1690 word of God
The utterances of God, especially as revealed in Scripture. This may take the form of commands or promises. The term can also refer to Jesus Christ as the incarnate Word of God.
The word of God revealed as law
God has made his commands and requirements known Ps 147:19 See also Ex 20:1-17; Ex 24:3; Ex 34:27-28; Dt 5:5; Isa 2:3 pp Mic 4:2; Mt 15:6 pp Mk 7:13
God’s law is to be obeyed Dt 30:14 See also Jos 23:6; Ps 119:4; Lk 8:21; Lk 11:28; Jas 1:22-23
Examples of disobedience and its consequences Nu 15:31; 1Sa 15:23-26; 2Sa 12:9; 1Ch 10:13; 2Ch 34:21; Isa 5:24; Jer 8:9
The word of God as prophecy
The prophets spoke the words of God Jer 1:9; 1Sa 3:1; Jer 25:3 God’s prophetic word came to Israel with varying frequency. See also 1Ki 17:24; 2Ki 24:2; 2Ch 36:12,15; Isa 16:13; Isa 24:3; Jer 7:1; Jer 14:1; Am 8:11-12; Mal 1:1
Prophetic introductory formulae “The word of the
Prophetic predictions fulfilled 1Ki 12:15 See also 1Ki 15:29; 1Ki 16:12,34; 1Ki 22:38; 2Ki 1:17; 2Ki 9:36; 2Ki 10:17; 2Ki 14:25; 2Ki 15:12; 2Ki 23:16; 2Ch 36:21-22
The word “against” a people, indicating judgment Isa 9:8; Isa 37:22; Jer 25:30; Am 3:1; Zep 2:5; Zec 9:1
True prophecy is inspired by God 2Pe 1:20-21 See also Ne 9:30; Jer 23:16,25-26,30; Eze 13:1-3; Mic 3:8
A true prophet hears from God 2Ki 3:12; Jer 5:13; Jer 23:18; Jer 27:18
The prophetic word is to be heeded Ex 9:20-21; Jer 6:10; Jer 25:3; Zec 7:12
The word of God as Scripture
Scripture is the written word of God Da 9:2 See also Ro 3:2; Ro 15:4
NT writings are classified as Scripture 1Ti 5:18; 2Pe 3:16
Scripture is inspired and true Jn 10:35; 2Ti 3:15
The foundational importance of Scripture It must not be distorted or changed: Dt 4:2; Dt 12:32; Pr 30:6; 2Co 2:17; 2Co 4:2; 2Ti 2:15; Rev 22:19 It is to be read publicly: Ne 8:1-8; 1Ti 4:13 It is to be meditated upon: Ps 1:2; Ps 119:15,97 It is the test of orthodoxy: Isa 8:20; Ac 17:11
Mt 22:29 pp Mk 12:24 It is the basis for preaching: Ac 17:2; Ac 18:28
1Co 4:6 It sets the limit of authoritative doctrine.
Jesus Christ as the incarnate Word of God
Jesus Christ is God in the flesh Jn 1:1 See also Jn 1:14; Jn 12:45; Col 1:15; Heb 1:2; 1Jn 1:1; Rev 19:13
Jesus Christ speaks the Father’s words Jn 8:40 See also Mt 22:16 pp Mk 12:14 pp Lk 20:21; Jn 7:18
Jesus Christ’s words have sovereign power Mt 8:8 pp Lk 7:7; Mt 8:16; Heb 1:3
The gospel as the word of God
It was preached by Jesus Christ Mk 2:2 See also Mt 13:19-23 pp Mk 4:14-20 pp Lk 8:11-15; Mk 4:33; Lk 4:43 pp Mk 1:38; Lk 5:1
It was preached by the first Christians 1Th 2:13 See also Mk 16:20; Ac 6:2; Ac 8:4; Ac 11:1 to the Gentiles; Ac 13:5 to the Jews; Ac 15:35-36; Ac 17:13; 1Co 14:36; 2Co 2:17; 2Co 4:2; Php 1:14; Col 1:25; 2Ti 4:2
It leads to numerical and spiritual growth within the church Ac 6:7; Ac 12:24; Ac 13:49; Ac 19:20; Col 1:5-6; 1Th 2:13 Paul stresses that the preached word is not merely a verbal message but a dynamic power which achieves things.
It must be preached Ro 10:14; 2Ti 4:2
Descriptions of God’s word
It is true: Ps 33:4; Jn 17:17 It is flawless: 2Sa 22:31 pp Ps 18:30; Pr 30:5 It is infallible: 1Ki 8:56; 2Ki 10:10Ps 103:20 It is obeyed by angels. It is eternal: Ps 119:89,152; Isa 40:8; 1Pe 1:25
Ps 119:103 It is sweet and delightful; Ps 138:2 It is exalted above all things; Isa 45:23 It is irrevocable; Eph 6:17 It is the sword of the Spirit; 2Ti 2:9 It is not chained; Heb 4:12 It is living and active; 1Pe 1:23 It is living and enduring.
Comparisons of the word of God with everyday things
Food: Dt 8:3; Job 23:12; Ps 119:103; Jer 15:16; Eze 2:8; Eze 3:1; 1Pe 2:2Ps 119:105 light Fire: Jer 5:14; Jer 20:9; Jer 23:29
Jer 23:29 a hammer; Heb 4:12 a two-edged sword
The word of God has power
It is active Isa 55:11 The Hebrew for “word” can also mean “action” or “deed”. This indicates that God’s word is active.
It brings about creation Ps 33:6 See also 2Pe 3:5
It governs and maintains the created order Heb 1:3 See also Ps 147:18
It gives life Dt 8:3 See also Isa 55:2-3; Mt 4:4 pp Lk 4:4
It consecrates secular things 1Ti 4:5 “the word of God and prayer” probably means “scriptural prayer”; i.e., on the basis of scriptural teaching the believer offers thanksgiving and prayer.
It restrains from evil Ps 17:4; Ps 119:11
It heals and rescues Ps 107:20
It has power to save Jas 1:21 See also 2Ti 3:15; 1Pe 1:23
It brings about the growth of the kingdom of God Mt 13:23 pp Mk 4:20 pp Lk 8:15
It builds up the saints Ac 20:32
See also
| 1403 | God, revelation |
| 1427 | prophecy |
| 1439 | revelation |
| 1611 | Scripture, inspiration & authority |
| 2420 | gospel |
| 3224 | Holy Spirit & preaching |
| 3281 | Holy Spirit, inspiration |
| 5375 | law |
| 5627 | word |
| 7754 | preaching |
| 8662 | meditation |
| 8674 | study |
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