The Nature and Purpose of the Word of God Nature of the Word of God 1. All of Scripture is given to us by inspiration from God the Father These first two verses will specifically tell us, without any other possible interpretation, that all of the Bible has been given to us by "inspiration of God" through holy men who were "moved by the Holy Spirit" to write what they wrote! "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16) "... knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." (2 Peter 1:20)
2. The Word of God is living and powerful As you will see in the following verses, the words that are contained in the Bible are living, powerful and sharper than any two edge sword we can make on this earth. The words in the Bible have God's supernatural life in them and so have the supernatural ability to change and transform you into the kind of person that God wants you to become in Him. "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) "This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life." (Psalm 119:50) "How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (Psalm 119:103)
3. The Word of God is pure solid truth "The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times." (Psalm 12:6) "For the word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord." (Psalm 33:4)
4. The Word of God will stand forever "... for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained." (2 Timothy 2:9) "Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness endures to all generations ..." (Psalm 119:89)
5. The word accomplishes God’s desires and purposes Isaiah 55:10-11: … so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. God’s
Word is full of power; it will not return to Him empty. God’s Word will accomplish His desires and purposes.
Jer. 1:12: Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it. God's Word is at work in the world today. It is an active force. It governs the spiritual activity in the Universe. It changes things, especially when spoken and believed, both in the hearts of men and in their circumstances. God is watching over his word to perform it
Purposes of the Word of God in Psalms 1. They can sanctify and free us from sin Psalm 119:11 - I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
2. They give us knowledge and wisdom "The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple." (Ps. 19:7). Psalms 119:130 “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” When the Word of God enters into our hearts, it gives understanding to the simple. "Simple" can mean "open minded." Those who are open to what God says are the ones who become wise.
3. They comfort us in our distress Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant. Ps. 119: 76:
Ps 119:82: Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me? Psalms 119:50: This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
4. They impart peace and joy Ps. 119:165:
Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
Ps. 16:11: Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
5. Psalms proclaim a new spiritual life Ps. 103:4: Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies.
6. They give guidance and direction to our life "Your Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path." (Ps. 119:105).
7. They strengthen us in our weakness
Ps. 18:1-2: I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Ps. 138:3: In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. Ps. 6:2- Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
8. They can produce joy and rejoicing Ps. 5:11: But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
9. Psalms proclaim healing Ps. 6:2: Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed. Ps. 41:4: I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee. Ps. 107:20: He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
10. Psalms speak of true prosperity and success If you consistently "meditate on the Word night and day, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (Ps. 1:1-3). Ps. 118:25: Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.
11. They keep us from the paths of the destroyer and provide protection Ps. 17:4: Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. Ps. 91:3: Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
12. Psalms bring revival or spiritual awakening Ps. 103:4: Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies. Ps. 49:15: But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. I believe that the book of Psalms is like a treasure chest that has no bottom to it. Only a true God of the entire universe could have put this much knowledge and revelation into one Book.