The Importance of Studying God's Word
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like newborn infants long for the unadulterated spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up to salvation, if you have tasted that the Lord is kind,
1 Peter 2:2-3The Berean Church Shows Why I Need to Read My Bible -12A man was talking with a farmer about his soy bean and corn crops.Rain had been abundant, and the results were evident but the farmer’s next comment surprised him: "My crops are especially vulnerable. Even a short drought could have a devastating effect." "Why?" the man asked. The farmer explained that while we see the frequent rains as a benefit, during that time the plants are not required to push roots deeper in search of water. The roots remain near the surface and a drought would find the plants unprepared and even a short dry spell could quickly kill them.Some Christians receive abundant "rains" of worship, fellowship, and teaching. Yet when stress enters their lives, many have no idea what to do or worse, they blame God for being unfaithful. The reason is their roots have yet to make it deeper than the surface. See they may be sitting under some of the most anointed teaching known to man but they fail to get personally involved with the Word and its Author. It’s so important to understand that only those rooted deep in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, through His Word will survive the droughts of life.The message today is about the importance of reading God’s Word and understanding that we must have more than just a surface knowledge of God’s Word in our lives.Too many come to church and leave their bibles sitting on the shelf or the table where they sit all week. That Bible is more obedient than most dogs because you set it on the table/shelf and tell it to “Stay” and it does. It remains there unopened, all week.I read about a seminary professor who, while studying in the Holy Lands, met a man who claimed to have memorized the Old Testament--in Hebrew! Needless to say, the astonished professor asked for a demonstration and a few days later they sat together in the man's home. "Where shall we begin?" asked the man. "," replied the professor, who was an avid student of the psalms. Beginning with , the man began to recite from memory, while this professor followed along in his Hebrew Bible. For two hours the man continued word for word without a mistake as the professor sat in stunned silence. When the demonstration was over, the professor discovered something even more astonishing about the man.The man was an atheist! Here was someone who knew the Scriptures better than most Christians ever will, and yet he didn't even believe in God.Jack Kuhatschek, Taking The Guesswork Out of Applying The Bible, IVP, 1991, p. 16.It’s not about memorizing Scripture. It’s about hiding it in your heart.I have a little test for you.Don’t answer out loud but which of the following phrases are not found in the Bible?Cleanliness is next to godliness.God helps those who help themselves.Confession is good for the soul.Money is the root of all evil.Honesty is the best policy.How many of these did you recognize as Scripture?The truth is not a single one of these, as read, are found in Scripture, yet many of you sitting here, right now, arguing the point in your mind. So I’ll challenge you to show me. But please wait until after the service.I want to show you something that may seem a little confusing.Looking at [:13KJV] “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”The KJV says “When you received the word, you received it”For some this sounds like double-talk but it’s not. It’s actually 2 different words in the original language.The first word is Paralambano, in the original and means to casually taste something, or to hear it with only your earsThe second “recieved” is Decomai, meaning to hear it with your heart, to embrace or welcome.They not only heard it with their ears, but welcomed it their hearts.How important is it that we hear the Word with our hearts and not simply with our ears?Let me give you a few good reasons for taking our personal Bible reading seriously.1. So I can know, for myself, the truth about God and the Bible…Notice what the Bereans did, in verse 11. They didn’t simply accept Paul’s words as truth. They searched the Scriptures to make sure they were being told the Truth.The people of Berea were even tempered and open-minded. They had a willingness and a desire to know the truth and they, personally, searched the Scriptures for confirmation of what Paul was teaching.Just because someone has a fancy title before their name and claims to have some anointing, people will fall for their scam. If you have $ you can get a document stating that you are Dr. so and so. I received an email from a bank about a problem with my account. I looked up the bank’s website, called the number and told the lady about the notice and that I didn’t have an account there. She told me it was a scam but the document looked real. It’s called “cut & paste…”2. So I can live my life, according to the plan God has for me…How can I live my life accordingly without knowing what God expects from me? How can I know what God expects if I never read His Word?Too many Christians are trying to tell God what to do, without giving a single thought to living God honoring lives. They want certain things to happen and instead of seeking guidance from the Word they focus on trying to get God and others to see things their way.However, the prophet Jeremiah, in chapter 29 & verse 11 reminds us that God has a plan for each of us and He knows exactly what it will take for us to accomplish His plan.Now if I listen to the baloney that’s being presented, as biblical truth today, I might be convinced to believe that God is some puppet and I’m the puppet master, controlling His actions.[ NKJV] “9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed [or by living] according to Your word. [God’s Word] 10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! 11 Your word [God’s Word] I have hidden in my heart, [Why must I hide God’s Word IN my heart?] That I might not sin against You.” [Added] Too many hide God’s Word on a shelf and never take it down.( NASB) “All Scripture [not some of it. Not the pieces we want to pull out of context. ALL SCRIPTURE] is inspired by God and profitable [Useful] for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” [Added][ NLT] “16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”The third reason personal Bible study is important to us is:3. Reading my Bible enables me to defend my faith…When I use the word “defend” here, I’m not using it as you might think. The word used for defending one’s faith is different than defending my family or myself. It’s not a call to arm yourself and put your dukes up for a fight. The way the word is used here means to give an answer for something, much like taking the stand in a courtroom to give and answer for why you are there.Let’s say that you’ve been in an accident and the opposing party claimed that you ran the stoplight. When you go to court you plead your case. You are telling what you know to be true because you have knowledge of the facts. I often wonder why we use certain terms in debating as in the courtroom, like argument. We’re being argumentative or quarrelsome, yet we call it an argument. We say we defending when we’re not doing battle. We’re simply giving an answer for what we know to be the truth.Let me show you how that works when we give defense for Christianity.[ NIV] “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”In the KJV the word is defense, where in the NIV it says “to give an answer.” But notice the attitude we are to use, when giving the answer. “But do this with gentleness and respect,”[ NLT] “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”That leads to the fourth reason personal Bible reading and study is so important.4. So I will be able to, correctly, tell others the whole truth and nothing but the truth…How can I tell the truth if I have no idea what truth is?How can I say “The Bible says” if I really don’t know that what I’m quoting is actually Scripture?How can I know God’s truth, how can I share His truth if I never open the pages of His Word?[ NIV] “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.”Notice that Paul says we are to correct, rebuke and encourage BUT with great patience and careful instruction.”Why should so important to us? We can answer that question by reading the next two scripture passages.Let’s look again at [ NIV] “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.”Why? Verse 3 gives the reason.[ NIV] “3 For the time will come when people will NOT put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”How do we accomplish verse 2?Do we beat them over the head or we try to out scream and out cuss them out if they reject what we say?Well, let’s look to Scripture, once more for the answer.[ NIV] “24 And the Lord's servant must NOT be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be GENTLY instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”My challenge to you, this week is to get in the Word and find some awesome treasure that will help you to walk as the man or woman God designed you to be.
like newborn infants long for the unadulterated spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up to salvation, if you have tasted that the Lord is kind, to whom you are drawing near, a living stone rejected by men but chosen and precious in the sight of God.
