Desiring His Word Series

Legal trials can often be interesting events. The current trial of Conrad Black on fraud charges has made for interesting press. It seems like the international media cannot get enough of what he and his wife will say. They hang on every word. But this is not unusual. From Donald Trump, to Tony Robbins, the professional speaking circuit commands millions in speaking fees. Everyone from former sports stars to ex-presidents, seem to command an audience hanging on their every word.

This is understandable. Many people assume that once someone makes it big in a particular field, listening to their advice might produce like result in themselves. What is curious is that many times the advice is not new, it was just a combination of the right timing and promotion that causes some to make it big.

When the Apostle Peter wrote to those in Modern day Turkey he was concerned that their new birth though faith in Jesus Christ would result in growth. A God implanted desire to stretch in love needed to be grounded and empowered by Truth. As Peter would leave them, the people of Asia Minor needed to be rooted in truth in order to grow.

Lived out truth produces growth. Health produces lasting growth. You should notice the verse I put on the bulletin, the name of my blog, and on my card: It is Jesus’ words from:

John 8:31-32 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (ESV)

• It reflects what a true disciple is and the power of the word of God

The Old Testament saints also expressed a strong desire for the Word of God. Job declared:

Job 23:12 I have not departed from the commandment of his lips, I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food. ESV

The opening psalm declares:

Ps. 1:2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. ESV (19:9–10, 40:8).

The prophet Jeremiah cherished God’s revelation in a difficult time:

Jer. 15:16 Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts .“Your words were found and I ate them, and Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart” ESV

Please turn to Ps. 119

The believer’s delight in God’s Word is the dominant theme of the longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119. About midway through the chapter, the psalmist summarizes his delight in and dependence on God’s Word:

Psalm 119:97-104 [97]Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. [98]Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. [99] I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. [100]I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. [101] I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. [102] I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me. [103] How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! [104] Through your precepts I get understanding, therefore I hate every false way. (Ps. 119: vv. 16, 24, 35, 47–48, 72, 92, 111, 113, 127, 159, 167, 174)

The question for us is whether we want to grow. You might respond with the question of what growth are you talking about. Exactly right. If we want to entertain, we may please some for a while, but difficulties or greater entertainment sources will eventually win out. If we want God to grow us we must do it His way. That means working out what we talked about last week of stretching our love, avoiding what will destroy that love and rooted in what God promises to bless, His word.

1 Peter 2: 1-3 shows us how 1) believers should 1) remember our life source, 2) eliminate sins, 3) admit need, 4) pursue spiritual growth, and 5) survey blessings.

1) REMEMBERING OUR LIFE SOURCE

1 Peter 2:1 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. (ESV)

1 Pt 2:1a So/Therefore refers back to 1:23–25

1 Pt 1:23-25 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God, …. the word of the Lord remains forever." And this word is the good news that was preached to you. (ESV)

2 Tim. 3:15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (ESV) (James 1:18, cf. John 20:31, Rom. 10:17).