Applying the Lessons We Learn From Scripture
Introduction:
“Preaching
is not complete until God’s people think and act differently for
having the Word expounded.”
By applying the lesson results in changed lives. This results in
obedience. (I
John 2:17)
We must act upon what is said.
Body:
How Do We Go
About Applying a Lesson from God’s Word?
-
“All
behavior is based upon a belief.” What you believe will
determine how you act. For example, if you get divorced because
you are unhappy; it is because you believe that disobeying God
will cause you less pain than staying in your marriage. It is a
lie, but you believe it and you act on it. (Matthew
19:9)
-
“Behind
every sin is a lie that I believe.” You tell yourself a lie
every time you sin. “This is just a little white lie. God
won’t think it’s a very big deal.” Forget
Revelation 21:27.
If people are living sinful lives, they are living in
deception. (Titus
3:3)
-
“Change
always starts in the mind.” The mind must be changed
first. (Romans
12:2)
If you want to change the way you act, you must change the way
you think. (Proverbs
23:7a)
Note also
Proverbs 12:2.
-
“People
must see their sinful behavior is based on a lie.” (John
8:31-32)
God’s Word is the only source of truth. It shows us what lies
we believe. (Psalms
119:105)
-
“A
person must store up God’s Word in his heart before behavior can
change.” (Psalms
119:9-11)
It keeps him on the narrow path. (Psalms
37:31)
-
The
biblical term for “changing your mind” is repentance.
Repentance is changing the way you think about something. (Matthew
12:41)
Repentance is a central theme of the New Testament. Thinking
about God’s goodness will lead one to repent. (Romans
2:4)
Being convicted of sin leads one to repent.(Acts
2:37-38)
-
Repentance
leads to a changed life.
(Matthew
3:8, II Corinthians 7:10-11)
There must be a change in behavior!
Invitation:
Let us not be
like the man in
James
1:22-24,
but rather like the one in
verse
25. “[22]
But
be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
[23]For
if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man
observing his natural face in a mirror;
[24]for
he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of
man he was.
[25]But
he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it,
and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will
be blessed in what he does.”
James
1:22-25
NKJV
Bobby Stafford
October 2, 2011
What Must One Do to become a
Christian and be saved?
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