THE TRANSFORMING POWER ..............In the Word of GOD

Introduction

The first thing every Christian should know is that the word of God in the bible is the final authority in anything for which divine guidance is sought for.  It is just like God speaking to us and the Bible contains the mind of God and His will for each one of us. 

The Word of God is a living word that changes people and situations.  They are not mere words. The word of God is powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword we can think of on this earth.  In other words, the words in the Bible have God’s seal on them and once spoken, they become powerful and potent to the pulling down of any stronghold or to transform any subject matter.  

Remember the Fig tree that Jesus cursed in the bible.  Once the curse was pronounced, the tree had to wither from its roots immediately.  In the same way, once healing was pronounced on the leprous men, their bodies became smooth and natural as other people. The Word of God is powerful.

They are words of power with the supernatural ability to change and transform you into the kind of person that God wants you to become in Him. In the bible is everything we need to live a godly and acceptable life on earth.

The Word is Jesus Christ

The bible is the Word of God, that 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. The word of God is sharper than any human-made weapon and can destroy anything it confronts.  The Word of God is God Himself, it is also Jesus, who is called the Word, the Word created all things and, and the same Word was with God in the beginning and everything was created by Him.

The Word judges the thoughts and intents of the heart and this is because He created all things and every creation is before Him.  Nothing can be hidden from the Lord and He judges the intents of the heart.  

The Word is so powerful that if a Christian wants to prosper in his ways, the first place he goes is to the Word of God, in Joshua 1:8-9, which says that "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe 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".

If the word will be real in your life, if the transforming power of the Word will work for you, you must believe the Lord and His word in the bible as the final say in every matter.  You will have to believe the Bible is God's mind and will and the final say on any matter requiring spiritual interpretation.  Otherwise, if you do not believe, then the Bible will have little or no transforming effect on you and your life. 

Inspired by the Holy Ghost

The word of God inspired by the Holy Spirit has the authority of God behind it and it has the capacity to accomplish the purpose for which it was spoken.  It cannot fall to the ground, nor return to God void - NO WAY!  The Word of God has the ability to completely change and transform your life and situation than anyone else. This is why the common saying that all a person needs is a word from the Lord and whatever be the challenge will turn for the better.

Apostle Paul says in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 

Meaning of Holy Ghost Inspiration

What does it mean to say: "All of scripture is given by inspiration of the Holy Ghost"

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16)

This means the Word of God in the bible is not mere words, they are words of power that must accomplish the purpose for which they were spoken. There is no other book on earth that contains words direct from God, and His Son Jesus Christ through the Holy Ghost. A loving and caring God, He does not hide anything we need from us, and so the bible contains all the revelation, instructions, and warnings we need to live a peaceful life on earth.

“… knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:20)

In 2 Peter 1:20, we see how the Word was written by the holy men of God who wrote the Bible, all wrote under the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Spirit Himself. It also says that no part of Scripture was of any private interpretation of these authors.  These authors were not allowed by the Holy Ghost to put their own interpretation or understanding of the Word inspired by the Holy Ghost.  This revelation is very important for every one of us.

If the writers of the bible did not include their own imaginations and thoughts, thereby leaving the Bible as the pure and undiluted word of God to each and every one of us, we should be careful, how we teach and preach the Word of God. It is for this same reason that no one can teach or preach the Word of God accurately without the guidance and help of the Holy Spirit.

If we teach or preach the Word without the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, we are just speaking mere words, without the accompanying power.

The bible spells out its own use and purposes as we can see from the scriptures.  The Bible is going to be used for – for establishing sound Christian doctrines, and for instruction in the knowledge and ways of God, so that we may all be made complete and thoroughly equipped to serve God acceptably.

Characteristics of the Word

The Word of God is infallible. There is no error in God's Word. The law of the Lord is perfect concerning our soul. The testimony of the Lord is not only infallible it is inerrant. Proverbs 30:5-6, "Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebukes you, and you be found a liar." The purity of His words does not need anything added to it. God warns us not to misrepresent His scripture.

The Word of God is complete. The Bible does not need any new chapters or verses. It is all given to us already. Many cults add their own books or commentaries to the Bible. All you need is God's Word because it is the holy Word of God. It is complete. 

