In response to the first temptation that the devil threw at Him, Jesus taught the premier truth that must ring in the ears of every Bible student. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4).
The instruction in this verse is both fundamental and comprehensive. It does not get any simpler or any more all-encompassing than “live by every word from God.” Notice how this one principle addresses and corrects (cf. 2 Tim. 3:16-17) so many issues facing the church.
Living by every word from God determines the music in acceptable worship. The New Testament teaches that we are to sing and make melody in our hearts to the Lord in our worship (Eph. 5:19). But, they used instruments of music in Old Testament worship, so doesn’t that mean it’s acceptable? Every word from God teaches that the old law was nailed to the cross (Col 2:14) and we are no longer under it (Gal. 3:25).
Living by every word from God determines the “signs” of the Lord’s second coming. The New Testament teaches “the end” would come when there were “wars and rumors of wars…and earthquakes in various places” (Matt. 24:6-7). So, doesn’t that mean that we are seeing “signs” that the end of the world must be near? Put Bible verses in their context. Every word of God teaches (in this context) that all the things in Matthew 24 before verse 34 would happen during the lifetime of that generation. Of the day and hour of Jesus’ second coming “no one knows” (Matt. 24:36).
Living by every word from God determines if social drinking is acceptable to God. The New Testament teaches that Jesus made wine and Paul told Timothy to drink wine. So, doesn’t that mean that God permits drinking alcohol in moderation? It might, if those verses encompassed “every word from God” on the matter. However, every word from God teaches that “wine is a mocker” (Pro. 20:1), and that those who are “sons of light” are to be sober (1 Th. 5:1-11), abstaining from every lust that wars against the soul (1 Pet. 2:11).
Living by every word from God determines the place of baptism in God’s plan of salvation. The New Testament teaches that one is saved by faith (Eph. 2:8-9). And, that verse (along with scores of others) does not mention baptism at all. So, doesn’t that mean that baptism is not essential for one to be saved? Every word from God teaches that baptism precedes salvation (Mark 16:16), remission of sins (Acts 2:38) and entering the kingdom of God (John 3:5).
Let us study and follow every word from God.