Craving God's Word: Growth Through Scripture and Action
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the profound importance of God's Word in our lives, emphasizing the need to crave both the spiritual milk and the meat of the Word. We began by celebrating community events and achievements, such as the Upwards weekend and a young man's citizenship accomplishment, which remind us of the joy and growth within our church family. As we transitioned into worship, we reflected on 1 Peter 1:22-25, which calls us to love one another deeply and to rid ourselves of malice, deceit, and hypocrisy. This passage underscores the enduring nature of God's Word, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of worldly things.
We explored the metaphor of milk and meat, representing the foundational and deeper teachings of Scripture. The church today often struggles with a superficial understanding of the Bible, and we are called to move beyond this, seeking a deeper, more mature faith. This involves a commitment to studying Scripture, allowing it to challenge and transform us. We must not shy away from the difficult truths that require us to change and grow.
The story of Johnny, a young man whose faith was challenged in a college classroom, serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of grounding ourselves in the Word. We must be prepared to defend our faith and share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. This requires a deep reverence for Scripture, recognizing it as the enduring truth that guides our lives.
As we concluded, we were reminded of the need to live out our faith in everyday situations, demonstrating the love and righteousness of Christ in all we do. Our testimony is not just in words but in actions that reflect the transformative power of the gospel. We are called to be ambassadors for Christ, sharing His love and truth with a world in need.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Enduring Word of God: The Word of God is eternal and unchanging, providing a foundation for our lives amidst the fleeting nature of worldly things. We are called to rid ourselves of malice, deceit, and hypocrisy, allowing the Word to transform us from the inside out. [35:56]
2. Milk and Meat of the Word: Spiritual growth requires both the foundational teachings (milk) and the deeper truths (meat) of Scripture. We must not settle for a superficial understanding but strive for maturity in our faith, allowing the Word to challenge and change us. [43:59]
3. Defending Our Faith: Like Johnny, whose faith was tested in a college classroom, we must be prepared to defend our beliefs. This requires a deep grounding in Scripture, enabling us to share the good news of Jesus Christ with confidence and conviction. [47:44]
4. Living Out Our Testimony: Our faith is demonstrated not just in words but in actions that reflect the love and righteousness of Christ. We are called to be ambassadors for Christ, living out our testimony in everyday situations and bringing glory to God. [51:26]
5. Desire for God's Word: We must cultivate a deep desire for God's Word, akin to a deer panting for water. This longing drives us to seek God's guidance and wisdom, allowing His Word to light our path and shape our lives. [54:56]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Community Announcements
- [03:30] - Opening Prayer
- [05:00] - Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 1
- [07:15] - The Enduring Word of God
- [10:30] - Milk and Meat of the Word
- [15:45] - Story of Johnny
- [20:00] - Defending Our Faith
- [25:30] - Living Out Our Testimony
- [30:00] - Desire for God's Word
- [35:00] - Invitation to Reflect
- [40:00] - Closing Prayer
- [42:00] - New Member Welcome
- [45:00] - Ministry Offerings
- [50:00] - Final Announcements and Closing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Peter 1:22-25
2. Hebrews 5:11-14
3. Psalm 42:1
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 1 Peter 1:22-25, what are believers called to rid themselves of, and why is this important? [35:56]
2. In the sermon, what metaphor is used to describe the foundational and deeper teachings of Scripture, and how does this relate to spiritual growth? [43:59]
3. What was the challenge faced by Johnny in the college classroom, and what does this story illustrate about the importance of being grounded in Scripture? [47:44]
4. How does the pastor describe the current state of the church's understanding of Scripture, and what is the call to action for believers? [51:26]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the enduring nature of God's Word, as described in 1 Peter 1:22-25, provide a foundation for believers in a world of fleeting things? [35:56]
2. What does the metaphor of "milk and meat" in Hebrews 5:11-14 suggest about the progression of spiritual maturity, and how can believers identify where they are in this journey? [43:59]
3. In what ways does the story of Johnny highlight the necessity of being prepared to defend one's faith, and how can this preparation impact a believer's confidence in sharing the gospel? [47:44]
4. How does the pastor's call to live out our testimony in everyday situations challenge believers to reflect the love and righteousness of Christ? [51:26]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current spiritual diet. Are you primarily consuming the "milk" or the "meat" of the Word? What steps can you take to ensure a balanced spiritual diet that promotes growth? [43:59]
2. Consider a situation where your faith might be challenged, similar to Johnny's experience. How can you prepare yourself to respond with confidence and conviction? [47:44]
3. Identify one area in your life where you struggle with malice, deceit, or hypocrisy. What practical steps can you take to rid yourself of these, allowing the Word to transform you? [35:56]
4. Think of a recent opportunity you had to share the gospel. How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience to be a more effective ambassador for Christ? [51:26]
5. Reflect on your daily routine. How can you cultivate a deeper desire for God's Word, similar to a deer panting for water, and what changes can you make to prioritize Scripture in your life? [54:56]
6. In what ways can you demonstrate the love and righteousness of Christ in your interactions with others this week? Identify a specific action you can take to live out your testimony. [51:26]
7. How can you ensure that your actions align with your words, especially in situations where you might be tempted to react negatively? What strategies can you implement to maintain a Christ-like testimony? [51:26]
Devotional
Day 1: The Eternal Foundation of God's Word
The Word of God stands as an eternal and unchanging foundation amidst the transient nature of worldly things. It calls believers to rid themselves of malice, deceit, and hypocrisy, allowing the Word to transform them from the inside out. This transformation is not merely about external behavior but involves a deep, internal change that aligns one's heart and mind with God's truth. The enduring nature of God's Word provides stability and guidance, offering a constant source of wisdom and strength in a world that is often unpredictable and fleeting. [35:56]
"For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord." (Psalm 33:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to allow God's Word to replace malice, deceit, or hypocrisy with His truth and love today?
