Part 1 – A Life Built on God’s Word
(John 1:1-3 NIV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
(John 1:14a NIV) The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…
The Bible Is Alive
(John 6:63b NKJV) …The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
(Hebrews 4:12 NIV) For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
- Faith activates the Word.
(Hebrews 4:2 NIrV) The good news was preached to our people long ago. It has also been preached to us. The message they heard didn’t have any value for them. They didn’t combine it with faith.
- Revelation activates faith.
(Luke 1:34-38 NIV) “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God… For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
- Meditation activates revelation.
(Joshua 1:8 NIV) Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
A Life Built on God’s Word
(Matthew 7:24 MSG) “These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock.
- I must accept its authority.
(1 Thessalonians 2:13 NIV) And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.
- I must assimilate its truths.
- By listening to God’s Word.
(Romans 10:17 NKJV) So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
(Luke 8:18 NIV) “Therefore consider carefully how you listen…”
- By reading God’s Word.
(Matthew 4:4 NIV) Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”
- Get a Bible you understand.
- Make an appointment to read your Bible.
- Have a reading plan.
- Don’t just read the Bible, let the Bible read you.
- By exploring God’s Word.
(Psalms 119:11 NIV) I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
- I must apply its principles.
(James 1:22 NIV) Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.