A New Year in God’s Word
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· 21 viewsNew Years sermon encouraging a walk with the Lord through the scriptures in the new year. Includes practical steps.
Notes
Transcript
Opening comments:
Opening comments:
As you know we typically take a passage of scripture each Sunday and work our way through it together and that is what we will be doing today so please meet me in your copy of God’s Word in Psalm 119 that is pg.480 if you’re using one of our church Bibles and while you’re turning there, I’m just going to wait a moment…
I love the look of panic that just came across your faces as you realized how long it would take us to work through the entire chapter verse by verse.
Have no fear, we will make our way through the entirety this morning but not verse by verse. We are not going to read any particular verses at the start as we normally do, but instead work our way through it was we go, looking at key passages in the chapter.
Prayer:
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, we come before you with hearts eager to follow your guidance. Your word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. We pray that as we delve into Psalm 119 today, our hearts would be ignited with a passion for your word.Help us to see the beauty of your truth and the joy that comes from seeking you daily. We ask that you would speak to us through your word, convicting us, encouraging us, and empowering us to live out our faith. May our time in your word be a daily discipline that shapes us into the image of Jesus.
We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Introduction:
Introduction:
Psalm 119 is one of the most majestic chapters in all of the Bible, majestic because along with its beautiful descriptions of God’s word it carries some unique characteristics as well. It is the longest chapter int he Bible at 176 verses. It is also a poetic masterpiece that is written in the form of an acrostic in the Hebrew language. It has 22 divisions each one beginning with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet. From Aleph to Tau (A-Z, we might say) the author (whom we are unsure of) professes his passionate love for God’s word declaring that is it is sufficient for every trial and circumstance a person can encounter in life. It uses 10 different Hebrew synonyms for the scriptures (though they are translated differently in various english translations), word like
Law
Testimonies
Ways
Precepts
Statutes
Commandments
Rules
Word
Promise
Teachings
In each of it’s 22 sections there are discussions about the importance of the Word of God and we have come to this chapter this morning because as we are looking into the new year and making goals and resolutions as our culture tends to do this time of year, there is no better place to start then with our feet planted firmly in God’s Word.
For the sake of our time this morning we are going to first observe the Power God’s word has in our lives and then we are going to highlight 10 very practical steps we can take in the new year in order to put God’s word at the center of our lives.
1.) The Power of God’s Word
1.) The Power of God’s Word
The Bible is unlike any other book on the face of the earth. It is the God breathed, divine, holy, infallible, inerrant Word of God. Because of this, it has power to change your life as you read it.
It has this power because it is
A.) The living word.
Psalm 119 emphasizes to us the Bible is active and alive able to work in the lives of all who read it in every age.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.
It is life giving, an ever abundant source of renewal for those who live in its pages. It alone has the ability to bring comfort to the hurting and revival to the weary.
89 Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.
It is eternal and unchanging, living and enduring throughout all time.
The writer of Hebrews echoes this when he writes
12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
B.) Because it is the living and active word of God, it has the power to guide and illuminate the soul.
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
A lamp brings clarity to the darkness and provides direction in an uncertain world. It lights our way helping the people of God avoid stumbling into sin.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
This verse highlights for us the fact that the Word of God is our only source of wisdom even for those who are simple (naive).
C.) Because the Bible is living and active, able to guide and illuminate our souls, it can sustain and strengthen us.
28 My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!
It sustains us in those moments of despair
Talk about moments of despair in my own life
114 You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.
A shield strengthens you in battle
D.) The word of God is able bring real and lasting life change.
11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
165 Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
It reveals to us plight of our sin and our need of a savior. It tells us of our Lord Jesus and his death, burial and resurrection.
If the Word of God is this powerful and this transformative then it stands to reason that we as children of God, as believers, those who call Christ Lord should have a daily discipline of reading and studying it.
But in our modern world where we are replete with distraction upon distraction, it seems like it is so hard for us to develop a habit. Or, maybe you are new to reading your Bible and have no idea where to even begin.
