The Life-Giving Word
by Christopher Hendrix
Scanning the pages of a news site reveals several truths. Based on the articles available, you know where the news outlet stands on issues such as abortion, homosexuality, economics, immigration, globalism, and climate change. What may not be as evident is their source of authority. Sure, you’ll see experts quoted, statistics cited, and consultants consulted. But, underneath all the facts (or so-called facts) lies a more profound authority. For some, this authority is Darwinism, which believes humanity evolved through the natural selection process that increases the ability to survive and reproduce. This results in human autonomy and an utter denial of God as Creator. The fabric of society tears, and things like homosexuality and transgenderism appear. For others, this authority is Statism, which places the government as the highest authority. This results in absolute power to the government and an absolute denial of God as King. High taxes, unjust actions, overbearing laws, and limited freedom appear. Still, differing philosophical beliefs rule for others, leading to a denial of God as God. Wickedness, evil, and corruption run wild when God is ignored. Death reigns, and life ceases when God is not the authority.
Watch Pastor Chris Hendrix’s sermon on James 1:19-27
For the Christian, our authority is God. God is Creator, King, and God because he has revealed this to us through His Word. The Word is our source of life and truth. God’s very voice appears on the pages of what we call the Bible. The Word teaches us, leads us, directs us, admonishes us, and comforts us. Therefore, James calls us in 1:19–27 to submit to the Word, sanctified by the Word, look to its sufficiency, and serve from the Word. The Christian life depends entirely upon the Word of God. It nourishes our soul and strengthens our body. It revives the weak and restores the broken. It builds from the ashes and repairs the torn. The Word is life.
Yet, culture and the world attempt to capture our allegiance. Peter struggled with this in his life. When Christ spoke that he was going to Jerusalem for the crucifixion, Peter replied with a contradictory statement by saying, “No, Lord.” Jesus can’t be Lord of your life if you tell him no. Jesus rebuked him for this. When Christ spoke about his death and resurrection, Peter replied with a boastful statement that he would never fall away. Jesus rebuked Peter and told him that he would deny him three times. When Jesus was carried off in the night to the kangaroo court, Peter seemingly held true to his Word. He went into the valley of the shadow of death. But Peter feared evil. Once there, stuck in the moment, he denied the Lord three times. Yet, the Word of Christ came to Peter after the resurrection. With a graceful word, the Lord restored Peter as an apostle in John 22:17. Jesus asked him three times if he loved Him. This correlated to one question for each denial. Peter received the healing words of Christ. The authoritative Word came to Peter and gave him life.
So, too, when the believer sins, the Word restores us. The Scriptures give us life. It brings us to repentance by revealing our hearts and reviving our souls. It provides us with the ability to kill our sins. It strengthens us to deny ourselves. It brings us joy that comes from Jesus Christ. It is the Christian’s source of authority. The Word is life-giving.