Hebrews 4:12-13  The Word of God BC 1/99

1 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 

11Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. 

12  For the word of God is living, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

13 And there is no creature hidden from his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

I. The Manufacturer’s Manual is designed to help you get the most out of the product

Deut 32:45  And Moses made an end of speaking all these words to all Israel: 46  And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.

47  For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

 

II. The Word of God Lays Bare Believers’ Thoughts and Motives

III. The Word of God Builds Us Up

DISCIPLESHIP TOPIC #2: Your relationship to the WORD of God   KEY: II Timothy 3:16-17

OBJECTIVE: The God of the Universe has taken pains to communicate vital information to His creatures, is anybody listening? As you consider the verses in this unit you will be awed (hopefully) by the absolute necessity of the Word of God in your life as a believer, and will learn five ways to  make the Word part of your daily life, (especially in your Quiet Time!!)

WHAT DOES THE WORD OF GOD DO FOR US?

It was the means of our being born again I Pt 1:23; James 1:17-18

It is the cause of growth in the Christian life I Peter 2:2

It sets us free from sin John 8:32; 17:17   

It keeps us from sin Matt 4:4; Psalm 119:9-11

It delivers us from trials I Peter 1:22

It is the basis of answered prayer John 15:7

It is the basis of success and prosperity Psalm 1, Joshua 1:8

It is the means to an abundant life John 6:63; 20:31

It guides us through life Psalm 119:105

It contains all things for life and godliness II Peter 1:3-4

It is a source of joy and delight Jeremiah 15:16

It teaches us how to interact with other believers Colossians 3:16

It builds us up and gives us an INHERITANCE!!!! Acts 20:32

It equips us for service to our Lord and Master II Timothy 3:17

IV. The Word of God Prepares us for Judgment: The One to whom we will give account sees everything

1 Cor  4:2  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 5  Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. Does God’s Word ever return void (contrary to Isa 55:11)?

2. Which of the benefits of the Word excite you most? If the Word does such great things for us, why don’t we devour it more than food?

3. For what will believers have to give account to God? Do most believers agree with your answer? Why/Why not?

4. How in touch are you with the thoughts and intents of your heart? How much time do you spend in review and reflection?

5. Can you cite an example of how the HS used the Word to point out incorrect thinking/feeling/valuing/acting?