Devotion: The Word of God is Not Bound

2 Timothy 2:9  ...I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! (ESV)


The Apostle Paul was bound with chains in prison, yet he was encouraged because the word of God is not bound.

There are those who would like to bind the word of God and make it of no effect.  Government officials and special interest groups have worked to remove the ten commandments from the walls of court houses.  Prayer and Bible reading has been removed from public schools and public school events.

In many countries the public assembly of Christians for worship has been outlawed, forcing them to go underground.  But the word of God is not bound.  It continues to flourish. Even in situations where Christians have been jailed and had their Bibles taken away, they are still able to meditate upon it and share it with fellow inmates because they have memorized it.

Here are some Biblical references to God's word that should impress and encourage us:

Isaiah 55:11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

Jeremiah 23:29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

 Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 

  Joh 17:17 ¶ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

 Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

 Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged 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.

 1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

 Revelation 19:13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

 John 1:1-2 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God.

We have in our possession a powerful Book.  It is called the Sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17)  Don't under estimate it.  Saturate yourself in it. Memorize it. Take it with you.  You never know when you may need it and you never know what God will do through it.