1. THE BIBLE WAS WRITTEN BY DIVINE INSPIRATION:

2Tim.3:16 – All Scripture is given by inspiration of God
1Thes.2:13 – Ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God
Heb.1:1 – God…spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets
2Pet.1:21 – Men of God spake as they were moved by Holy Ghost

2. GOD’S WORD IS ETERNALLY TRUE & NEVER FAILS:

1Ki.8:56 – There hath not failed one word of all His good promise
Psa.119:89 – Forever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in Heaven
Psa.119:160 – Every one of Thy judgements endureth forever
Isa.40:8 – The Word of God shall stand forever
Isa.55:10,11 – So shall My Word be…it shall accomplish…& prosper
Mat.24:35 – Heaven & earth shall pass away, but My Words [never]
Jn.10:35b – The Scripture cannot be broken (cancelled, annulled)
1Pet.1:25 – The Word of the Lord endureth forever

3. THE IMPORTANCE OF GOD’S WORD:

Deut.32:46,47 – Set your heart unto all the Words…for it is not a vain thing for you; it is your life
Psa.138:2b – Thou (God) hast magnified Thy Word above all Thy name

A. Jesus is the “Word made flesh”:

Jn.1:1 – In the beginning was the Word…& the Word was God
Jn.1:14 – The Word (Jesus) was made flesh & dwelt among us
Rev.19:11-13 – His (Jesus’) name is called the Word of God (See also 1Jn.1:1)

B. The power of the Word:

Jn.6:63 – The Words that I speak, they are spirit & they are life
Psa.33:6,9 – By the the Word of the Lord were the heavens made… He spake, & it was done
Rom.1:16 – Gospel of Christ…is the power of God unto salvation
Heb.11:3 – The worlds were framed by the Word of God
2Pet.3:5-7 – Earth…by the Word, kept in store, reserved unto fire

4. GOD’S WORD IS OUR SPIRITUAL WEAPON:

Eph.6:17 – The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God
Jer.5:14 – I will make My Words in thy mouth fire
Jer.23:29 – Is not My Word like as a fire? and like a hammer?
Mat.4:4-11 – Jesus said to (Satan), It is written. Then devil leaveth
Heb.4:12 – Word is quick, & powerful, & sharper than any…sword
1Jn.2:14 – The Word of God abideth in you, & ye have overcome the wicked one

5. THE BIBLE WAS WRITTEN FOR OUR BENEFIT:

Psa.102:18 – This shall be written for the generation to come
Jn.19:35 – He (John) that saw it bare record…that ye might believe
Jn.20:31 – These are written that ye might believe
Rom.15:4 – Written for our learning, that we through…the Scriptures might have hope
1Cor.10:11 – And they are written for our admonition (See also 1Jn.5:13)

6. KEEPING (OBEYING, HEEDING) THE WORD:

A. It’s important to heed & keep the Word:

Deut.11:1 – Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, & keep His…statutes, & His judgments, & His commandents, alway
Heb.2:1 – We ought to give more earnest heed to the (Word)
2Pet.1:19 – Sure Word…ye do well that ye take heed

B. Obeying & keeping the Word proves we know & love Jesus:

Psa.119:167 – My soul kept Thy testimonies; I love them exceedingly
Jn.8:31 – If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed
Jn.14:15 – If ye love Me, keep My commandments
Jn.14:21,23 – If a man love Me, he will keep My Words
Jam.1:22-24 – Be ye doers of the Word, & not hearers only
1Jn.2:3 – Hereby we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments
1Jn.5:3 – This is the love of God…keep His commandments
2Jn.6 – This is love, that we walk after His commandments
Rev.3:8 – Thou…hast kept My Word, & hast not denied My name

C. The benefits of keeping the Word:

Deut.7:9 – The Lord…keepeth mercy with them that love Him & keep His commandments
Psa.1:2,3 – In His law doth he meditate. And he shall…bring forth fruit
Psa.37:31 – Law of God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide
Lk.8:15 – They, which…having heard the Word, keep it, bring forth fruit with patience
Lk.11:28 – Blessed are they that hear the Word of God & keep it
Jn.15:7 – If…My Words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, & it shall be done
Jn.15:10 – If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love
1Jn.2:5 – Whoso keepeth His Word, in him verily is the love of God perfected
1Jn.3:24 – He that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him, & He in him (See also 1Jn.2:24)

D. The Holy Spirit will guide you in the Word:

Psa.25:5 – [Pray:] Lead me in Thy truth, & teach me
Jn.14:26 – The Holy Ghost…shall teach you, & bring (Words) to your remembrance
Jn.16:13 – The Spirit…will guide you into all truth
1Jn.2:27 – The anointing teacheth you of all things (See also Psa.119:18; Ezk.36:27.)

