Treasuring God's Word
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
We cannot spiritually thrive without the Bible.
“If in God’s Word your life is spent, your life will be lived the way God meant.”
We cannot always carry around an open Bible everywhere we go.
There are going to be times every day when we will need the immediate use of God’s Word to do battle.
What will happen if you are in a situation when you are faced with a temptation, discouragement, or unbelief without a Word from God at your fingertips?
Is it going to be possible to say to Satan, “Wait a minute, Devil. Give me a few minutes to find what I need to deal with what you’ve put before me right now.”
For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
“Be killing sin, or it will be killing you.” -John Owen
We need a “sin killing” instrument, one that is given to us by God that gets the job done. Paul tells us what God has given us and it is a part of the “Armor of God.”
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
What is the God-given, heaven-sanctioned tool that we have been given to do spiritual battle and to kill sin? It’s right there in verse 17, “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”
The Bible is the great weapon we have to kill sin, battle Satan, and disarm discouragement.
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
1. The What: God’s Word
1. The What: God’s Word
The focus of the Psalmist: God’s Word (Scriptures)
“word” (v. 9)
“commandments” (v.10)
“statutes” (v.12)
“rules” (v.13)
“testimonies” (v.14)
“precepts” (v.15)
2. The Where: In My Heart
2. The Where: In My Heart
The Word of God is good outside of me.
The Word of God is better inside of me (in my heart).
The heart is the place of thinking, feeling, willingness, passion, drive, and decision making.
3. The How: Storing Up
3. The How: Storing Up
NASB “I have treasured”
Treasure is hidden, kept in a safe place because it is precious.
You are also to hide, store, treasure up Scripture because it will be quickly available in times of need.
4. The Why: So That I May Not Sin (against God)
4. The Why: So That I May Not Sin (against God)
God’s purpose for my life: Live so that God may be glorified.
Sin is falling short of God’s purpose for me.
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
What needs to happen for me to shine for God’s glory?
Love sin less
Love God more
God’s Word, hidden in my heart makes that possible.
The Challenge:
Memorize God’s Word (1-2 verses per week)
You can do this!
You already memorize many things;
(illus: Phone numbers, music lyrics, etc.)
Many would be motivated to memorize if you received $100 for each verse you could memorize. The value of Scripture memory is greater than any amount of money.
In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Caleb, my son, and how he memorized Psalm 91 at a very young age to overcome his fears.