When the Word of God is faithfully proclaimed, good things happen. The Bible tells us, “so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). So what are some of those Divine purposes?
- The Word Saves:
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). Ultimately, it is God who saves sinners, but the means in which He uses is the preached Word.
- The Word Sanctifies:
“Sanctify them in your truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth” (John 17:17-18).
- The Word Supplies:
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We could also say, the Word is sufficient. As we go into the world as ministers and ambassadors of Jesus Christ, the Word is sufficient to supply our every need.
- The Word Separates:
“For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).” When the message of the cross is faithfully proclaimed, it doesn’t allow us to sit on the fence. It doesn’t allow us to be neutral. No, it is sharp – it is so sharp that when it pokes it forces you to go one of two ways. Either you accept and embrace it’s message, or you reject it.
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8
Shepherd the Flock 