The Word of God Is Spiritual Food

“Jesus answered, It is written....Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4)

The Lord uses the sword of the Spirit in his reply. The word quoted, found in Deu 8:3, should be used in its connection, in order to comprehend its force. He - suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee - God never permits any tribulation to befall his followers, which he does not design to turn to their advantage. When he permits us to hunger, it is that his mercy may be the more observable in providing us with the necessaries of life. Privations, in the way of providence, are the forerunners of mercy and goodness abundant.

But by every word, etc. The meaning is: If it pleases God to sustain by other means than bread, it will be done. His word can be trusted. God fed Israel with manna, sent by his word, and we can trust his promises.

It Causes Spiritual Growth

“Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly – mere infants in Christ.  I gave you milk not solid food, for you were not ready for it...” (1 Cor 3:1,2).

“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk so that by it you may grow up in your salvation (1 Pet 2:2).

 
God’s aim for each of us is expressed in Ephesians 4:12-15: “....that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness