Being a Follower of the Word

The Biblical Meaning of Being a Follower of the Word
In Scripture, being a follower of the Word is far more than believing the Bible is true—it is allowing God’s Word to shape who you are, how you think, and how you live. The Word of God is not only written on pages; it is alive, active, and meant to lead us into a way of life that reflects God’s heart.
1. The Word Is a Person: Following Jesus Himself
Before the Bible was words in a book, the Word was a Person—Jesus Christ.
John 1:1 declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
To be a follower of the Word means to follow Jesus—His teachings, His example, His character, and His way of life.
Jesus didn’t just speak the Word; He embodied it.
So when we follow the Word, we aren’t just following rules—we are following a relationship.
2. The Word Leads, and We Walk Behind It
Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
A follower does not walk ahead of God, guessing their own direction. A follower stays close enough to the light to see the next step.
Being a follower of the Word means:
- Letting Scripture guide decisions
- Seeking God’s wisdom before acting
- Trusting God’s timing
- Choosing obedience over convenience
When we follow the Word, we walk the path God sets before us instead of carving out our own.
3. The Word Transforms the Heart
A follower is not just someone who reads the Word but someone who is changed by it.
Romans 12:2 reminds us not to conform to the world but to be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
A follower of the Word:
- Allows truth to challenge old habits
- Lets Scripture correct harmful attitudes
- Embraces conviction as God’s loving guidance
- Pursues holiness, not perfectionism
Following the Word means letting God’s truth purify our thoughts, motives, and desires.
4. The Word Produces Fruit
Jesus said, “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you… you will bear much fruit” (John 15:5).
Being a follower of the Word produces visible change in how we live.
The Word shapes us to walk in:
When the Word lives in us, it flows through us—into our relationships, decisions, work, and daily life.
5. The Word Protects and Equips Us
Ephesians 6:17 calls the Word “the sword of the Spirit.”
Followers of the Word are spiritually equipped. They don’t fight battles empty-handed—they fight with truth.
Following the Word means:
- Recognizing lies and replacing them with Scripture
- Standing firm during spiritual attacks
- Clinging to God’s promises in times of fear or doubt
The Word becomes not just instruction but protection.
6. The Word Sends Us Out
Jesus never called disciples to simply hear. He called them to go.
Matthew 28:19 says, “Go and make disciples of all nations.”
A follower of the Word lives out Scripture in public, not just in private.
They:
- Share God’s love
- Encourage others with truth
- Serve with compassion
- Live in a way that points people to Jesus
The Word we follow becomes the Word we carry into the world.
Conclusion: A Follower of the Word Lives With Purpose
To be a follower of the Word means:
- To follow Jesus
- To let Scripture guide your steps
- To allow God’s truth to shape your heart
- To bear fruit that reflects His character
- To stand strong through spiritual battles
- To live out God’s mission every day
It’s not about perfection—it’s about direction.
It’s not about knowing every verse—it’s about obeying what you do know.
It’s not about a title—it’s about a transformed life.
When you follow the Word, you follow the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.