The Berean Church Shows Why I Need to Read My Bible -12A man was talking with a farmer about his soy bean and corn crops.Rain had been abundant, and the results were evident but the farmer’s next comment surprised him: "My crops are especially vulnerable. Even a short drought could have a devastating effect." "Why?" the man asked. The farmer explained that while we see the frequent rains as a benefit, during that time the plants are not required to push roots deeper in search of water. The roots remain near the surface and a drought would find the plants unprepared and even a short dry spell could quickly kill them.Some Christians receive abundant "rains" of worship, fellowship, and teaching. Yet when stress enters their lives, many have no idea what to do or worse, they blame God for being unfaithful. The reason is their roots have yet to make it deeper than the surface. See they may be sitting under some of the most anointed teaching known to man but they fail to get personally involved with the Word and its Author. It’s so important to understand that only those rooted deep in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, through His Word will survive the droughts of life.The message today is about the importance of reading God’s Word and understanding that we must have more than just a surface knowledge of God’s Word in our lives.Too many come to church and leave their bibles sitting on the shelf or the table where they sit all week. That Bible is more obedient than most dogs because you set it on the table/shelf and tell it to “Stay” and it does. It remains there unopened, all week.I read about a seminary professor who, while studying in the Holy Lands, met a man who claimed to have memorized the Old Testament--in Hebrew! Needless to say, the astonished professor asked for a demonstration and a few days later they sat together in the man's home. "Where shall we begin?" asked the man. "," replied the professor, who was an avid student of the psalms. Beginning with , the man began to recite from memory, while this professor followed along in his Hebrew Bible. For two hours the man continued word for word without a mistake as the professor sat in stunned silence. When the demonstration was over, the professor discovered something even more astonishing about the man.The man was an atheist! Here was someone who knew the Scriptures better than most Christians ever will, and yet he didn't even believe in God.Jack Kuhatschek, Taking The Guesswork Out of Applying The Bible, IVP, 1991, p. 16.It’s not about memorizing Scripture. It’s about hiding it in your heart.I have a little test for you.Don’t answer out loud but which of the following phrases are not found in the Bible?Cleanliness is next to godliness.God helps those who help themselves.Confession is good for the soul.Money is the root of all evil.Honesty is the best policy.How many of these did you recognize as Scripture?The truth is not a single one of these, as read, are found in Scripture, yet many of you sitting here, right now, arguing the point in your mind. So I’ll challenge you to show me. But please wait until after the service.I want to show you something that may seem a little confusing.Looking at [:13KJV] “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”The KJV says “When you received the word, you received it”For some this sounds like double-talk but it’s not. It’s actually 2 different words in the original language.The first word is Paralambano, in the original and means to casually taste something, or to hear it with only your earsThe second “recieved” is Decomai, meaning to hear it with your heart, to embrace or welcome.They not only heard it with their ears, but welcomed it their hearts.How important is it that we hear the Word with our hearts and not simply with our ears?Let me give you a few good reasons for taking our personal Bible reading seriously.1. So I can know, for myself, the truth about God and the Bible…Notice what the Bereans did, in verse 11. They didn’t simply accept Paul’s words as truth. They searched the Scriptures to make sure they were being told the Truth.The people of Berea were even tempered and open-minded. They had a willingness and a desire to know the truth and they, personally, searched the Scriptures for confirmation of what Paul was teaching.Just because someone has a fancy title before their name and claims to have some anointing, people will fall for their scam. If you have $ you can get a document stating that you are Dr. so and so. I received an email from a bank about a problem with my account. I looked up the bank’s website, called the number and told the lady about the notice and that I didn’t have an account there. She told me it was a scam but the document looked real. It’s called “cut & paste…”2. So I can live my life, according to the plan God has for me…How can I live my life accordingly without knowing what God expects from me? How can I know what God expects if I never read His Word?Too many Christians are trying to tell God what to do, without giving a single thought to living God honoring lives. They want certain things to happen and instead of seeking guidance from the Word they focus on trying to get God and others to see things their way.However, the prophet Jeremiah, in chapter 29 & verse 11 reminds us that God has a plan for each of us and He knows exactly what it will take for us to accomplish His plan.Now if I listen to the baloney that’s being presented, as biblical truth today, I might be convinced to believe that God is some puppet and I’m the puppet master, controlling His actions.[ NKJV] “9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed [or by living] according to Your word. [God’s Word] 10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! 11 Your word [God’s Word] I have hidden in my heart, [Why must I hide God’s Word IN my heart?] That I might not sin against You.” [Added] Too many hide God’s Word on a shelf and never take it down.( NASB) “All Scripture [not some of it. Not the pieces we want to pull out of context. ALL SCRIPTURE] is inspired by God and profitable [Useful] for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” [Added][ NLT] “16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”The third reason personal Bible study is important to us is:3. Reading my Bible enables me to defend my faith…When I use the word “defend” here, I’m not using it as you might think. The word used for defending one’s faith is different than defending my family or myself. It’s not a call to arm yourself and put your dukes up for a fight. The way the word is used here means to give an answer for something, much like taking the stand in a courtroom to give and answer for why you are there.Let’s say that you’ve been in an accident and the opposing party claimed that you ran the stoplight. When you go to court you plead your case. You are telling what you know to be true because you have knowledge of the facts. I often wonder why we use certain terms in debating as in the courtroom, like argument. We’re being argumentative or quarrelsome, yet we call it an argument. We say we defending when we’re not doing battle. We’re simply giving an answer for what we know to be the truth.Let me show you how that works when we give defense for Christianity.[ NIV] “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”In the KJV the word is defense, where in the NIV it says “to give an answer.” But notice the attitude we are to use, when giving the answer. “But do this with gentleness and respect,”[ NLT] “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”That leads to the fourth reason personal Bible reading and study is so important.4. So I will be able to, correctly, tell others the whole truth and nothing but the truth…How can I tell the truth if I have no idea what truth is?How can I say “The Bible says” if I really don’t know that what I’m quoting is actually Scripture?How can I know God’s truth, how can I share His truth if I never open the pages of His Word?[ NIV] “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.”Notice that Paul says we are to correct, rebuke and encourage BUT with great patience and careful instruction.”Why should so important to us? We can answer that question by reading the next two scripture passages.Let’s look again at [ NIV] “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.”Why? Verse 3 gives the reason.[ NIV] “3 For the time will come when people will NOT put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”How do we accomplish verse 2?Do we beat them over the head or we try to out scream and out cuss them out if they reject what we say?Well, let’s look to Scripture, once more for the answer.[ NIV] “24 And the Lord's servant must NOT be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be GENTLY instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”My challenge to you, this week is to get in the Word and find some awesome treasure that will help you to walk as the man or woman God designed you to be.
So put away all malice and all guile and insincerity and envy and all slander. Like newborn babes, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation; for you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.
Come to him, to that living stone, rejected by men but in God’s sight chosen and precious;
The Berean Church Shows Why I Need to Read My Bible -12A man was talking with a farmer about his soy bean and corn crops.Rain had been abundant, and the results were evident but the farmer’s next comment surprised him: "My crops are especially vulnerable. Even a short drought could have a devastating effect." "Why?" the man asked. The farmer explained that while we see the frequent rains as a benefit, during that time the plants are not required to push roots deeper in search of water. The roots remain near the surface and a drought would find the plants unprepared and even a short dry spell could quickly kill them.Some Christians receive abundant "rains" of worship, fellowship, and teaching. Yet when stress enters their lives, many have no idea what to do or worse, they blame God for being unfaithful. The reason is their roots have yet to make it deeper than the surface. See they may be sitting under some of the most anointed teaching known to man but they fail to get personally involved with the Word and its Author. It’s so important to understand that only those rooted deep in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, through His Word will survive the droughts of life.The message today is about the importance of reading God’s Word and understanding that we must have more than just a surface knowledge of God’s Word in our lives.Too many come to church and leave their bibles sitting on the shelf or the table where they sit all week. That Bible is more obedient than most dogs because you set it on the table/shelf and tell it to “Stay” and it does. It remains there unopened, all week.I read about a seminary professor who, while studying in the Holy Lands, met a man who claimed to have memorized the Old Testament--in Hebrew! Needless to say, the astonished professor asked for a demonstration and a few days later they sat together in the man's home. "Where shall we begin?" asked the man. "," replied the professor, who was an avid student of the psalms. Beginning with , the man began to recite from memory, while this professor followed along in his Hebrew Bible. For two hours the man continued word for word without a mistake as the professor sat in stunned silence. When the demonstration was over, the professor discovered something even more astonishing about the man.The man was an atheist! Here was someone who knew the Scriptures better than most Christians ever will, and yet he didn't even believe in God.Jack Kuhatschek, Taking The Guesswork Out of Applying The Bible, IVP, 1991, p. 16.It’s not about memorizing Scripture. It’s about hiding it in your heart.I have a little test for you.Don’t answer out loud but which of the following phrases are not found in the Bible?Cleanliness is next to godliness.God helps those who help themselves.Confession is good for the soul.Money is the root of all evil.Honesty is the best policy.How many of these did you recognize as Scripture?The truth is not a single one of these, as read, are found in Scripture, yet many of you sitting here, right now, arguing the point in your mind. So I’ll challenge you to show me. But please wait until after the service.I