Lesson 1
What Is the Word of God?
Key Verse: “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16 nasb).
Key Scriptures:
Isaiah 55:10–11
John 1:1–3, 14
Luke 8:4–15
James 1:22–25
Hebrews 4:12–13
Psalm 119:105
Ephesians 5:25–27
Objective: The student will understand the importance of the Word of God as it concerns spiritual growth.
Introduction: The Word of God is the most powerful force in the world. Whenever God speaks, things happen (Isa. 55:10–11). When God says He will do something, it will be done. His Word never fails. Throughout the Scriptures, the power of God’s Word at work is evident. From the beginning of time to its end, God, through His Word, works out His purposes in the lives and experiences of all humanity.
I. The most powerful force in the world is the Word of God.
A. The Word of God possesses certain characteristics (Isa. 55:10–11).
1. God’s Word cannot fail.
a. Just like the rain that falls to the earth, the Word of God is life-giving. Rain never fails to bring forth fruit and life. Similarly, the Word of God never fails to bring forth the life of God.
b. God’s Word is absolute. It never changes, and it is not relative. It means what it says and says what it means. It can be trusted and counted upon. It never fails.
1. God’s Word is full of life. It cannot return void.
a. Rain is the most essential commodity that heaven gives to the earth. There is no such thing as useless rain. It always accomplishes something beneficial.
b. God’s Word is like the rain. It cannot return void. The word void in the original language of the Bible means “empty-handed.” Thus, God’s Word is not just empty promises. It always accomplishes its purpose.
c. Just like rain infuses a wilted plant with life, the Word of God will infuse you with the life of God and refresh your spirit.
2. God’s Word will produce fruit in your life and fulfill God’s purposes (Ps. 1:1–3).
a. Without water, no tree or plant can produce fruit.
b. In the same way, the Word of God is necessary to bring forth fruit in your life.
c. A fruit-producing life is one that brings honor to the Lord (John 15:16).
B. God’s Word has creative power (Ps. 33:6–9).
1. God created the heavens and the earth by His Word (Gen. 1; Heb. 11:3). When God spoke in creation, He created something out of nothing through the power of His Word. This creative work was accomplished through the power of the Lord Jesus Christ (Heb. 1:2–3).
2. As the creator, God not only created everything but also continues to hold it together by the power of His Word. This is why you can believe God to continue to do new things today, even within the personal details of your daily life.
C. God’s Word brings salvation in the new creation (John 1:1–14).
1. Just as God brought all things into being through His Word, so He brings salvation to those who believe in Him through Jesus, who is the Word. Through Jesus, the Father has accomplished the great work of salvation.
2. When you look at and listen to Jesus, you are seeing and hearing what the Father wants you to know regarding Him (John 14:9–11).
3. The power of God’s Word creates faith to trust Jesus. Without it, no one would ever turn to God (Rom. 10:17).
4. God gives you a new heart and a new life through faith in Christ, which comes through His Word (Ps. 51:10).
D. God’s Word penetrates your life (Heb. 4:12–13).
1. The Word of God is the only agent in the whole of creation that can penetrate the very heart of a person. Nothing else can divide between a person’s soul and spirit.
2. Until the Word of God penetrates your life, you will continue to be controlled more by emotions rather than by the promises of God’s Word.
II. There are five main symbols of the Word of God.
A. Light is a symbol of God’s Word (Ps. 119:105).
1. God’s Word brings illumination and revelation. It reveals the truth about Jesus, and this truth sets men free (John 8:31–32).
2. God’s Word also brings guidance and direction (John 8:12).
B. Water is a symbol of God’s Word (Eph. 5:25–27).
1. Water brings cleansing, and the Word of God can act in this way in your life.
2. If you live open to the Word and allow it to challenge you, you will be changed through its power into the holy person that God wants you to become.
C. Seed is a symbol of God’s Word (Luke 8:4–15).
1. In the parable of the sower, the seed is the Word of God (v. 11).
2. Its purpose is to bring growth and fruitfulness into the lives of those who hear and receive it (v. 15).
D. Fire and hammer are symbols of God’s Word (Jer. 23:29).
1. The Word of God can be a very strong word, if that is what is needed. God doesn’t always speak in a still, small voice (1 Kings 19:11–13), but rather He can speak like a hammer and like fire, because of a person’s willful disobedience or hardness of heart.
2. The fire purges and the hammer breaks. We all need to be cleansed and broken by God’s Word.
E. Honey is a symbol of God’s Word (Ps. 19:7–11).
1. Honey is used to promote healing. It is a soothing balm that turns bitterness into sweetness and pain into healing. The Father will allow breaking in order to heal you and make you whole, but He will never leave you broken.
1. The Word of God brings health, that is, healing to your spirit and to your life. The one who lives in the strength and power of God’s Word will find wholesomeness of spirit and the sweetness of God’s joy (Ps. 119:103).
III. The Scriptures have four main functions.
A. The Scriptures reveal Jesus Christ (John 5:39).
1. The Bible brings God’s central word into sharp focus.
2. Jesus is that focus, and He is revealed in the Scriptures.
B. The Scriptures build character (John 15:1–4).
1. Since the purpose of the vine is to produce fruit, the branches must be pruned in order to ensure a good crop.
2. The Word of God prunes from your life those things that don’t bring honor to God.
3. The Word of God hidden in your heart is the key to victory over sin’s dominion in your life (Ps. 119:9–11).
C. The Scriptures bring spiritual maturity (2 Tim. 3:16–17).
1. The Word of God is inspired. This literally means that it is “God-breathed.”
2. The Word of God teaches you the right way to live. This is what is referred to as doctrine.
3. The Word of God brings reproof. This means that it will show you areas of your life that are wrong.
4. The Word of God brings correction. It helps correct you so that you will walk in obedience to the truth.
5. The Word of God brings instruction. It teaches you how to stay faithful to the truth.
6. The Word of God equips you. It gives you the necessary wisdom and truth to fulfill God’s purposes in your life.
D. The Scriptures impart faith (Rom. 10:17).
1. Without faith, no one can please God (Heb. 11:6). You are called to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7). Therefore, faith is an essential factor in your relationship with God.
2. Because of the Word of God, you can be a partaker of the divine nature of God (2 Pet. 1:3–4).
Summary: Everything about God’s Word is full of life! It teaches, corrects, guides, and trains. It addresses every area of life and is relevant to all people and cultures. God’s Word is true; it never fails.
God’s Word is light, illuminating the mind and heart to the truth of the Gospel. God’s Word is like water, cleansing from sin. Like precious seed, God’s Word will bear fruit. When necessary, God’s Word purges like fire and breaks like a hammer. God’s Word is sweet, bringing healing and nourishment.
God’s Word reveals Jesus, and as you come to know Him better, you will be transformed into His image. The Word of God matures you and shapes your character, ever challenging you to become more like the Savior. The Word of God releases faith in your heart, so that you can please God and become a partaker of His nature.
Questions and Discussion Points
1. Does God’s Word ever fail? If it did, would creation survive?
2. There are five symbols of the Word in this teaching unit. Has God spoken to you in any of these ways? Discuss.
3. Do you allow the Word of God to be effective in your life? Do you make room for it, and do you respond to it as God asks?
4. Why are the Scriptures necessary to building a sure foundation to believe in and trust in without doubting?
5. Can you understand God’s Word without the help of the Holy Spirit? Discuss.
6. If the Bible is God-breathed (2 Tim. 3:16), can you, with your natural mind, critically analyze it in order to understand its truths?
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