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MEET GOD IN HIS WORD

Jan202008-G2aPV08

II Timothy 2:15;3:14-17

When was the last time you hungered that thirsted to know the heart of God? Maybe you have never known the satisfying pleasure of drinking in God's Word. We are searching for God and He can be found in the pages of the Scriptures.

In late summer of 1992 our son, Scott and his wife, Carman moved from Japan, where they had lived for a year and a half, to Far Eastern Russia.   There, in a remote part of the world we would call Siberia, Scott took a position in an Engineering College teaching English, American culture and offering Bible courses. They lived in a 50-year-old city of 300,000 inhabitants that was built to be a show place of communism and whose name means "Young Communist."   In a letter he sent just a week after arriving in that city he mentioned, among other things, that nearly everyone they met was interested in knowing about the Bible - the hunger to have a Bible, to read and understand it was unbelievable.   The president of the Institute, professors and just about everyone they met wanted to discuss this book that for 75 years was forbidden. What we take for granted here, they saw as the most precious of possessions.   It seemed a bit ironic that this young American and his wife were being paid by the Russian government to teach the very book that is forbidden in our own public schools.   Several years later in Moscow we met a scientist, geneticist and university researcher with a PhD. She heard the Bible put down and wanted to read it for herself. She would go secretly to the home of a lady who had a copy and began to copy it by hand.

What is so special about this book that it has been feared and forbidden and yet so desired and cherished?   Paul gives us some clues in II Timothy 3:14-17.

I.         THE BIBLE IS UNIQUE AMONG BOOKS.

  It is a library of books that was written over the course of 15 centuries with contributions from over 40 authors.   Note five important truths about the Bible.

A.      It is a rational book.

1.          It must be read with the nature of its purpose in mind. …able to give you the wisdom. Vs 15

·           There are love stories, stories of political intrigue, stories of blood and guts, and poetic passages which soar to the heights of loveliness.

·            In it are simple accounts of the mundane and strange symbolic passages. 

2.          Some of it was never intended to be taken literally, particularly the sections that are clothed with imagery.  As a seed catalog must be read differently from a poem, so different types of Biblical literature must be understood differently .

3.          Some of it should be seen as no longer vitally applicable, such as the lists of genealogies in Numbers and the technical instructions about the tabernacle in Exodus.  Yet even in these sections we can discover some principles that can help us.

B.      It is a relevant book.

1.          When approached in a reasonable way it is contemporary and as up-to-date as this morning's news. …profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. Vs 16

2.          It is relevant. Even though life styles are different today from centuries ago, mankind is much the same.

A few years ago, someone wrote to Abigail Van Buren: "Dear Abby, I'm single; I'm 40 years old; I'd like to meet a man about the same age who has no bad habits."   Abby replied, "So would I!"   -  We still must deal with human nature.   All are sinners.

3.          It gives us a basis for living. The words I have spoken…are spirit and are life. John 6:63 NIV.

4.           The Bible is relevant because humans haven't changed over the centuries.

C.      It is a revolutionary book.

1.          The message of salvation through a living Savior means that all human systems stand under His judgment.  …leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Vs 15

2.           Jesus is the Divine measure.  Man's ways and lifestyles are judged by Him. 

3.          This is why people want to suppress the Bible and keep it on the shelf.   Because when it is read and put into practice it is a moral and cultural bombshell.

D.     It is a realistic book.  All scripture is inspired by God vs 16

1.          God reveals Himself on its pages.

2.          No book is more simple, frank and open.   It doesn't pull punches - man is described as he is, warts and all, as a sinner.   Many criticize it at this point.

3.          But it also tells of the beauty and glory of the life of righteousness that is possible through a new birth.

E.      It is a redemptive book.

1.          Through all the variety runs one coherent theme. There is one message despite the diversity of human contributors and the vast span of time.  This in itself is amazing.     

2.          Its greatest purpose is to being men to a knowledge of the living God and His Christ. So that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. Vs 17

3.          One of the reasons we accept the Bible as the revelation of God is that we can account for its existence in no other way.

4.          It is God's love letter to us to reveal His will and way for us to receive His gracious gift of salvation.  He gives us instructions for how to have the best life.

II.       God wants us "in" His Word.

A.      We are to make it a priority.  II Timothy 2:15

1.          It requires diligence and work.

2.          How do you do when it comes to studying the word?   Do you have a plan?

3.          Take care in how you approach it.   Here are some suggestions.

B.      Give your heart to Christ.

1.          Conversion is the first step to a deeper understanding of the Bible.

But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised…For who has known the mind of the Lord that He will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. I Corinthians 2:14,16 NASV  

2.          Begin Bible reading with prayer that God will open your understanding.

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 NASV  

3.          Commit yourself to obey the instructions of God to the best of your ability.  

C.     Keep in mind the following keys to understanding the Word.

1.          The entire Bible is the divinely inspired, written revelation of God. Principles for life can be discovered throughout.

2.          Anything prior to Christ must be subservient to Him and His teachings.

·           Specific commands for us today are found in the New Testament.

