TEXT: John 10:1-5
INTRODUCTION:
God is a loving Father. One of the ways we experience His love is by the words He speaks to us. Loving parents feed and guide their children. God does not do any less. He feeds us and directs us by His word. Jesus declared that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). He also declared that His mission on earth was to do the will of His Father and to finish it (John 4:34). In the depth of his anguish, Job held on to God’s word as being more important than his “necessary food” (Job 23:11-12). God’s word is a sure anchor for our souls even in the most turbulent storms.
Outline
A. GOD’S WORD BRINGS LIFE: Psalm 119:103; I Samuel 3:1-10; Isaiah 50:4; Proverbs 4:22; Matthew 2:10; John 1:1-4; Romans 15:4
We read the scripture to hear from God and to know His will for our lives. His word nourishes us and brings joy and peace. He speaks to our hearts as we read His word. An attentive reading of the word of God is a discipline we must all cultivate. It is not about how fast or how much you read; it is about how much you hear from God as you read His word. To gain understanding, we often need teachers and mentors. Never forget that God spoke everything into existence. He is still able to create the right things for you at the right time and in any circumstance.
B. GOD’S WORD DIRECTS: Genesis 3:8-9; Exodus 3:1-3; Job 33:14-15; Psalm 1:1-3; Psalm 119:105; Isaiah 30:21; Luke 1: 41-44; John 6:63; Hebrews 4:12
Hearing God saves us from the wrong path, from the futility of labours and moves us from sorrow to joy. God’s word corrects, prepares, and positions us for radical living irrespective of what the world says. When God asked Adam “Where are you?” it was not because God did not know where Adam was hiding. God’s word awakens us to see the futility of rebellion and disobedience and shows us how to live fruitful lives.
C. GOD’S WORD ASSURES: 1 Kings 19:11-13; Psalm 46:10; Psalm 119:154-156; Malachi 3:6; John 10:1-5; Acts 18:24-26; Acts 27:20-25
There are a lot of voices in the world clamoring for attention and making promises that do not profit the child of God. Such words are targeted at the flesh and lead to pain, frustration, and destruction rather than life. To gain clarity from God’s word we must have a close relationship with Him (1 Kings 19:11-13) and we must have reliable mentors (1 Sam 3:1-10; Acts 18:24-26). The word of God eliminates anxiety and assures us of the unchangeability of God and His promises.
CONCLUSION:
God’s word brings life and is fully and always consistent. He does not contradict Himself by giving divergent instructions. Any word that conflicts with God’s word is not from God. In this study we have looked at the life, directions and assurances that come from hearing, knowing and doing God’s word. Our prayer is that God will help us to be satisfied with His word and to please Him by continually walking in the light of His word. Amen.
MEMORY VERSE: Psalms 119:93 (KJV)
“I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.”
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