Proof of a Text Driven Life

Illustration: Two friends met after not seeing each other for a long time. One had gone to college and was now very successful. The other hadn’t gone to college and never had much ambition, yet he still seemed to be doing well.

The college graduate asked his friend, “How has everything been going with you?”

The less-educated man replied, “Well, one day, I opened my Bible at random and dropped my finger on a page. The word under my finger was oil. So I invested in oil, and boy, did the oil wells gush. Then I tried the same method again, and my finger stopped on the word gold. So I invested in gold, and those mines really produced. Now I’m as rich as Rockefeller.”

The college grad rushed to his hotel, grabbed a Gideon Bible, flipped it open, and dropped his finger on a page. When he opened his eyes, he saw that his finger rested on the words Chapter Eleven.[1]

[1] Larson, C. B., & Ten Elshof, P. (2008). 1001 illustrations that connect (p. 19). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.

Ironically there are some people who choose to read the Bible the way the one guy did. They flop it open to a page and begin randomly reading. I don’t believe, however, that God intends for his followers to live by the book as that one guy did.

The idea of living by the book is Christians live a life driven by the text. Meaning you look at your situations in life and say to yourself and to others, “the Bible says this about that, so this is what I will do about that.” Such a life is described by the Psalm writer in

TURN WITH ME THERE OR TYPE IN THE REFERENCE IN YOUR APP THEN LETS STAND TOGETHER IN HONOR OF GOD AND HIS WORD AS WE READ IT TOGETHER. We will read on through vs. 3-5 today.

PRAYER

I read a lot of preaching articles and resources from Southwestern Seminary and their big emphasis and teaching is on Text-Driven preaching.

HCSB - How happy are those who “live” according to the law of the Lord - “live” meaning the Bible is the pattern of life or their path and not something else the world suggests.

For many of you I know I am preaching to the proverbial choir so to speak, but my intention in asking you as the whole congregation to read through the Bible was that you and I will be able to either develop, build, remodel, repair a text-driven life.

I read a lot preaching articles and resources from Southwestern Seminary and their big emphasis and teaching is on Text-Driven preaching.

Dr. Stephen Smith says It’s not a sermon just about the text, rather it is a re-presentation of the scripture. And, the text-driven sermon is not the big goal of life. The reality is that this idea is an expression of a larger goal of living a text-driven life.

And, the text-driven sermon is not the big goal of life. The reality is that this idea is an expression of a larger goal of living a text-driven life.

So, if a text-driven sermon is a re-presentation of the scripture, then a text0

I am beginning 5 week sermon series today on “Living by the Book,” and I titled this sermon, “Proof of a Text-driven Life” which you can reveal in these 4 ways: convictions, choices, commitments and the commission.

I titled the sermon for today: “Proof of a Text-driven Life” which I see revealing itself through 4 certainties in your life should you live it in such a way: conviction, choice, commitment and commission.

Most commentators believe that was not written for any special occasions like many of the other Psalms. They say it was evidently intended to be a manual of pious thoughts - especially for instructing the young. As I read that, ponder on the topic and did my research it made the connection to - Jesus tells his followers to go into the world and make disciples - how - teaching them.

For many of you I know I am preaching to the proverbial choir so to speak, but my intention in asking you as the whole congregation to read through the Bible was that you and I will be able to either develop, build, remodel, repair or upgrade to a text-driven life.

Dr. Smith goes onto say in his article, “A text-driven life is a life responding to God’s Word. In other words, we believe God has spoken and we respond.”

So, if a text-driven sermon is a re-presentation of the scripture, living a text-driven life is your re-presentation of the Bible to those around you every day. Such a life must have a beginning to become such a life.

What is very apparent and absolute from the writer of this Psalm is that Scripture is revered for being the very Words of God.

- All of scripture is God-breathed meaning given to the writers by the inspiration of God. We profit from it because it teaches us and trains us to live righteously, rebukes and corrects us when we stray from Christ’s path for us.

A text-driven life is a life responding to God’s Word. In other words, we believe God has spoken and we respond.