·            This is why we tend to focus on the Gospels, book of Acts and epistles.

3.          The cross, the resurrection and the beginning of the church are vital landmarks and transition points.

·           The book of Acts is pivotal since it records the first preaching of the gospel, the establishment and early growth of the church.

·           Anything prior to Pentecost (Acts 2) must be understood in the light of what any person might do during their lifetime versus what they place as the terms of their last will and testament.  

·           After Pentecost Christ's will is in effect. The Christian gives special attention to the commands and practices after the beginning of the church. (Jesus left to the apostles His will for the church and we should not ignore it.)

All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:18b-20 NASV

4.          In the Old Testament, look for timeless principles.

5.           In the New Testament focus on the particulars – how to apply the principles.

·           For instance, in the Old Testament the sacrifice of animals was included in worship.   Once Jesus Christ died for the sins of the world the need for such sacrifices no longer existed.  Yet the principle of sacrifice is still viable in the sense we give of our entire selves to God.

…present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God…Romans 12:1b NASV

6.          So as we read the Bible we realize some of it is more important and we must sort out what is poetic, what is passing and what is permanent.

7.          The Measure or standard for the followers of Christ is found within the New Testament. Anything added after it is not an essential.

·           It alone expresses the particulars that should have the attention of Christians.  

·           At the same time, the Old Testament is fundamental, illustrative of, and essentially connected with the New.

·           The Old and New agree as to God's eternal purpose and will for man and express the same moral ethic.  

·           It is in the New that our Lord has taught His people through the apostles all things whatsoever they should observe and do, till the end of the world.  

·           Thus, we need to place our primary focus on complying with the New Testament in doctrine, life and practice.

Mitsuo Fuchida always wanted to be a military man. He enlisted in the Japanese Naval Academy and became a skilled pilot. By l941 he had over 10,000 hours, the most experienced pilot in the air force.   On December 7, at 7:49 a.m. Captain Fuchida, flying the lead plane of the 360-plane squadron, spoke the code words into the mike: "Tora! Tora! Tora!"   The day of infamy had begun.  He later wrote, "I put my whole effort into the battle that followed. My heart was ablaze with pride for our success..."   In his 20 years in the military he had become totally committed to honor the Emperor.  He fought through out the war and was miraculously still alive at its end.  

On his way to testify at war crimes trials he was handed a pamphlet by an American entitled, "I was a Prisoner of Japan."   It was the story of Jacob DeShazer.  On December 7, l941 at Pearl Harbor he was on duty and swore revenge.  He participated in Doolitle's raid and was forced down in China to be a prisoner of war.  For over 3 years he suffered and grew more bitter every day.   One day he was given a Bible and as he read came across this verse, "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature..." Now he could face his former enemies with love instead of hate.

So ex-sergeant DeShazer returned to Japan as a missionary and in the providence of God he gave ex-Captain Fuchida his written testimony.   Fuchida bought a Bible and as he read, he came to Luke 23:34, "Father, forgive them..."  The power of the Love of God made him a changed man and he dedicated the balance of his life to serve the Lord.  

He became a full-time evangelist and often shared the platform with DeShazer telling of God's love for all people.   He says, "...I can say with my heart as did...Paul...what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel."

Both men were transformed by the power of God's Word.

Conclusion:   The Bible is a powerful book and its power can be active in your life as you read its pages, allow God's Spirit to touch your heart with its message and as you become involved in a Bible believing church fellowship.

Former president Reagan said, "Within the covers of one single book, the Bible, are all the answers to all the problems that face us today--if only we would read and believe."  

The shortest chapter in the Bible is Psalm 117. The longest is Psalm 119. The center chapter is Psalm 118. There are 594 chapters before and after Psalm 118. Add these together and you get 1188. The exact middle verse of the Bible is Psalm 118:8: "It is better to trust the Lord than to put confidence in people." NLT

If you want to be at the center of God's will, live in the center of God's word.

 

One last thought before we close - The Bible is the only book whose author is always present when one reads it.   If you want a guaranteed God-sighting, study the Bible!!

 

How you view God's Word Bible makes all the difference in the world. When you understand why God gave it, it will lead you to know it better.  

 

What changes will you make as a result of this message?  Begin this week to read it with a view of discovering what God is trying to tell you.

 

The following exercises are designed to assist you in applying today's sermon to your life. You may wish to do them individually, with your family or in a group setting.

OPEN: Share your "story with some others.

What teacher or friend helped you enjoy a subject of study you once disliked? How did they encourage you?

 

What is your favorite scripture verse or verses?   Why is this the case?

 

DIG: Look into the Bible's "story" to discover insights that will help your understanding. Take turns answering the following.  

