God’s Word Is Profitable
Scripture Reading: Psalm 19:1-11
Scripture Text: 2 Tim. 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Introduction:
The Word of God is profitable for all who will read and obey it in faith. It is profitable as:
--A mirror to behold and reflect-- James 1:22-25; 2 Cor.3:18.
--A sword to fight with and to divide-- Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12.
--A lamp to guide and direct-- Psa. 119:105.
--Bread to strengthen and nourish-- John 6.
--Milk for growth and development--1 Peter 2:2.
--Seed for regeneration and fruitfulness-- 1 Peter 1:23.
The Word of God is profitable also because:
**We are born of the Word-- 1 Peter 1:23.
**We grow by the Word-- 1 Peter 2:2.
**We are cleansed by the Word-- John 15:3
**We are protected by the Word-- Eph. 6:17.
**We are edified by the Word-- Acts 20:32.
**We are converted by the Word-- Psa. 19:11.
**We are satisfied by the Word-- Psa. 119:103.
Listen to some of the comments made by others about the Word of God.
“Don’t be afraid to invest in the best Bible you can afford--for that is what you are making: an investment. Find out for yourself why it answers every human need, why it supplies the faith and strength that keeps humanity marching forward.” -- Billy Graham, Christian Reader, Vol. 33, no. 2.
“I am sorry for men who do not read the Bible every day. I wonder why they deprive themselves of the strength and the pleasure .”--Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924)
“It is impossible to mentally or socially enslave a Bible-reading people, for the principles of the Bible are the groundwork for human freedom.”--Horace Greeley (1811-1872)
“The only alternative to the teaching of God’s Word is bondage.”--Rev. Robert Graham(C.O.G.)
Let us now take a look at how the Word of God is profitable to us.
I. God’s Word Is Profitable Because Of Its Law.
Psalm 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul:
A. LAW (Heb.= torah) Torah, meaning “law”, is connected with a root word meaning “to point out” (as if by aiming the finger); to teach (by explaining).
B. Therefore, the Word of God “points out”, teaches, and makes plain what the Lord requires for salvation and to be accepted in His sight.
James 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
C. PERFECT means “complete”; nothing lacking.
D. The Word of God is complete and entire in its message as to the requirements for salvation.
Micah 6:6-8 Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? [7] Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? [8] He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
Eccles. 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
II. God’s Word Is Profitable Because Of Its Testimony.
Psalm 19:7 ...the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
A. TESTIMONY (Heb.= witness) Declaring what is known about something or someone.
1 John 5:6-13 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. [7] For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. [8] And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. [9] If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. [10] He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. [11] And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. [12] He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. [13]These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
B. SURE means to be “firm” or “faithful”; “steadfast”; trustworthy.
C. WISE (Web.) having sound judgment.
D. SIMPLE (Heb.) means “seducible”; easily led astray.
1. I.e., a “babe in Christ”.
E. Therefore, the Word of God is profitable for our spiritual growth.
1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Col. 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
III. God’s Word Is Profitable Because Of Its Statutes.
Psalm 19:8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart:
A. STATUTES (Heb.) - A mandate (Web.= an authorization to act given to a representative).
B. STATUTES (Web.) - An act (or law)...intended as a permanent rule.
C. Therefore, the promises of God’s Word are intended to be permanent and we have been given the authority to act on them, thereby making our hearts to rejoice.
Psalm 89:34 My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.
Psalm 93:5 Thy testimonies are very sure (permanent):
Psalm 111:7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments (statutes) are sure.
Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Matthew 5:18 [Living] With all the earnestness I have I say: Every law in the Book will continue until its purpose is achieved.
Illustration: Some of His Promises!!
I will bless Thee, Gen. 12:2
I will not fail Thee, Josh. 1:5
I will heal Thee, 2 Kings 20:5
I will guide Thee, Ps. 32:8
I will instruct Thee, Ps. 32:8
I will teach Thee, Ps. 32:8
I will deliver Thee, Ps. 50:15
I will satisfy Thee, Ps. 132:15
I will help Thee, Isa 41:10
I will strengthen Thee, Isa 41:10
I will uphold Thee, ; Isa 41:10
I will hold Thine hand, Isa 42:6
I will not forget Thee, Isa 49:15
I will comfort Thee, Isa 66:13
I will forgive, Jer. 31:34
I will restore, Jer. 30:17
I will be your God, Eze. 36:28
I will put my Spirit within you, Eze 36:27
I will save you, Eze. 36:27, 29
I will love him, John 14:21
I will manifest myself, John 14:21
I will come again, John 14:3
I will sup with him, Rev. 3:20
I will give Thee a crown of life, Rev. 2:10
Matthew Henry: “We must turn God’s promises into prayer, and then they shall be turned into performance.”
IV. God’s Word Is Profitable Because Of Its Commandment.
Psalm 19:8 ...the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
A. COMMANDMENT (Web.) - God’s prescribed order intended as a general rule of action. (I.e., a code of conduct).
B. Therefore, God’s Word is profitable because it reveals His will for each of our lives.
C. PURE (Web.) - 1. Free from harshness or roughness. 2. Containing nothing that does not properly belong.
Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Illustration: After church one Sunday, my friend Betsey’s young son asked, "Mom, what’s a virgin?" Oh, no, she thought. The time has come. So Betsey sat down with him and calmly explained the facts of life in great detail. When she finished, he exclaimed, "No, Mom, not that kind of virgin. I was talking about the King James Version." -- Kristy Roberts Dykes, Lakeland, FL. Today’s Christian Woman, "Heart to Heart."
Conclusion:
Illustration: Some time ago I was biking in Michigan and met another biker who, like myself, was a professor of theology. In the course of our connversation by the side of the road he said something I will never forget: "Bob, all I really want in life is for the Word of God to take up residence inside of me and form me into Christ-likeness." I think this statement hit me hard because my seminary training in the Bible was never that personal. We were always asking "What does it say?" and seldom if ever made the step into a deep personal application of "How can that truth take up residence in me?" (By reading and obeying it!) --Robert Webber in The Covenant Companion (Jan. l990). Christianity Today, Vol. 34, no. 4.
If we will allow God’s Word to take up residence within us, It will reveal to us the answer to our every need.
John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
May the Lord help us to know that His Word is profitable!!
