Using God's Name

. . . for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God. 1 Peter 1:23

God Still Speaks

We are not left in the dark

NAB James 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

God does indeed grant us wisdom. Sometimes people think that God’s approach to the universe and to humanity is like a craftsman who makes a clock and then winds it up to see what it will do. God does not just leave us to our own devices to sink or to swim, but He comes into our lives to guide us. Indeed when we need answers and guidance God does speak to us in His Word.

While it is true that God does not answer every single question we may have, through His Word God opens our eyes to those aspects of human life which are important and essential. God reveals to us many sides of a life that is lived in relationship to Him and to other human beings.

But what is God’s Word and what is its purpose for our lives? To answer these questions we turn to the Word itself.

What is God’s Purpose in His Word?

God speaks to us through His Word to bring us to faith in Jesus Christ and to guide us in our lives as His forgiven children.

NAB John 20:31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.
NAB 1 John 2:26 These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you.

God speaks through His Word to reveal to us His saving action in our lives through Jesus Christ. All the events of the Old Testament build to the focal point of the Divine Drama, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Jesus said: You search the scriptures because
you think that in them you have eternal life;
and it is they that testify on my behalf.
NRS John 5:39

God has revealed to us Himself and His purposes in His divine actions and for human life. He reveals to us our salvation, how He distributes that salvation, what salvation does for us, and how we should live out that salvation in this world.

No one can tell us about God, what God wants us to trust in, and how we should live except God Himself. He does this through His Word. It is the source of all the teaching of the church, and all the teaching of the church shall stand upon God’s Word.

NAB 2 John 1:9 Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting;

What do we know about the Word?

We know that though the Scriptures were written by many different authors, that they served as true spokesmen of the one true God.

So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. 20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

NAB 2 Peter 1:19 - 21

God’s Word is not mere human opinion, but the truth of God revealed to us through these words.

NAB 1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.

So all of Scripture, in all its parts is true and inspired and quite useful for our lives.

NAB 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
NRS 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

How is the Word used?

God’s Word is the source of all teaching and understanding about God and our relationship to Him, and His saving action on our behalf.

NAB John 8:31 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."

God’s Word is used for reproof and correction. There will always be those who do not accept the clear teaching of Scripture and who will try to present a contrary teaching as God’s will. On controverted issues God’s Word alone can give the answers. And all of us from time to time will benefit from God’s word of correction for the improvement of our lives.

NAB Titus 1:9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.
NRS Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, 12 training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly,

God’s Word is used to create faith, prosper faith, and to train us in righteousness. The Gospel gives us new birth while God then uses His Word to guide us in the expression of our faith and in our daily life with Him.

NRS Romans 10:17 So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.
NRS Psalm 119:9 How can young people keep their way pure? By guarding it according to your word.

Rev. David D. Reedy 2002

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church

Dayton Tennessee

423.775.4253

Prince of Peace is a LCMS congregation located in Rhea County Tennessee, serving the entire county of some 32,000 people.