Introduction

Good morning, church family! Today, we are going to dive into the book of Joshua and let God speak directly to our hearts about the power of Scripture, the necessity of a Bible-rooted faith, and the importance of obeying the Word of God in our lives.

Before we jump in, I want to share a quote from A.W. Tozer. He said, "The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection. And we must not select a few favorite passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian."

The Word of God is not something we can pick and choose from. We must seek to understand and obey it in its entirety. As we turn to Joshua 1:8, let's consider how we can grow in our faith and walk with the Lord by rooting ourselves in His Word.

Power of the Word

God’s Word is the very essence of our faith, and it is through the Word that we come to know God, His character, and His will for our lives. The Bible is not just a collection of stories. It is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. It is the very breath of God, given to us so that we might know Him and walk in His ways. God’s Word is powerful.

Transformation: Throughout history, countless individuals have encountered the Word of God and experienced radical transformation as a result. The Apostle Paul, for example, was once a zealous persecutor of Christians, but after encountering the risen Christ and hearing His Word, he became one of the most influential leaders in the early church. The Word of God has the power to change hearts, renew minds, and set people on a new path of righteousness.

Guidance & direction: Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." The Word of God serves as a light in the darkness, illuminating our path and helping us navigate the complexities of life. When we are faced with difficult decisions or uncertain circumstances, we can turn to the Word of God for wisdom, discernment, and direction. It is through the Word that we come to understand God's will for our lives and receive the guidance we need to walk in obedience to Him.

Healing & restoration: In Psalm 107:20, we read, "He sent out His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction." The Word of God is a powerful force that can bring healing to our bodies, minds, and spirits. It can restore broken relationships, mend shattered hearts, and bring peace to troubled souls. When we immerse ourselves in the Word of God and allow it to penetrate the deepest parts of our being, we open ourselves up to the healing and restorative power of God's Word.

Equip & empower: In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we read, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." The Word of God is not only a source of comfort and guidance, but it is also a tool that God uses to prepare us for the work He has called us to do. As we study and meditate on the Word, we are equipped with the knowledge, understanding, and wisdom we need to serve God effectively and make a difference in the world around us.

Stand the test of time: In Isaiah 40:8, we read, "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever." Despite the passage of time, the rise and fall of empires, and the ever-changing landscape of human history, the Word of God remains constant and unchanging. It is a firm foundation upon which we can build our lives, knowing that it will never fail us or lead us astray.

Convict & challenge: Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." The Word of God is not just a passive collection of words on a page, but rather, it is a living, active force that confronts us with the truth and challenges us to grow in our faith and obedience. As we read and study the Word, we are confronted with our own sinfulness, our need for repentance, and the call to live a life that is pleasing to God.

Hope & encouragement: Romans 15:4 says, "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope." The Word of God is a source of hope and encouragement for believers, reminding us of God's faithfulness, His love, and His promises. When we are faced with trials and difficulties, we can turn to the Word of God for comfort, strength, and the assurance that God is with us and will never forsake us.

Bible-Rooted Faith

A faith that is deeply rooted in the Word of God is one that is built on a solid foundation, able to withstand the storms of life and the challenges that come our way ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO