What other scriptures highlight the transformative power of God's word? A Fiery Word for a Hardened People (Jeremiah 5:14) “Therefore this is what the LORD God of Hosts says: ‘Because you speak this word, I will make My words a fire in your mouth and this people the wood it consumes.’” The Lord pictures His own message as a flame that ignites hearts and judges sin. Scripture never stays neutral; it burns away falsehood and sets believers ablaze with truth. Word-Pictures of Power throughout Scripture Each passage below highlights a different facet of the same transforming Word. • Fire that Refines – Jeremiah 23:29 — “Is not My word like fire, declares the LORD, and like a hammer that smashes a rock?” – Luke 24:32 — “Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” • Hammer that Shatters Resistance – Jeremiah 23:29 (second image) — the Word crushes stubborn strongholds. • Sword that Cuts to the Core – Hebrews 4:12 — “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” • Seed that Gives New Birth – 1 Peter 1:23 — “You have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” – James 1:18 — “He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation.” • Rain and Snow that Never Fail – Isaiah 55:10-11 — “So My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.” • Water that Washes and Sanctifies – Ephesians 5:25-26 — “Christ loved the church… cleansing her by the washing with water through the word.” – John 15:3 — “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” • Lamp and Light for Every Step – Psalm 119:105 — “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 19:7 — “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.” • Power that Builds and Grants Inheritance – Acts 20:32 — “I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” • Gospel that Saves – Romans 1:16 — “The gospel… is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:17 — “So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” • Living Truth that Sanctifies Daily – John 17:17 — “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” – James 1:21 — “Humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:13 — “The word of God… is now at work in you who believe.” What God’s Word Produces in Believers Today • New life and sure salvation • Ongoing cleansing from sin’s residue • Wisdom for choices and direction for paths • Inner strength to endure trials • Growing holiness and Christ-likeness • Overflowing praise and grateful worship • Unshakeable confidence in God’s promises As Jeremiah’s fiery proclamation shows, the Bible is not merely information; it is God’s own breath, still igniting hearts, breaking chains, and building saints today. |
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