The Word of God

Background Scripture: Revelation 22
Lesson Scripture: Revelation 22:10-21

Introduction

“For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven” (Ps. 119:89). In this troubled world, the Christian should have a heart of deep gratitude for the unchangeable Word of God. In nothing else can we place our full confidence, knowing that in these holy Scriptures we read the truth. Our heavenly Father faithfully provides the Holy Spirit and his church to help understand and interpret his Word. We hold in our hands the most precious book, a sure guide to our heavenly home.

Key Verse

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

The Word of God always has a message, and we do well to take heed. In the first chapter of the book of Revelation, the apostle John bears “record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw” (Rev. 1:2). In the last chapter, John is shown “a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb” (Rev. 22:1). John is shown eternal things, recorded for the furtherance of our faith.

This lesson contains a sober reminder concerning the Word of God. Intertwined in the last verses of the final book of the Bible, we clearly see a gospel message. The Bible’s message is not to be sealed but must remain open for the work to which it has been given. Today is the day of salvation and grace. We are reminded that it will not always be so, for Jesus Christ will come back, and it will happen suddenly. Time and opportunity will be forever gone, but until the clouds roll back and the Son of Man appears, the invitation of salvation and grace rings out to all mankind! The Word of God has been given for the purpose of man’s redemption through Jesus Christ.

In addition, we are reminded of the importance of the whole Word being attended to. We must not take away from the commandments of Jesus. What He has said is final, and because we love Him, we obey Him. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3).

The Lord wants us to be settled on the finality and completeness of his Word. Jesus Christ is the beginning and the end, the first and the last. He embodies the Word of God. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

As the bride of Christ, we are called to extend the invitation of Jesus with our lives and actions. The Spirit through the church says, “Come, drink the water of life freely; anyone who is thirsty, come!” This call is the ultimate message of the Word of God.

As our spirits yearn for release from the curse of sin, we say with the apostle, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Our final reward will be a safe shelter under the tree of life. May we continue to walk in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ until our faith turns to sight.

Practical Truths for Today

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Ps. 119:105). The Bible is the unerring road map on the highway of life. The old and the young find inspiration, light, and freedom in its pages.

Young children are blessed as Christian parents read them the timeless Bible stories. Family worship and quiet time on Mother’s knee are special times of planting truth in the tender heart. As parents love God and his Word, this is caught; in this way, godly respect is nurtured, and many blessings follow. In these formative years, an understanding of who God is begins to take shape.

Many years ago, the Lord came to the child Samuel, who at first did not understand what was happening. “Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed unto him” (1 Sam. 3:7). After a time, Eli realized that the Lord was speaking and guided the young lad in a simple way.

Today God is gracious, and his call is still heard. It could be through the preaching of the Word or any time of the day or night. It could be in an everyday occurrence, but this we know, that God is faithful. His Word will not return unto Him void.

As the call is answered and repentance takes place, there is a work of regeneration. The peace of God enters the heart. The Word then becomes part of the Lord’s sustaining power. Great are the spiritual blessings that come as young people spend time with the Lord and his Word.

Young Christians of today, commit as many verses as you can to memory. Take time to study the doctrines of the Scriptures, following the instruction of the apostle Paul to Timothy: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). This exercise has a keeping power even as the psalmist wrote, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Ps. 119:11).

Our achievements or failures are the direct result of our thinking. Good thoughts will never produce bad results, and bad thoughts can never produce good results. We are responsible for the seeds we sow in the garden furrows of our mind. God’s Word is the power in positive thinking. If we think positive thoughts, we will nurture a realistic outlook on life. Plant the Word in the memory, and it will grow, showing up in our lives, thoughts, feelings, speech, and achievements.

Many people may have memorized Psalm 23, but how many have sat down and meditated on it? When this meditation becomes part of the outlook of your life, you see new insights and patterns. It becomes part of your speaking, conversation, and manner.

A man and his wife went on a moonlit plane ride that crashed. The man woke up in the hospital. As he gradually awoke, thoughts came to him: “God hath saved us,” “For God so loved the world,” and more. He wondered, “Where do these thoughts come from, as I have never read the Bible?” Then he remembered that in his childhood he had attended a Sunday school conducted by an old grandmother. There had been an emphasis on Bible study and memorization though he never memorized any verses. Both this man and his wife then committed their lives to Christ. Such early influences brought these results.

As a Christian’s experience deepens, the follower of Christ grows in his dependency upon God and his Word. More and more, he will turn to it in the changing scenes of life. “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” (1 Pet. 5:10).

There are seasons when more responsibility becomes a part of life. May we be true and faithful. Jesus commissioned us clearly, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matt. 28:19-20). “Into our hands the Gospel is given, Into our hands is given the light, Haste, let us carry God’s precious message.”1

On the pathway of life, we are richly blessed in that we do not have to walk alone. God smiles upon openhearted sharing among Christians, and in this way, the light of his Word shines upon the dark situations that baffle earth-dimmed minds. The Holy Spirit gives spiritual discernment in these times.

Not always does God grant long life, but He has promised to be with us until the end. Many times in the sunset years, great comfort can be taken from the well-worn pages of the Bible, and the promise of the eternal reward of the faithful becomes a meaningful, sustaining hope. May we seek for that close walk with God, where his Word can work in and through us.

“Cling to the Bible, tho’ all else be taken; Lose not its promises precious and sure. . . . Lamp for the feet that in by-ways have wandered; Guide for the youth that would otherwise fall; Hope for the sinner whose best days are squandered; Staff for the aged, and best book of all.”2

Illustration

The book of Acts tells us about a man from Ethiopia who had been in Jerusalem to worship. The Spirit told Philip to go join himself to this man’s chariot. Philip found him reading in the book of Isaiah. After being asked if he understood what he was reading, he replied, “How can I, except some man should guide me?” (Acts 8:31). Philip began to preach Jesus to him, and the truth was born in his heart. Coming to some water nearby, he was baptized upon the confession his faith. Philip was soon caught away by the Spirit. The eunuch went on his way rejoicing because he had a new message to take back to his homeland. He had been enlightened by the Word and by a faithful Christian who was keen to the Holy Spirit.

Questions

1. What are practical, effective ways to read the Bible?
2. Are we as ready to share the Word as we should be?
3. What builds enthusiasm for reading the Bible?
4. Discuss the benefits of family worship.
5. Many Christians in times past memorized large portions of Scripture. Should we do more?
6. How are we tempted to add to or subtract from the Word today?
7. 1 Ruth Johnson Carruth, “Into Our Hands,” Christian Hymnal
8. 2 M. J. Smith, “Cling to the Bible,” Christian Hymnal
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).