Immerse yourself in Scripture.
Sermon • Submitted
0 ratings
· 542 viewsNotes
Transcript
Handout
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
Many have heard the story of the man whose devotional reading consisted of cracking his Bible at random and reading the first verse his finger touched. One morning this was his verse for the day: "And Judas went out and hanged himself."
That can't be it, he thought. So he tried again.
"Go thou and do likewise" was his second hit.
The third time is a charm! It wasn't. It read:
The third time is a charm! It wasn't. It read: "What thou doest, do quickly!"
"What thou doest, do quickly!"
Q. Where was Solomon’s temple located?
A. On the side of his head.
Q. Where is the first tennis match mentioned in the Bible?
A. When Joseph served in Pharaoh’s court.
Q. What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longer lived in Eden?
A. Your mother ate us out of house and home.
Q. Who was the smartest man in the Bible?
A. Abraham. He knew a Lot.
Q. Why didn’t they play cards on the Ark?
A. Because Noah was standing on the deck.
Q. Who was the fastest runner in the race?
A. Adam, because he was first in the human race.
Intro.
Intro.
Text/Memory verse.
Ps.119.
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, That I might not sin against thee.
As human beings, there are many things we can pursue in life but they all do not come with the same level of importance, or return.
like you have different jobs with different pay; different hourly rates
financially most of us will prefer a higher hourly rate than a lower one, a better return for your time
Which job pays better?
same with life, we should pursue the things in life that give us the greater return.
Is there anything in the world that can give you the return as the Word of God?
For this reason Moses in speaking to his protege said:
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Moses now 120 years old and having walked with God, been Israel’s leader, a mighty man of God, knew the value of Scripture. If there’s one thing he wants Joshua to know it is this.
meditate on it, study it, spend time in it, immerse yourself in it
speak it, confess it
obey it carefully, purposefully
It will yield good results
Read -
The book of Psalms, Israel’s hymnal, their songbook of praise and worship, begins
Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.
Read -
good for grasping general idea, can be leisurely exercise
Study
taking words/phrases/passages apart, dissect, define, analyse
an academic, intellectual exercise [will favor the educated]
Meditate
ponder, get a spiritual understanding, a revelation, get it into the heart, spirit
let it change your life, transform your thinking [Be transformed by the renewing of your mind]
The power of Scripture is harnessed by meditation.
If we desire to be disciples of Christ:
Attend church regularly
Develop a lifestyle of prayer.
Be a part of a small group.
Main thought: Immerse yourself in Scripture
There are many benefits that we derive from God’s Word.
God’s Word will bring the following benefits:
1. Set us free
1. Set us free
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,
and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”
Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.
Knowledge of God’s word sets us free from sin
E.g. Martin Luther began the Reformation in 1517 and taught that salvation and, consequently, eternal life are not earned by good deeds but are received only as the free gift of God's grace through the believer's faith in Jesus Christ as redeemer from sin
As we spend time in God’s Word, bondages are being broken off from us.
The hold of sin is weakened.
We get to recognize sinful tendencies within us and deal with them.
Knowledge of God’s word sets us free from the lies of the world.
you are nothing
you have no future
God isn’t fair
You cannot win
you cannot amount to anything
you are not smart, beautiful.
God’s Word also brings -
2. Inner cleansing
2. Inner cleansing
We all know we were sinners saved by grace. We have done many wrong things in our lives. God’s word calls it sin. Then when we come to surrender our lives to Jesus, we don’t become angels overnight.
The sinful nature remain and we have to constantly struggle with it.
Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.
that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.
God’s Word has a cleansing effect on us.
It purifies us.
It is God’s detergent for the soul.
What is your favorite laundry detergent? Tide. Gain. Purex.
The only soul detergent is God’s Word.
The next benefit is:
3. Spiritual growth
3. Spiritual growth
Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
Have you seen a newborn baby drink milk?
Recall the scenario before he drinks - screaming at the top of his lungs?
That baby is focused, ravenous, sucks so hard as if there will be no more milk the next time.
He drinks as if his life depends on it, and it does.
That little tiny baby grows from a newborn, puts on weight and after a few weeks look so beautiful.
God’s Word is essential for growth.
When you enter into the KOG, you are a newborn. You begin a spiritual journey.
Now you have to grow.
We still have spiritual babies in the church after years.
Grow up. Feed on Scripture.
You get spiritual carbs, fats, proteins, essential minerals and vitamins.
Immerse yourself in Scripture.
Honestly, I am tired of getting pathetic responses such as I read a few verses today.
we should be devouring the Word of God.
Your appetite for God’s Word reflects your appetite for God Himself.
If you really want to be disciple, cut some time-consumers out of your life, and focus on God’s Word.
Another benefit -
4. Build our faith
4. Build our faith
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim);
Many are weak in faith.
Faith is built, strengthened by knowledge of God’s Word.
You see what God did on the OT/NT
Stories that show His
stories that show His power and greatness
power
greatness
goodness
faithfulness
love
wisdom
plans for us and the world
These things we learn when we are immersed. We then begin to inscribe them in our hearts and allow it to transform our lives
which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.
