11) We Believe God's Word Is Profitable! Series

THINGS MOST SURELY BELIEVED AMONG US

11) We Believe The Word of God Is Profitable

Text: Luke 1:1

Forasmuch as many have taken in hand - to set forth in order a declaration…

of those things which are most surely believed among us.

Brethren as Children of God – it’s important for us to know what we believe.

What is it that constitutes our faith?

So far in this series of lessons - we have established our faith in two things.

1) We Believe In God...and

2) We Believe In God’s Word.

Of course, this is not just some vague notion or idea for us,

Because we believe very specific things about God, and about His Word,

As shown and revealed to us through the Bible.

Turn with me now to 2 Timothy 3:16-17

INTRODUCTION

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Some great verses here – detailing some really great truths about what we Believe.

Now over the next three weeks…

We’re going to study from this text – and discover 3 fundamental things,

Which make the Bible…of greater spiritual worth and value to our lives

Than anything else this world has to offer.

In the weeks to come, we will learn three important lessons

Regarding the treasure we have in God’s Word.

Lesson Recap

Last week, we talked about how we believe that the Bible is God Inspired

As Paul directly puts it - All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.

Remember however the term inspiration in the Greek

Speaks of far more than just an “urge” or a “feeling” as some might suppose.

In fact, literally it is translated in the Greek to mean: “to breath” or “to blow”.

Now this might seem a little odd at first,

But when I speak – I breath...

I draw breath in and I blow breath out.

This is common practice for anyone who speaks.

And on one level – knowing that the Bible is in fact - God’s Word,

And understanding that this is in fact – Him speaking to us,

It’s easy to see how this translation fits:

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,

Or put another way – “all Scripture is God Breathed”.

Every Word has come from His mouth - Amen!

Brethren - this is what we believe!

Of course, on a deeper spiritual level...

We also took note last week of how this Greek term inspiration...

Also points us towards the ready presence and involvement of the Holy Spirit...

In how God’s Word was written and recorded.

You see, the Bible reveals to us how the Lord readily used and worked through Godly men,

Men who were influenced by the leadership of the Holy Spirit in their lives,

And used by God to deliver His Word to the people, and record it for future generations.

Remember what the Scriptures declare. 2 Peter 1:21:

21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

The Greek term Holy Ghost that is expressed here in the NT is pneúma ...

In the Old Testament Hebrew the equivalent word is Nephesh

And in both instances, the terms refers to Breath, and to the Soul or Spirit

Now remember - All Scripture is given by inspiration of God - It is God Breathed,

And as we have already learnt – God is a Spirit - John 4:24.

And the Holy Spirit is revealed to us as being a distinct part of God’s Triune Nature.

And we can see through the Scriptures...

The diverse role and function of the Holy Spirit in many different areas,

Including the “inspiration” or way it worked through Godly men to record God’s Word.

Brethren we believe the Bible is God’s Word - and that it is God inspired!

And what’s more, we believe that The Lord worked through Godly Men

Who through the direct inspiration, and prompting of the Holy Spirit,

Wrote down and recorded the Scriptures according to God’s greater plan and purpose for mankind.

Brethren this is what we Believe!

So that was last week’s lesson...

This week we are going to build upon the understanding of how God’s Word is Inspired,

To also learn how God’s Word is Profitable.

GOD’S WORD IS PROFITABLE

Now in the business world, if we talk about something as being “profitable”

The general idea and understanding is that it makes money.

The expectation is that after all your efforts and any other investments made

You will be rewarded favourably by a financial return.

For example, “Facebook” – a business most of us have probably heard of,