#GOFAMINTDailyDevotion Sun. 25/3/2018
LESSON 4 25/3/2018
ENRICHED BY THE WORD
Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 196, 197
Devotional Reading: Ps. 119:34-40
Topic for Adults: Enriched for service
Topic for Youths: Walking in the Law of the Lord
Topic for Intermediates: The Word as a Guide
Lesson Scripture: Heb. 4:12; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Jer. 17:7-8, Jos. 1:8; 2 Tim. 2:13-19
Memory Verse: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Col. 3:16) NKJV
DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Sun. 25/3/2018
Enriched Through The Word
Acts 6:1-7
The early believers were enriched and nourished in the word taught by the Apostles. Their church was a word-centred church. A key part of being a Christian is devoting one’s self to prayer and ministry of the word. Since a person cannot give what he or she does not have, a Christian must first have knowledge of the word before being able to minister effectively. God has placed each one of us in the Church for a reason. We are all important and necessary for the advancement of God’s work and we all have responsibilities and assignments in the church. The more we study the word and pray, the stronger Christians we become, and the stronger the church becomes. This allows the Church make a bigger impact in and around the community and in the world as a whole. Studying the word also enables us to pray better. Reading the Bible allows us to know God’s mind, and this makes it easier to talk to Him, and to receive from Him as communication should be dual ways. Members of the glorious church must devote themselves to the study of the word so that they can be enriched through it.
Point of Emphasis: As we study the Bible and are enriched by the Word, we should remember God has built us up for a reason.
Prayer Point: Help me to play the part You have called me for in the church.
BACKGROUND
Human beings depend on food and water among other things for survival. The food we eat provides nutrients that make us grow, fight off diseases and maintain life. A person who goes without food or eats the wrong type of food will suffer for it. This is the same for our lives as Christians. The unadulterated Word of God is an essential part of the ‘diet’ we need to live a victorious Christian life. The Word of God enriches us as we feast on it, providing the strength, hope, faith and correction we need.
NOTE ON THE TEXT
PART 1: THE WORD IS ALIVE AND ACTIVE (HEB. 4:12)
The Word of God is quick (alive) and powerful (active). We see the life that is in the Word of God from the Bible’s account of creation. The Earth was void and without form and darkness was upon the face of the deep (Gen. 1:2) until the Word of God was spoken and brought up all of life as we know it. Though the Bible was written many years ago it continues to be relevant to our lives today. The Word of God can never become stale or go out of use.
The Word of God is alive to perform all that it is sent out to do. We have this assurance from Isaiah 55:11 “…so is my word that goes out from my mouth. It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I have sent it. The Word of God is also active. The power in the word of God has worked wonders both in the past and now. The word of God provides healing and salvation: The healing of the Centurion’s servant was a great demonstration of the life and energy in the Word of God (Matt. 8). Jesus sent the word from Capernaum to the house of the Centurion and the miracle happened.
The salvation of sinners is perhaps the ultimate miracle and strongest evidence of the power of the Word of God after creation. Romans 1:16 says “I have complete confidence in the gospel; it is God’s power to save all who believe”. The word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword… and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. The word of God is capable of convicting sinners of their sin, and is alive and powerful to forgive sinners and give eternal life.
PART 2: GODLY INHERITANCE IN THE WORD (2 TIM. 3:16-17; JER. 17:7-8, JOS. 1:8)
The word of God is given to nurture and nourish us as we continue our journey. It is the spiritual food we need to build our spiritual man (Jn. 6:55-59, 63 and 1 Pet. 2). The word of God builds us up, and blesses those who care to study it. It is the word of God that enables new Christians grow in faith (1 Pet. 2:2)
The Word of God was given to us by inspiration of the Holy Spirit and “is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” The word of God is totally sufficient for us as regards our spiritual life. Dwelling and meditating on the scriptures enriches us by instructing us about how to live a life that pleases God.
The word of God corrects and chastises us whenever we go wrong. It also gives us grace to live in righteousness regardless of the outside pressures and influences that may seek to throw us off course. Furthermore, it makes us strong (1 Jn. 2:14), and keeps us from sin (Ps. 119:11)
There are godly inheritance which the word of God provides for those who believe and trust it. God also promises us blessings through His word. There are many promises in the Bible for those who value the word of God. Joshua was promised prosperity and good success if he would meditate on the book of the Law. We are promised that we would be as the trees planted by the riverside. These promises will come to pass in our lives if we study the word of God and abide by the instructions therein. These promises serve to reassure and comfort us in times of trial.
God’s word carries out a surgical operation in believers’ heart. The result of the operation gives us chance to enter into God’s rest. It brings healing and life to those who submit to it in faith. It penetrates into our inner being to discern our emotions, thoughts, desires. It strengthens God’s life in our spirit. Those whose hearts are softened by God’s word truly enters into God’s rest while those who harden their hearts are condemned and perish by its pronouncements.
PART 3: LIVING PURPOSEFULLY THROUGH THE WORD (2 TIM. 2:13-19)
There is Biblical instruction in a glorious church. This enhances her member to have a deeper understanding of the word of God. It also allows them to grow in godliness. They are encouraged to grow to maturity and this makes them to live a purposeful life that is committed to evangelism.
Commitment to the study of the word makes it explicit that Christians are called to true righteousness. It is not just academic exercise but it is an act of knowing the truth in the word and doing the same. It makes Christianity a way of life and not a religion.
There is a need for Christians to put to heart the warning in verses 15-18. (i) We must study the word of God to the level of getting God’s approval in order not to be put to shame. This will give opportunity to share the word of God rightly (2) We must do away with things that lead to ungodliness. We must not allow our acts to connote bad legacy, like Hymenaeus and Philetus, who fall short of the word of God. They claimed heretically that the resurrection had taken place already.
The fact that some may be found wanting in respect of the truth does not change the purpose of God for His followers (verse 19). Those who totally belong to God run away from wickedness and false teaching. Also, they teach, preach and live the word. Their main purpose is to make heaven and live forever with Jesus Christ. This is what drives their purpose for living.
CONCLUSION
A glorious church of Christ holds the word of God in high esteem. God ordained His word. It is powerful by His spirit. It brings comfort, hope and strength to the followers of Jesus who has faith in the Lord. The word of God has been given to us as a guide in the journey of life. Constant studying and meditating on it has both spiritual and material rewards.
QUESTIONS
- Why is the word of God essential for Christians?
- Explain what the word of God is.
- How does the word of God enrich us?
- Name the things that those who believe and trust the word of God enjoy for living the word.
- Explain the message in 2 Tim. 2:19
