Feeding Faith!

The Power of God's Word to Transform Lives

In our fast-paced modern world, where information bombards us from every direction, it's easy to overlook the most vital nourishment our souls require—God's Word. When we teach Scripture, we're not merely transmitting religious knowledge; we're participating in the divine work of feeding people's faith and strengthening their spiritual foundations.

Faith Grows Through Hearing God's Word

The apostle Paul understood this principle profoundly when he wrote to the Romans: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17, KJV). This verse reveals a fundamental spiritual truth: faith doesn't spontaneously generate within us. Rather, it grows and strengthens as we encounter God's living Word. Just as our physical bodies require regular meals to maintain strength and vitality, our spiritual lives depend upon consistent nourishment from Scripture.

Spiritual Nourishment Above Physical Needs

When Jesus faced temptation in the wilderness after forty days of fasting, He demonstrated the priority of spiritual sustenance over physical needs. Satan tempted Him to turn stones into bread, but Jesus responded with a profound truth: "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4, KJV). Even in His moment of extreme physical hunger, our Saviour emphasised that spiritual nourishment supersedes physical sustenance. This principle remains as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago.

Consuming God's Word Brings Joy

The prophet Jeremiah beautifully captured the joy of consuming God's Word when he declared: "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts" (Jeremiah 15:16, KJV). Notice the vivid imagery Jeremiah employs—he didn't merely read or study God's words; he consumed them, making them an integral part of his being. This metaphor of eating Scripture suggests a deep, personal engagement that transforms us from within.

Scripture Hidden in the Heart

When we truly ingest God's Word, allowing it to penetrate our hearts and minds, it becomes woven into the fabric of our character. The Psalmist understood this transformative power: "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee" (Psalm 119:11, KJV). Scripture hidden in our hearts becomes our defence against temptation, our guide in confusion, and our comfort in distress. It shapes our thoughts, redirects our desires, and ultimately transforms our actions.

The Weighty Responsibility of Teaching

However, those of us who teach God's Word carry a weighty responsibility. James issued a sobering warning: "My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation" (James 3:1, KJV). The term "masters" here refers to teachers. This verse reminds us that teaching Scripture isn't a casual endeavour—it's a sacred trust that requires careful preparation, faithful interpretation, and humble reliance upon the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

Paul's instruction to Timothy underscores this responsibility: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV). Teaching God's Word demands diligent study and accurate handling of Scripture. We must ensure we're serving spiritual nourishment that builds up believers rather than leading them astray with misinterpretation or false doctrine.

Shepherds Must Feed Their Flocks

Consider the imagery of a shepherd feeding his flock. Jesus asked Peter three times, "Lovest thou me?" and three times commanded him to "Feed my sheep" and "Feed my lambs" (John 21:15-17, KJV). This repetition emphasises the crucial role of providing spiritual nourishment to God's people. Shepherds who neglect to feed their flocks face severe consequences, as Ezekiel warned the unfaithful shepherds of Israel: "Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?" (Ezekiel 34:2, KJV).

Creating Communities Where God's Word Dwells Richly

Paul encouraged the Colossian believers: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" (Colossians 3:16, KJV). When we create communities where God's Word dwells richly, we establish environments where faith flourishes and mutual encouragement abounds. We become instruments through which the Holy Spirit strengthens and builds up the body of Christ.

Beware of Spiritual Junk Food

Unfortunately, we live in an age saturated with spiritual junk food—teachings that sound appealing but lack biblical substance. Paul prophesied about such times: "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables" (2 Timothy 4:3-4, KJV). Against this backdrop of compromised teaching, faithful exposition of Scripture becomes increasingly vital.

Offering Living Water to Thirsty Souls

When we faithfully proclaim God's Word, we offer living water to those thirsting in a spiritual desert. Jesus declared: "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water" (John 7:37-38, KJV). Scripture satisfies the deepest longings of the human heart in ways that worldly philosophies never can.

