I. Introduction
Phillip P. Bliss (1838-1876) For a more complete history of
Phillip Bliss, please see lesson 3. Mr. Bliss wrote this song
in 1874. His intention in writing it was to speak to both young
and old of the importance of God's Word in our daily lives.
II. Verse 1-Sing them over again to me-wonderful words
of life; let me more of their beauty see-wonderful words of life.
Words of life and beauty, teach me faith and duty.
In previous studies we have stressed the importance of a careful and repetitive review of God's word. This is also true in regard to songs. The more we sing a particular song and its message the more we glean from it. This is especially true if we are singing about the importance of God's Word. Please notice that the first statement made in the song is a request for others to sing these words to us. When you sing to me concerning the wonderful words of life, you are teaching, encouraging and admonishing me. You are helping me to follow Jesus and to keep on the straight and narrow path. To say wonderful words of life, is to first acknowledge that they are wonderful. They are full of wonder because of the great message that is contained therein. The message is life to the sinner. This is brought because of the love of God and Jesus shown through the sacrifice of Jesus for us on the cross. The ultimate fulfillment of this great love is the ability that each of us has in obtaining life. This is not only a good, peaceful and rewarding life here on the earth but an eternal life in heaven with God and with Jesus. Read Psalm 119.
The true beauty in God's Word is its ability to not only teach us what God would have us to know, but to convict us in regard to our sins. It brings us to him and draws us away from evil. A constant study of God's word is essential in being able to fight the forces of Satan that would draw us away from God. Acts 2:41, 4:4, 17:11, 20:32, Rom. 10:17, Eph. 1:13-14, 5:26-27, Phil, 2:16.
When the word has taught us what we should be and do, it then
convicts us of our sins, then it motivates us to fulfill our duty
to our creator-obey him! Today's society does not seem to place
the emphasis on duty that it once did. To feel that something
is our duty, we feel a responsibility to do that thing, to make
it happen, to make it work. Our duty as Christians is to obey
him, which also involves teaching ourselves and teaching others.
Again, a careful study of God's word will reveal to us what we
need to do to fulfill our duty to God.
III. Verse 2-Christ, the blessed one, gives to all wonderful
words of life; sinner list to the loving call--wonderful words
of life. All so freely given, wooing us to heaven.
I Tim. 6:15, Rom. 8:32, Rev. 21:6-7, Acts 2:39, Rom. 5:18, 6:22.
Christ is the Blessed and only Potentate. Because of his sacrifice for us the father blesses him and we call him our King, our Lord of Lords. We owe all that we are and will be to Jesus. Without his sacrifice we would be dead in our sins, but because of his sacrifice we are free from sin and alive in his righteousness and have a hope of eternal life. We should always be thankful that God in his wisdom and Jesus in his love for us gave the Bible. It is something to not only cherish, for its value, but to use and implement in our lives.
As mentioned previously, the word has the ability to convict
the sinner. This call is not only one of impending doom for the
sinner, if the call is not obeyed, but it is also a call of love.
It is one of agape love. God and Jesus look out for
our well being by offering this chance to pardon us from our sins.
However, involved in this call is the importance of listening
to the call. An offer that is not heard or received is useless
to the person hearing it. God's offer to us is contingent on our
listening and obeying. We cannot receive the benefits of heaven
if we do not answer the call to follow him.
IV. Verse 3-Sweetly echo the gospel call--wonderful
words of life; offer pardon and peace to all--wonderful words
of life. Jesus, only Savior, sanctify forever.
I John 1:9, Rom. 1:16, Acts 10:36, 2 Cor. 13:11, John 17:17, Eph. 5:25-27, I Thess. 5:23.
When we sing about the word and its commandments we echo the call. It is important for us to understand that in many cases we are the world's bible. The only knowledge that some will ever gain about the gospel call is from us. We are God's messengers of his word.
Jesus is the only hope for mankind. He is the only one who can sanctify us through his word. This sanctification will be eternal, when we are set apart with him in heaven.