In Revelation 22:18-19, God gives us a warning, "For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."

The Word of God is totally authoritative. The book of Psalms 119:89 says "Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven." The Word of God is the only source for absolute divine authority. This divine authority is for you and me as servants of Jesus Christ. When some say, "I have a word from the Lord for you," write it down and as you study God's word see if the Lord speaks to you through His Scriptures. Only then will you know if the Lord is truly speaking to you.

God's Word is totally sufficient for all of our needs. We don't need anything else. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 it reads "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." We Christians can be totally secure in the Lord by studying the Bible because it is God's plan for our life.

The Word of God will accomplish what it promises. If God told you something will happen, and you wait, it will happen. In Isaiah 55:11 it says, "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." God sent His word to accomplish His perfect will in our lives. If God makes a promise to you He will fulfil it in His own time. 

There are so many promises given to us in the Bible. These promises reassure us and bring comfort to our lives in our times of trial. I challenge you to take time to study the Word of God. The Lord will show you wonderful things that will change your life.

Spiritual Growth

If a believer, born-again Christian is in love with God and wants to deepen the personal relationship with God, he would first want to get into the Bible so that he knows the Lord the more and learn His ways.   The more knowledge you have about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, the more of the workings of the Holy Spirit that can be seen in your life.  

When you get into the Word to meditate and obey it, you will begin to notice peace like never before, acceptance from friends and others and several other incredible things that will start to happen in your life.

The authority of God's Word

Believers place a high value on the Word of God because it is faith in the Word that we are saved (Rom 10.17). The word of God changeth not.  It does not change, neither does the power and authority in the Word change.  So, God's Word then becomes our guide for life in every circumstance whether it be in employment, in social life, in the family circle or in assembly practice. Our aspiration should be to live by the Word of God.

The scripture must have a primary place and all in our lives should accord with it. The Word of God expresses the mind of God, and it carries the authority of God. If you want to know the mind of God on any issue, consult the scriptures. If you also want to know the will of God on any matter, the bible is your best place of reference.  

Each time we study the word of God, we are deepening our knowledge of the Lord and receiving instructions, advice or warning on what not to do.  The authority of the word of God is such that it does not change.  As it is written 2000 years ago, so it is today.

How powerful is the Word?

The how powerful the Word of God really is, and how it can help change and transform the quality of your life if you are willing to study, learn, and seek to apply the divine truths that are in this incredible Book.

Here are scriptures talking about the power in the Word:

Hebrew 4:12 - “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” 

Jeremiah 23:29 - “Is not My word like a fire?” says the Lord, “And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?” 

 Isaiah 55:11 - “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are a spirit, and they are life” John 6:63

Psalm 119:50 - “This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life.”

All these scriptural verses are trying to tell us one main thing – that the Word of God is living, powerful, and capable to transform lives and everything it is directed at.

The Word of God sanctifies

The word of God has the capacity to transform your life and sanctify you. God’s ultimate plan for us is to become sanctified and be like Christ. For you to be transformed into the image of His Son Jesus is the work of the Holy Spirit, but you must believe in His word and obey and practice it for this creative cleansing to start.

It’s the Word and the Spirit working together in a believer’s life that will bring the transformation. Below are specific scriptures teaching the same. 

John 17:17 - “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is the truth.” 

Ephesians 5:26 - ” that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish.” 

Psalms 119:9-12 - “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.” 

John 15:3 - “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.”

James 1:21 -” … and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”

1 Thessalonians 2:13 - “For this reason, we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” 

The Word gives Wisdom

The Bible tells us what to do that is right before God, instructions that deliver us from danger.  The word also gives us instructions that will profit our lives, families, and businesses. These are words of wisdom from the Almighty God.  The bible is the right place to search for words of wisdom for different situations and as we grow in the Lord, we begin to operate in divine wisdom.

But, if a Christian does not study the word and do it, soon he will stop growing spiritually.  His spiritual growth in the Lord will stagnate and such a person could backslide from faith. Here are some several verses telling us that the Word of God can impart knowledge and wisdom to us.

