“Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law.” Psalm 119:18 (NKJ)

How do you read the Bible? Do you read it intent on analyzing its meaning? I must admit, this is the lens I most frequently use. I invest in Bible commentaries and lexicons, with great intentionality and expense, to insure that I am “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Though all these efforts are important in accurately interpreting Scripture, the “power and wonder” of the Word is best understood when we realize its “supernatural origin and source”—God Himself. Viewed from this perspective, God’s Word will quickly become a greater influence and authority in our lives.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God…” (2 Timothy 3:16). “Given by inspiration of God” in Greek is one word, theopneustos which means “God breathed” (theo=God and pneo=to breathe). What does that mean? God, through the Person of the Holy Spirit and the personality of the biblical writer, enabled every letter, word, and sentence that is included in each biblical text. Through His Word, God gives believers everything they need to live “profitable and righteous” lives. God’s Word is the authoritative source for truth, encouragement, and correction. It comes not only with meaning and purpose but also with God’s absolute power. This is witnessed in the power of His Word to “covert souls” (Ps. 19: 7) and “enlighten eyes” (Ep. 1:18).

“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish …” (Isaiah 55:11). God’s Word is not simply a means of communication. It is “The Means” whereby God makes “things happen.” In Genesis, God spoke and it was accomplished. Darkness separated from light and the result He called night and day (Gen. 1:4-5). God said “let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven” and the sun and the moon came into existence (Gen. 1:15-16). Throughout the Old and New Testament God spoke and His Word was accomplished (Num. 23:19; Ep. 1:4-5). God has spoken to us in these last days through His Son Jesus Christ, the Living Word, who came to release us from the penalty and power of sin (Heb. 1:2). Jesus’ cry from the cross, “It is finished” witnessed the fact that God’s Living Word accomplished His divine purpose.

God’s Word is best appreciated and celebrated as we personally experience its transforming power. Upon hearing the Gospel of Salvation (Ep. 1:13), we are instantaneously confronted with the Power of God (Rom. 1:16-17). Rescued from the kingdom of darkness, we are transplanted into the kingdom of love (Col. 1:13). The penalty of sin is removed and our identity is immediately changed from a child of disobedience to joint heir with Christ (Rom. 8:17). As we grow in Christ through reading and meditating on His Word, we are moment by moment changed into the image of Christ (2 Cor. 3:18), our mind renewed (Ro. 12:2) until we have the same mind as Christ (Phil. 2:5). As we read God’s Word, let us remember the power and authority behind it—God the Creator and Sustainer of heaven and earth.

“For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.” Hebrews 4: 12

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

Our text today comes from Paul’s letter to the young preacher, Timothy as he prepared for leadership in the church at Ephesus. In this letter Paul passes the mantel of ministry to Timothy and exhorts him to continue faithful in his duties, especially as it pertained to holding to sound doctrine (1:13-14), avoidance of error (2:15-18) and confidence in the Scripture (3:15-17). Paul knew the importance of knowing God’s word and its critical role in the survival of the early church. Paul’s message, the direct result of God’s inspiration (2 Tim. 3:16), is relevant to believers in the 21st century. Although we may not be clergy (1st and 2nd Timothy are ministerial letters), we are expected to “hold fast the pattern of sound words, which we have heard” (2 Tim. 1:13). Are we “holding fast”?

The Barna Research Group found that Biblical literacy is neither a current reality nor a goal in the U.S.

“Bible reading has become the religious equivalent of sound-bite journalism. When people read from the Bible they typically open it, read a brief passage without much regard for the context, and consider the primary thought or feeling that the passage provided. If they are comfortable with it, they accept it; otherwise, they deem it interesting but irrelevant to their life, and move on.”

Paul warned that in these “last days” leading to Christ’s Second Return, one of the things that would suffer would be knowledge of God’s Word.

