Benefits of the Word of God – Part 3

As we continue on in this series it must be noted that God’s Word is the foundation for all faith and practice. Our lives and beliefs must be founded on His Word. If what we believe and stand for is not grounded in the Word we are standing on sinking sand (Matthew 7:24-27). Let’s explore the remainder of it’s benefits.

The Word defeats the powers of darkness (Matthew 4:3-11; Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5). The Word of God is the main offensive weapon for believers. If we want to have victory over the enemy we will do so through the Word. Make no mistake about it, we are in a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12). Jesus said that Satan desired to sift Peter like wheat (Luke 22:31). His desire is nothing less toward us. Jesus used the Word to defeat Satan and so must we. The Word equips us and makes us strong for the battle (1 John 2:14). We must use the Word if we are to have victory over the enemy. Knowing it isn’t enough. A sword must be drawn and used or it benefits us nothing.

The Word brings success to life (Joshua 1:8; Psalms 1:2-3; James 1:25). God told Joshua the Word was not to depart from his mouth and he was to observe to do according to all that is written therein (Joshua 1:8). The principles in the Word works. God promises that if we will continue in the Word and put it into practice we will be blessed in all that we do (James 1:25). Lets make the Word of God our meditation day and night (Psalms 1:2-3).

The Bible equips us to be competent counselors (Romans 15:14; 2 Timothy 3:16). True biblical counseling is listening to a persons problems or struggles and applying God’s Word to them. Moses said concerning the children of Israel, “when they have a dispute; I judge between a man and his neighbor and make known the statutes of God and His laws” (Exodus 18:16). This is exactly how we are to counsel. When I was first saved, God laid it on my heart to know His Word. So that if anyone ever had a problem I could give them what He said about their situation and not just what I think. What I think does a person little good but what God says is of infinite value. It’s the Word that has the power to change lives.

The Word brings the purposes of God to pass (Isaiah 55:10-11). Don’t be afraid to use the Word and speak it out loud. God’s spoken Word is powerful – use it. When going through difficulties, claiming a promise or ministering to someone speak forth His Word. He promises it will not return to Him void or empty. It will accomplish His purpose. As rain watering seed sown in the ground, it may take a season to come to fruition but it will. When the Word is spoken it is released into the spiritual realm or into a persons life and continues working until it fulfills His plan and purpose.

The Word of God is a cleansing agent (Ephesians 5:25-27; John 15:3). The Word has a cleansing effect in our lives. Have you ever done something wrong? You confessed it as sin and knew God had forgiven you (1 John 1:9) but still felt guilty and dirty? It’s during those times we need to get into the Word and it will cleanse us. The Word is both a mirror showing us our sin (James 1:23-24) and a wash basin to cleanse us from impurities.

The Bible gives comfort and hope (Romans 15:4; Hebrews 6:17-20). Many can testify to being down, discouraged and feeling hopeless, opening the Word or hearing a message and as a result being filled with hope, comfort and encouragement. During times of despair we usually don’t feel like reading the Word but this is exactly when we really need to. When your feeling down and hopeless get into the Word and let God minister hope and encouragement to you.

Scripture gives guidance and direction to life (Psalms 119:105). The Psalmist said, “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalms 119:105). It gives direction and guidance to our lives. The Word shines light on our path so we will know the direction we need to go. It doesn’t necessarily show us where to go and what to do way out into the future. Notice it says His Word shines light on our path. Light shines on our path only so far out in front of us. As we continue walking forward it continues to shine out in front of us as we walk ahead. We must continue to walk in the light we have before receiving any additional light (Matthew 25:29).

God’s word brings joy (Jeremiah 15:16). Jeremiah says God’s Word was the joy and rejoicing of his heart. Why? Because he is called by His name. I wonder about those who claim to be called by His name and yet have no desire for His Word. His Word should be the joy and rejoicing of our heart. He apparently did more than a casual reading of the Word in that he said he ate it. In other words, he devoured it. Let’s devour the Word and absorb it into our very being. When we do so we will find it filling us with “joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8).

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.