So for the rest of our time today, i want to give you some very practical steps to aide you on your journey to developing a daily time with the Lord in His word.
2.) Practical steps for daily Bible reading.
2.) Practical steps for daily Bible reading.
A.) Set a Specific Time and Place
Choose a consistent time each day and a distraction-free spot.
For example, early mornings at the kitchen table or evenings in a quiet room.
Routine builds habit. Treat this time as an appointment with God.
Just as we prioritize brushing our teeth or showing up for work on time, we should prioritize time with God.
B.) Start Small and Be Consistent
If you have never read the Bible daily before, maybe don’t start with the goal of reading the entire thing through in a year. A daily interaction with God’s word is the goal.
Begin with 5-10 minutes a day or one chapter. Gradually increase as you feel more comfortable.
Small, consistent steps build to lasting habits.
It’s better to read a little each day than to attempt too much and give up.
C. Use a Bible Reading Plan
Follow a structured plan to stay on track. DOn’t just open to any random spot. If you’v e never read the Bible before, starting in Genesis may not be whats best.
Examples:
Reading through the Bible in a year. Focusing on a single book (e.g., Psalms, Proverbs, or John).
Topical plans (e.g., promises of God, the life of Jesus).
You can do this through the use of apps like the: ESV Bible App, YouVersion, ReadScripture (by Bible Project, Complete with explanatory videos, great for first time Bible readers), Dwell, etc.
A plan provides direction and prevents aimless or sporadic reading.
D. Pray Before and After Reading
Begin with a prayer asking God for understanding and focus. End by thanking Him and reflecting on how to apply what you’ve read.
Prayer centers your heart and mind on God and invites the Holy Spirit to guide your understanding.
Prayer before reading is like preparing the soil before planting seeds—it helps the Word take root.
E. Keep a Journal
Write down:
A key verse or phrase that stood out.
Questions you have.
How you’ll apply the Scripture to your life.
Journaling deepens engagement and helps you track your spiritual growth over time.
F. Focus on Quality Over Quantity
Don’t rush to check off chapters. Meditate on a few verses or a single passage.
It’s better to deeply understand and apply one verse than to skim through multiple chapters.
Eating a gourmet meal slowly allows you to savor it; the same applies to Scripture.
G. Use Tools for Deeper Understanding
Resources like study Bibles, commentaries, Bible dictionaries, or apps like YouVersion, Bible Gateway, Blue letter Bible, Logos.
These tools provide context, clarify difficult passages, and deepen your understanding.
Reading the Bible without tools can be like assembling furniture without instructions—possible, but much harder.
H. Find an Accountability Partner or Group
Share your Bible reading goals with a friend or join a small group that discusses Scripture regularly.
Accountability keeps you on track and provides encouragement.
I. Incorporate Variety
Alternate between reading aloud, listening to an audio Bible, or writing Scripture by hand.
Variety keeps your experience fresh and engaging.
J. Be Flexible but Don’t Give Up
If you miss a day, start again the next day. Avoid guilt and focus on progress, not perfection.
A habit is built over time, and God values your desire and effort.
Falling off a bike doesn’t mean you stop riding; you get back on and keep going.
K. Memorize Scripture
Choose one verse each week to memorize. Write it on a card or save it on your phone for review.
Memorization helps God’s Word stay in your heart and mind throughout the day.
L. Celebrate Progress
Keep a checklist or journal to mark off what you’ve read. Celebrate milestones, like finishing a book or completing a month of consistent reading.
Recognizing progress motivates you to keep going.
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
Let’s challenge each other this morning to make a commitment to spending time in God’s Word every day. To see our lives transformed by spending a set aside time each day in the word.
Let’s not just make resolutions about things like physical fitness and financial goals alone; let’s pursue things that are eternal, let’s pursue a deeper relationship with God through time spent in our Bibles.
Invitation:
Invitation:
This year, let’s not just read the Bible; let’s let the Bible read us, shape us, and lead us closer to God. Together, let’s embrace the power of daily Scripture and see the difference it makes in our lives!
