Sunday Message, 27/11/2022, 11.30am

Know God’s Word, Receive God’s Power <Ro 10:14; Heb 4:2, 12; 2 Ti 3:16>

Introduction

· If we want a better relationship with God, we must know God’s word.

· If believers do not know God’s word, their faith living will be shaped by themselves.

· Otherwise, they only know the God from the mouths of preachers.

· Thus, teachers of God’s word will be judged more strictly <Jas 3:1>.

1. What exactly is God’s word?

1）The Bible is the word of God.

· It includes 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over more than 1400 years, in three languages.

2）The Bible has a central idea and central theme.

· Man’s fall and rebellion, as well as God’s mercy and forgiveness.

3）All the words recorded in the Bible will never change.

4）We must know that the Bible can bring us many benefits.

①  God’s word can drive out demons and heal the sick <Mt 8:8, 16>.

②  God’s word can also cleanse us <Jn 15:3; Ps 119:9>.

③  When we hide God’s word in our hearts, God’s word can keep us from sin <Ps 119:11>.

2、 Although it is important to know God’s word, it is more crucial to believe God’s word!

1） If a person hears God’s word but does not take it to heart, then God’s word is not beneficial to him.

· Read <Ro 10:14; Heb 4:2>

· All the things recorded in the Bible are related to our lives.

2） Can God’s word bring us practical help or real transformation?

· The word we hear comes from God, and it is at work in those who believe in the Lord <1 Th 2:13>.

· Read <Heb 4:12>

① God’s word is alive and active.

② God’s word is sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow.

3）God’s word is not merely a theory, but it has practical power.

· Abraham heard God’s instructions and immediately obeyed <Gen 12:1, 4>.

· None of God’s words will fail, or be in vain, or is written wrongly.

3、 Since God’s word is not written randomly, we must use the right attitude and perspective to read God’s word.

1） We must recognize (confess) that God’s word (Bible) is God-breathed.

· Read <2 Ti 3:16>

2） The Bible does not only record historical events and stories.

· The Bible is in fact the operating guide for our living.

3） We really need to examine ourselves carefully, to see if we are reading God’s word with the right attitude.

①  Do you know God more and more, and understand His heart better?

②  Do you love God and men more? What are the evidences of your love for God?

Read <Jn 14:11>

③  Do you realise that the days are indeed short and full of evil?

④  Are you willing to spread the gospel quickly?

⑤  When you encounter difficulties, will you seek answers or comfort from the word of God?

⑥  From the Bible, have you discovered the work of the enemy, devil?