Lesson # 89—The Word of God is Effectual

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Shorter Catechism Q & A #89

Q. How is the word made effectual to salvation?

A. The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching of the word, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort, through faith, unto salvation.

Memorize Q&A—Exposition

God teaches that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Tim. 3:16, 2 Pet. 1:21); therefore the Holy Spirit best teaches its doctrines or truths, and because “The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed and obeyed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man, or Church; but wholly upon God (who is truth itself) the author thereof: and therefore it is to be received because it is the Word of God” (WCF I. 4).

What does it mean?

Discuss the Word of God as being effectual in the life of the believer:

1. Psalm 19:7—How is the Law of God made effectual in our lives?
2. Psalm 119:130—How is the Word of God Made effectual to the ‘simple’ (easily influenced)?
3. Heb. 4:12—Why is the Word of God called a two-edge sword?
4. 1 Thess. 1:6—What does the Word of God mean to those who follow the Lord?
5. Rom. 1:16—Why is the Word of God seen as effectual to the believer?
6. Rom. 16:25—Why is the Word of God called a mystery?
7. Acts 20:32—How is the Word of God made effectual?

What is our practice?

We come to worship and study with a heart’s desire to hear the Word of God, by which the Spirit will nourish our souls and move us to practice its truths. Teaching and ruling elders must see that the Word is faithfully preached, and showing by example truth faith and action.

Discuss: How is saving grace and the command to disciple others taught in Q & A #89?

Quotes for thought and discussion:

Matthew Henry writes in his commentary of the Confession: “Is the reading and hearing of the word needful to those who are regenerate? Yes: for they are nourished up in the words of faith, and of good doctrine, 1 Tim. 4:6. Is it a means of building them up in holiness? Yes: it is for the perfecting of the saints, Eph. 4:12. Will it furnish them for all good? Yes: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished to all good works, 2 Tim. 3:17. Will it fortify them against all evil? Yes: for the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God, Eph. 6:17. Is it a means of building them up in comfort? Yes: That we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope, Rom. 15:4.”

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