God’s Word isn’t just alive. It’s also active, according to Hebrews 4:12. The Greek word for active, energes, literally means “in work” (en – in; ergon – work), from which we get the English word energy. God works through His Word powerfully and effectually.
How the Word of God is Active
God’s Word is a lamp to our feet (Ps. 119:105) and a deterrent from sinning when hidden in our hearts (Ps. 119:11). It cleanses and heals us (Eph. 5:26), restores our souls (Ps. 19:7), strengthens us (Ps. 119:28), sanctifies (makes holy) us (Jn. 17:17), and makes us wise (Ps. 19:7). Scripture also thoroughly equips us for every good deed as it teaches, rebukes, corrects, and trains us in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
Because Scripture is alive, it’s always available as a source of help, working both in and through us, changing our lives from the inside out.
Teach the Bible Like the Powerfully Active Book It Is
Teaching a Bible class must always be about pointing people to what God says, not what we think or what people want to hear. He promises to use His Word to accomplish His purposes (Isa. 55:11), not our opinions. When we see God’s Word at work in students’ live, we have great cause for rejoicing.
And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. (1 Thess. 2:13)
As Bible teachers, we must ask if we are truly communicating the power of God’s Word to students or simply imparting information. We portray God’s Word as active when we …
- take time to pray God uses His Word in powerful ways.
- emphasize its power to change lives.
- illustrate its effectualness in people’s lives.
- help students work through the implication and application of what they’re learning.
- follow-up in subsequent lessons or personal contacts with testimonies of how God used the passage previously studied in their lives.
Expect something to happen. God’s Word is alive and active!