May 21, 2017
Scripture is the standard (canon, 'rule') not only for believers in this life, but how everyone will be judged in the next (Matt. 12:36, 37; John 12:48-50). The word of God must be taught accurately, and understood correctly so it can be applied properly (Neh. 8:8; 1 Tim. 4:16). The church should be a people who love, learn, and live God's word! Words are a powerful extension of a person, and the word of Jesus is so spiritually sharp (Gr. tomōteros, 'cut by single stroke') it can discern motives, leaving the heart naked and exposed (Gr. tetrachēlismenos, 'to expose the neck for killing') to God's eyes (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). Exposure to God's word prevents truth decay!