We are physical beings; at least in this life. In this life, we need food, we need water, we need shelter from the elements, we need lots of things. But as spiritual beings, what we truly need more than anything is the word of God.
Look at Matthew 4:4
Matthew 4:4
4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”
The story we’re looking at in Matthew 4 is likely a familiar one to many people. Satan tempts Jesus, and in response, Jesus says “it is written.” Jesus refers Satan to God’s word and indicates that for man, the word of God is more important than bread. Not that bread isn’t important, but that man should live by the word of God.
So what is it that makes the word of God more sufficient than bread?
I. The word of God is TRUTH
John 17:17
17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
John 8:32
32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
The word of God is of the utmost importance to us simply because it is the truth! It tells us how we should live our lives and conduct ourselves, how to treat others, how to worship God properly, and how to achieve eternal salvation.
II. The word of God is POWERFUL
Jeremiah 23:29
29 “Is not My word like a fire?” says the Lord,
“And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?
Like a fire, or like a hammer that smashes a rock; the word of God has power over our lives and gives us the strength we need to achieve victory over Satan and reach Heaven!
III. The word of God makes us GOD’S PEOPLE
2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
The word of God gives everything we need to know! It gives us the tools we need to do God’s work on earth. It makes those of us who rely on it complete, and makes us God’s people; men of God.
IV. Most importantly, the word of God BRINGS SALVATION
Titus 2:11-12
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,
The word of God is the gospel; it’s the good news. It brings us the message of salvation and has been given to all the world. It is our guide and directs us on our path toward the ultimate goal!
Looking back to Matthew 4, if Jesus would have turned those stones to bread two things would have happened:
- He would have been rejecting the word of God
- He would have been accepting the word of Satan
Let us always strive to live by the example given in the scriptures; that we live “by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Having bread on the table may satisfy our stomachs for a little while, but the bread of life – God’s truth – satisfies our souls forever!
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