INTRODUCTION The Authority of God’s Word Over Our Lives, THE WORD OF GOD This text asserts the all-encompassing, absolutely authoritative Word of God as unchangingly secured in heaven noting: (1) The timelessness of God’s rule by His Word. Though times and seasons change, though social customs, human opinions, and philosophical viewpoints vary, they have no effect on the consistency or authority of God’s Word. (2) God is faithful in applying the power promised, and blessing of His Word, along with its requirements of justice and judgment. Just as He spoke and the Earth was created and is sustained, so He has spoken regarding His laws for living. The relativism of human thought does not affect His authority or standards. (3) While creation abides by His Word (responding as His “servants’’), man is often a study in contrast to this submission to the Creator’s authority. However, whatever our past rebellion, upon coming to Christ, a practical reinstatement of God’s Word as the governing principle for all our life is to take place. Not only does Jesus conclusively declares this (john 8:47), but Paul notes that to respond otherwise is to compromise the level of life to which we have been called (1 Corinthians 2:13-16). As “spiritual” people we are to refuse the “natural” inclinations of fallen men. As we hear and yield to the authority of God’s Word, we verify that we are no longer dominated by the world’s spirit or error (1 John 4:6).