E. Additional verses on the importance of keeping the Word:

Psa.119:2,4,33,34,55,57,60,63,67,88,100,115,129,134,145,146,167,168; Pro.3:1,21; 4:4,13,20-21; 6:20,22; 7:1-3; 19:16; 22:17-18; 28:4,7; 29:18; Eccl.8:5; 12:13.

7. WHAT THE WORD DOES FOR US:

A. Saves us & gives us spiritual rebirth:

Psa.19:7a – Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul
Jam.1:18 – Of His Own will begat He us with the Word of truth
Jam.1:21b – The engrafted Word…is able to save your souls
1Pet.1:23 – Being born again…by the Word of God
2Pet.1:4 – Precious promises: by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature

B. The Word gives us faith, truth, wisdom & strength:

Rom.10:17 – Faith cometh by hearing…the Word of God
Psa.19:7b – Testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple
Psa.119:99, I have more understanding than all my teachers: for
100 Thy testimonies are my meditation
Jn.15:7 – If My Words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will
Jn.17:17b – Thy Word is truth
Acts 20:32 – Word of His grace, which is able to build you up
2Tim.3:15-17 – Scriptures…are able to make thee wise

C. Meditating in the Word causes prosperity & success:

Josh.1:8 – Meditate therein day & night…then shalt thou make thy way prosperous &…have good success
Psa.1:2,3 – In His law doth he meditate…whatsoever he doeth shall prosper
1Tim.4:15 – Meditate upon these things…that thy profiting may appear to all

D. The Word guides us & is a light to our path:

Psa.19:8 – Commandment of Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes
Psa.25:10 – All the paths of the Lord are mercy & truth unto such as keep His…testimonies
Psa.119:105 – Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet & light unto my path
Psa.119:130 – The entrance of Thy Words giveth light

E. The Word cleanses us spiritually:

Psa.119:9 – Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed…to Thy Word
Jn.15:3 – Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken
Eph.5:25b,26 – That He might sanctify & cleanse (us) with the washing of water by the Word (See also Jn.17:17)

F. Other things the Word does for us:

Psa.107:20 – He sent His Word and healed them
Psa.119:11 – Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin
Psa.119:165 – Great peace have they which love Thy law
Jer.15:16b – Thy Word was…the joy & rejoicing of mine heart
Jn.8:31,32 – If ye continue in My Word…the truth shall make you free
1Thes.2:13b – Word of God…effectually worketh in you that believe
2Tim.3:16,17 – All Scripture is…profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction
Heb.4:12 – Word is…discerner of thoughts & intents of heart

8. WHAT WE SHOULD DO WITH THE WORD:

A. Feed on it, for it is our spiritual food:

Psa.119:103 – How sweet are Thy Words! Sweeter than honey
Job 23:12 – I have esteemed Words more than my necessary food
Jer.15:16 – Thy Words were found, & I did eat them
Mat.4:4 – Man shall not live by bread alone, but by…Word
1Pet.2:2 – As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of Word

B. Teach the Word to our children:

Deut.6:7 – And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children
Deut.11:19 – And ye shall teach (the Word unto) thy children
Psa.78:1-8 – They should make them known unto their children
2Tim.3:15 – From a child thou has known the holy Scriptures

C. Teach “milk” to babes, & “meat” to the mature:

Heb.5:13 – Every one that useth milk…is a babe
Heb.5:14 – But strong meat belongeth to them that are (mature)
1Cor.3:1,2 – I have fed you with milk, and not with meat
Heb.6:1-3 – Leaving the principles of the doctrine…let us go on
2Tim.2:15 – A workman…rightly dividing the Word of truth
Jn.16:12 – I have many things to say…ye cannot bear them now

D. Love the Word & let it dwell in our hearts:

Deut.6:6,7 – These Words…shall be in thine heart
Deut.11:18 – Lay up these My Words in your heart & in your soul
Psa.40:8 – I delight to do Thy will…Thy law is within my heart
Psa.119:20 – My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto Thy judgments (Word)
Psa.119:40 – Behold, I have longed after Thy precepts
Psa.119:47,48 – I will delight myself in Thy commandments, which I have loved (See also Psa.119:113,140,159,163)
Psa.119:72 – Law of Thy mouth better than thousands of gold
Psa.119:97 – O how I love Thy law! It is my meditation all the day
Psa.119:127 – I love Thy commandments above gold
Psa.119:131 – I panted…I longed for Thy commandments
Psa.119:162 – I rejoice at Thy Word, as one that findeth great spoil
Col.3:16 – Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly
1Tim.4:15 – Meditate upon these things, give thyself wholly (See also Isa.51:7)

