LIVING BY EVERY WORD OF GOD

"It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." (Luke 4:4)

The Bible is the mind of the Lord in writing, addressed to those with abilities to discern. Thus the word "Scriptures," or writings, (1 Cor 15:3) is used. The source of its power is seen in the words "Sword of the Spirit" (Eph 6:17), while expression is emphasized in the terms  Word" (James 1:21) and "the Word of God" (Heb 4:12). The embodiment of Scripture is found in the Person of Christ, and thus "The Word of Christ" (Col 3:16) is used. Because spiritual life and response to God comes through this means, it is "The Word of Life" (Phil 2:16). Ultimate reality is declared in God's Word, so it is appropriately called "The Word of Truth" (2 Tim 2:15). There is no other writing so characterized! Here is the ultimate of communication and expression, the most thorough representation, and the most practical of all writings. There is no member of the human race that can do without it or fail to profit by believing its message.
When Jesus confronted the "old serpent," He responded to his tempting suggestions by quoting the Scriptures. He did not mechanically quote them, but affirmed them from his heart. Our text was Christ's response to Satan's first temptation. Jesus had not eaten for forty days and forty nights, and Satan tempted him saying, "If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread" (Lk 4:3). There is no question that Jesus could have done this, but he would not, for it was not the right time, and the wrong person had challenged him to do so. That was not the time to eat! He lived out what Job affirmed, "I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food" (Job 23:12).
Spiritual life cannot be sustained without the Word of God. The further we are from His Word, the more lifeless and insensitive we become. It is impossible to avoid a loss of spiritual life if the Word of God is not put into our hearts and minds. God has decreed it, and there is no way to avoid it. Man lives "by every word of God." The Word is the means God uses to speak to us. It is the means through which He strengthens and comforts us. It is what He uses to direct us. He uses the Word to repel the suggestions of the devil. If you are tempted to neglect the Word, force yourself to be exposed to it. Read it. Hear it. Get it into your mind. If Satan suggests some other activity, like turning stones into bread, refuse to hear him. His words cannot bring or sustain life. However, God's Word can and will keep you alive.