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The Bread of Life

John 6:35 says “Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me

will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” In Luke 4:4,

Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3 when he said “Man does not live on bread alone”.

The verse in Deuteronomy 8:3 reads “He humbled you, causing you to hunger and

then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to

teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes

from the mouth of the LORD.”

The Word of God is the Bread of Life. As the physical body needs food to keep it

alive, so the spiritual body needs the Word to remain alive. It has history but is not a

mere historical book; it is life itself.

The Word of God is a fundamental engagement for every Christian. It so key that

Dwight L. Moody said “This Bible will keep you away from sin , or sin will keep you

away from the Bible”

Illustration: Random Verse Selection and the erroneous quotation

A man was looking for some guidance from God so he asked God to make his Bible

open at the page He wanted him to read. So the man opened his bible randomly and

the first verse that his eyes met was 2 Corinthians 13:12, "Greet one another with a

holy kiss." A little discouraged he tried again and this time he found himself at 1

Corinthians 14:39 "Do not forbid the use of tongues."

He tried again the next day, and the first verse he found was Matthew 27:5, "he went

and hanged himself." The next verse was Luke 10:37 "... go and do

likewise!"(www.bible-researcher.com)

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What about this bride who requested the person baking her wedding cake to

inscribe on it 1 John 4:18 but instead wrote on it John 4:18.

Requested verse - 1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out

fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect

in love.

Quoted Verse – John 4:18 “The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man

you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”

Overview of the Bible

The Bible was written by the Holy Spirit through 40 men over a period of about

1600 years dating from 1500 BC to about 100 years after Christ. The oldest book is

Job written about 1500 B.C. while Revelation is youngest written about 95 A.D. by

Apostle John. In total the Bible is a “library” of 66 books.

The 66 books of the Bible is divided into 1,189 chapters consisting of 31,173 verses.

The Old Testament has 929 chapters, the New Testament 260. (King James version)

The King James Old Testament consist of 592,439 words consisting of 2,728,100

letters and the New Testament 181,253 words consisting of 838,380 letter (total

3,566,480 letters). http://christian-talk.forumotion.com

Broadly, it is divided into Old Testament (OT) and New Testament (NT) each

containing 37 and 29 books respectively. Books in the OT are:

1. Pentateuch (Books of the Law) - 5 books. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers,

Deuteronomy

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2. Historical Books - 12 books. Joshua, Judges, Ruth, First Samuel, Second Samuel,

First Kings, Second Kings, First Chronicles, Second Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah,

Esther.

3. Poetic books- 5 books. Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon

4. Prophetic books- 17 books. Major Prophets - Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations,

Ezekiel, Daniel. Minor Prophets - Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah,

Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi.

Source: http://carm.org/old-testament-books

Books in the NT:

1. Gospels – 4 books. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts

2. Pauline Epistles – 13 books. Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians,

Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy,

2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon

3. General Epistles – 8 books. Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3

John, Jude,

4. Eschatology (End times) – 1 book. Revelation

Source: http://carm.org/new-testament-books

The Word of God is timely and timeless. It has many read by billions and shall be

read by billions more. Our hope lies between Genesis and Revelation. Some think

that it is a historical book that does not address the issues of 21st Century. I dare you

to show me one issue the Bible fails to address—family, career, finances,

relationships, sex, church and many more are addressed in the Word.

What then is the purpose of God’s Word?

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Purpose of the Word

2 Timothy 3:16, 17 lays down what I consider the purpose of the Word. It says “All

Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and

training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for

every good work.”

Teaching –The Word of God teaches you the truth of God’s Word. Every part of

this Bible is meant to teach you to be a better child of God.

To be taught, you should be ready to learn, have a teachable spirit, and be a

listener. The Word will mean nothing to you if you are not ready to learn.

Furthermore, if your learning resources is what others have written and

thoughts of men, then you are missing the point. God does not call you to

substitute His Word with words and so called “inspirational books”. The only

inspired Book is the Bible.

