Benefits of the Word of God – Part 2

In the first part of Benefits of the Word of God we learned in order for the Word of God to benefit us we must not only know it’s content, but we must use it. If we study His Word, put it into practice and use it, we will find it to be of immeasurable benefit. Isaiah said that when His Word is used properly it would not return to Him void but would accomplish the very purpose for which He sent it (Isaiah 55:10-11). Here are a few important benefits of the Word of God:

Answered prayer (John 15:7 and Proverbs 28:9). Jesus said that if we would continue in a vital relationship with Him and His Word remained in us we could ask for whatever we wanted and it would be granted. Now, if we consider that His Word is in us, we must conclude that we would be praying in accord or consistent with His word and will (1 John 5:14-15). On the other hand, The wise man wrote that whoever turned their ear away from hearing His Word, their prayer would be an abomination to God (Proverbs 28:9).

Victory over sin (Psalms 119:9 and 11; 1 John 2:14; John 8:31-32; Psalms 37:31). His Word abiding deep within us makes us aware of sin, spiritually strong and keeps us from sliding down the slippery slope of sin. It doesn’t mean we will never fail but we won’t continue to slide downward. We will be able to rise up victorious over our failure. I believe that was one of the main reasons Peter was able to rise up after his denial victoriously and minster with power on the day of Pentecost (approximately fifty days after his failure). Someone once said, “this book will keep one from sin as sin will keep you from this book.”

Spirit filled (controlled) living (Ephesians 5:18-19 and Colossians 3:16). There are myriads of teachings on how to be filled with the Holy Spirit, which is another teaching altogether. Suffice it to say, there is no easy step to getting and staying full of God’s Spirit short of time with Him in prayer and the Word. If you notice the context of both passages above, they are both nearly identical. One refers to being filled with the Spirit and the other to letting the Word of Christ dwell in us richly. The obvious conclusion would be that a major key to being filled and remaining full of the Holy Spirit is to saturate ourselves with His Word.

The Word brings purpose to life (John 17:17-18). Jesus prayed, in His high priestly prayer, that God would sanctify us through His Word. He went on to say, “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 with purpose. Even so, as we get into His Word we will begin to find purpose in Him. Sanctification is not only setting us apart from sin but it is also setting us apart unto His divine purpose. If you want to know His purpose for your life, get into the Word of God until He reveals it to you. It may not come all at once but one step at a time. In this way, we are able to show ourselves faithful and we are not overwhelmed by the revelation of His will (Purpose) all at once.

Spiritual growth (Romans 10:17 and 1 Peter 2:2). We simply cannot grow spiritually apart from the Word. If we do not eat we not only do not grow but we’ll eventually die. We grow from the Word in two ways:

1. Spiritual maturity. Peter said that we must desire the milk of the Word in order to grow in respect to our salvation but we can’t stop with milk. We only grow so far on milk. We must begin to eat solid food as well if we are to grow unto maturity (1 Corinthians 3:1-2 and Hebrews 5:12-14).
2. Faith. Most people would love to have more faith. Even the disciples desired this (Luke 17:5). One of the major ways for us to grow our faith is through time in the Word or time with the Word in us. Paul said, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word” (Romans 10:17). It is interesting that it says hearing. Our faith will never grow sufficiently through personal study alone. The context refers to the proclaimed Word (Romans 10:13-17). If we are to grow our faith we must spend adequate time in the Word personally and hearing it proclaimed – church!

Fruitfulness (Psalms 1:2-3). How many of us desire to be spiritually fruitful? The Psalmist gives us a picture of a tree planted near a river with its roots going deep into the ground and drinking of it’s water. The result was fruitfulness. As we immerse ourselves in the Word and are filled with His Spirit (read point three) fruitfulness is the natural result. This is the purpose for which Jesus chose us for Himself (John 15:16).

Let’s repent of our negligence and ask God to give us a hunger and thirst for His Word like never before. But don’t stop there – discipline yourself to a daily time of diligent study of His Word, along with weekly times of hearing the Word proclaimed. NEXT – Benefits of the Word of God Part 3 >

About the Author

Gary Linton is a writer, teacher, church planter and preacher with over 30 years of ministry and church planting experience. As founder of GSL Ministries, Gary trains and encourages pastors and church leaders from all walks of life.