Day 2: Spiritual Growth Through Milk and Meat
Spiritual growth requires both the foundational teachings (milk) and the deeper truths (meat) of Scripture. Many believers today struggle with a superficial understanding of the Bible, often content with the basics without delving into the more profound teachings that challenge and mature their faith. This journey towards maturity involves a commitment to studying Scripture, allowing it to challenge and transform one's beliefs and actions. By embracing both the milk and meat of the Word, believers can develop a robust and mature faith that withstands the trials and challenges of life. [43:59]
"But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil." (Hebrews 5:14, ESV)
Reflection: What is one deeper truth of Scripture that you feel called to explore more fully this week, and how can you begin to study it?
Day 3: Preparedness in Defending Our Faith
Like Johnny, whose faith was tested in a college classroom, believers must be prepared to defend their beliefs. This preparedness requires a deep grounding in Scripture, enabling them to share the good news of Jesus Christ with confidence and conviction. In a world where faith is often challenged, having a solid understanding of the Bible equips believers to respond thoughtfully and respectfully to questions and criticisms. This defense of faith is not about winning arguments but about sharing the hope and truth found in Christ with others. [47:44]
"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where your faith was challenged. How can you better prepare yourself to respond with confidence and grace in the future?
Day 4: Living Out Our Testimony
Our faith is demonstrated not just in words but in actions that reflect the love and righteousness of Christ. Believers are called to be ambassadors for Christ, living out their testimony in everyday situations and bringing glory to God. This involves embodying the transformative power of the gospel in all aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional interactions. By living out their faith authentically, believers can be a powerful witness to the world, showing the love and truth of Christ through their actions. [51:26]
"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to demonstrate the love and righteousness of Christ in your daily life?
Day 5: Cultivating a Deep Desire for God's Word
Believers must cultivate a deep desire for God's Word, akin to a deer panting for water. This longing drives them to seek God's guidance and wisdom, allowing His Word to light their path and shape their lives. A genuine hunger for Scripture leads to a deeper relationship with God, as believers immerse themselves in His truth and allow it to transform their hearts and minds. This desire for God's Word is not just about acquiring knowledge but about experiencing the life-changing power of His presence and guidance. [54:56]
"As the deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?" (Psalm 42:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper desire for God's Word in your daily routine, and what steps can you take to prioritize time in Scripture this week?
Quotes
For you've been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For all people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers, the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever. [00:35:37] (19 seconds)
And that we have that same goal and purpose that we, as the family of God, we're to leave an enduring legacy to the next generation to know the importance of what we do and why and how it plays in our lives and how it's not just a part of our lives but that it actually is our lives and it makes a difference beyond anything else in the world. [00:37:48] (22 seconds)
And there's a verse in the book of Acts where the apostles are talking about and being questioned about what they're sharing and their words where we can't, in essence, I'm paraphrasing, we can't help but share the good news, the good news of Jesus, Jesus Christ and him crucified. [00:39:35] (16 seconds)
And I will guarantee you that it happens every single day, not just in college classrooms. It happens in people's homes. It happens at the place of business. It happens in communities. And dare I say, unfortunately, for a while, it seems like that's happening in the church as well. We're throwing out God's Word. We're throwing out God's Word. And we're bringing in everything else. [00:45:57] (25 seconds)
Because I want to challenge us today to get to the true, deep reverence and awe for the milk and the meat of the spiritual things that are in God's Word. That we are ignoring. And I mean, we brush so many things under the carpet. We don't even want to deal with the reality in our own lives, let alone the reality of somebody else's life, when it comes to looking at Scripture and being introspective about what it says to us. [00:46:33] (32 seconds)
And in this writing in Peter, when you look at that, this is not to really new Christians. This is to people who are suffering right now. These are the Christians who are having a difficult time in the world. And then he says in 1 Peter chapter, that's supposed to be, yeah, chapter 2, verses 2 and 3, like newborn babes, crave that spiritual milk. Like you did before. [00:49:35] (25 seconds)
And so in this milk, as we crave it, this verse says that you may, I love this, grow up in your salvation. salvation. As you grow up in your salvation, you understand the depth of what that means. And then you can dig deeper into the word and the meat that matters. [00:50:16] (19 seconds)
And are we that way with the Word of God? Do we literally have this deep desire in us to where we can't go to the next moment without something God's going to give us? We can't get into the next part of our life because we're waiting on God. Are we searching and seeking God enough to where he'll give us that? Psalm 119, 105, your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Are we lighting our path with other things? [00:56:19] (30 seconds)
The only thing that lasts forever, that endures forever is the word of God. That's it. All of this stuff that we look at and read our own lives, all the stuff that goes in it, all that stuff goes away. The only thing that will ever endure is the word of God. [00:59:34] (19 seconds)
And so I would say never lose the taste or the desire for the milk of the word because it's the one thing that allows us and gives us and creates in us a desire for the meat of the word. [01:01:45] (15 seconds)
And again, I truly believe at its basic level, the milk of the word is the death, the burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And when we get to that milk and we ingest that milk, we constantly come back to that milk, we're going to want more of the meat. Because we begin to realize and understand, man, that God loves me more than anything else in this world. [01:02:59] (23 seconds)
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