Thus,

What is very apparent and absolute from the writer of this Psalm is that Scripture is revered for being the very Words of God.

This psalm contains 176 verses.

What is very apparent and absolute from the writer of this Psalm is that Scripture is revered for being the very Words of God.

This Psalm

Only two of the verses do not contain some term or description of God’s Word

The writer praises God’s Word and reflects on the security and happiness of those who live by it.

- All of scripture is God-breathed meaning given to the writers by the inspiration of God.

- All of scripture is God-breathed meaning given to the writers by the inspiration of God. We profit from it because it teaches us and trains us to live righteously, rebukes and corrects us when we stray from Christ’s path for us.

Most commentators believe that was not written for any special occasions like many of the other Psalms. They say it was evidently intended to be a manual of pious thoughts - especially for instructing the young. As I read that, ponder on the topic and did my research it made the connection to - Jesus tells his followers to go into the world and make disciples - how - teaching them.

Most commentators believe that was not written for any special occasions like many of the other Psalms. They say it was evidently intended to be a manual of pious thoughts - especially for instructing the young.

God’s Word in the OT pointed forward to Jesus

Most commentators believe that was not written for any special occasions like many of the other Psalms. They say it was evidently intended to be a manual of pious thoughts - especially for instructing the young.

- All of scripture is God-breathed meaning given to the writers by the inspiration of God. We profit from it because it teaches us and trains us to live righteously, rebukes and corrects us when we stray from Christ’s path for us.

Most commentators believe that was not written for any special occasions like many of the other Psalms. They say it was evidently intended to be a manual of pious thoughts - especially for instructing the young.

In - the Hebrew word “torah” or law has a parent verb meaning to teach. Look at v. 33 with me.

As I pondered on the topic and did my research it made the connection to - Jesus tells his followers to go into the world and make disciples - how - teaching them.

Discipleship is learning to live the text-driven life and teaching others how to live a text-driven life.

Turn to and Look at v.18 - The foundation of your text-driven life will be your conviction that Jesus is the risen King, and the conviction that He has the right to rule every aspect of your life.

The Bible

The Bible has much to say about the sanctity of life that leads people to a deep conviction about the rights of the unborn, the injustice of racial issues, human trafficking and physical/sexual abuse.

But your conviction is only the beginning.

Dr. Smith goes onto say in his article, “A text-driven life is a life responding to God’s Word. In other words, we believe God has spoken and we respond.”

Your conviction moves you to make a choice to allow Jesus to rule over every aspect of your life.

My convictions about God’s Word were only the beginning.

You and I may believe Jesus is King, but that belief is only lip service if you and I do not make the choice to move our spiritual gear shifters from park into drive.

Back in Deuteronomy, when Moses presented the Law given to him by God’s hand, he urges God’s people to “choose life.”

Illustration: I will never forget sitting in the Ob/Gyn office of Perry FL. Joanna was 22 weeks pregnant with Silas. He had moved in her womb maybe once in 22 weeks. Joanna was consistently loosing blood, how and where they did not know. She had been constantly sick and weak the entire time. We were looking for answers to what was wrong during this 3rd pregnancy, and the doctor did not have any answers except one: go to the hospital or local abortion provider and terminate the pregnancy for the sake of Joanna’s health. I remember him saying, “you have 2 healthy baby girls and you need to make sure you have a healthy wife so she can be their mother in raising them.”

I looked at Joanna, Joanna looked at me and we looked at the doctor and said no, that is not something we can do. We choose life, which ever life God chooses to give us we leave that to Him. If Joanna lives and baby doesn’t, it is God’s decision. If baby lives and Joanna doesn’t, it is God’s plan even though we would understand why. If both lived, it would be God’s choice and we would rejoice.

It was the conviction in our hearts about what God says in His word about the sanctity of life from conception to natural death that lead us to make the choice, allowing Jesus to rule over this area in our life. We made the choice to trust His hand while He comforted our heart.

Back in Deuteronomy, when Moses presented the Law given to him by God’s hand, he urges God’s people to “choose life.”

