Covenant Love Discipleship

Lesson 2 - THE WORD OF GOD by Jeff Tyler

For purposes of this second lesson, please meditate this week on Psalm 119 in the Old Testament AND the Gospel of John 1 in the New Testament. These two chapters have much to say about the Word of God.

As you learned in our first lesson, there are four basic spiritual minerals and vitamins that we need to take as often as we can to grow and to be stable in the Lord. They are God’s Word, prayer, fellowship, and taking action for servitude and good works. This first important ingredient is the Word of God.

We throw around the phrase “the Word of God” loosely. But it actually breaks down into two categories. There is the “written word of God”, which we are discussing here right now. There is also the “prophetic word of God” which we will discuss later. By written Word of God, we are talking about the Holy Bible. These are holy instructions, examples, commandments, and offerings from God to men as recorded between Genesis and Revelation in the Bible. This is your instruction manual, so you will succeed and not fail.

The original texts of the Bible were in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. They were eventually translated into our modern languages. Those original texts are extremely holy as they are the direct and perfect words of God, Jesus, and holy men of old from throughout the ages. There are a number of errors in the translations as no translation can be perfect. That is why it is so important to learn how to study the Bible and get the whole picture, and not just take one verse taken out of context. Study 2 Peter 1:19-21. The written word of God is God-breathed and inspired of the Holy Spirit. The actual 66 books that make up the Bible should always be held in higher esteem than church history, prophetic words, or apocryphal writings. While these others are good and have value to one degree or another, they cannot ever replace God’s inspired written word in your life.

It is so important not just to read the Word - but also to meditate upon it and even to memorize it. The Word is alive, and it must get down inside us. It is filled with Godly counsel on how to conduct our lives. It is filled with Promises and conditions and covenants that cannot be broken. It will be your anchor on your worst days and your joy on your best days. Hebrews 4:12 According to John 1 it is the very character and makeup of Jesus, Himself.

Jesus said that heaven and earth will pass away before even a period or a comma from the Word would be altered or changed. Matthew 5:18 That’s how important it is. It is permanent, powerful, and eternally forever!

The Word will cleanse you and change you into the Lord’s image. Ephesians 5:26

We recommend to new believers or young believers to begin reading in the Gospels of the New Testament and read it all the way thru to the end. This is Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They will reveal Jesus and His teachings and mission. Then read the entire New Testament. I recommend really good passages in Romans Chapter 8 to commit to memory. It’s one very powerful chapter.

There are some technical things you should know. The Bible is actually one book, but translators break it down into two parts…. the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament is broken down into 39 separate books, while the New Testament has 27, including the four Gospel accounts of Jesus Christ and the Apostolic Letters and the Revelation of Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, the first five Books are called the Law, or the Torah.

We encourage you to make God’s written Word an everyday part of your life. It will stabilize you, encourage you, and anchor you. It is the only book ever written that is actually alive. No matter how many times you read, Holy Spirit will always show you something new.

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