Eternal Truths in a Changing World Matthew 24:35
Today, we gather to reflect on the enduring truth of God's Word in a world that is constantly changing. Our focus will be on a passage from Matthew 24:35, where Jesus declares, "Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear." Let us delve into this verse and uncover the timeless truths it holds for us.
In Matthew 24, Jesus delivers the Olivet Discourse, speaking about the signs of the end times and His second coming. Amidst these prophecies, Jesus assures His disciples of the enduring nature of His words. While heaven and earth will pass away, His words will remain steadfast and unchanging.
Billy Graham remarked, "The Bible is God's Word given to us firsthand from God Himself. Nothing else compares to its authority and power." Graham's words emphasise the unparalleled authority and transformative power of God's Word in the lives of believers.
Point 1: The Unwavering Stability of God's Word
The first point we glean from Matthew 24:35 is the unwavering stability of God's Word. In a world of uncertainty and flux, where opinions shift and ideologies evolve, God's Word stands as an immovable rock. As the Psalmist declares in Psalm 119:89, "Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens."
This verse from Psalm 119 underscores the timeless and unchanging nature of God's Word. It emphasises that God's Word is eternal, firmly established in heaven, and unaffected by the passing of time or changing circumstances. This truth reassures believers of the reliability and permanence of God's promises and teachings, providing a solid foundation upon which to build their lives.
Psalm 119:89 affirms the timeless nature of God's Word, highlighting its eternal stability and reliability. Just as God's Word remains unchanged in heaven, so too does its authority and truthfulness endure for eternity.
The Psalmist's words echo the sentiment of Jesus in Matthew 24:35. Just as the heavens themselves testify to the eternal nature of God's Word, so do the Scriptures provide a steadfast anchor for our souls amidst the storms of life.
Charles Spurgeon once said, "The Bible is an anvil that has worn out many hammers." Indeed, throughout history, attempts have been made to discredit or disprove the Bible, yet it remains unscathed, enduring through the ages.
Point 2: The Transformative Power of God's Word
Moving forward, we recognise the transformative power of God's Word. Hebrews 4:12 affirms, "For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires."
This verse highlights the dynamic nature of Scripture. It is not merely a collection of ancient texts but a living, active force that penetrates to the depths of our being, bringing about transformation and renewal.
This verse highlights the dynamic and transformative nature of God's Word. It portrays the Word of God as living and active, possessing the power to penetrate deep into the core of our being, discerning our thoughts, intentions, and motivations. Through its sharpness, God's Word reveals truth, convicts of sin, and brings about spiritual growth and transformation in the lives of believers.
The renowned preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon once remarked, "The Word of God can take care of itself, and will do so if we preach it, and cease defending it. See you that lion. They have caged him for his preservation; shut him up behind iron bars to secure him from his foes! See how a band of armed men have gathered together to protect the lion. What a clatter they make with their swords and spears! These mighty men are intent upon defending a lion. O fools, and slow of heart! Open that door! Let the lord of the forest come forth free. Who will dare to encounter him? What does he want with your guardian care? Let the pure gospel go forth in all its lion-like majesty, and it will soon clear its own way and ease itself of its adversaries."
Hebrews 4:12 portrays the Word of God as a powerful and discerning force, capable of penetrating the depths of the human heart and exposing its innermost thoughts and desires. This verse emphasises the transformative impact of Scripture, which convicts of sin, brings about spiritual renewal, and guides believers in righteous living.
Point 3: The Call to Embrace and Share God's Eternal Word
Lastly, we are called to embrace and share God's eternal Word with others. Matthew 28:19-20 records Jesus' commission to His disciples, saying, "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
This passage, often referred to as the Great Commission, outlines Jesus' command to His disciples to spread the Gospel message to all nations, baptising and teaching new believers to obey His commands. It underscores the importance of sharing the truth of God's Word with others and making disciples who will in turn disciple others. Moreover, Jesus assures His followers of His constant presence and support as they fulfill this mission.
This Great Commission underscores the importance of spreading the eternal truths of God's Word to all nations. As believers, we are entrusted with the sacred task of proclaiming the Gospel and making disciples, knowing that Jesus Himself is with us always.
Billy Graham, the renowned evangelist, once said, "The Bible is not an option; it's a necessity. You cannot grow spiritually strong without it."
Certainly, let's delve into each of these passages:
Psalm 119:89 (NLT):
"Your eternal word, O Lord, stands firm in heaven."
This verse from Psalm 119 underscores the timeless and unchanging nature of God's Word. It emphasizes that God's Word is eternal, firmly established in heaven, and unaffected by the passing of time or changing circumstances. This truth reassures believers of the reliability and permanence of God's promises and teachings, providing a solid foundation upon which to build their lives.
Hebrews 4:12 (NLT):
"For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires."
This verse highlights the dynamic and transformative nature of God's Word. It portrays the Word of God as living and active, possessing the power to penetrate deep into the core of our being, discerning our thoughts, intentions, and motivations. Through its sharpness, God's Word reveals truth, convicts of sin, and brings about spiritual growth and transformation in the lives of believers.
Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT):
"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
This passage, often referred to as the Great Commission, outlines Jesus' command to His disciples to spread the Gospel message to all nations, baptising and teaching new believers to obey His commands. It underscores the importance of sharing the truth of God's Word with others and making disciples who will in turn disciple others. Moreover, Jesus assures His followers of His constant presence and support as they fulfill this mission.
Matthew 28:19-20 encapsulates the mission of the church to make disciples of all nations, baptising them and teaching them to obey God's commands. This passage underscores the central role of Scripture in disciple-making, as believers are called to teach and uphold the truths found in God's Word.
Application:
As we reflect on the eternal truths of God's Word, let us commit ourselves to studying, embracing, and sharing its message with boldness and conviction. May we find assurance in its stability, transformation through its power, and purpose in its commission. May we allow Scripture to penetrate our hearts, transform our minds, and guide our actions. Let us also be diligent in sharing the truth of God's Word with others, fulfilling the Great Commission and making disciples who will in turn disciple others.
Call to Action:
Today, I urge you to immerse yourself in the study of God's Word, allowing it to guide and transform your life. Additionally, let us actively engage in sharing the Gospel with those around us, knowing that it is through the proclamation of God's eternal truth that lives are changed and souls are saved.
May we rely on the abiding presence of Jesus as we fulfil the Great Commission, knowing that His word will not return void but will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent. May we go forth as ambassadors of God's Word, proclaiming His truth in a world longing for hope and stability.