“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” (2 Tim. 4:3-4)

We can no longer depend exclusively on our pastors and other ministries to explain and interpret God’s Word. In many churches, the full counsel of God’s Word (both Old and New Testament) is being neglected. Ministers are questioning, from their pulpits, biblical truths including the security of believers and the sinlessness of Christ. Such behavior is not new, for Jeremiah observed: “A horrible and shocking thing has happened in the land: The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way. But what will you do in the end?” (Jer. 5:30-31)

Biblical literacy in the 21st century is critical. Why? Because in reading the Bible one receives wisdom from God (1 Cor. 2:6-16). In addition, “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.” (2 Tim. 3: 16-17, ESV). Personally, biblical literacy encourages spiritual maturity and empowers us to live victoriously in these tumultuous times. As we witness to unbelievers and seekers, it will become the tool for sharing the Gospel—the message of life over death. Therefore, “Handle with care!”

Kansas City is alive with excitement as the Kansas City Royals approach a World Series that has eluded them for twenty-eight (28) years.   The team has been blessed with young and exciting players that have added personality and flair to Kansas City baseball.  One of its newer players is Gerrod Dyson, who is noted for his extraordinary speed.  When asked by sportscasters as to the secret of his ability to steal so many bases during a game, he humbly and laughably replied, “Dats what speed do!”  After reading Gerrod’s response, I felt humorously inspired to write this week’s teaching on the extraordinary power of God’s Word.

God’s creative WORD was evidenced throughout Genesis.  God would speak and it was done.  Darkness separated from light and the result He called night and day (Gen. 1:4-5).  God said “let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven” and the sun and the moon came into existence (Gen. 1:15-16).  Greater still was God’s Word of salvation in which He sent His only begotten Son to save us from sin’s death grip. “Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, But a body You have prepared for Me” (Heb. 10:5).

God’s transformative WORD can be found in both the New and Old Testament with the clearest benefits being outlined in Psalm 19.  Ps. 19:7-8 uses several descriptors to convey the power of God’s Word in the life of the believer.  “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving 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.”   God’s Word transforms by reviving the sorrowful soul, making wise the ignorant, and giving joy and light to its reader.

God’s prophetic WORD bears witness to His claim as the only all-wise Sovereign of both heaven and earth.  His spoken Word becomes reality (Num. 23:19).  Throughout the history of Israel, God’s WORD guaranteed deliverance, protection, and provision (Is. 7:7) resulting in confidence and trust in Him alone (Dan. 10:19).  “The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught” (Is. 50:4).

God’s effectual WORD is “living and active” (Heb. 4:12).  His Word, whether read or spoken, will “not return empty but will accomplish the desire and the purpose for which it was sent” (Is. 55:11).  God’s Word accurately hits its target—the broken heart, the wayward soul, or the spirit of disobedience.  Because of its effectiveness and accuracy, it can be trusted to bring the unredeemed to salvation (2 Tim. 3:16; 4:2).

God’s WORD is the source for all we need in navigating life on this side and in preparing for life on the other.  How can believers live victoriously in a world that is anti-Christ and dangerously fallen?  We can faithfully embrace what God has taught us in His Word (Col. 3:6-7).  We can maintain joy in the midst of life challenges (1 John 1:4).  We can experience peace rather than fear (Phil. 4:6-7).  Why?  Because “Dat’s what God’s Word do!”

1. Match the word list (A-L) with its closest definition (1-12)
2. Create a picture/process diagram of how we achieve salvation using selected from the word list below
3. On your diagram, identify “who” is performing the action associated with the specific act involved with salvation.  Your choices include: mankind, God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit.  Example:  Faith is needed by mankind for salvation.

1. Renewal of something to its former state
2. God’s action declaring sinners are made righteous by Jesus Christ
3. Born again/new birth
4. Dedication to God’s service
5. Righteousness-holy and upright living, in accordance with God’s standard/’straightness’
6. To take something that belongs to someone and credit to another’s account/to transfer
7. Appeasement/satisfaction
8. To declare a person guilty and worthy of punishment
9. Paying necessary ransom
10. The process by which God and man are brought together again
11. A belief in or confident attitude toward God, involving commitment to His will for one’s reliance on Christ
12. The process of God’s grace by which the believer is separated from sin and becomes dedicated to God’s righteousness. How? By the WORD of GOD (John 17:7) and the HOLY SPIRIT (Rom. 8:3-4)

Last week I was guest on a local radio show, Back to the Basics.  From that preparation, came this Bible study aid, “Back to the B-A-S-I-C-S:  Getting More From Your Bible Study.”   Hope it helps.  Let me know how you like it.  SHARE YOUR “Bible Basics” with us.