VHG DISCUSSION: BACK TO BASICS – PART 3
GOD’S WORD IS THE LANGUAGE OF THE KINGDOM
Summary:
Every kingdom or country has a common language of which all its citizens are, or should be, conversant. The ability to live well and succeed in that country is tied to one’s understanding and ability to speak its language. In English-speaking countries such as Canada and the United States, ESL courses are offered to those seeking citizenship. In the kingdom of God, the common language is the word of God. It is important to emphasize that the Bible is not merely a collection of stories (yes, this is true); however, at a deeper level, Scripture is God providing us with the language that is spoken in His kingdom. This is why Jesus states, “…the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life,” [John 6:63]. Further, he states that the word of God is truth [John 17:17]. In one of the most profound verses of Scripture, we are told that God magnifies His word above all His name, [Ps. 138:2]. In seeking to have citizens conversant with His language, God has provided them with an open revelation called His word. When the word is used as our source of all life, as our seer throughout life, and as our speech in life, we grow in the language of the kingdom. No wonder the Psalmist prays, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in that sight,” [Ps. 19:14].
Discussion Questions:
- According to the Scriptures, the believer’s spiritual source is the word of God in comparison to bread, which can be a natural source. As such, believers are to be sustained by the words that proceed out of the mouth of God, [Matt. 4:4]. Discuss practical ways that a strong desire for God’s word can be cultivated and how this hunger can be sustained. How can we love God through His word?
- Scripture teaches that God’s word is to be a guiding light illuminating the believer’s path through life, [Ps. 119:105]. Used correctly, the word becomes a seer and an illuminator, especially in moments of darkness. Discuss practical ways that the word can be a light in life and how it can illuminate areas that are unclear to us.
Prayer: Father, let Your Word Be Found In Our Mouths And Upon Our Lips, in Jesus’ name.