Stop listening to what the world says; meditate on Scripture, build your faith.
I
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,
and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”
Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.
john 8. 31-
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,
and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Knowledge of God’s word sets us free from sin
and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
As we spend time in God’s Word, bondages are being broken off from us.
The hold of sin is weakened.
We get to recognize sinful tendencies within us and deal with them.
Knowledge of God’s word sets us free from the lies of the world.
you are nothing
you have no future
God isn’t fair
You cannot win
you cannot amount to anything
you are not smart, beautiful.
Yet another benefit. You’ll like this one-
5. Good success
5. Good success
Everyone wants to prosper and be successful.
When you have children, you want them to do well also.
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
God’s Word holds the secret for your prosperity and success.
when we follow God’s Word, we save ourselves from so much heartache, pain, destruction, calamity.
when we follow God’s Word, we save ourselves from so much heartache, pain, destruction, calamity.
Rules for work.
Submit and respect your seniors/supervisors
Respect everyone even the janitors
Be diligent in the job
No texting, emails or web browsing on work time.
Be truthful, ethical in all you do. Work with the utmost integrity.
That's enough for starters.
Notice GOOD success.
Not all success in the world is good.
Elizabeth Anne Holmes
is an American entrepreneur and inventor.
Dropped out of Stanford and founded a company Theranos when in 2003. She as 19 years old.
She devised revolutionary blood tests that used very small amounts of blood.
she graced the cover of Fortune, Forbes, T: The New York Times Style Magazine and Inc., who considered her "The Next Steve Jobs"
In 2015, Forbes named Holmes as the youngest self-made female billionaire in the world due to a $9 billion valuation of Theranos.
At one point valued 10B
In 2015, Forbes named Holmes as the youngest self-made female billionaire in the world due to a $9 billion valuation of Theranos.
At one point
The next year Forbes revised her net value to zero dollars
The next year Forbes revised her net value to zero dollars
[6] The next year Forbes revised her net value to zero dollars, given an updated $800 million valuation of Theranos and the fact that many of Theranos' investors hold preferred shares and so would be paid before Holmes (who holds common stock) in a liquidation event.[2]
It was all a fraud. She had forged testing, made outrageous, fraudulent claims and misled millions.
e.g. detecting pancreatic cancer 17 years before
One person said: An epic failure of corporate governance.
Giving some unsolicited advice to a new worker this week -:
Submit and respect your seniors/supervisors
Respect everyone even the janitors
Be diligent in the job
No texting, emails or web browsing on work time.
Be truthful, ethical in all you do. Work with the utmost integrity.
The book of Psalms, Israel’s hymnal, their songbook of praise and worship, begins
Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.
God’s Word will bring -
6. Help to overcome temptation
6. Help to overcome temptation
We all know we were sinners saved by grace. We have done many wrong things in our lives. God’s word calls it sin. Then when we come to surrender our lives to Jesus, we don’t become angels overnight.
The sinful nature remain and we have to constantly struggle with it.
Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.
that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.
God’s Word has a cleansing effect on us.
It purifies us.
It is the detergent for the soul.
What is your favorite laundry detergent? Tide. Gain. Purex.
The only soul detergent is God’s Word.
6. Help to overcome temptation
6. Help to overcome temptation
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.”
But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”
Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple
and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “ ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’ ”
Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.”
Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’ ”
:
We all face temptation. God wants us to overcome not succumb to temptation.
Heaven is a place for overcomers, not cave-inners.
Jesus set the example. How did the Word of God help Him?
He was immersing Himself in Scripture. Obviously these were not the only portions Jesus knew.
He knew specific verses.
He knew when Satan misquoted the text.
When you are tempted, “It is written.”
and finally -
7. Victory in spiritual warfare
7. Victory in spiritual warfare
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
. 10-
Put on the armor
We are in a battle
Stand and fight
Truth, righteousness, faith, salvation
Use the Sword of the Spirit - The Word of God.
And pray.
Jesus used the sword when He battled Satan.
In December 2017, Theranos settled a lawsuit brought by the State of Arizona alleging that the company had sold 1.5 million blood tests to Arizonans while concealing or misrepresenting important facts about those tests. The company agreed to pay $200,000 in civil fines, and refund the cost of the tests to Arizona consumers.[10]
Satan will come to you, whisper in your ear, tempt you to do something sinful. He wants you to rebel against God and will supply every possible reason why you should. He will justify your every selfish, carnal, sinful, rebellious act.
But God’s Word is what you can use to defeat Him. Use the sword to cut the devil.
He cringes, screams, runs away when you are in the Word, believe the Word, speak the Word.
You want spiritual power - harness the power of God’s Word.
Immerse yourself in Scripture.
Conc.
Conc.
These are seven benefits I can show you today. There are more.
As a disciple of Christ, you have to immerse yourself in Scripture.
Take the time. make the sacrifice.
English Standard Version Psalm 138
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.
I will worship toward thy holy temple,
And praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth:
For thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
I will commit to [15] [20] [30] minutes spending time in God’s Word daily.
I will commit to ________ minutes spending time in God’s Word daily.