God's Word for God's World

By Pastor Dan Hickling

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: ‘Their sound has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.’”—Romans 10:17–18 (NKJV)

In writing the Book of Romans, the apostle Paul comes to a place where he links two very important elements together: God’s Word and God’s world, each of which holds an important place within God’s will for the other.

Let’s start with God’s Word . . . Of course, when we use the expression “God’s Word” we are referring to His revealed truth to humanity. In a general sense, it speaks of the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, which God has given to us so that we could know and understand His heart, mind, purposes, judgments, ways—basically, everything that we need to comprehend concerning Him.

Dwell on that for a moment: God wants us to get Him. He doesn’t want us to wander around in the spiritual dark stumbling around without any confidence or assurance when it comes to who He is and what He wants. Just the opposite! He has put it all out there in written form so we can have an unchanging point of reference on Him. And as we grow in God’s Word, our faith in Him grows.

But here is the next truth we need to consider: God’s Word is for God’s world. The Word of God is so great, so grand, such an expression of God’s grace, that it can only have one appropriate audience . . . everyone!

There’s not a speck of soil on this earth, not a single human heart from pole to pole, not a coordinate on the planet where God’s Word doesn’t deserve to dwell. There are no limits to where it belongs. Granted, it won’t always be received and accepted. But rejecting the Word of God is an act of rebellion against the Author and Authority over all things. It is His world, and He desires that it be covered by the knowledge of His Word!

As you think about the Word and the world, understand that they go hand in hand. God didn’t create one independent of the other. The world needs His Word and His Word is to be shared throughout the world. 

Regardless of who we are or where we live, each of us has a part to play in this equation. We are to share God’s Word within the portion of the world that He has placed us in. And as we’re faithful to share in this, we can trust God to be faithful in seeing that His whole world will hear. 

DIG: What two important elements does Paul link here in the Book of Romans? 

DISCOVER: How do God’s Word and God’s world relate to one another? 

DO: Where has God called you to share His Word in the world? How can you be faithful to share God’s Word in your part of the world? Pray and ask the Lord to reveal these all-important answers to you and to equip and embolden you for this great work.