[385 words]
We are to hear and obey the word of God! The Master said, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28). We are often admonished from the pulpit and in Bible class to study and apply the Bible daily. This is good advice for the Bible is “the good word of God” (Hebrews 6:5).
The word “good” (kalos) suggests that it is morally valuable and virtuous for use. The following references remind us why the Bible is “the good word of God” and worthy of our devotion:
The good word is called “the Holy Scriptures” (2 Timothy 3:15). The American Standard Version calls it, “the sacred writings.” “The good word” is inspired, i.e., “God-breathed” (verse 16).
The good word is called “the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11). “Oracles” means “utterances”––the “utterances of God.” It is not “the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God” (1 Thessalonians 2: 13).
The good word is called “the words of Christ” (Colossians 3:16). We will be judged by His words (John 12:48).
The good word is called “the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). His word is truth, and it alone can make us free (John 17:17; 8:32).
What does (should) “the good word” mean to our lives? It is the SEED sown in our hearts that brings life, productivity, and maturity (Luke 8:11,15). It is the SWORD that the Spirit provides for us to use in the battles of life (Ephesians 6:17). It is the MILK that nourishes us when we are spiritual babes (1 Peter 2:2). It is the MEAT that strengthens us so that we can discern good and evil (Hebrews 5:14).
James 1:21-25 gives a great summary of what “the good word” does in our lives and how we are to respond to it. It is to be received with meekness and implanted in our hearts (verse 21). It is to be applied — not just heard (verse 22). We are to use it to examine and correct our lives (verses 23-25). Doing this brings God’s blessing (verse 25) and saves our souls (verse 21). The Bible is indeed “the good word of God!”
Dwight Fuqua
Findlay church of Christ
Sparta, TN