Proverbs 4:20 - “My son, give attention to My words; incline your ear to My sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.” 

Benefits of the Word of God

Answered prayer (John 15:7, Proverbs 28:9). Jesus said if we continue in a close relationship with Him and His Word is in us, whatever we ask will be given to us. If His Word is in us, we must conclude that we will be praying in His will (1 John 5:14-15). However, if we turn our ear away from hearing His Word, our prayer is an abomination to God (Proverbs 28:9).

Victory over sin (Psalms 119:9-11, 1 John 2:14, John 8:31-32, Psalms 37:31). The Word of God makes us aware of sin and keeps us from sliding down a slippery slope. It doesn’t mean we will never fail, but we won’t continue to slide down. Like Peter, we will rise up victorious over failure. After denying Christ, he ministered with power on the day of Pentecost. The Bible will keep you from sin as sin will keep you from the Bible.

Spirit-Filled Living (Ephesians 5:18-19, Colossians 3:16). There’s no easy way to stay filled with God’s Spirit. We must read the Word and spend time with Him in prayer. The context of these passages is nearly identical. One refers to being filled with the Spirit, while the other talks about the Word of Christ dwelling in us. The secret to being filled and remaining full of the Holy Spirit is to saturate yourself with His Word.

The Word brings purpose in life. “Sanctify them in your truth, your Word is the truth. As you have sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world” (John 17:17-18). Jesus came into the world to fulfil a purpose. Likewise, as we study His Word we find purpose in Him. Sanctification does not only set us apart from sin but also set us apart for His divine purpose. Want to know God’s purpose for your life? Dive into the Bible until He reveals it to you.

Spiritual growth (Romans 10:17, 1 Peter 2:2). We cannot grow spiritually apart from the Word. If we don’t eat we won’t grow and will eventually die. We grow from the Word in two ways:

Maturity. Peter said we must desire the milk of the Word to grow, but we can’t thrive on milk alone. We must also eat solid food to grow to maturity (1 Corinthians 3:1-2, Hebrews 5:12-14).

Increased faith. All Christians want to have more faith. Even the disciples desired this (Luke 17:5). 

The best way to increase faith is by spending time in the Word. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word” (Romans 10:17). Our faith will never grow through personal study alone – we must also hear the Word proclaimed in the church (Romans 10:13-17).

The Word defeats the enemy (Matthew 4:3-11, Ephesians 6:17, Hebrews 4:12, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5). The Bible is the main offensive weapon for every Christian. We have victory over the enemy through the Word. We are in a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12). Jesus said Satan desired to sift Peter like wheat (Luke 22:31) and he desires the same for us. Jesus used the Word to defeat Satan and so should we. It equips us and makes us strong for battle (1 John 2:14). Knowing it isn’t enough. A weapon must be used or it is worthless.

The Word brings success to life (Joshua 1:8, Psalms 1:2-3, James 1:25). God told Joshua the Word must not depart from his mouth and he must do all that is written in it (Joshua 1:8). The principles in the Bible work. Meditate on them day and night (Psalms 1:2-3). God promised if we put the Word into practice He will bless us in all things (James 1:25).

The spoken Word is powerful (Isaiah 55:10-11). Don’t be afraid to say Bible verses out loud. When going through difficulties or ministering to someone, speak His Word with authority. It will be released into the spiritual realm and continue to work until it fulfills God’s purpose. Like rain watering the seed in the ground, it may take a season to come to fruition, but it will come to pass.

The Word is a cleansing agent (Ephesians 5:25-27, John 15:3). The Word has a cleansing effect on our lives. Have you ever done something wrong, confessed it as sin, knew God had forgiven you (1 John 1:9), but still felt guilty? It’s during these times we must allow the Word to cleanse us. It is both a mirror showing us our sin (James 1:23-24) and a washbasin to cleanse us from impurities.

The Word brings comfort and hope (Romans 15:4, Hebrews 6:17-20). Many Christians can testify to being discouraged and hopeless, and after reading a few verses or hearing a message preached were filled with hope, comfort, and encouragement. During times of despair, we usually don’t feel like reading the Bible, but this is exactly when we need to. Get into the Word and let God encourage you.

FIRE...