Word Power: Four ways Scripture transforms our lives

The Word of God creates intimacy with Jesus. Reading and meditating on the Word of God creates intimacy with the Lord Jesus. John says Jesus Christ is the Word (John 1:1-4). He is God and the Creator of all things. Jesus is the perfect living portrayal of God’s truth. His life embodies everything the Bible has to say. Thus, John calls Jesus “the Word.” As you read God’s Word, you will personally encounter and come to know Jesus.

The Word of God renews our minds. The Word of God renews our minds to know the truth (Romans 12:2). As you read the Bible, it will bring the light of God into you. Jesus told us His words are “spirit and life” (John 6:63). As God’s Word enters your mind and spirit, it wages war against every work of Satan in your life. Hebrews 4:12 calls it “sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword.” God’s Word examines every thought and intention of your heart, and it will remove anything that is harmful. You may have grown up with faulty teachings about God and the Bible, but with the Holy Spirit’s help, you can learn the truth as you study His Word.

The Word of God gives us power over the enemy. The Word of God will empower you for victory over the devil (Luke 10:19). The apostle Paul says to put on the whole armor of God to defend yourself against the enemy, and God’s Word is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:11, 17). Authority comes from speaking and believing what the Bible says. The devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, but Jesus defeated him by using God’s Word to overcome temptation (Matthew 4:3-11). Victory over the enemy isn’t automatic simply because we believe in Jesus. If Jesus was tempted, then we can expect testing in similar ways. We must use the authority God gives us in His Word to succeed and live victoriously.

The Word of God heals us. The Word of God heals us and makes us whole. You can choose life or death with the words you speak (Proverbs 18:21). When our words agree with God’s Word, we enable Jesus to fulfill His ministry to us. When we put our faith in God’s Word and confess it over our lives, we allow Jesus to change both our circumstances and us.

This article was extracted from Issue 4 (Winter 2021) of the AVAIL Journal. Claim your free annual subscription here.

Adapted from Fresh Start Bible, in which Pastors Robert Morris, Jimmy Evans, Jack Hayford and other key leaders answer common questions and provide the tools for building a strong spiritual foundation. With over 500 discipleship articles and studies blended alongside the scriptures, Fresh Start Bible will help you find God’s direction for every day (FreshStartBible.com).