want to show you something that may seem a little confusing.Looking at [:13KJV] “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”The KJV says “When you received the word, you received it”For some this sounds like double-talk but it’s not. It’s actually 2 different words in the original language.The first word is Paralambano, in the original and means to casually taste something, or to hear it with only your earsThe second “recieved” is Decomai, meaning to hear it with your heart, to embrace or welcome.They not only heard it with their ears, but welcomed it their hearts.How important is it that we hear the Word with our hearts and not simply with our ears?Let me give you a few good reasons for taking our personal Bible reading seriously.1. So I can know, for myself, the truth about God and the Bible…Notice what the Bereans did, in verse 11. They didn’t simply accept Paul’s words as truth. They searched the Scriptures to make sure they were being told the Truth.The people of Berea were even tempered and open-minded. They had a willingness and a desire to know the truth and they, personally, searched the Scriptures for confirmation of what Paul was teaching.Just because someone has a fancy title before their name and claims to have some anointing, people will fall for their scam. If you have $ you can get a document stating that you are Dr. so and so. I received an email from a bank about a problem with my account. I looked up the bank’s website, called the number and told the lady about the notice and that I didn’t have an account there. She told me it was a scam but the document looked real. It’s called “cut & paste…”2. So I can live my life, according to the plan God has for me…How can I live my life accordingly without knowing what God expects from me? How can I know what God expects if I never read His Word?Too many Christians are trying to tell God what to do, without giving a single thought to living God honoring lives. They want certain things to happen and instead of seeking guidance from the Word they focus on trying to get God and others to see things their way.However, the prophet Jeremiah, in chapter 29 & verse 11 reminds us that God has a plan for each of us and He knows exactly what it will take for us to accomplish His plan.Now if I listen to the baloney that’s being presented, as biblical truth today, I might be convinced to believe that God is some puppet and I’m the puppet master, controlling His actions.[ NKJV] “9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed [or by living] according to Your word. [God’s Word] 10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! 11 Your word [God’s Word] I have hidden in my heart, [Why must I hide God’s Word IN my heart?] That I might not sin against You.” [Added] Too many hide God’s Word on a shelf and never take it down.( NASB) “All Scripture [not some of it. Not the pieces we want to pull out of context. ALL SCRIPTURE] is inspired by God and profitable [Useful] for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” [Added][ NLT] “16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”The third reason personal Bible study is important to us is:3. Reading my Bible enables me to defend my faith…When I use the word “defend” here, I’m not using it as you might think. The word used for defending one’s faith is different than defending my family or myself. It’s not a call to arm yourself and put your dukes up for a fight. The way the word is used here means to give an answer for something, much like taking the stand in a courtroom to give and answer for why you are there.Let’s say that you’ve been in an accident and the opposing party claimed that you ran the stoplight. When you go to court you plead your case. You are telling what you know to be true because you have knowledge of the facts. I often wonder why we use certain terms in debating as in the courtroom, like argument. We’re being argumentative or quarrelsome, yet we call it an argument. We say we defending when we’re not doing battle. We’re simply giving an answer for what we know to be the truth.Let me show you how that works when we give defense for Christianity.[ NIV] “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”In the KJV the word is defense, where in the NIV it says “to give an answer.” But notice the attitude we are to use, when giving the answer. “But do this with gentleness and respect,”[ NLT] “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”That leads to the fourth reason personal Bible reading and study is so important.4. So I will be able to, correctly, tell others the whole truth and nothing but the truth…How can I tell the truth if I have no idea what truth is?How can I say “The Bible says” if I really don’t know that what I’m quoting is actually Scripture?How can I know God’s truth, how can I share His truth if I never open the pages of His Word?[ NIV] “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.”Notice that Paul says we are to correct, rebuke and encourage BUT with great patience and careful instruction.”Why should so important to us? We can answer that question by reading the next two scripture passages.Let’s look again at [ NIV] “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.”Why? Verse 3 gives the reason.[ NIV] “3 For the time will come when people will NOT put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”How do we accomplish verse 2?Do we beat them over the head or we try to out scream and out cuss them out if they reject what we say?Well, let’s look to Scripture, once more for the answer.[ NIV] “24 And the Lord's servant must NOT be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be GENTLY instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”My challenge to you, this week is to get in the Word and find some awesome treasure that will help you to walk as the man or woman God designed you to be.
Turn to
A man was talking with a farmer about his soy bean and corn crops.Rain had been abundant, and the results were evident but the farmer’s next comment surprised him: "My crops are especially vulnerable. Even a short drought could have a devastating effect." "Why?" the man asked. The farmer explained that while we see the frequent rains as a benefit, during that time the plants are not required to push roots deeper in search of water. The roots remain near the surface and a drought would find the plants unprepared and even a short dry spell could quickly kill them.Some Christians receive abundant "rains" of worship, fellowship, and teaching. Yet when stress enters their lives, many have no idea what to do or worse, they blame God for being unfaithful. The reason is their roots have yet to make it deeper than the surface. See they may be sitting under some of the most anointed teaching known to man but they fail to get personally involved with the Word and its Author. It’s so important to understand that only those rooted deep in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, through His Word will survive the droughts of life.The message today is about the importance of reading God’s Word and understanding that we must have more than just a surface knowledge of God’s Word in our lives.
1 peter The Berean Church Shows Why I Need to Read My Bible -12A man was talking with a farmer about his soy bean and corn crops.Rain had been abundant, and the results were evident but the farmer’s next comment surprised him: "My crops are especially vulnerable. Even a short drought could have a devastating effect." "Why?" the man asked. The farmer explained that while we see the frequent rains as a benefit, during that time the plants are not required to push roots deeper in search of water. The roots remain near the surface and a drought would find the plants unprepared and even a short dry spell could quickly kill them.Some Christians receive abundant "rains" of worship, fellowship, and teaching. Yet when stress enters their lives, many have no idea what to do or worse, they blame God for being unfaithful. The reason is their roots have yet to make it deeper than the surface. See they may be sitting under some of the most anointed teaching known to man but they fail to get personally involved with the Word and its Author. It’s so important to understand that only those rooted deep in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, through His Word will survive the droughts of life.The message today is about the importance of reading God’s Word and understanding that we must have more than just a surface knowledge of God’s Word in our lives.Too many come to church and leave their bibles sitting on the shelf or the table where they sit all week. That Bible is more obedient than most dogs because you set it on the table/shelf and tell it to “Stay” and it does. It remains there unopened, all week.I read about a seminary professor who, while studying in the Holy Lands, met a man who claimed to have memorized the Old Testament--in Hebrew! Needless to say, the astonished professor asked for a demonstration and a few days later they sat together in the man's home. "Where shall we begin?" asked the man. "," replied the professor, who was an avid student of the psalms. Beginning with , the man began to recite from memory, while this professor followed along in his Hebrew Bible. For two hours the man continued word for word without a mistake as the professor sat in stunned silence. When the demonstration was over, the professor discovered something even more astonishing about the man.The man was an atheist! Here was someone who knew the Scriptures better than most Christians ever will, and yet he didn't even believe in God.Jack Kuhatschek, Taking The Guesswork Out of Applying The Bible, IVP, 1991, p. 16.It’s not about memorizing Scripture. It’s about hiding it in your heart.I have a little test for you.Don’t answer out loud but which of the following phrases are not found in the Bible?Cleanliness is next to godliness.God helps those who help themselves.Confession is good for the soul.Money is the root of all evil.Honesty is the best policy.How many of these did you recognize as Scripture?The truth is not a single one of these, as read, are found in Scripture, yet many of you sitting here, right now, arguing the point in your mind. So I’ll challenge you to show me. But please wait until after the service.I want to show you something that may seem a little confusing.Looking at [:13KJV] “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”The KJV says “When you received the word, you received it”For some this sounds like double-talk but it’s not. It’s actually 2 different words in the original language.The first word is Paralambano, in the original and means to casually taste something, or to hear it with only your earsThe second “recieved” is Decomai, meaning to hear it with your heart, to embrace or welcome.They not only heard it with their ears, but welcomed it their hearts.How important is it that we hear the Word with our hearts and not simply with our ears?Let me give you a few good reasons for taking our personal Bible reading seriously.1. So I can know, for myself, the truth about God and the Bible…Notice what the Bereans did, in verse 11. They didn’t simply accept Paul’s words as truth. They searched the Scriptures to make sure they were being told the Truth.The people of Berea were even tempered and open-minded. They had a willingness and a desire to know the truth and they, personally, searched the Scriptures for confirmation of what Paul was teaching.Just because someone has a fancy title before their name and claims to have some anointing, people will fall for their scam. If you have $ you can get a document stating that you are Dr. so and so. I received an email from a bank about a problem with my account. I looked up the bank’s website, called the number and told the lady about the notice and that I didn’t have an account there. She told me it was a scam but the document looked real. It’s called “cut & paste…”2. So I can live my life, according to the plan God has for me…How can I live my life accordingly without knowing what God expects from me? How can I know what God expects if I never read His Word?Too many Christians are trying to tell God what to do, without giving a single thought to living God honoring lives. They want certain things to happen and instead of seeking guidance from the Word they focus on trying to get God and others to see things their way.However, the prophet Jeremiah, in chapter 29 & verse 11 reminds us that God has a plan for each of us and He knows exactly what it will take for us to accomplish His plan.Now if I listen to the baloney that’s being presented, as biblical truth today, I might be convinced to believe that God is some puppet and I’m the puppet master, controlling His actions.[ NKJV] “9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed [or by living] according to Your word. [God’s Word] 10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! 11 Your word [God’s Word] I have hidden in my heart, [Why must I hide God’s Word IN my heart?] That I might not sin against You.” [Added] Too many hide God’s Word on a shelf and never take it down.( NASB) “All Scripture [not some of it. Not the pieces we want to pull out of context. ALL SCRIPTURE] is inspired by God and profitable [Useful] for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” [Added][ NLT] “16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”The third reason personal Bible study is important to us is:3. Reading my Bible enables me to defend my faith…When I use the word “defend” here, I’m not using it as you might think. The word used for defending one’s faith is different than defending my family or myself. It’s not a call to arm yourself and put your dukes up for a fight. The way the word is used here means to give an answer for something, much like taking the stand in a courtroom to give and answer for why you are there.Let’s say that you’ve been in an accident and the opposing party claimed that you ran the stoplight. When you go to court you plead your case. You are telling what you know to be true because you have knowledge of the facts. I often wonder why we use certain terms in debating as in the courtroom, like argument. We’re being argumentative or quarrelsome, yet we call it an argument. We say we defending when we’re not doing battle. We’re simply giving an answer for what we know to be the truth.Let me show you how that works when we give defense for Christianity.[ NIV] “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”In the KJV the word is defense, where in the NIV it says “to give an answer.” But notice the attitude we are to use, when giving the answer. “But do this with gentleness and respect,”[ NLT] “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”That leads to the fourth reason personal Bible reading and study is so important.4. So I will be able to, correctly, tell others the whole truth and nothing but the truth…How can I tell the truth if I have no idea what truth is?How can I say “The Bible says” if I really don’t know that what I’m quoting is actually Scripture?How can I know God’s truth, how can I share His truth if I never open the pages of His Word?[ NIV] “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.”Notice that Paul says we are to correct, rebuke and encourage BUT with great patience and careful instruction.”Why should so important to us? We can answer that question by reading the next two scripture passages.Let’s look again at [ NIV] “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.”Why? Verse 3 gives the reason.[ NIV] “3 For the time will come when people will NOT put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”How do we accomplish verse 2?Do we beat them over the head or we try to out scream and out cuss them out if they reject what we say?Well, let’s look to Scripture, once more for the answer.[ NIV] “24 And the Lord's servant must NOT be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be GENTLY instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”My challenge to you, this week is to get in the Word and find some awesome treasure that will help you to walk as the man or woman God designed you to be.
like newborn infants long for the unadulterated spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up to salvation, if you have tasted that the Lord is kind, to whom you are drawing near, a living stone rejected by men but chosen and precious in the sight of God. And you yourselves, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in scripture, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.”
Like newborn babes, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation; for you have tasted the kindness of the Lord. Come to him, to that living stone, rejected by men but in God’s sight chosen and precious; and like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
1 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
The Berean Church Shows Why We Need to Study Our Bible.
Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Beroea; and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with all eagerness, examining the scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.
The Berean Church Shows Why I Need to Read My Bible -12Too many come to church and leave their bibles sitting on the shelf or the table where they sit all week. That Bible is more obedient than most dogs because you set it on the table/shelf and tell it to “Stay” and it does. It remains there unopened, all week.I read about a seminary professor who, while studying in the Holy Lands, met a man who claimed to have memorized the Old Testament--in Hebrew! Needless to say, the astonished professor asked for a demonstration and a few days later they sat together in the man's home. "Where shall we begin?" asked the man. "," replied the professor, who was an avid student of the psalms. Beginning with , the man began to recite from memory, while this professor followed along in his Hebrew Bible. For two hours the man continued word for word without a mistake as the professor sat in stunned silence. When the demonstration was over, the professor discovered something even more astonishing about the man.The man was an atheist! Here was someone who knew the Scriptures better than most Christians ever will, and yet he didn't even believe in God.Jack Kuhatschek, Taking The Guesswork Out of Applying The Bible, IVP, 1991, p. 16.It’s not about memorizing Scripture. It’s about hiding it in your heart.I have a little test for you.Don’t answer out loud but which of the following phrases are not found in the Bible?Cleanliness is next to godliness.God helps those who help themselves.Confession is good for the soul.Money is the root of all evil.Honesty is the best policy.How many of these did you recognize as Scripture?The truth is not a single one of these, as read, are found in Scripture, yet many of you sitting here, right now, arguing the point in your mind. So I’ll challenge you to show me. But please wait until after the service.I want to show you something that may seem a little confusing.Looking at [:13KJV] “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”The KJV says “When you received the word, you received it”For some this sounds like double-talk but it’s not. It’s actually 2 different words in the original language.The first word is Paralambano, in the original and means to casually taste something, or to hear it with only your earsThe second “recieved” is Decomai, meaning to hear it with your heart, to embrace or welcome.They not only heard it with their ears, but welcomed it their hearts.How important is it that we hear the Word with our hearts and not simply with our ears?Let me give you a few good reasons for taking our personal Bible reading seriously.1. So I can know, for myself, the truth about God and the Bible…Notice what the Bereans did, in verse 11. They didn’t simply accept Paul’s words as truth. They searched the Scriptures to make sure they were being told the Truth.The people of Berea were even tempered and open-minded. They had a willingness and a desire to know the truth and they, personally, searched the Scriptures for confirmation of what Paul was teaching.Just because someone has a fancy title before their name and claims to have some anointing, people will fall for their scam. If you have $ you can get a document stating that you are Dr. so and so. I received an email from a bank about a problem with my account. I looked up the bank’s website, called the number and told the lady about the notice and that I didn’t have an account there. She told me it was a scam but the document looked real. It’s called “cut & paste…”2. So I can live my life, according to the plan God has for me…How can I live my life accordingly without knowing what God expects from me? How can I know what God expects if I never read His Word?Too many Christians are trying to tell God what to do, without giving a single thought to living God honoring lives. They want certain things to happen and instead of seeking guidance from the Word they focus on trying to get God and others to see things their way.However, the prophet Jeremiah, in chapter 29 & verse 11 reminds us that God has a plan for each of us and He knows exactly what it will take for us to accomplish His plan.Now if I listen to the baloney that’s being presented, as biblical truth today, I might be convinced to believe that God is some puppet and I’m the puppet master, controlling His actions.[ NKJV] “9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed [or by living] according to Your word. [God’s Word] 10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! 11 Your word [God’s Word] I have hidden in my heart, [Why must I hide God’s Word IN my heart?] That I might not sin against You.” [Added] Too many hide God’s Word on a shelf and never take it down.( NASB) “All Scripture [not some of it. Not the pieces we want to pull out of context. ALL SCRIPTURE] is inspired by God and profitable [Useful] for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” [Added][ NLT] “16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”The third reason personal Bible study is important to us is:3. Reading my Bible enables me to defend my faith…When I use the word “defend” here, I’m not using it as you might think. The word used for defending one’s faith is different than defending my family or myself. It’s not a call to arm yourself and put your dukes up for a fight. The way the word is used here means to give an answer for something, much like taking the stand in a courtroom to give and answer for why you are there.Let’s say that you’ve been in an accident and the opposing party claimed that you ran the stoplight. When you go to court you plead your case. You are telling what you know to be true because you have knowledge of the facts. I often wonder why we use certain terms in debating as in the courtroom, like argument. We’re being argumentative or quarrelsome, yet we call it an argument. We say we defending when we’re not doing battle. We’re simply giving an answer for what we know to be the truth.Let me show you how that works when we give defense for Christianity.[ NIV] “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”In the KJV the word is defense, where in the NIV it says “to give an answer.” But notice the attitude we are to use, when giving the answer. “But do this with gentleness and respect,”[ NLT] “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”That leads to the fourth reason personal Bible reading and study is so important.4. So I will be able to, correctly, tell others the whole truth and nothing but the truth…How can I tell the truth if I have no idea what truth is?How can I say “The Bible says” if I really don’t know that what I’m quoting is actually Scripture?How can I know God’s truth, how can I share His truth if I never open the pages of His Word?[ NIV] “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.”Notice that Paul says we are to correct, rebuke and encourage BUT with great patience and careful instruction.”Why should so important to us? We can answer that question by reading the next two scripture passages.Let’s look again at [ NIV] “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.”Why? Verse 3 gives the reason.[ NIV] “3 For the time will come when people will NOT put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”How do we accomplish verse 2?Do we beat them over the head or we try to out scream and out cuss them out if they reject what we say?Well, let’s look to Scripture, once more for the answer.[ NIV] “24 And the Lord's servant must NOT be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be GENTLY instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”My challenge to you, this week is to get in the Word and find some awesome treasure that will help you to walk as the man or woman God designed you to be.