Yes, you can read what others have written but make a habit of reading the “raw”

Word. Let the Holy Spirit teach you.

Rebuking – This refers to strongly urging someone to stop doing the wrong

thing. It shows displeasure with what someone has done. It indicates that such a

person has violated an expected behavior i.e. God’s Word.

Many people do not like to be rebuked. They would rather have people around

them who sing their praises but never point out areas where change is needed. In

Proverbs 27:5, the Bible says “Better is open rebuke than hidden love.”

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The Word openly rebukes those who have strayed from its path. It does not

condone sin and lays it clearly that those who turn away from God will end up in

hell.

Some people struggle with the Word because they know it rebukes some things

they would like to do. To them, it is a painful reminder that there is holiness and

way of life expected of Christians. It pricks their conscience and they would

rather ignore the Word instead of facing the rebuke.

The truth is that for you to live a victorious life, you must allow the Word to

rebuke you. Develop an attitude that takes the Word seriously.

When you seek counsel from a minister of the Word, be ready for Scriptures that

will not excite you. We have a problem when many Christians do not want to

hear the Word as it. They love mercy but don’t appreciate holiness. They want

grace without righteousness.

Correcting – Corrections are done once mistakes have happened. The aim of

correction is to highlight the mistake and then direct towards preferred actions

and behavior.

It also refers correction of character so that Christ Jesus is formed fully in your

heart. False beliefs and doctrines are also corrected using God’s Word.

Proverbs 15:32 says, “He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever

heeds correction gains understanding.” To be a fruitful Christian, you must

readily accept correction. Once the Word of the Lord brings out an area of

correction, it is better to heed to it.

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Do you readily accept correction?

Training – This refers to continuous learning that results in excellence. The

Bible is useful for training in all areas of life.

Training is a lifelong event and not limited to some hours of reading or listening

to a preacher. It means that every day of your life, you are in a classroom where

the Word is sharpening you.

Investment of time is key in this matter. Many people invest numerous hours in

their career training but little time to the Word. No wonder many can quote

books and movies and soaps but few know what the Bible says about certain

issues in their lives.

Training is always happening. The world and the devil too have a syllabus to

cover. You alone decide which curriculum shall govern your life. You take your

life so seriously that you are always undergoing some training somewhere—

MBA, self-help books, diplomas and professional certificates. These definitely

make you better in your career. Can you put the same effort in God’s Word?

George Washington: "It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God

and the Bible." It is impossible to run your life, your home, and your career

without the Word. Train yourself in the Word and you will have God Himself

guiding your life.

Every gadget in this world comes with a manual written in a language that you

can understand. The Word is your manual for life.

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To live without it is equivalent to driving a car that has no lights and brakes

downhill on a dark night. The end is disaster.

End product “..in righteousness” – The goal of teaching, rebuking, correcting

and training is righteousness. The goal is to have a right standing with God.

Fundamental Truths of God’s Word

1. Inerrancy (no errors) – John 17:17 - Sanctify them by the truth; your word is

truth.

Psalm 12:6 - And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a

furnace of clay, purified seven times.

Prov. 30:5, 6 - Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take

refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a

liar.

2. Inspired (God-breathed) – 2 Timothy, 3:16, 17 All Scripture is God-breathed

and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so

that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

2 Peter 1:20, 21 - Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture

came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had

its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried

along by the Holy Spirit.

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3. Infallible (foolproof) – Rev. 19:9 - Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are

those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he added,

“These are the true words of God.”

Num. 23:19 - God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he

should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and

not fulfill?

4. Self-interpretation (Scripture interprets Scripture)- 2 Tim. 3:16 “All Scripture

is God-breathed…”

5. Eternal – John 1:1, 2 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with

God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.

Psalms 119:89 - Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.

Matt. 24:35 - Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass

away.

Place of the Word today

Relevant for every area of life: Psalm 19:1-9 - The heavens declare the glory of

God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth

speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language

where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words

to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, which is

like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to

run his course.

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It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is

hidden from its heat. The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The

statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of

the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are

radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.

