Speaker Sermon/Lesson Title Audio   Video  Text     MS Word David Hersey Why We Must Love God's Word

Why We Must Love God’s Word

King David loved and cherished God’s Word.  He knew God’s Word reflected His love for mankind.  He wrote of his love for God’s Word in many scriptures.  One in particular really encapsulates David’s devotion to God’s Word in Psalms 119:105-113

“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. 106 I have sworn and confirmed That I will keep Your righteous judgments. 107 I am afflicted very much; Revive me, O Lord, according to Your word. 108 Accept, I pray, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, And teach me Your judgments. 109 My life is continually in my hand, Yet I do not forget Your law. 110 The wicked have laid a snare for me, Yet I have not strayed from Your precepts. 111 Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, For they are the rejoicing of my heart. 112 I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes Forever, to the very end. 113 I hate the double-minded, But I love Your law.” (NKJV)

God hand picked David to be the king over Israel. 

Acts 13:22, “He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.” (NKJV)

1 Kings 15:5, “because David did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, and had not turned aside from anything that He commanded him all the days of his life, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.” (NKJV)

God called David a man after His own heart.  The thing that set David apart from other men was David’s attitude toward, and obedience to, God’s Word.  David loved and obeyed God’s Word.  And this is what prompted God to regard David as a man after His own heart. 

As Christians, we should hold God’s Word in as high a regard as King David.  God gave us His Word to protect us and guide us to a home with Him in Heaven.  The purpose of this lesson is to look at the reasons why we should love and obey God’s Word like David did.

We should love God’s Word Because it is the source of Faith

In Romans 10:16-17, Paul wrote, “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?"  17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (NKJV)  It is through the Word of God we learn of sin and our hopeless state because of it.  It is through the Word of God we learn of Jesus and all that was done on our behalf to restore and reconcile us to God.  The Word of God starts with the creation of the universe and all that in it is, Exodus 20:11.  The Word of God records the fall of man from fellowship with God, Genesis 3.  The Word of God reveals the history of God’s people leading up to cross of Christ.  It gives us the instructions we need to be restored to fellowship with God.  It also tells us what we must do to retain our fellowship with God for life and thereby inheriting a home in heaven with God for eternity.  The Word of God is recorded for us through the scriptures.  And it contains all the knowledge by which we base our faith.  God gives us faith through His Word. 

Paul wrote to Timothy concerning the Word of God in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (NKJV).   Every scripture throughout the entire Bible comes from the mouth of God through inspiration. 2 Peter 1:20-21 teaches us that it was the Holy Spirit that worked to insure that the Word of God was accurately revealed and recorded for all through the scriptures. 

When we break that statement of Paul to Timothy down to its principle elements, we learn a great deal about God’s Word:

·        “all scripture” means all scripture past, present and future.  If it is recorded in God’s written word, it is scripture.  All literally means all. 

·        “given by inspiration of God” Means God breathed,  from the mouth of God.  Even though it is recorded by man, it is not a product of man.  God made sure what was written was His authentic Word.  We can trust it.  We can confidently entrust our lives and our eternal well-being to it.  See 2 Peter 1:20-21.   

·        is profitable for doctrine  The Greek word for doctrine means information and instruction.  The Doctrine of Christ is the whole body of Christian teaching or understanding.  Christian doctrine is composed of teachings that are to be handed on through instruction and proclamation.  It is recorded for us in scripture, and it is said to be profitable, of benefit and useful. 

·        for reproof, for correction  To reprove is to correct or criticize someone with the intent of amending some fault.  Reproof, or correcting wrong behavior is one of the basic functions of scripture.  In the book of Revelation, we read of Jesus providing reproof to most of the churches addressed within.   Revelation 2:5, Revelation 2:21-22, Revelation 3:2-3. 

o   Another example of reproof is Paul’s admonishment of the Corinthian church regarding abuses of the Lord’s supper in 1 Corinthians 11:18-29.  Note the passage in 1 Corinthians both reproof and correction.  Reproof isn’t worth anything if it is not accompanied with correction.  It’s not enough to simply tell someone they are doing something wrong.  We wouldn’t do that to our earthly children.  Neither does our heavenly father reprove us without providing corrective behavior. 

o   See Revelation 3:19, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten”  The purpose of reproof and correction must always be motivated by love and concern for the other’s well-being.

o   1 Peter 4:11, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God” When one uses the Word of God for reproof and correction, they are acting in the capacity as a messenger of God. 

o   2 Timothy 2:24-26, “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”  Paul provides Timothy with the proper means of delivering reproof and correction. 

o   Proper reproof and correction is motivated by love and concern, in accordance with God’s Word, gently and humbly pointing out wrong behavior and with the same attitude and motivation, provide the information necessary to correct one’s behavior. 

·        for instruction in righteousness  God’s Word provides 2 basic set of instructions.  We receive the information necessary to be reconciled to fellowship with God.  The Gospels introduce Jesus Christ as the Son of God, documenting His teachings and His sacrifice.  The book of Acts teaches how to be placed into Christ and thus be reconciled to God.  Then the general epistles contain instructions on how one lives faithfully in Christ after they have been reconciled to God.   Then, finally, the book of revelation teaches how one is to persevere and die in Christ.  Instruction in righteousness therefore contains all the information we need to be saved and to finally inherit a home in heaven with God. 