Acts 17:10-12 -12Too many come to church and leave their bibles sitting on the shelf or the table where they sit all week. That Bible is more obedient than most dogs because you set it on the table/shelf and tell it to “Stay” and it does. It remains there unopened, all week.I read about a seminary professor who, while studying in the Holy Lands, met a man who claimed to have memorized the Old Testament--in Hebrew! Needless to say, the astonished professor asked for a demonstration and a few days later they sat together in the man's home. "Where shall we begin?" asked the man. "," replied the professor, who was an avid student of the psalms. Beginning with , the man began to recite from memory, while this professor followed along in his Hebrew Bible. For two hours the man continued word for word without a mistake as the professor sat in stunned silence. When the demonstration was over, the professor discovered something even more astonishing about the man.The man was an atheist! Here was someone who knew the Scriptures better than most Christians ever will, and yet he didn't even believe in God.Jack Kuhatschek, Taking The Guesswork Out of Applying The Bible, IVP, 1991, p. 16.It’s not about memorizing Scripture. It’s about hiding it in your heart.I have a little test for you.Don’t answer out loud but which of the following phrases are not found in the Bible?Cleanliness is next to godliness.God helps those who help themselves.Confession is good for the soul.Money is the root of all evil.Honesty is the best policy.How many of these did you recognize as Scripture?The truth is not a single one of these, as read, are found in Scripture, yet many of you sitting here, right now, arguing the point in your mind. So I’ll challenge you to show me. But please wait until after the service.I want to show you something that may seem a little confusing.Looking at [:13KJV] “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”The KJV says “When you received the word, you received it”For some this sounds like double-talk but it’s not. It’s actually 2 different words in the original language.The first word is Paralambano, in the original and means to casually taste something, or to hear it with only your earsThe second “recieved” is Decomai, meaning to hear it with your heart, to embrace or welcome.They not only heard it with their ears, but welcomed it their hearts.How important is it that we hear the Word with our hearts and not simply with our ears?Let me give you a few good reasons for taking our personal Bible reading seriously.1. So I can know, for myself, the truth about God and the Bible…Notice what the Bereans did, in verse 11. They didn’t simply accept Paul’s words as truth. They searched the Scriptures to make sure they were being told the Truth.The people of Berea were even tempered and open-minded. They had a willingness and a desire to know the truth and they, personally, searched the Scriptures for confirmation of what Paul was teaching.Just because someone has a fancy title before their name and claims to have some anointing, people will fall for their scam. If you have $ you can get a document stating that you are Dr. so and so. I received an email from a bank about a problem with my account. I looked up the bank’s website, called the number and told the lady about the notice and that I didn’t have an account there. She told me it was a scam but the document looked real. It’s called “cut & paste…”2. So I can live my life, according to the plan God has for me…How can I live my life accordingly without knowing what God expects from me? How can I know what God expects if I never read His Word?Too many Christians are trying to tell God what to do, without giving a single thought to living God honoring lives. They want certain things to happen and instead of seeking guidance from the Word they focus on trying to get God and others to see things their way.However, the prophet Jeremiah, in chapter 29 & verse 11 reminds us that God has a plan for each of us and He knows exactly what it will take for us to accomplish His plan.Now if I listen to the baloney that’s being presented, as biblical truth today, I might be convinced to believe that God is some puppet and I’m the puppet master, controlling His actions.[ NKJV] “9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed [or by living] according to Your word. [God’s Word] 10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! 11 Your word [God’s Word] I have hidden in my heart, [Why must I hide God’s Word IN my heart?] That I might not sin against You.” [Added] Too many hide God’s Word on a shelf and never take it down.( NASB) “All Scripture [not some of it. Not the pieces we want to pull out of context. ALL SCRIPTURE] is inspired by God and profitable [Useful] for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” [Added][ NLT] “16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”The third reason personal Bible study is important to us is:3. Reading my Bible enables me to defend my faith…When I use the word “defend” here, I’m not using it as you might think. The word used for defending one’s faith is different than defending my family or myself. It’s not a call to arm yourself and put your dukes up for a fight. The way the word is used here means to give an answer for something, much like taking the stand in a courtroom to give and answer for why you are there.Let’s say that you’ve been in an accident and the opposing party claimed that you ran the stoplight. When you go to court you plead your case. You are telling what you know to be true because you have knowledge of the facts. I often wonder why we use certain terms in debating as in the courtroom, like argument. We’re being argumentative or quarrelsome, yet we call it an argument. We say we defending when we’re not doing battle. We’re simply giving an answer for what we know to be the truth.Let me show you how that works when we give defense for Christianity.[ NIV] “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”In the KJV the word is defense, where in the NIV it says “to give an answer.” But notice the attitude we are to use, when giving the answer. “But do this with gentleness and respect,”[ NLT] “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”That leads to the fourth reason personal Bible reading and study is so important.4. So I will be able to, correctly, tell others the whole truth and nothing but the truth…How can I tell the truth if I have no idea what truth is?How can I say “The Bible says” if I really don’t know that what I’m quoting is actually Scripture?How can I know God’s truth, how can I share His truth if I never open the pages of His Word?[ NIV] “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.”Notice that Paul says we are to correct, rebuke and encourage BUT with great patience and careful instruction.”Why should so important to us? We can answer that question by reading the next two scripture passages.Let’s look again at [ NIV] “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.”Why? Verse 3 gives the reason.[ NIV] “3 For the time will come when people will NOT put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”How do we accomplish verse 2?Do we beat them over the head or we try to out scream and out cuss them out if they reject what we say?Well, let’s look to Scripture, once more for the answer.[ NIV] “24 And the Lord's servant must NOT be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be GENTLY instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”My challenge to you, this week is to get in the Word and find some awesome treasure that will help you to walk as the man or woman God designed you to be.
-12Too many come to church and leave their bibles sitting on the shelf or the table where they sit all week. That Bible is more obedient than most dogs because you set it on the table/shelf and tell it to “Stay” and it does. It remains there unopened, all week.I read about a seminary professor who, while studying in the Holy Lands, met a man who claimed to have memorized the Old Testament--in Hebrew! Needless to say, the astonished professor asked for a demonstration and a few days later they sat together in the man's home. "Where shall we begin?" asked the man. "," replied the professor, who was an avid student of the psalms. Beginning with , the man began to recite from memory, while this professor followed along in his Hebrew Bible. For two hours the man continued word for word without a mistake as the professor sat in stunned silence. When the demonstration was over, the professor discovered something even more astonishing about the man.The man was an atheist! Here was someone who knew the Scriptures better than most Christians ever will, and yet he didn't even believe in God.It’s not about memorizing Scripture. It’s about hiding it in your heart.I have a little test for you.Don’t answer out loud but which of the following phrases are not found in the Bible?
Cleanliness is next to godliness.
God helps those who help themselves.
Confession is good for the soul.
Money is the root of all evil.
Honesty is the best policy.
How many of these did you recognize as Scripture?The truth is not a single one of these, as read, are found in Scripture, yet many of you sitting here, right now, arguing the point in your mind. So I’ll challenge you to show me. But please wait until after the service.I want to show you something that may seem a little confusing.Looking at [:13KJV] “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”
They not only heard it with their ears, but welcomed it their hearts.How important is it that we hear the Word with our hearts and not simply with our ears?Let me give you a few good reasons for taking your personal Bible study seriously.
1. So I can know, for myself, the truth about God and the Bible…Notice what the Bereans did, in verse 11. They didn’t simply accept Paul’s words as truth. They searched the Scriptures to make sure they were being told the Truth.The people of Berea were even tempered and open-minded. They had a willingness and a desire to know the truth and they, personally, searched the Scriptures for confirmation of what Paul was teaching.Just because someone has a fancy title before their name and claims to have some anointing, people will fall for their scam. If you have $ you can get a document stating that you are Dr. so and so.
