Why do many Christians not read God’s word? Most of them are ignorant of the power source that they are neglecting. Reading God’s word does not just make the Believer biblically literate; it introduces the very power of God into the life of the Christian. Most Christians limit God by their lack of faith; and they have learned to reject the supernatural power of God.
The extreme and unbiblical teachings of some “Word of Faith” teachers have caused many sincere Bible believing Christians to neglect the power that God has made available to them. Believers sometimes run from any teaching that even remotely appears to have come from the Word of Faith movement. This can be a big mistake because we serve a supernatural God that has divinely empowered his children. We understand that God is not a genie, but we need to learn about the power of God through sound biblical teaching. The knowledge of the word of God is key to supernatural power.
Christians must read, study, and meditate on God’s word. This is not optional. God told Joshua to meditate on his word, the law, night and day. The Lord assured him that doing this would make his way prosperous. Psalm 1 tells us of the benefits of meditating on God’s word; this brings stability and fruitfulness. Jesus gave us the example of how to fight Satan using God’s word. The truth and authority of scripture defeated the enemy’s attacks. But there is another dimension to God’s word and how it applies to the Believer.
God has given us his word not only for instruction, but scripture is also given to Believers to empower us. God’s word can deliver from demonic oppression, heal the sick, bring financial abundance, empower saints for service, and override the laws of nature. Scripture presents God’s word as the power that both created and sustains the universe.
“He is the exact living image [the essential manifestation] of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible], the firstborn [the preeminent one, the sovereign, and the originator] of all creation. For by Him all things were created in heaven and on earth, [things] visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [that is, by His activity] and for Him. And He Himself existed and is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. [His is the controlling, cohesive force of the universe.]” (Colossians 1:15-17, AMP).
Most Christians are not aware of the supernatural power that is at work within them. Reading and meditating on God’s word is not simply a mental exercise. When the Holy Spirit energizes the word of God within us, we are exposed to the same creative power that started existence itself. “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (Hebrews 11:3).
The Triune God created everything. From the very beginning of the Bible, we can see the creative power of God in action. Genesis 1:1-3 gives us a glimpse into the creation of the heavens and the earth. We see how the Spirit of God and the Word of God worked together to bring about our world. Of course, we are not getting a clear or complete picture, but we are shown enough to understand that when the Spirit of God and the Word of God worked together, the result was a creative event that birthed our universe.
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was without shape and empty, and darkness was over the surface of the watery deep, but the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the water. God said, “Let there be light. And there was light!” (Genesis 1:1-3, NET).
When we meditate on God’s word, his creative power is at work within us. “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7, ESV). The Holy Spirit within us energizes God’s word and it becomes a powerful living force. Christians must never underestimate the power of God’s word. And reading the Bible must become a daily priority.
“For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12, WEB).
Grace and Faith Ministries 