Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,”
Psalm 119:1-176 – “Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! ...”
John 6:63 – “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.”
Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
2 Peter 3:16 – “As he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.“
Group 10 – Can We Change The Word Of God To Fit Today
Proverbs 2:6 – “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;“
Matthew 24:1-51 – “Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?” And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. ...”
Psalm 56:4 – “In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?“
Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 – “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.“
Group 11 – Can We Change The Word Of God To Fit Today
John 10:35 – “If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken—“
2 Peter 2:21 – “For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.”
John 7:38 – “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”
Acts 17:11 – “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”
James 1:12 – “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
Psalm 33:4 – “For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:“
John 16:13 – “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”
Group 12 – Can We Change The Word Of God To Fit Today
1 Chronicles 16:11 – “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!“
Psalm 19:7 – “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;“
2 Peter 3:15-16 – “And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.“
Philippians 2:14-16 – “Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”
2 Peter 2:1 – “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.”
Group 13 – Can We Change The Word Of God To Fit Today
Psalm 119:18 – “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”
Joshua 1:8 – “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.“
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.“
Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
Matthew 10:28 – “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Psalm 119:2 – “Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,“
John 3:16-17 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.“
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Group 14 – Can We Change The Word Of God To Fit Today
Ephesians 6:17 – “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,“
Hebrews 7:12 – “For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well.”
Exodus 32:14 – “And the Lord relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing on his people.”
1 Corinthians 6:11 – “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.“
Acts 20:30 – “And from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.”
1 Peter 5:7 – “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.“
Acts 2:38 – “And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Philippians 1:6 – “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
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