2. So I can live my life, according to the plan God has for me…How can I live my life accordingly without knowing what God expects from me? How can I know what God expects if I never read His Word?Too many Christians are trying to tell God what to do, without giving a single thought to living God honoring lives. They want certain things to happen and instead of seeking guidance from the Word they focus on trying to get God and others to see things their way.However, the prophet Jeremiah
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
jeremiah , in chapter 29 & verse 11 reminds us that God has a plan for each of us and He knows exactly what it will take for us to accomplish His plan.Now if I listen to the baloney that’s being presented, as biblical truth today, I might be convinced to believe that God is some puppet and I’m the puppet master, controlling His actions.[ NKJV] “9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed [or by living] according to Your word. [God’s Word] 10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! 11 Your word [God’s Word] I have hidden in my heart, [Why must I hide God’s Word IN my heart?] That I might not sin against You.” [Added] Too many hide God’s Word on a shelf and never take it down.( NASB) “All Scripture [not some of it. Not the pieces we want to pull out of context. ALL SCRIPTURE] is inspired by God and profitable [Useful] for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” [Added][ NLT] “16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”The third reason personal Bible study is important to us is:3. Reading my Bible enables me to defend my faith…When I use the word “defend” here, I’m not using it as you might think. The word used for defending one’s faith is different than defending my family or myself. It’s not a call to arm yourself and put your dukes up for a fight. The way the word is used here means to give an answer for something, much like taking the stand in a courtroom to give and answer for why you are there.Let’s say that you’ve been in an accident and the opposing party claimed that you ran the stoplight. When you go to court you plead your case. You are telling what you know to be true because you have knowledge of the facts. I often wonder why we use certain terms in debating as in the courtroom, like argument. We’re being argumentative or quarrelsome, yet we call it an argument. We say we defending when we’re not doing battle. We’re simply giving an answer for what we know to be the truth.Let me show you how that works when we give defense for Christianity.[ NIV] “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”In the KJV the word is defense, where in the NIV it says “to give an answer.” But notice the attitude we are to use, when giving the answer. “But do this with gentleness and respect,”[ NLT] “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”That leads to the fourth reason personal Bible reading and study is so important.4. So I will be able to, correctly, tell others the whole truth and nothing but the truth…How can I tell the truth if I have no idea what truth is?How can I say “The Bible says” if I really don’t know that what I’m quoting is actually Scripture?How can I know God’s truth, how can I share His truth if I never open the pages of His Word?[ NIV] “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.”Notice that Paul says we are to correct, rebuke and encourage BUT with great patience and careful instruction.”Why should so important to us? We can answer that question by reading the next two scripture passages.Let’s look again at [ NIV] “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.”Why? Verse 3 gives the reason.[ NIV] “3 For the time will come when people will NOT put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”How do we accomplish verse 2?Do we beat them over the head or we try to out scream and out cuss them out if they reject what we say?Well, let’s look to Scripture, once more for the answer.[ NIV] “24 And the Lord's servant must NOT be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be GENTLY instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”My challenge to you, this week is to get in the Word and find some awesome treasure that will help you to walk as the man or woman God designed you to be.
2. So I can live my life, according to the plan God has for me…How can I live my life accordingly without knowing what God expects from me? How can I know what God expects if I never read His Word?Too many Christians are trying to tell God what to do, without giving a single thought to living God honoring lives. They want certain things to happen and instead of seeking guidance from the Word they focus on trying to get God and others to see things their way.However, the prophet Jeremiah, in chapter 29 & verse 11 reminds us that God has a plan for each of us and He knows exactly what it will take for us to accomplish His plan.Now if I listen to the baloney that’s being presented, as biblical truth today, I might be convinced to believe that God is some puppet and I’m the puppet master, controlling His actions.[ NKJV] “9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed [or by living] according to Your word. [God’s Word] 10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! 11 Your word [God’s Word] I have hidden in my heart, [Why must I hide God’s Word IN my heart?] That I might not sin against You.” [Added] Too many hide God’s Word on a shelf and never take it down.( NASB) “All Scripture [not some of it. Not the pieces we want to pull out of context. ALL SCRIPTURE] is inspired by God and profitable [Useful] for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” [Added][ NLT] “16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”The third reason personal Bible study is important to us is:3. Reading my Bible enables me to defend my faith…When I use the word “defend” here, I’m not using it as you might think. The word used for defending one’s faith is different than defending my family or myself. It’s not a call to arm yourself and put your dukes up for a fight. The way the word is used here means to give an answer for something, much like taking the stand in a courtroom to give and answer for why you are there.Let’s say that you’ve been in an accident and the opposing party claimed that you ran the stoplight. When you go to court you plead your case. You are telling what you know to be true because you have knowledge of the facts. I often wonder why we use certain terms in debating as in the courtroom, like argument. We’re being argumentative or quarrelsome, yet we call it an argument. We say we defending when we’re not doing battle. We’re simply giving an answer for what we know to be the truth.Let me show you how that works when we give defense for Christianity.[ NIV] “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”In the KJV the word is defense, where in the NIV it says “to give an answer.” But notice the attitude we are to use, when giving the answer. “But do this with gentleness and respect,”[ NLT] “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”That leads to the fourth reason personal Bible reading and study is so important.4. So I will be able to, correctly, tell others the whole truth and nothing but the truth…How can I tell the truth if I have no idea what truth is?How can I say “The Bible says” if I really don’t know that what I’m quoting is actually Scripture?How can I know God’s truth, how can I share His truth if I never open the pages of His Word?[ NIV] “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.”Notice that Paul says we are to correct, rebuke and encourage BUT with great patience and careful instruction.”Why should so important to us? We can answer that question by reading the next two scripture passages.Let’s look again at [ NIV] “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.”Why? Verse 3 gives the reason.[ NIV] “3 For the time will come when people will NOT put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”How do we accomplish verse 2?Do we beat them over the head or we try to out scream and out cuss them out if they reject what we say?Well, let’s look to Scripture, once more for the answer.[ NIV] “24 And the Lord's servant must NOT be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be GENTLY instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”My challenge to you, this week is to get in the Word and find some awesome treasure that will help you to walk as the man or woman God designed you to be.
reminds us that God has a plan for each of us and He knows exactly what it will take for us to accomplish His plan.Now if I listen to the baloney that’s being presented, as biblical truth today, I might be convinced to believe that God is some puppet and I’m the puppet master, controlling His actions.
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to thy word. With my whole heart I seek thee; let me not wander from thy commandments! I have laid up thy word in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Psalms 119:[ NKJV] “9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed [or by living] according to Your word. [God’s Word] 10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! 11 Your word [God’s Word] I have hidden in my heart, [Why must I hide God’s Word IN my heart?] That I might not sin against You.” [Added] Too many hide God’s Word on a shelf and never take it down.( NASB) “All Scripture [not some of it. Not the pieces we want to pull out of context. ALL SCRIPTURE] is inspired by God and profitable [Useful] for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” [Added][ NLT] “16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”The third reason personal Bible study is important to us is:3. Reading my Bible enables me to defend my faith…When I use the word “defend” here, I’m not using it as you might think. The word used for defending one’s faith is different than defending my family or myself. It’s not a call to arm yourself and put your dukes up for a fight. The way the word is used here means to give an answer for something, much like taking the stand in a courtroom to give and answer for why you are there.Let’s say that you’ve been in an accident and the opposing party claimed that you ran the stoplight. When you go to court you plead your case. You are telling what you know to be true because you have knowledge of the facts. I often wonder why we use certain terms in debating as in the courtroom, like argument. We’re being argumentative or quarrelsome, yet we call it an argument. We say we defending when we’re not doing battle. We’re simply giving an answer for what we know to be the truth.Let me show you how that works when we give defense for Christianity.[ NIV] “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”In the KJV the word is defense, where in the NIV it says “to give an answer.” But notice the attitude we are to use, when giving the answer. “But do this with gentleness and respect,”[ NLT] “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”That leads to the fourth reason personal Bible reading and study is so important.4. So I will be able to, correctly, tell others the whole truth and nothing but the truth…How can I tell the truth if I have no idea what truth is?How can I say “The Bible says” if I really don’t know that what I’m quoting is actually Scripture?How can I know God’s truth, how can I share His truth if I never open the pages of His Word?[ NIV] “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.”Notice that Paul says we are to correct, rebuke and encourage BUT with great patience and careful instruction.”Why should so important to us? We can answer that question by reading the next two scripture passages.Let’s look again at [ NIV] “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.”Why? Verse 3 gives the reason.[ NIV] “3 For the time will come when people will NOT put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”How do we accomplish verse 2?Do we beat them over the head or we try to out scream and out cuss them out if they reject what we say?Well, let’s look to Scripture, once more for the answer.[ NIV] “24 And the Lord's servant must NOT be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be GENTLY instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”My challenge to you, this week is to get in the Word and find some awesome treasure that will help you to walk as the man or woman God designed you to be.