- the word undefiled carries the idea of integrity, truth and completeness that comes only from one’s relationship with God. Salvation only begins with God’s call upon you to repent, but repentance is your choice to turn away from the way you want to go and turn to the way God wants you to go.

in HCSB says those who live a text-driven life by the Book follow His ways. The rest of the Psalm reveals it they also follow in the difficult times of life, in every aspect of your life.

EVERY ASPECT? YOU MEAN…(give application)

1001 Illustrations that Connect Illustration 994: Turning down a Dream Job

Years ago, I worked part-time on the loading docks of various trucking companies. At one company I met a fine Christian man named Rufus Kidd. He had just completed his associate’s degree in transportation and wanted to make it a full-time career. Since the company was beginning to open up to minorities at that time, Rufus, an African-American, interviewed for a position.

Later I asked him how the interview went, and he said they offered him a job in sales, which would pay well and offer unlimited opportunity. I was excited for him, but he said he wasn’t going to take it. Although it was everything he wanted, he would have to give up his ministry with singles at his church. He said he would wait for a job to come along that would allow him to continue to teach his class.

Rufus sacrificed his chance to leave the sweltering docks and gave up a brand-new career to continue teaching.

—Kenneth Mitchell, Jacksonville, Florida

Many choices are made regarding Jesus, but living a text driven life goes beyond the easy choices. Making and Living out the difficult choices requires commitment.

Choosing life/adoption over abortion is not an easy choice. Choosing to speak out and to work to stop abuse is scary, especially of you are the victim of abuse. Choosing to go beyond ourselves to understand and work to reconcile racial issues is not a popular subject or endeavor, but it is the essence of the gospel. Many other pro-life choices are never easy but all are necessary choices.

To be pro-life we are for the sanctity and dignity of every person’s life no matter where they are or what they do, because they are image bearers of God.

That choice means making a commitment to live as He says live.

- uses the phrase “those who keep” - which is a verb meaning to observe, to guard, and to keep. It refers to you and I maintaining things entrusted to us, the Bible, especially to keeping the truths of God in both our actions and our minds.

To fulfill - “observing everything He commanded” will take a lifetime of learning and commitment. Those of us who are Jesus’ disciples must commit ourselves to a life of teach-ability— following Jesus wherever His Word and His Spirit leads us. The king’s followers never stop growing in knowledge and application of his teachings.

There are other verses in this Psalm, such as v.22, 50-53, 95 and 98, that suggests the writer was suffering or had suffered for his love of God’s Word, yet he had determined in his heart to obey God’s law, statutes and commandments regardless of the cost.

Our wonderful sign changer put a great verse on the sign. “What does it profit any of us to gain the world yet lose our soul?”

Or sometimes the souls of others

Illustration: Years ago, I worked part-time on the loading docks of various trucking companies. At one company I met a fine Christian man named Rufus Kidd. He had just completed his associate’s degree in transportation and wanted to make it a full-time career. Since the company was beginning to open up to minorities at that time, Rufus, an African-American, interviewed for a position.

Later I asked him how the interview went, and he said they offered him a job in sales, which would pay well and offer unlimited opportunity. I was excited for him, but he said he wasn’t going to take it. Although it was everything he wanted, he would have to give up his ministry with singles at his church. He said he would wait for a job to come along that would allow him to continue to teach his class.

Rufus sacrificed his chance to leave the sweltering docks and gave up a brand-new career to continue teaching. -

- Kenneth Mitchell, Jacksonville, Florida

—Kenneth Mitchell, Jacksonville, Florida

Pastor Skip Heitzig made a profound statement in a recent sermon, “Christians who move the world are the ones who don’t let the world move them.”

Following Jesus will cost us something the world is never willing to pay, but commitment derived from conviction about God and His word enables us to press on and pay the cost of keeping his testimonies, as says.

Jesus gave the Great Commission to “Go and make disciples” which is an active verb and never passive. Again, given with the intention of being obeyed.

