The Word of God
I’ve been thinking a lot about the Bible lately in preparation for our new teaching series that starts on Jan 4 at Brentwood and Franklin called “The Word of God – Written, Living, Active.” Part of my study led me into some interesting thoughts about the powerful role of language in our lives. Not only have these ideas begun to breathe fresh life into my own perception of Scripture, but I believe there is some great application for us in our leadership, too!
What Words Do
We typically think of language simply as the communication of information – conveying ideas, desires, emotions, etc. Of course at the most basic level this is exactly what it is. But what we often fail to realize is that words don’t just communicate – they actually accomplish things, too. In philosophical terms, this is called speech-act theory. A few examples may help:
- When a pastor pronounces a man and woman “husband and wife,” his words literally change the legal and spiritual status of the couple before the state and before God.
- A declaration of war fundamentally alters the relational disposition of two nations of people toward one another, with dramatic implications for millions of people.
- A simple affirmation of someone’s talents or abilities may give them the confidence to accomplish something they wouldn’t have otherwise.
- As a parent, words of instruction and correction alter the behavior of our children (hopefully!)
Get the idea? Language is often much more than the passive act of communicating information – words do something!
What God’s Words Have Done
Now consider all that God has accomplished with His words:
- He spoke the cosmos into being
- He formed a new nation by proclaiming a covenant with Abraham
- He guided and corrected His people through the words of prophets
- “The Word” Himself became flesh in order to redeem creation
- We are declared righteous when we place our faith in Christ
Living and Active – IN Us
You might say that the “Word of the Lord” is the primary way God has accomplished things since the beginning of time. So when Hebrews 4:12 declares that “The Word of God is living and active…” you can begin to understand how powerful a concept that is. God’s Word is the main tool He uses to move and act within His creation. Now bring that idea to mind the next time you open your Bible to read, study, or listen to a sermon. God is actively doing His work in us in the present tense – through His Word. He is not just speaking to us, but accomplishing things in us (Phil 2:13).
Your Words…
You can also bring these thoughts to mind as you lead other people. Your words, too, have powerful effect (albeit much less than God’s!). As someone who is “made in His image,” your words have the ability to change people’s minds and actions, help a group of people go somewhere they couldn’t get to on their own, and bring things into being that would not be otherwise. What a gift… and a responsibility to steward!
Rob Sweet
Teaching Pastor, Fellowship Franklin