Too many hide God’s Word on a shelf and never take it down.
Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.
2 timothy 3:16-17
It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
The third reason personal Bible study is important to us is that Reading they Bible enables us to defend our faith…When I use the word “defend” here, I’m not using it as you might think. The word used for defending one’s faith is different than defending my family or myself. It’s not a call to arm yourself and put your dukes up for a fight. The way the word is used here means to give an answer for something, much like taking the stand in a courtroom to give and answer for why you are there.Let’s say that you’ve been in an accident and the opposing party claimed that you ran the stoplight. When you go to court you plead your case. You are telling what you know to be true because you have knowledge of the facts. I often wonder why we use certain terms in debating as in the courtroom, like argument. We’re being argumentative or quarrelsome, yet we call it an argument. We say we defending when we’re not doing battle. We’re simply giving an answer for what we know to be the truth.Let me show you how that works when we give defense for Christianity.
( NASB) “All Scripture [not some of it. Not the pieces we want to pull out of context. ALL SCRIPTURE] is inspired by God and profitable [Useful] for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” [Added][ NLT] “16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”The third reason personal Bible study is important to us is:3. Reading my Bible enables me to defend my faith…When I use the word “defend” here, I’m not using it as you might think. The word used for defending one’s faith is different than defending my family or myself. It’s not a call to arm yourself and put your dukes up for a fight. The way the word is used here means to give an answer for something, much like taking the stand in a courtroom to give and answer for why you are there.Let’s say that you’ve been in an accident and the opposing party claimed that you ran the stoplight. When you go to court you plead your case. You are telling what you know to be true because you have knowledge of the facts. I often wonder why we use certain terms in debating as in the courtroom, like argument. We’re being argumentative or quarrelsome, yet we call it an argument. We say we defending when we’re not doing battle. We’re simply giving an answer for what we know to be the truth.Let me show you how that works when we give defense for Christianity.[ NIV] “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”In the KJV the word is defense, where in the NIV it says “to give an answer.” But notice the attitude we are to use, when giving the answer. “But do this with gentleness and respect,”[ NLT] “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”That leads to the fourth reason personal Bible reading and study is so important.4. So I will be able to, correctly, tell others the whole truth and nothing but the truth…How can I tell the truth if I have no idea what truth is?How can I say “The Bible says” if I really don’t know that what I’m quoting is actually Scripture?How can I know God’s truth, how can I share His truth if I never open the pages of His Word?[ NIV] “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.”Notice that Paul says we are to correct, rebuke and encourage BUT with great patience and careful instruction.”Why should so important to us? We can answer that question by reading the next two scripture passages.Let’s look again at [ NIV] “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.”Why? Verse 3 gives the reason.[ NIV] “3 For the time will come when people will NOT put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”How do we accomplish verse 2?Do we beat them over the head or we try to out scream and out cuss them out if they reject what we say?Well, let’s look to Scripture, once more for the answer.[ NIV] “24 And the Lord's servant must NOT be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be GENTLY instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”My challenge to you, this week is to get in the Word and find some awesome treasure that will help you to walk as the man or woman God designed you to be.
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
1 peter[ NIV] “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”In the KJV the word is defense, where in the NIV it says “to give an answer.” But notice the attitude we are to use, when giving the answer. “But do this with gentleness and respect,”[ NLT] “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”That leads to the fourth reason personal Bible reading and study is so important.4. So I will be able to, correctly, tell others the whole truth and nothing but the truth…How can I tell the truth if I have no idea what truth is?How can I say “The Bible says” if I really don’t know that what I’m quoting is actually Scripture?How can I know God’s truth, how can I share His truth if I never open the pages of His Word?[ NIV] “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.”Notice that Paul says we are to correct, rebuke and encourage BUT with great patience and careful instruction.”Why should so important to us? We can answer that question by reading the next two scripture passages.Let’s look again at [ NIV] “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.”Why? Verse 3 gives the reason.[ NIV] “3 For the time will come when people will NOT put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”How do we accomplish verse 2?Do we beat them over the head or we try to out scream and out cuss them out if they reject what we say?Well, let’s look to Scripture, once more for the answer.[ NIV] “24 And the Lord's servant must NOT be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be GENTLY instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”My challenge to you, this week is to get in the Word and find some awesome treasure that will help you to walk as the man or woman God designed you to be.
But notice the attitude we are to use, when giving the answer.
“But do this with gentleness and respect,”
That leads to the fourth reason personal Bible reading and study is so important. So I will be able to, correctly, tell others the whole truth and nothing but the truth…How can I tell the truth if I have no idea what truth is?How can I say “The Bible says” if I really don’t know that what I’m quoting is actually Scripture?How can I know God’s truth, how can I share His truth if I never open the pages of His Word?[ NIV] “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.”Notice that Paul says we are to correct, rebuke and encourage BUT with great patience and careful instruction.”Why should so important to us? We can answer that question by reading the next two scripture passages.Let’s look again at [ NIV] “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.”Why? Verse 3 gives the reason.[ NIV] “3 For the time will come when people will NOT put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”How do we accomplish verse 2?Do we beat them over the head or we try to out scream and out cuss them out if they reject what we say?Well, let’s look to Scripture, once more for the answer.[ NIV] “24 And the Lord's servant must NOT be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be GENTLY instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”My challenge to you, this week is to get in the Word and find some awesome treasure that will help you to walk as the man or woman God designed you to be.
That leads to the fourth reason personal Bible reading and study is so important.4. So I will be able to, correctly, tell others the whole truth and nothing but the truth…How can I tell the truth if I have no idea what truth is?How can I say “The Bible says” if I really don’t know that what I’m quoting is actually Scripture?How can I know God’s truth, how can I share His truth if I never open the pages of His Word?[ NIV] “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.”Notice that Paul says we are to correct, rebuke and encourage BUT with great patience and careful instruction.”Why should so important to us? We can answer that question by reading the next two scripture passages.Let’s look again at [ NIV] “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.”Why? Verse 3 gives the reason.[ NIV] “3 For the time will come when people will NOT put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”How do we accomplish verse 2?Do we beat them over the head or we try to out scream and out cuss them out if they reject what we say?Well, let’s look to Scripture, once more for the answer.[ NIV] “24 And the Lord's servant must NOT be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be GENTLY instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”My challenge to you, this week is to get in the Word and find some awesome treasure that will help you to walk as the man or woman God designed you to be.