The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous

It is active (not passive): Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is living and

active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul

and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Keep it in your heart for a great life: Psalm 119:9-16: How can a young man

keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my

heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my

heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your

decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice

in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your

precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect

your word.

It frees you: John 8:32 - Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you

free.

Abuse of the Word

The Word of God has been subject to abuse by men and women who either are

called to minister are self-appointed gospel peddler. They misrepresent, misquote

and misinterpret. Think about the following portions:

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“When Uzziah died, Isaiah saw the Lord. You must kill the Uzziah in your life

for you to see God.”

“Don’t touch the anointed of God. Live the man of God alone.”

“Zacchaeus was too short and that is why he climbed a tree. Sin makes you

short so that you cannot see God.”

Claim all the promises you can (promises pegged to obedience to God)

“Zacchaeus came down from the tree to see Jesus. Climb down your tree.”

“God takes care of those who take care of themselves.”

“Money is the root of evil” (love of money is the root of evil)

“Women must submit to men” (wives submit to your husbands)

Gay community–“ I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear

to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women”

(2 Samuel 1:26).

Rastafarians – “Smoke rose from his nostrils; consuming fire came from his

mouth, burning coals blazed out of it” (Psalms 18:8).

Some don’t even need others to misquote for them, they do it themselves especially

when they want to justify a certain position. You cannot give meaning to Scripture. It

has its own meaning. People misquote, misrepresent, and misinterpret to:

Deceive,

Control, and

Manipulate

On abusing the Word, the Bible says:

Phil. 1:15-17 – “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but

others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the

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defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not

sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.”

1 Tim. 6:3-5 – “If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the

sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is

conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies

and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions

and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the

truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.”

Matt. 23:2, 3 – “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you

must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for

they do not practice what they preach.”

Why do we still run after men and women who misquote, misrepresent, and

misinterpret the Word?

Ignorance

Too lazy to read the Scriptures ourselves

Want to hear what we want

Love quick-fix solutions

Greed for material wealth

How can one know avoid becoming a prey to these men and women?

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Eating the Bread of Life

Yearning: 1 Peter 2:2 - Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that

by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord

is good

Job 23:12 - I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured

the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.

Listening: Rev. 1:3 - Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy,

and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it,

because the time is near.

Rom. 10:17 - Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the

message is heard through the word of Christ.

Reading: Acts 17:11 - Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the

Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and

examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

Studying: Ezra 7:10 - For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and

observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in

Israel.

2 Tim. 2:15 - Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a

workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the

word of truth.

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Memorizing: Psalm. 119:16 - I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your

word.

Matt. 4:4 - Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but

on every word that comes from the mouth of God.

Meditating: Deut. 11:18 - Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie

them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.

Joshua 1:8 - Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate

on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.

Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Applying: James 1:23-25 - Anyone who listens to the word but does not do

what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at

himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who

looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this,

not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he

does.

John 14:15 - If you love me, you will obey what I command.

Make time to engage with the Word. Get serious with the Word. The Bible is

effective to the extent that you engage and apply it in your life. A Bible is good

possession to own but let it possess you. A bag is a nice place to put your Bible but

hide it in your heart the more. Food is nothing until you eat it.

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The Word of God is just that until you “chew” on it and let it affect every area of your

life. It is the BREAD OF LIFE. Read it. Study it. Meditate on it. That is the only way for

you to remain spiritually alive!

Conclusion

“The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom

of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are

binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise,

believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to

support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the

pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here Paradise is

restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject,

our good the design and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the

heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of

wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be

opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest

responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with

its sacred contents.” Samuel R. Boggs

Prayer (Holding the Bible up or close to your chest)

“Almighty God, I believe this is your Word. I believe that you inspired it by the

power of the Holy Spirit. This is the bread of life. I accept it as the guide of my life.

Use it to teach, rebuke, correct, and train me in righteousness. By your Holy Spirit,

help me to understand your Word and to apply it faithfully in my life. May it never

depart from my heart. Amen.