"The Importance of Reading God’s Word"
08-06-00
Introduction:
How many times have you heard some of these excuses on why folks don’t read the Bible? Maybe you have been guilty of using some of them yourself.
1. I think the Bible is just a book written
by a bunch of men...
2. It’s hard to understand...
3. I don’t really think it is important to read the Bible...
4. I trust Jesus to save me, but I don’t trust the Bible...
Text:
II Timothy, 2:15: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
I. The Bible is the Inspired Word of God.
A. It is not just a book written by men.
II Peter 1:21: 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.
B. It is profitable to anyone who reads it.
II Timothy 3:16: 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, throughly furnished unto all good works.
II. God’s Word is Eternal. (No beginning & no end)
A. It was in the beginning.
John 1:1: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
B. It will never pass away.
Matthew 24:35: Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
III. Jesus is God’s Word.
A. The Word became flesh.
John 1:14: And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
B. Old and New Testaments lead us to Jesus.
Luke 24:44: And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
Thus, when we come to believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, there should be a hunger for God’s Word, since Jesus is God’s Word.
IV. Jesus Promised to Reveal Himself to Us through His Word.
A. The Holy Spirit will teach us God’s Word.
John 14:26: But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
B. The Holy Spirit will always lead us to give Jesus all the glory.
John 16:13: Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
14: He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
15: All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
1. An unbeliever can find Jesus by reading God’s Word without ever hearing a sermon.
2. A believer will find Jesus in the Bible in both the Old & New Testaments.
So when we study the Bible, we should always expect to find Jesus Christ, because He is to be found from the beginning to the end. He is to be found in the Old and New Testament both. He said, "If you seek Him, you will find Him.
Conclusion:
I. The Bible is the Inspired Word of God.
II. God’s Word is Eternal.
III. Jesus is God’s Word.
IV. Jesus Promised to Reveal Himself to Us through His Word.
Sports fans read sports magazines. Political minded people read political news magazines. Carpenters read house plans or blue prints. Doctors read medical journals. Yet, there are millions of people in the world who claim to be Christians or Believers in Christ and never pick up a Bible and read it. Couples write love letters to each other all the time, because they want to hear flattering words of love from their mate. The Bible is God’s love letter to us. If God’s Holy Spirit lives in your heart today, doesn’t it make since that there should be a hunger inside of you to read His Word to help your relationship with Him grow stronger? If there is no hunger for God and His Word, we may need to examine our hearts this morning to find out why. The fact is a physically healthy person normally has a hearty appetite for food such steak, potatoes, or whatever you like, so a spiritually healthy person is no different. When you lose your appetite for physical food, you may need to see a doctor to find out what is wrong. When you lose your appetite for spiritual food, you may need to see a spiritual doctor. The good news is that Dr. Jesus, the great physician is here to treat you right now. He wants to heal your broken spirit this morning. If you don’t know Him, He wants you to repent of your sins, come to Him and trust Him alone to save you.
Invitation / Prayer