E. Study the Word & “search the Scriptures”:

Jn.5:39 – Search the Scriptures…they testify of Me
Acts 17:11 – Received the Word with all readiness of mind, & searched the Scriptures daily
1Tim.4:16 – Take heed…unto the doctrine; continue in them
2Tim.2:15 – Study to shew thyself approved unto God…rightly dividing the Word of truth

F. Answer questions & witness with the Word:

Psa.119:42 – So shall I have wherewith to answer him
Pro.22:20,21 – Answer Words of truth to them that send unto thee
Phi.2:15,16 – Shine as lights…holding forth the Word of life
Tit.1:9 – By sound doctrine to convince gainsayers
1Pet.3:15 – Be ready always to give an answer to every man
1Pet.4:11 – If any speak, let him speak as the oracles of God

G. Teach & preach the Word:

Psa.68:11 – Great was company of them that published it
Jer.23:28 – He that hath My Word, let him speak (it) faithfully
Hab.2:2 – Write the vision, & make it plain
Mat.28:20 – Teaching them to observe all things…I have commanded
Acts 8:25 – They testified & preached the Word of the Lord
Acts 18:11 – Continued…teaching the Word of God among them
1Cor.2:4,13 – Not with enticing words of man’s wisdom
2Tim.4:2 – Preach the Word…reprove, rebuke exhort (See also Jn.12:49; 14:10,24; 17:8.)

9. WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT DO WITH THE WORD:

A. Don’t read it sceptically or doubtfully:

Heb.4:2 – Word did not profit…not mixed with faith in them that heard

B. Don’t err by being ignorant of the Word:

Mat.22:29 – Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures (See also Mat.12:3; 19:4; 21:42; Jn.20:9; Acts 13:27.)

C. Don’t “wrest” and twist the Scriptures:

2Cor.2:17 – Not as many which corrupt the Word of God
2Cor.4:2 – Not…handling the Word of God deceitfully
2Pet.3:14-17 – They that are unlearned & unstable wrest…Scriptures

D. Don’t argue over minor, controversial doctrines:

Rom.14:1 – Him that is weak in the faith, receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations
2Tim.2:14-16 – Strive not about words to no profit
Tit.3:9 – Avoid foolish questions & strivings about the law

E. Don’t harden your heart & despise the Word:

2Chr.36:16 – But they mocked the messengers of God & despised His Words
Pro.13:13 – Whoso despiseth the Word shall be destroyed
Isa.5:24 – They cast away the law…& despised the Word
Zech.7:12,13 – They made their hearts as stone, lest they should hear the Words the Lord sent

F. The fate of those who doubt & despise the Word:

2Chr.36:16 – They…despised His Words…until the wrath of the Lord arose
Psa.50:17,21 – Thou castest My Words behind thee…I will reprove thee
Isa.5:24 – Their root shall be as rottenness…because they despised the Word
Hos.4:6 – My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will reject thee
Zech.7:11,12 – They refused to hearken…therefore came a great wrath
Jn.12:48 – He that receiveth not My Words…the Word…shall judge him in the last day
Lk.16:31 – If they hear not [the Word], they will not be persuaded, though one rose from the dead
(See Amos 2:4; Zech.7:12; 2Pet.2:21; Jer.36:all.)

10. BEWARE OF THOSE WHO DON’T TEACH THE WORD:

Isa.8:20 – If they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them
Rom.16:17 – Mark them which cause divisions…contrary to doctrine
Gal.1:8,9 – If any preach any other gospel…let him be accursed
1Tim.4:1,2 – Some shall depart from the faith…speaking lies
1Tim.6:3-5 – If any man teach otherwise, & consent not to wholesome words…he is proud, knowing nothing
Tit.1:10,11 – Unruly & vain talkers…teaching things which they ought not…whose mouths must be stopped
Heb.13:9 – Be not carried about with diverse & strange doctrines
2Pet.2:1,2 – False teachers…shall bring in damnable heresies
(See also 2Tim.4:3,4; Acts 20:29,30.)

11. THE DEVIL BLINDS MEN’S EYES TO GOD’S WORD:

2Cor.4:4 – The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them
Lk.8:12 – They hear, then cometh devil & taketh away the Word (See also Jn.8:43,47; 1Jn.2:11.)

12. STORIES RELATING TO THE WORD:

Mat.4:3-11 – [Jesus tempted by the devil, quotes the Word]
Mat.7:21-27 – [The parable of the house on the rock & on the sand]
Mat.13:1-23 – Parable of the sower (the seed is the Word) (See also Mk.4:1-20; Lk.8:4-15.)

Special chapter:

Psa.119 – King David’s beautiful tribute to the Word

4. The Word Of God, Copyright © 1998-2012, The Family International