Click play to listen to the sermon.
We grow as believers by voraciously feeding on God’s Word.
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2)
desire > Gr. verb > epipotheo > greatly desire 2, long 1, earnestly desire 1, long after 1, greatly long after 1, desire 1
To be fashioned into fully mature men and women of God we must be consistent devourers of His Word.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:17)
To act biblically, we must think biblically. To think biblically, we must be diligent in our reading of God‘s Word.
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)
study > Gr. verb – spoudazo > KJV – endeavour 3, do diligence 2, be diligent 2, give diligence 1, be forward 1, labour 1, study 1
The Benefits of Diligently Reading God’s Word (Taken from Psalm 119)
1. Wrong ways of thinking and acting can be corrected.
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. (Psalm 119:9)
2. Sin can be avoided.
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, That I might not sin against thee. (Psalm 119:11)
3. After talking to God, we are in better position to hear back from God.
I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: Teach me thy statutes. Make me to understand the way of thy precepts. (Psalm 119:26,27)
4. Our strength is renewed when we’re under a heavy load.
My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word. (Psalm 119:28)
5. The Holy Spirit makes the scripture we need to hear come alive to us in our time of need, bringing us comfort and hope.
Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. (Psalm 119:49,50)
6. We remember God in the blackest night.
I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law. This I had, because I kept thy precepts. (Psalm 119:55,56)
7. Our obedience is accelerated. We know what we need to do.
I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. (Ps 119:59,60)
8. We find companionship with others who know and keep God’s Word.
I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. (Psalm 119:63)
Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies. (Psalm 119:79)
9. We discover that God is a God of judgment, and we rest in His faithfulness to us, even when we are being chastened.
I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. (Psalm 119:75)
10. A full apprehension of God’s Word teaches us of His complete character, both His judgment and His mercy.
Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant. (Psalm 119:76)
11. When our heart is established in a sound understanding of scripture we avoid eventual shame and regret.
Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed. (Psalm 119:80)
12. In seasons of waiting, when we are tempted to faint, the Word of God buoys us with hope.
My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word. (Psalm 119:81)
13. In our darkest times, we are kept from “losing it” because of our cherishing of God’s Word.
Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. (Psalm 119:92)
14. The words which the Lord quickens to us remain a continuing source of strength and encouragement.
I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. (Psalm 119:93)
15. We outwit the devil, and every force of darkness, because God’s Word is close to our heart and mind.
Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. (Psalm 119:98)
16. God’s Word instructs us in what He calls evil.
Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. (Psalm 119:104)
17. God’s Word shapes our general behavior and direct our current steps.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105)
18. When we are on the verge of fainting, God’s Word holds us up and keeps us safe.
Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually. (Psalm 119:116,117)
19. The reception of God’s Word enlightens us in precious truth we would have been ignorant of.
The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. (Psalm 119:130)
20. We are able to align our lives with what God wants of us.
Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. (Psalm 119:133)
21. Our lives aligning with the Word of God becomes more important to us than what the most important men think of us.
Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word. (Psalm 119:161)
22. We become people who are daily praising God because of all we are learning of Him.
Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments. (Psalm 119:164)
23. We become people of great peace who overcome the offenses that embitter and defile others.
Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. (Psalm 119:165)
24. By intimately knowing God’s Word, it is fitted in our lips, and we can confidently declare it to others.
My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes. My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness. (Psalm 119:171,172)
25. Not only are we able to help others through our knowledge of God’s Word, but God’s hand is continually outstretched to us.
Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts … Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me. (Psalm 119:173,175)