1001 Illustrations that Connect Illustration 99: Winning a Child to Christ

Edward Kimball, a shoe store assistant and a Sunday school teacher in Chicago, spent hours of his free time visiting the young street urchins in Chicago’s inner city, trying to win them for Christ. Through him, a young boy named D. L. Moody got saved in 1858. Moody grew up to be a preacher.

In 1879, Moody won F. B. Meyer to the Lord. Meyer became a preacher and won J. W. Chapman to Christ. Chapman became a preacher and brought the message of Christ to a baseball player named Billy Sunday.

Sunday held a revival in Charlotte, North Carolina, which was so successful that evangelist Mordecai Ham was invited to Charlotte to preach. Under Ham’s preaching, a teenager named Billy Graham gave his life to Jesus.

It all started with winning one child to Jesus.

In - Testimonies is an interesting word choice by the writer. It speaks to the faithfulness and dependability of God in scriptures, but it also refers to the act of testifying to a fact or an event.

Jesus gave the Great Commission to “Go and make disciples” which is an active verb and never passive. Again, given with the intention of being obeyed.

Making disciples begins with testifying to the facts of a Holy God declaring us as Sinful Men and Women must be Judged and that judgement is death. It is Telling the facts of that Holy God showing He is a Gracious and Merciful God by coming in the flesh to identify with us and to die for each of us. It is telling of the event of the resurrection giving witness to the world that God the Father accepted the sacrifice of God the Son in our place. Making disciples is telling others how they too can be saved and forgiven just like you were.

1001 Illustrations that Connect Illustration 100: “I Gots Cookies”

Our two older children, ages seven and nine, seemed to attract every child in our neighborhood for after-school games of hide-and-seek. Our youngest, Carrie, was not quite three and—in the minds of her older siblings—always in the way. Ten minutes into a game, our little one would get pushed aside or skin a knee.

One afternoon, Carrie came through the front door, again in tears. My wife, Elizabeth, tried to comfort her by giving her two freshly baked cookies. “Now don’t tell the big kids yet,” she cautioned. “I haven’t got enough for everybody yet.”

It took less than three seconds for Carrie to make it to the screen door, fling it wide, and announce to the big kids, “Cookies, I gots cookies!”

Great news should be shared with enthusiasm.

—Russell Brownworth, Thomasville, North Carolina

Jesus doesn’t want us to go and make disciples as if it were a great burden. Jesus doesn’t want us to loath telling others about Him. He wants us to go with the enthusiasm of one whom the Psalm writer describes as delighting in His Word.

When you delight in God’s Word you get so excited that you just shout from the door into the neighborhood that you got cookies and you want everyone to know it. You are even willing to share by telling them how to get cookies too, share the Gospel.

What happens to a kid who has been given cookies? They are satisfied.

Conclusion: Let me share some of the cookies I got in studying this Psalm about God’s Word.

The #8 is stamped all over this Psalm.

8 verses in each section

8 special names for God’s Word listed

8 symbols of the Word given

8 responsibilities we as believers have to the Word

The word Eight in Hebrew literally means “abundance, more than enough”

The writer of is telling each of us that God’s Word is enough for us. If you have the Bible you have all you need for your life. If you have the Bible you have all you need to live your life by the book for godliness. God’s Word has been given us so we may live fully, safely, wisely and well.

The result of a text-driven life is contentment. Contentment with God and His Word.

I also heard pastor Skip say we delight in the Word of God because reading it brings us closer and closer to the God of the Word.

Let me encourage you to keep on reading through the Bible each day. Pull up to His table and be satisfied with all He wants to give you, which is Himself. If you haven’t he is still offering.

Are you here today, and you realized you have not made the choice to make Jesus king of your life? Is God calling you to repent? Pray right where you are and He will, then you can begin to live a text-driven life by the book.

Proof of a Text Driven Life

The Text Driven Life

Living by the book is a lifestyle that begins with a conviction about what God says.

Your conviction moves you to make a choice to allow Jesus to rule over every aspect of your life.

Those choices mean making a commitment to live as He says live.

Your commitment to follow Jesus in all areas of your life is incomplete without living out His commission.