Word

God has given us his Word so that we may know who he is and become like him. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Scriptures, comprised by the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, are “breathed out by God.” This means the words of the Bible are God’s words. As we read and meditate upon God’s Word with a heart of devotion toward him, we become trained “in righteousness.” We leave behind our old unrighteous ways, and we take on our new character in Christ.

This is why Peter writes, “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good” (1 Peter 2:2). Just like a baby grows through regular feedings on milk, you grow up into Christlikeness through regular reading and meditation on God’s Word. And just as babies suffer malnutrition when deprived of milk, your growth as a disciple is hindered when deprived of the Word.

As the Word grows us into Christlikeness, it also defends us against spiritual attack from the enemy. In the midst of spiritual warfare, Paul tells us to “take up … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God …” (Ephesians 6:16-17). God’s Word is a strong weapon against the lies and temptations of the enemy. Indeed, this is how Jesus fended off spiritual attack in the wilderness. When Satan tempted him, he did not respond with miracles or superior intellect. Instead, he simply responded with God’s Word: “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (Matthew 4:4).

Following Jesus transforms our view of the Bible. It is no longer a mere historical artifact or one of many religious texts. As followers of Jesus, the Word is the way we hear our Master. As Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Disciples of Jesus read the Word not to get insight into an old ancient text, but to an encounter the living God. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword …” (Hebrews 4:12).