“And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
“And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul… Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices… So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.” Acts 19:8-11,18,20
“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ… may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know… what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead.” Ephesians 1:16-20
“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you…, The word of the truth, the gospel,.. has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth…
“We have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:3,5-6,9-10
The word of God increasing and prevailing mightily in the early church was palpable. Minds were changed, bodies were healed, sins were renounced, lives were transformed. The gospel spread its seeds of truth and power, effecting growth in numbers and fruitfulness. Prayer begat spiritual bounty begat more praise and prayer as God built His Body.
And so the mighty Word of God increases and prevails in us today as we receive it in faith and allow it to have its way over thought and emotion. It instructs, enlightens, directs. It guards, inspires, fortifies. It refreshes the spirit when we drink of it deeply, and bears fruit in our character as we implement its design. When are we availing ourselves of its sanctifying truth and goodness? What specific changes in attitude or habit is it causing? (Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
It also increases and prevails as we put it into practice at home, work, and community, sowing its light among those we encounter. A word of warning, wisdom, or benediction from God’s word has potent effect. Are we praying as such? Where are we spreading its life-giving power and beauty? Into what situation, place, or individual is God asking us to boldly preach the gospel? (Isaiah 55:10-11; Luke 8:4-8,11-15; Acts 20:32; 2 Timothy 4:1-5)
Lord, may your Word daily increase and prevail in me, that I might propel its increase and glory in this dark world.
As the rain and snow 