Americans don’t cotton too well to the idea of nobility. When we declared independence from England in 1776, we embraced a whole new idea---the idea that “all men are created equal.” This idea is deeply etched in the American psyche and we reject the idea of privilege based on heredity, the basis for the ancient concept of nobility.But did you know that there is a path to Christian nobility? In verse 11 of our text, Luke described the believers of Berea as “noble.” - “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica…” Greek word this is translated from eugenes and it means, “well born, or high in rank.” In this verse, he’s saying that compared to the Thessalonian in verses 1-9 who caused a riot and assaulted Jason’s house, these Bereans were noble by comparison. They were more noble acting, or noble-minded, which in both Greek and English is the second meaning of “noble”---the idea of acing in a fair way without malice or suspicion.What was it that these Bereans did that caused Paul to describe them this way? How can you and I be considered noble in God’s eyes?---By responding to God’s Word the way they did.Our text tells us three ways to respond to the preaching of God’s Word. If you’ll do these three things whenever you hear God’s Word preached---like the Bereans, you too can earn the distinction of Christian nobility Let’s look at three noble ways to respond to the preaching of the Bible---and become a Berean:I. FIRST, LISTEN WITH AN OPEN MIND - Verses 11 - “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind…”The Greek word translated readiness here means “eagerness, willingness, readiness.” They did not come to hear what Paul had to say with presuppositions that would be barriers to the receiving truth. They were willing to hear what he had to say with an open mind.Many people we talk to begin with prejudices and biases that make them more like the Thessalonian thugs than the Bible-believing Bereans. They’re closed-minded. They won’t even listen to you because their mind is already made up. They don’t WANT to accept anything the Bible has to say.For instance, some people summarily reject Christianity out-of-hand because they refuse to entertain even the remotest possibility that this universe and all life did not evolve into existence by chance. But many believers in Jesus Christ can be just as closed-minded to what God says.I’m not saying that when I get up to preach, you have to accept everything I say hook, line, and sinker. No, in fact, just the opposite, as we’ll see in a moment. God does want you to listen with discerning ears, but you should be open-minded when the preacher shows you something in God’s Word. If what he says is from God’s Word---obey it on the authority of God because it’s what GOD says---not because it’s what the preacher says!Don’t close your mind to the preaching of God’s Word! Be open-minded to the truth of God’s Word, like the Bereans were---which leads me to the second thing you should do when you hear God’s Word preached:
II. EVALUATE WITH AN OPEN BIBLE - Verse 11 goes on to say that the Bereans “searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”They didn’t just automatically accept what they heard from Paul. They were open-minded, but not WIDE-open-minded.They used a standard by which to judge Paul’s preaching. They evaluated what Paul was preaching by what the BIBLE said because what PAUL said really wasn’t important; it’s what GOD said through Paul that what was vital! Paul’s authority only extended as far as what he taught agreed with the Word of God.The Bereans saw the Bible as the ultimate guide to all questions of faith and practice. If something a preacher said agreed with the Bible as they understood it, the Bereans accepted it after much study in the Word, because it says they “searched the scriptures DAILY whether those things were so.” If it had not agreed with the Bible, they would have rejected it. The Bereans didn’t consult the ancient Hebrew fathers to interpret the Word for them. They didn’t go to a priest or a rabbi to interpret the Word for them. They went directly to the Scriptures THEMSELVES and investigated THEMSELVES and came to a conclusion about the veracity of Paul’s preaching THEMSELVES---not through their own wisdom, but by comparing Paul’s teaching with the infinite wisdom of the Word of God.And folks, the only way the Bereans could do this was to become students of God’s Word.Christian---learn to be a Berean and know your Bible!How many false doctrines are spread because people are not Bereans. Listen to what Paul told Timothy in
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
- “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”The phrase “rightly dividing” means literally “to cut it straight.” We would say, “tell it like it is; don’t give me no bull.” It refers to rightly handling and rightly interpreting God’s Word.How can you be a workman for God who is not ashamed?---By studying God’s Word. How can you rightly interpret God’s Word?---By studying it. How can you know the doctrine of some slick TV teacher isn’t “telling it like it is”?---By studying God’s Word.I challenge you to do more than just read a Bible devotional every day---STUDY IT!Illus. - A circuit-riding preacher entered one church building with his young son, and dropped a coin into the offering box in the back. Not many came that Sunday, and those who did seemed unexcited about the sermon. After the service, the preacher and son walked to the back, and he emptied the box where he had dropped the coin in when he had entered. Out fell the one coin he had put in. The young boy said, “Dad, if you’d have put more in, you’d have gotten more out!”This is true of scripture as well: The more time you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it! I challenge you to take some time each week to STUDY the Bible. There are many studies you can do to increase your understanding of the Bible and increase your ability to discern truth and identify error like the Bereans. I would also recommend that you attend Sunday School and a homegroup or a Bible Study as well as the Sunday morning services. It’s in those settings that we really STUDY the Word of God. It’s there that we study it in its broader context and see what it’s all about, and we compare scripture with scripture and we learn how to apply it to our issues and problems and the questions of our day.Be a Berean!---Know God’s Word; study it; use it as a sword to rightly divide truth from error in the conflicting teachings you hear.III. THE THIRD THING SHOULD YOU WHEN YOU HEAR GOD’S WORD PREACHED IS TO BELIEVE IT WITH AN OPEN HEART. - Look at verse 12 - “Therefore many of them believed.”Notice the first word of the verse: “Therefore.” Now in the Bible, whenever you see the word therefore, see what it’s there for.There’s a clear sequence here: The truth was proclaimed by the preacher… The hearers came to the preaching with open minds… Then they searched the scriptures to verify the veracity and validity of the message they heard. THEREFORE, in the hearts of many of them there was a natural response---they believed!Now let me ask you this: Have you had an open mind about the Bible and the Gospel? Have you seriously examined the Word of God to see if there is truth in it? And have you believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?Let me be honest with you---your eternity hangs on the answer to that question. You, like all of humanity, will either go to live in heaven with God eternally, or be cast into hell. Which will it be? Today, right now, accept the truth of the Word of God. Have an open mind---Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.CONCLUSIONNow, what are you going to do with this message today? Let me close by asking you to consider three penetrating questions:1) Believer, is there a truth you need to obey, or sin you need to repent of and forsake, that you have closed your mind to that you should take care of today?Open your mind and heart to what GOD wants for you. His will is ALWAYS best for your life! Turn from your sin; confess it; obey the Lord.2) Second, how much time are you spending in the Word searching the Scriptures; studying it to show yourself approved unto God?Maybe you need to get some helps to guide you a little deeper into God’s Word. Maybe you need to decide to be faithful to Sunday School or a homegroup of the church so that you can learn more of God’s Word. Decide today to become a true Berean by being a student of the Word.3) Finally, have you believed?Have you turned from sin and given your life to Jesus? Have you been een what the Bible calls “saved”? If, you need to put your life in the Lord’s hands today and trust Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior.
The phrase “rightly dividing” means literally “to cut it straight.” We would say, “tell it like it is; don’t give me no bull.” It refers to rightly handling and rightly interpreting God’s Word.How can you be a workman for God who is not ashamed?---By studying God’s Word. How can you rightly interpret God’s Word?---By studying it. How can you know the doctrine of some slick TV teacher isn’t “telling it like it is”?---By studying God’s Word.I challenge you to do more than just read a Bible devotional every day---STUDY IT!
Illus. - A circuit-riding preacher entered one church building with his young son, and dropped a coin into the offering box in the back. Not many came that Sunday, and those who did seemed unexcited about the sermon. After the service, the preacher and son walked to the back, and he emptied the box where he had dropped the coin in when he had entered. Out fell the one coin he had put in. The young boy said, “Dad, if you’d have put more in, you’d have gotten more out!”This is true of scripture as well: The more time you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it! I challenge you to take some time each day to STUDY the Bible. A good place to begin studying so that you can increase your understanding of the Bible and increase your ability to discern truth and identify error like the Bereans. I would recommend that you attend Sunday School, a homegroup Bible Study or a Bible Study as well as the Sunday services. It’s in those settings that we STUDY the Word of God as Peter was telling us about in 1 peter 2. It’s there that we study to study in a broader context and see what it’s all about, and we compare scripture with scripture and we learn how to apply it to our lives. Be a Berean!---Know God’s Word; study it; use it as a sword to rightly divide truth from error in the conflicting teachings you hear.
III. THE THIRD THING SHOULD YOU WHEN YOU HEAR GOD’S WORD PREACHED IS TO BELIEVE IT WITH AN OPEN HEART. - Look at verse 12 - “Therefore many of them believed.”Notice the first word of the verse: “Therefore.” Now in the Bible, whenever you see the word therefore, see what it’s there for.There’s a clear sequence here: The truth was proclaimed by the preacher… The hearers came to the preaching with open minds… Then they searched the scriptures to verify the veracity and validity of the message they heard. THEREFORE, in the hearts of many of them there was a natural response---they believed!Now let me ask you this: Have you had an open mind about the Bible and the Gospel? Have you seriously examined the Word of God to see if there is truth in it? And have you believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?Let me be honest with you---your eternity hangs on the answer to that question. You, like all of humanity, will either go to live in heaven with God eternally, or be cast into hell. Which will it be? Today, right now, accept the truth of the Word of God. Have an open mind---Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.CONCLUSIONNow, what are you going to do with this message today? Let me close by asking you to consider three penetrating questions:
1) Believer, is there a truth you need to obey, or sin you need to repent of and forsake, that you have closed your mind to that you should take care of today?Open your mind and heart to what GOD wants for you. His will is ALWAYS best for your life! Turn from your sin; confess it; obey the Lord.
2) Second, how much time are you spending in the Word searching the Scriptures; studying it to show yourself approved unto God?Maybe you need to get some helps to guide you a little deeper into God’s Word. Maybe you need to decide to be faithful to Sunday School or a homegroup of the church so that you can learn more of God’s Word. Decide today to become a true Berean by being a student of the Word.
3) Finally, have you believed?Have you turned from sin and given your life to Jesus? Have you been een what the Bible calls “saved”? If, you need to put your life in the Lord’s hands today and trust Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior.