By Rev Victor Neill
‘Wherein I suffer trouble as an evil doer, even unto bonds: but the Word of God is not bound (not chained - not shackled)' (2nd Tim 2 v 9)
I have mentioned in a previous Bible Thought the vital importance of the Word of God and make no apology for doing so again. Paul poignantly makes the point that though we can imprison those who preach the Word, we cannot imprison the Word! Paul himself was a prime example of someone imprisoned for preaching the Word, as have been many others down through the centuries . We discover that Scripture has much to say about itself. The author of the letter to the Hebrews writes of the living, dynamic power of the Word of God ‘For the Word of God is quick (living) and sharper than any two edged sword’ (Heb 4 v 12). It penetrates where the word of man cannot penetrate, to the innermost being. The Holy Spirit uses it as ‘a sword’ - to pierce the heart and bring conviction of sin, which makes one acutely aware of the seriousness of their sin. As ‘a fire’ the Word burns away every excuse and destroys every defence: ‘Is not my Word like as a fire saith the Lord (Jer 23v29a). As ’a hammer’ the Word breaks the hardest of hearts ‘as a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces‘ (Jer 23 v 29b).
The Word of God under the direction of the Holy Spirit brings repentance and faith - ‘Repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus‘ (Acts 20 v 21). Not just faith in something or anything, but faith in the One who died for you! This is how the Christian life commences - but it is certainly not the finish! There is a road to be travelled, which will not always an easy road, but it is a road that brings peace and fulfilment. God’s Word on your journey will be your route map, showing the path you are to walk in. ‘Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path‘ (Ps 119 v105). God’s Word will be food for your
soul strengthening you and building you up in your faith ‘Thy words were found and I did eat them ; and thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart' (Jer 15 v16). God’s Word will be your shield and defence against temptation, so take time each day to read it, obey it, and memorise it: 'Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee' (Ps 119 v 11).
Quote:
"There are many ways to read the Bible. Such reading may be an arduous duty or pleasant exercise, or it may become a transforming experience!"