Desiring the Pure Milk of the Word

Peter exhorted believers: "As new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby" (1 Peter 2:2, KJV). The word "sincere" means pure and unadulterated—Scripture unmixed with human philosophy or cultural compromise. Just as parents carefully select nutritious food for their infants, we must ensure we're feeding believers pure biblical truth that promotes healthy spiritual growth.

Spiritual Nourishment Transforms Lives & Communities

The transformation that occurs when people are properly fed spiritually is remarkable. Throughout history, revivals have erupted when God's Word was faithfully taught and believed. Lives are radically changed, communities are transformed, and God's kingdom advances. This happened during the Protestant Reformation when Scripture was translated into common languages and taught to ordinary people. It happened during the Great Awakenings when powerful preaching of God's Word swept across nations.

The Living Power of God's Word

The writer of Hebrews reminds us: "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12, KJV). God's Word possesses inherent power to penetrate human hearts, expose hidden sin, and bring about genuine transformation. When we teach Scripture, we're not relying on our eloquence or wisdom but on the supernatural power of God's living Word.

Participating in God's Work of Spiritual Nourishment

Whether you're a pastor delivering sermons, a Sunday school teacher instructing children, a small group leader facilitating discussions, or simply a believer sharing Scripture with friends—know this: you're participating in God's work of spiritual nourishment. You're feeding faith and strengthening souls for the battles they face.

The Great Commission Includes Teaching

Jesus instructed His disciples: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20, KJV). The Great Commission includes teaching as a central component. We're called not only to evangelise but also to instruct believers in the whole counsel of God's Word.

Feed Your Own Faith First

As you engage with Scripture personally and share it with others, remember that you're providing the most essential nourishment available. Feed your own faith first through consistent Bible reading, meditation, and prayer. Then, from that place of being spiritually nourished yourself, feed others. Share the Word. Teach the Word. Proclaim the Word with boldness and clarity.

Watch Faith Grow & Lives Transform

Watch what happens as you faithfully teach God's Word. Faith grows stronger. Doubts diminish. Lives are transformed by the renewing power of divine truth. Believers develop spiritual maturity and resilience. Communities of faith become vibrant centres of God's transforming presence.

A Sacred Privilege & Responsibility

Teaching God's Word isn't merely an intellectual exercise or religious duty—it's a sacred privilege and responsibility. We're feeding souls with the bread of life, nourishing faith that will sustain believers through trials, temptations, and tribulations. As Isaiah proclaimed: "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it" (Isaiah 55:11, KJV).

Faithful Stewards of God's Word

May we be faithful stewards of God's Word, committed to feeding faith and starving doubt through consistent, accurate, and passionate teaching of Scripture. May we see souls flourish under the nourishing power of God's eternal truth, bringing glory to His name and advancing His kingdom on earth…

Key Takeaways:

• Faith grows through God's Word: Romans 10:17 KJV teaches us that "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" – our faith is nourished and strengthened through consistent engagement with Scripture.
• Spiritual nourishment is essential: Just as our bodies need physical food, Jesus reminds us in Matthew 4:4 KJV that we "shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."
• Teachers bear great responsibility: James 3:1 KJV warns that teachers "shall receive the greater condemnation" – handling God's Word requires diligent study, accurate interpretation, and humble reliance on the Holy Spirit.
• Scripture must dwell richly within us: Colossians 3:16 KJV encourages us to "let the word of Christ dwell in you richly" – we must internalise Scripture, allowing it to transform our hearts and minds.
• God's Word is living and powerful: Hebrews 4:12 KJV declares Scripture is "quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword" – it possesses supernatural power to penetrate hearts and bring transformation.
• Feed others from your own nourishment: We must first be spiritually nourished ourselves through consistent Bible reading, meditation, and prayer before we can effectively feed others.
• Beware of spiritual junk food: 2 Timothy 4:3-4 KJV warns of times when people "will not endure sound doctrine" – we must offer pure, unadulterated biblical truth rather than compromised teaching.
• Teaching Scripture advances God's kingdom: The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20 KJV) includes teaching as central – faithful instruction in God's Word transforms lives, strengthens communities, and advances His kingdom on earth.