“For what was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”  Romans 15:4

I think of this verse often and of those who overlook or dismiss part of the Bible or all of it as ‘not for today’.  Clearly from our opening verve, this is not so!  Down through the centuries God has preserved His word for His purpose so how dare any of it be set aside as irrelevant?  Let us review together some truths concerning God’s mighty word.

First of all we know that it is divinely inspired:
The Lord speaking to Jeremiah,
“Take a scroll and write on it all the words that I have spoken to you…”  Jeremiah 36:2

“Yes, they made their hearts like flint, refusing to hear the law and  the words which the LORD of hosts had sent by His Spirit through former prophets…”  Zechariah 7:12

“Brothers the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David…”  Acts 1:16

I am certain that you are all familiar with 2 Timothy 3:16,
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

“For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”  2 Peter 1:21 

God’s words are sacred:
“You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you.”  Deuteronomy 4:2

“Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do.  You shall not add to it or take from it.”  Deuteronomy 12:32

“Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
Do not add to His words lest He rebuke you and you be found a liar.”  
Proverbs 30:5-6

Revelation 22:18-19 gives a dire warning to everyone concerning the adding to or taking away ‘from the words of the prophecy of this book’.  I will let you look at these verses yourself as I am sure you are familiar with them.

God’s word is mighty in its influence:
It is a saving power:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…”  Romans 1:16

It is a defensive weapon:
“And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”  
Ephesians 6:17

It is a scrutinizing instrument:
“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

God’s Word purifies the life:
“How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to Your word.”  Psalm 119:9

Jesus speaking to His disciples in John 15:3,
“Already you are clean because of the word I have spoken to you.”

Jesus’ prayer to the Father in John 17:17,
“Sanctify them by Your truth.  Your word is truth.”

I close with 1 Peter 1:24-25 (Read verses 22-25)
“All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.
And this word is the good news that was preached to you.”

All praise to our God forever!