What the Bible Can Do for You

Isaiah 55:6-11

 

Introduction:

1.    Occasionally I hear people say, “I want God to work in my life. I want God to make a difference in me.”

a.     this is a valuable and wonderful attitude

b.    it shows that this person knows he needs God and is willing to let God work in his life.

 

2.    The Word of God can do great things in your life, if you will:

a.     read it

b.    love it

c.     study it

d.    talk it

e.    meditate on it

f.       memorize it

g.    live it

h.     share it

 

3.    Many people live weak Christian lives because the word does not permeate them.  (1 Thess. 2:13)  And for this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received from us the word of God's message, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.

 

4.    Early Christians couldn’t get enough of it (Acts 2:42)

And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

 

Things the Bible Will Do for You:

 

1.    Power to save

Rom. 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

 

 

 

2.    Gives Faith

Rom. 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

John 20:30-31 Many other signs therefore Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

 

3. Causes our New Birth

1 Pet. 1:23 for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and abiding word of God.

 

4. Power to set free from sin

John 8:32 you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

 

5. Gives Life

John 6:63 "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.”

 

6. Equips

2 Tim. 3:16,17 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

          We search the world for truth; we cull

          The good, the pure, the beautiful,

          From all old flower fields of the soul;

          And, weary seekers of the best,

          We come back laden from our quest,

          To find that all the sages said

          Is in the book our mothers read.  (John Greenleaf Whittier)

 

7. Guards

Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word.

11 Thy word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against Thee.

 

8. Guides

Psalm 73:24 With Thy counsel Thou wilt guide me, And afterward receive me to glory.

Psalm 73:24 With Thy counsel Thou wilt guide me, And afterward receive me to glory.

Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp to my feet, And a light to my path.

 

9. Restores, Gives Wisdom, Causes rejoicing, Enlightens

Psalm 19:7-8 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

 

 

10. Revives and Strengthens

Psalm 119:25, 28 My soul cleaves to the dust; Revive me according to Thy word…  My soul weeps because of grief; Strengthen me according to Thy word.

 

11. Comforts

1 Thess 4:18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

 

12. Builds up

Acts 20:32 "And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”

 

13. Sanctifies

John 17:17 "Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth.”

 

Conclusion:

1.    Job said, “I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.”

 

2.    The Hebrew writer said, “For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” (2:1-3)

 

3.    Psalm 19:10-11 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.   Moreover, by them Thy servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.

 

4.    What have you been doing with your Bible lately?