·        “that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  This means exactly what it says.  The recorded Word of God, the scriptures, lack nothing necessary to be reconciled to God and inherit a home in heaven.  The scriptures are all we need.  There is no need for any outside source for information. 

 

We should love God’s Word because it protects, sustains and delivers us

Ephesians 6:14-18

 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

Which is the word of God ...  These last six words are descriptive, not merely of the sword of the Spirit, but of the whole armor of God and of each several parts of it also. Note the following elements associated with it in Ephesians 6:14-18:

·        TRUTH ... John 17:17, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”

·        RIGHTEOUSNESS ... The Biblical definition of righteousness is "all the commandments of God" (Psalms 119:172).

·        THE GOSPEL OF PEACE:   2 Corinthians 5:19, “that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” The Word of God contains the instructions whereby we are no longer living in rebellion with God.  The Gospel reconciles us to God when it is obeyed.  The Gospel is information.  And like all information, it must be followed to be of any value.  Paul provides a stark example of the fate that awaits all who fail to obey the gospel in 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10, “ in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power…”

·        FAITH ... "Faith comes by hearing God's word" (Romans 10:17).

·        SALVATION ... Paul wrote to Timothy that "From a babe thou hast learned the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation" (2 Timothy 3:15). Salvation comes only of the sacred writings which are the Word of God. 

·        THE WORD OF GOD ... This is also the sword of the Spirit. No passage in the Bible more dramatically teaches the absolute necessity of the Christian's thorough knowledge of the word of God. Not having it, he is naked, barefooted, bare-headed, and helpless before the enemy. From Pilgrim's Progress, it will be recalled that the armor with which the Christian was outfitted in the House Beautiful had no protection for his back. Christians are not protected if they flee from the foe; they are expected to stand against every attack. The sword of the Spirit ...  It should be noted, especially, that the word of God is the means by which God's Spirit enables Christians to stand against the enemy and overcome. There is nothing here to support the view that God's Spirit, apart from the word of God, will ever enable the child of God to overcome. Our generation needs to return to the word of God. [Coffman]. 

·        Hebrews 4:12-14, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. 14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God…” NKJV  This verse of scripture forever connects the written Word with Jesus Christ.  The Bible is a direct communication from Jesus Christ, the Son of God, supervised and preserved by the Holy Spirit.  That is why God’s Word is referred to as the sword of the Spirit.  We have the assurance and guarantee by the Holy Spirit, that the Word of God is a direct, authentic extension of Jesus Christ Himself, the creator and sustainer of the universe, the author and finisher of our faith.  Hebrews 1:1-3, “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power…” NKJV

·        It’s not the book.  It’s not the pages or the ink thereon.  It is the message recorded for us therein.  It is the direct communication of God to man.  And it is as authentic, authoritative and genuine as if Jesus Christ Himself were standing there saying it.  And we can regard it as such. 

We Should Love God’s Word Because it Liberates us. 

Parents give their children instructions that are intended to keep them safe and to help them prosper in life.   Don’t play in the street.  Don’t play with matches.  Study your school assignments.    The list could be endless.  What we need to keep in mind is that parents provide their children with rules and guidance because they love them and they want them to grow up safe and prosper.  Our rules for our children will liberate them from the potentially life ending or life changing consequences of playing in the streets, or playing with matches. 

Let’s look at 1 John 5:3-4, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.”  In the same manner as parents who provide guidance for their children, our heavenly father provides us with guidance that, if followed, will result in a life free of the consequences of sin while on earth and an eternal home in heaven hereafter. 

Sin is destructive to mankind.  Look around in the world at all the killing, stealing, and violence.  People who practice sinful behavior are in bondage to the consequences.  God has provided humankind with instructions that if followed by all, would result in a society free of stealing, murder, sexually transmitted diseases, broken homes.  The list goes on and on.  Look at the war in the Ukraine and in Gaza and in the red sea.  People are in the bondage of sinful behavior.  And many of them are innocent.  Sinful behavior is not just destructive to the perpetrators.  It is destructive to mankind as a whole.  Think of all the victims. 

God’s Word contains the instructions that would free humankind from the material consequences of sin if everyone would simply follow it. God provided this for mankind because He loves us.  Imagine a world with no sin, where everyone loved their neighbor as themselves and always acted in behalf of others. 

There is another kind of bondage that God’s Word frees us of.  His Word also contains the instructions we need to find our way home to heaven.  God’s Word contains what we need to do to be free of the eternal consequences of sin.  That’s why we should love God’s Word. 

King David knew of God’s love and protection and He knew God had his best interests in mind. 

 

God’s Word is Information

Information is worthless unless it is acted upon.   For God’s Word to be of any benefit to us, it must be obeyed. 

Hebrews 5:8-9, “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. 9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him”

 

 

 

Prepared by David Hersey

References herein from:

(from Coffman's Bible Commentary, Copyright © 1971-1993 by ACU Press, Abilene Christian University. All rights reserved.)

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