1. Read Psalm 119:1,2.  What is the positive intention of God's word? What is the promise of those who do His will and seek Him?
2. Read Psalm 119:9-16. Can youthful indiscretion be avoided? If so, how much of yourself is involved?   What practical steps can be taken to pattern one's life after God's word? What attitude is a hallmark of following God's law?
3. What attitude do we need to have when approaching the scripture? (see II Timothy 2:15) Why is this attitude important?
4. What does the image of the workman (II Timothy 2:15) tell us about how we are to live as Christ-followers?
5. What does Paul say about the origin and purpose of Scripture?   How does that apply as we seek to know the heart of God?  (see II Timothy 3:15-17)
6. What incentives do we discover in II Timothy 3:15-17 to encourage us to read, study, understand and apply God's word?

 

REFLECT – Here you apply the "story" of the scriptures to your own life; to take personal inventory and share with others what you will do about it.

1. Since the Bible is so important to Christian living, what are you doing to build it into your life?
2. We are currently focusing on finding God in our everyday lives. If you knew God wanted to speak to you, how would you respond?   Would you want to hear from Him?  Would you desire to understand and follow His instruction?
3. One approach to the Bible is to read the Old Testament with a view to discovering the principle God is teaching and then to seek the particular applications as we study the New Testament.   What do you think about this approach?  If you started to read the Bible in this way do you feel it would help you better understand or do you feel it would be confusing?
4. Read II Chronicles 16.  What is the principle that Asa violated? (vs 9). Compare this with Peter and John's experience in Acts 4:1-31. How might you apply the principle to your life today? 
5. When was the last time you can remember that you felt the Lord was speaking to you when you read His word?   How did you respond?

 

Special Assignment:   Determine that you will begin to regularly be in God's word. Make a plan to read and seek to understand it so that every week you will have the opportunity of hearing from the Lord.   Begin this week.

 

Additional Insight:      Get into the Word

    There are many different methods of studying the Bible but there is only one goal: to understand the will of God so that we may obey it and glorify Him.   Principles and rules will not do the work for us.  They will assist as guidelines.

    We must desire to know what the Bible teaches. Allow the Bible to speak for itself.   Allow it to dictate to you.  This means you need to approach it with honesty and humility. Learn to trust the clear message of the word more than your own thinking. Find out all the facts before you form your opinions. Seek answers from the Word itself, don't be satisfied with human traditions.

    Confidence that God's Word is true, consistent and harmonious is very important.   Realize the Bible was written to be understood. We want to discover the meaning the writers had in mind as the Holy Spirit inspired them. We have the right to find the author's intended meaning.

 

Recognize the variety of writings and their purposes.

   If you wanted to bake a cake you wouldn't turn to a manual on auto repair for information.   If you desired salvation you wouldn't look in the genealogical records for help.  Knowledge of the purpose of the different books is essential, although all give insight into the relationship between God and man.

   As you view the Bible, realize that there are some principles that are timeless.   For the most part, the Old Testament gives these principles and examples for our learning. Romans 15:4; I Corinthians 10:6,11.  The New Testament presents us with the particular applications and so they are the focus for Christians.

 

Understand that Scripture has only one true interpretation.

   For the principles shared here, there is one basic assumption. There is no private or individual interpretation of Scripture (II Peter 1:20,21.)   It is a false premise to assume, as many do that, "You can make the Bible say or mean anything you want it to."  Oh, you can make it say what YOU want, but then you miss what GOD may have been saying.   God only gave one message with one meaning. Our interpretation must line up with God's intentions or we have missed it. Further, it is assumed that God intended for us to understand His message. He spoke in the common language of the people.

 

Here are some basics for personal study.

·        Have a special time on a daily basis to study where you can be alone with God.

·        Have the proper tools. A Bible you can read and understand, preferably one with paragraphs. Read whole sentences in their context.

·        Set realistic goals and stick with them until you can expand. You may begin with one sentence a day, then work up to a paragraph and chapter. Persist in your study.

·        Keep a notebook and record that which you learn.

·        Review regularly and apply that which you learn.

 

Seek to apply the Word to your life.

·        What does this mean for me, in my time and circumstance?

·        For the Old Testament studies look for principles which were not only true then but are true for all time as shown by the teachings of Jesus or the Apostles.

·        Realize that the New Testament focuses more on applying the timeless principles to believers, particularly the teachings and practices given after Jesus' resurrection.

·        Ask, "Can the truths be applied universally, nationally, locally, personally?"

·        How can I put the timeless truths into practice in my own life?

·        Use the SPACE analogy as a means to help you personally apply the Scripture. Ask these questions.   Is there...

    S in for me to confess?

    P romise for me to claim?

    A ttitude for me to change?

    C ommand for me to carry out?

    E xample for me to copy?

·         Apply: personally - specifically - measurably. "Lord, what do you want me to do?"

 

F. B. Meyer, a Christian scholar wrote, "Read the Bible, not as a newspaper, but as a home letter.  If a cluster of heavenly fruit lands within reach, gather it. If a promise lies upon a page as a blank check, cash it. If a prayer is recorded, appropriate it, and launch it as a feathered arrow from the bow of your desire. If an example of holiness gleams before you, ask God to do as much for you. If the truth is revealed in all its intrinsic splendor, entreat that its brilliance may ever irradiate the hemisphere of your life."