THE POWER AND MEANS TO CHANGE:
THE WORD OF GOD
The Word of God is powerful because it is the declaration of Almighty God who created all that exists and continues to work out His purposes for the good of all of creation. God commanded creation into existence by His Word (Genesis 1). Spiritual re-creation is also through the Word of God (1 Peter 1:23).
We experience cleansing in our spiritual journeys through the Word of God. Jesus said, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you” (John 15:3). It is also by the Word of God that we are sanctified; being set apart from sin for holiness. (John 17:17).
We also experience growth and transformation in our lives through the Word of God. The two parallel passages of Scripture—Ephesians 5:15-20 and Colossians 3:12-17—address being filled with the Spirit and the Word of God, respectively. It is not a coincidence that the results of the two infillings are the same; that is in-depth spirituality and fruitfulness. Lives are transformed as we obey the Word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit.
God’s part is to cause spiritual re-creation, growth, and fruitfulness through the working of His Spirit in our lives. Our part is to obey God by the faith that works through love (Galatians 5:6). To experience lasting change, we need to abandon our lives wholeheartedly and totally to God. The life and teachings of Jesus Christ provide us with a good example. Jesus dedicated His life to God’s will when He declared to God that, “Lo I have come to do your will” (Hebrews 10:9). Secondly, we need to fill our lives with the Word of God. Thirdly, we need to live our lives in obedience to God’s Word through dependence on the Spirit of God.
A common result of being filled with the Word of God and the Spirit of God (Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3) is gratitude to God.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (John 15:7, 8)
As God causes growth and fruitfulness in our lives, we have cause to praise and thank Him for His grace. We are motivated and directed by His Spirit and Word to do all things as unto Him (Colossians 3:23).
As Christians live by the Word of God, churches are transformed. Transforming Christians and churches can impact the rest of society for good. Let us, therefore, strive to be doers of the Word, and not only hearers (James 1:22).
“The Word of God is a powerful instrument for change because it is the revelation of the will of God and is backed by His unlimited power.”