Have you ever wondered why Scripture is called the Living Word? I always thought it was because I could read a scripture that I had read hundreds of times before but this time it had a whole new meaning! But there are so many reasons why! And it is sprinkled throughout the Bible.
To me the most popular verses regarding the living word are Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." And 2 Timothy 3: 16, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness..." These verses tell us that the Word has power and is alive!
Luke 4: 4 tells us that the Word of God sustains man. Luke 4:4 tells us the Word of God brings faith. 2 Timothy 2:9 says it has freedom to accomplish God's will. Titus 2:5 says it can be maligned. 1 Peter 1: 22-23 says it gives spiritual birth. 1 John 2: 14 says it abides within believers.
Unlike other books, the Bible can bring about lasting, supernataural changes within a person. God, who is living, works through His living Word and the Holy Spirit. The living Word is active in the lives of those who receive it. We see the living Word every time a sinner repents and turns to Christ. This person's new life is testament to the Living power of the Bible. The living Word can comfort; turn a proud soul to be humble; sinful habits are cut off by the sword.
In the believer's life, the Bible is the source of new life. 1 Peter 1:23 The living Word speaks to our current needs and situations. Even though the Bible was written many centuries ago, the Spirit of God still speaks directly to us through it. It is never out of date or irrelevant. It speaks to the very issues that we face in our modern world.
"It is written, "man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." Matthew 4: 4 Here Christ is comparing the Word of God to food for sustenance. If the living God wrote this in His written Word then we should want to devour scripture! It is our only source of knowing specific truth about God. I love Isaiah 40:8. It proclaims, "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever."
Beautiful thoughts that are encouraging!
Amen Jill, amen! Love seeing what your posts are all about :)