The Word of God has many functions (Pt.2)
May 23 in The Word
The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring 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 …
Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward. (Psalm 19:7-14)
His Word restores, makes wise, gives wisdom, insight into situations and warns us of incoming danger. An investment which brings with it great reward.
4. The Word is our greatest weapon (together with prayer).
Every part of the armour (Ephesians 6) is defensive with only one being an offensive weapon, the Sword. The Sword represents the Word of God.
Jesus when being tempted in the wilderness, used the Word to defeat the tempter. He fought back (Matthew 4:1-11) starting every sentence with ‘It is written…’ The Word enabled him to see right through the enemy’s deception and fight the urge to fall into temptation.
“Is not My word like fire?” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer which shatters a rock?” Jeremiah 23:29
5. The Word teaches us to lay down all of our own plans, ideas and agendas, ready to listen to what is on God’s heart – His strategy.
- sometimes we are called to fast and pray – like Queen Esther (Esther 4)
- sometimes we are called to praise – walls of Jericho (very clear instructions for 7 days) Joshua 6.
- sometimes we are called to stand – whose report are you going to believe? 2 Cor. 5:7 “For we walk by faith not by sight”
- sometimes we are called to fight – like David in 1 Samuel 30 with the Amalekites. He wept, prayed and fasted, strengthened himself in the Lord, inquired of the Lord and fought (bringing back spoil).
- sometimes we are called to stand still (Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20 – ‘The battle is not yours but God’s’ – who then sent the worshippers first, giving thanks; the enemy armies destroyed each other.
- Sometimes we are called to lose – The cross was the greatest victory of all (Colossians 2:15).
- sometimes we are called to let someone else win (Isaac in Genesis 26 with the wells of his father and the Philistines). ‘Rehoboam’: ‘The Lord has made room for us‘ we are not called to fight every battle. Here is wisdom.