The importance of the Word of God

FOUNDATION SCRIPTURES: I Peter 2:2, 2 Timothy 2:15, Hebrews 4:12

INTRODUCTION:
Our attitude towards the Bible must not look at it as just a book or even a book of rules and regulations. It is not just for preachers to preach from or for some who get insight into it hidden truths. The Bible is for everyone, it for those who will believe what is written within its pages and make it a part of their lives.

1) SPIRITUAL NUTRITION
i) 1 Peter 2:2. The Word of God has been given to be desired as spiritual food, that you will grow. Spiritual growth is important for everyone who is saved, with spiritual food (God's Word) you become strong and mature in the things of God.
ii) 2 Timothy 3:16-17 The Word of God was given by the Holy Spirit and he gives it life when we spend time feeding upon it, it then becomes spiritual nutrition.
The scriptures are for:
a) Doctrine - teaching Sound doctrine.
b) Reproof - to convict and rebuke.
c) Correction - to restore to truth. d) Instruction in righteousness (right conduct).
iii) 2 Timothy 2:15. Every believer is responsible to study the scriptures for their own personal walk before God. You must be able to know what is right and wrong living and be able to teach others as well.

2) POWER OF THE WORD OF GOD
i) Mark 4:1-20. The Word of God is like a seed, it has the power to produce fruit in the hearts of people. When the Seed of God's Word is planted and nourished it will change the lives of people everywhere.
ii) 1 Peter 2:23, James 1:18. The seed of God's Word is what will bring about people being born again. The Gospel (Seed of God's Word) is planted in the hearts of the hearers by the preaching and teaching of God's Word, the result is that it convicts and they believe what the truth is and are born again by the power of the Holy Spirit.
iii) Romans 10:8-1 7. The Word of God is the instrument that will produce Faith in the heart of people. If you preach and teach the Word of God, faith in God will be produced in their hearts, once acted upon it will become the power of God.
iv) Matthew 4:4. Jesus said we must have our lives governed by his Word.

3) WORD OF GOD PRODUCES FREEDOM
i) John 8:31-32, John 17:17, Hosea 4:8. The Word of God is the instrument that God works with to produce freedom in the lives of people. The key is to continue in God's Word, always feeding upon the scriptures and the Holy Spirit will lead you into the truth and you be made free.
ii) Joshua 1:8, Proverbs 4:20-23, Psalms 1:1-3. To meditate upon the Word of God is to like eating natural food, the more time you spend meditating upon the scriptures, you give the Holy Spirit opportunity to lead you and to feed your spirit, which in return produces spiritual strength, growth and freedom. (Meditate: to think, talk, or imagine)

CONCLUSION:
The word of God is for everyone to study and meditate upon for their own spiritual development and knowledge of walking in victory in their lives. Whatever the area in your life, as you go to the scriptures with an open heart, the Lord will lead you into the truth and the result will be freedom from whatever bondage in your life.

FAITH FOUNDATIONS prepared by Stephen Fisher - www.stephenfisher.org