The first recorded question in the Bible was asked by the subtle serpent of Genesis 3. His question: ‘Yea hath God said…?’ intended to sow the seed of doubt in the mind of Eve with regards to the Word of God. It is no wonder that many people today are questioning, criticising and doubting the integrity, legitimacy and sufficiency of the Scriptures. The prevalent and popular belief that God’s Word cannot be trusted and is not relevant for today all began when the Devil asked ‘Yea hath God said?’

The Devil is still seeking to undermine, undervalue and underrate the precious Words of God and for the most part he has been successful. Masses have fallen for his deception and have become casualties of damnation because they believed not the Holy Words of Scripture.

I have compiled a concise list of nine benefits found in the word of God for the reader to consider:

1. The word of God is pure

‘Purity’ is defined as that which is unsoiled, unmixed, unadulterated. Free from guilt and defilement, and positively pure.’ (Chambers Dictionary 1901)

Textual Proof:

Proverbs 30:5 – ‘pure’

Psalm 119:140 – ‘pure’

Psalm 12:6 – ‘pure’

Psalm 18:30 – ‘perfect, tried’

Psalm 19:7-8 – ‘right, pure, perfect’

Psalm 119:60 – ‘true’

John 17:17 – ‘truth’

Ephesians 1:13 – ‘truth’

2 Timothy 2:15 – ‘truth’

Questions to ponder:

Do I really believe that this book is absolute truth?

How will this belief change my life and perspective?

If the world seeks truth, and I have the truth, What am I doing with the truth?

2. The word of God is pertinent

‘Pertinent’ carries the concept of ‘relevance, to the point, adaptable.’

There are many men, women, denominations, committees and even well meaning people who do not believe in the relevance of Scripture.

Textual Proof:

1 Peter 1:22-23 – ‘liveth and abideth’

Hebrews 4:12 – ‘quick’ (alive)

Questions to ponder:

Do I really believe that God’s Word is relevant, alive and able to work in my life today?

If I really believe that God’s Word is pertinent, how does this change my ‘5 minute devotional studies?’

3. The word of God is powerful

‘Powerful’ – Having great power: mighty, intensity, forcible, energetic, having the right to rule, command and have authority.

Romans 1:16 – ‘power’ (study the Grk. Word dunamis for a more thorough and rewarding meaning)

Jeremiah 23:29 – ‘hammer’

Hebrews 4:12 – ‘powerful’

Psalm 119:28 – ‘strengthen’

Questions to ponder:

Do I really believe in the ‘dynamite’ power of God’s Word?

How does the realisation of this power affect my outreach endeavours (Hint: do I refer to the powerful Word of God when seeking to share Christ with an unbeliever)?

4. The word of God is profitable

‘Profitable’ – yielding or bringing profit or gain: productive.

Textual Proof:

2 Timothy 3:16 – ‘profitable for doctrine (teaching), reproof (conviction/evidence), correction (restoration to a right estate), and instruction in righteousness (education/tutorage in righteousness).’

Questions to ponder:

Do I really believe that there is great gain in the reading, meditating, memorising and devouring of the Word of God?

When the world (and often the church) seeks worldly profits and gain, do I forsake all to draw from the spiritual well, the Bible?

5. The word of God is prosperous

‘Prosperous’ – Beneficial, helpful, encouraging, to make one prosper in the thing which He endeavours.

There is only one mention of the word ‘success’ in the English Bible and it is achieved only through the meditating on the Word of God.

Textual Proof:

Joshua 1:8 – make thy way prosperous…..good success.’

Psalm 1:1-3 – ‘blessed’ (happy, benefited)

Questions to ponder:

Do I believe that time in God’s Word is the real measure of success?

If so, how much time do I dedicate to reading, studying and meditating upon it?

 

Next week I will conclude this short summary of the Benefits of the Bible.

I trust that you will be encouraged to take inventory of your time spent in the Word and whether you truly believe in the manifold spiritual benefits of the Bible.

this is part 1 of 2 in the series
Nine benefits of the word of God

share this article

About Daniel Kriss

Daniel is pastor at Mount Cathedral Community Baptist Church in Taggerty, Victoria. Daniel has studied theology and has been involved in itinerant preaching since 1999. In 2006, Daniel founded SWAT Camp which helps develop young leaders for Christian ministry. Daniel and his wife Jessica live in Melbourne. You can contact Daniel at daniel@jasonharris.com.au.

One Comment

  1. Jason Harris 7 December, 2011 at 12:23 pm

    Thanks for this. Simple reminders that are so important.

Comments are closed.