Who Is the Word?
Introduction:
In the first five verses of John’s account of the
gospel, we have a description of who the Word is – His
preexistence, His nature, and His creative power.
Body:
I.
The Word Was God
(Verses 1-2)
·
When the beginning began, the Word was already there.
Whenever this happened, the Word already existed.
Therefore, the Word was before time, thus eternal. Note
this apt description in Proverbs 8:22-31. Jesus is
revealed to be the Word in Revelation 19:11-13, 16. His
preexistence had been prophesied. (Micah 5:2, Note also
John 17:4-5)
·
The Greek word “logos” is often translated “word.” In
our context it could be “revealer” of God, His
incomprehensible thoughts expressed. (John 1:18, John
14:9-10)
·
“The Word was with God, and the Word was God.” God and
the Word were face-to-face; a most intimate personal
relationship – a fellowship and communion. This is a
reference to God the Father and God the Son. (John
10:30) “I and My Father are one.”
NKJV
They are both equally God, but distinct.
II.
The Word Was the Creator
(Verse 3)
·
“All things were made by Him.” The Word was the agent
of creation. (Colossians 1:16) “For by Him all things
were created that are in heaven and that are on earth,
visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or
principalities or powers. All things were created
through Him and for Him.”
NKJV
This includes the stars, planets, galaxies, and all
kinds of life – plant and animal. (Isaiah 44:24) Not
only were these created by Him, but also for
Him.
·
The world was made through Christ. (Hebrews 1:1-2, 10)
“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in
time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these
last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed
heir of all things, through whom also He made the
worlds;
10You,
Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth,
And the heavens are the work of Your hands.”
NKJV
This is also emphasized in I Corinthians 8:6. He is the
architect, designer, and builder.
·
The Word also keeps this world functioning. (Colossians
1:17) “And He is before all things, and in Him all
things consist.”
NKJV
The permanence of creation rests upon Christ. He holds
it together so it all works in harmony. He holds it in
a delicate balance. If He didn’t, it would fall apart!
III.
The Word Was the Life and Light of Men
(Verses 4-5)
·
All life came through the Word – Jesus Christ. (Psalm
36:9) He is the source, fountain, origin, and cause of
life, both physical as well as spiritual. (John 6:35)
·
Jesus declares that He is the light of life. (John
8:12) By following Him, one becomes “sons of light” and
does not walk in darkness. (John 12:35-36, 46)
·
The Word – the Heavenly Light – shines in the darkness
of sin and ignorance, evil and unbelief. (John 3:19-21)
·
There is a basic hostility between light and darkness,
good and evil. But the darkness could not and cannot
put out the light. All the darkness of hell cannot
extinguish it.
Conclusion:
These first five verses in John teach us that without
Jesus, the Word, we are both dead and in darkness. But
through Him, we can overcome it.
Bobby Stafford
May 24, 2015
The
church of Christ
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