Embracing God's Word: The Path to True Devotion
Summary
In this sermon, I was reminded of the importance of taking God's word seriously and how our devotion to God's word reflects our devotion to God. The speaker emphasized that while many Americans own Bibles, the actual engagement with the Bible is on the decline. This decline in Bible engagement is directly correlated with a decline in the soul, as the Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.
The sermon also highlighted the life of King Josiah as an example of someone who took God's word seriously. Despite coming from an ungodly family, Josiah was a godly person and a godly king because he made God's word central to his personal life and to the life of the nation. The speaker encouraged us to follow Josiah's example and make God's word central to our lives, not just in belief but in practice.
Key Takeaways:
- There is a direct correlation between declining Bible engagement and a declining soul. This is because the Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers ([07:01]).
- King Josiah is an example of someone who took God's word seriously. Despite coming from an ungodly family, Josiah was a godly person and a godly king because he made God's word central to his personal life and to the life of the nation ([09:56]).
- Our devotion to God's word reflects our devotion to God. This means that the way we engage with the Bible - whether we read it, memorize it, share it with others - is a reflection of our relationship with God ([05:29]).
- The Bible should not just be believed, but practiced. It's not enough to say we believe in the Bible; we need to show our belief by what we do with it ([08:05]).
- The Bible has a convicting effect. It has the power to convict us of our sins and lead us to repentance and salvation ([09:21]).
Study Guide
Main Points from the Sermon:
1. The sermon emphasizes the importance of engaging with God's word regularly and sincerely. It's not about becoming a Bible scholar, but about making God's word central to your personal life and letting it guide your actions. This is illustrated through the example of King Josiah, who prioritized God's word in his life and his nation more than any other king before him. [07:29] [08:05] [08:41] [09:21] [09:56]
2. The sermon highlights the decline in Bible engagement in America, despite the widespread availability of Bibles. It suggests that there is a direct correlation between declining Bible engagement and a declining sense of self. [03:23] [04:09] [04:56] [05:29] [06:06] [06:48]
3. The sermon concludes by encouraging listeners to devote the first minutes of each day to reading God's word, as a reflection of their devotion to God. It also emphasizes the importance of making a personal commitment to follow and obey God, as King Josiah did. [38:57] [39:36] [40:13] [40:51]
4. The sermon uses the example of King Josiah renewing the covenant and leading his people to make a new commitment to God. It suggests that the most effective way to rid the heart of idols is to fill it with God and His word. [25:06] [25:39] [26:18] [26:56] [27:32] [28:13]
Bible Chapters for the Group to Read:
1. 2 Kings 22
2. Deuteronomy (specific chapter not mentioned in the sermon)
Discussion Guide:
Observation Questions:
1. How did King Josiah demonstrate his devotion to God's word in his personal life and as a leader of his nation?
2. What are the consequences of declining Bible engagement as mentioned in the sermon?
3. How did King Josiah renew the covenant and lead his people to make a new commitment to God?
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the example of King Josiah teach us about the importance of making God's word central in our lives?
2. How does the decline in Bible engagement in America reflect on our society's relationship with God?
3. How does devoting the first minutes of each day to reading God's word reflect our devotion to God?
Application Questions:
1. How can you make God's word more central in your personal life and in your interactions with others?
2. What steps can you take to increase your engagement with the Bible, especially in times when you feel distant from God?
3. How can you follow King Josiah's example and make a personal commitment to follow and obey God?
Devotional
Day 1: Devotion to God's Word Reflects Devotion to God
Our devotion to God is reflected in our devotion to His Word. The Bible is not just a book, but a living, breathing testament of God's love, wisdom, and guidance for us. It is through His Word that we come to know Him, understand His will, and learn how to live in a way that pleases Him.
Psalm 119:105 - "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily routine. How often do you find yourself meditating on God's Word? If it's less than you'd like, what specific steps can you take to incorporate more time for this in your day?
Day 2: God's Word Has a Convicting Effect
God's Word has the power to convict us of our sins and lead us to repentance. It is through reading and understanding His Word that we come to realize our need for His grace and forgiveness.
Hebrews 4:12 - "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
Reflection: Can you recall a recent time when reading the Bible led you to confront something in your life that needed to change? How did you respond to this conviction?
Day 3: The Importance of Reading God's Word
Reading God's Word is not just a religious duty, but a spiritual necessity. It is through His Word that we are nourished, guided, and equipped to live a life that glorifies Him.
Matthew 4:4 - "Jesus answered, 'It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Reflection: How often do you read the Bible? If you find it challenging to read regularly, what are some practical ways you can make reading God's Word a daily habit?
Day 4: The Power of God's Word to Bring Peace
God's Word has the power to bring peace to our troubled hearts and minds. It is through His promises and truths that we find comfort, assurance, and peace in the midst of life's storms.
Philippians 4:7 - "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Think of a time when you were anxious or troubled. Did you turn to God's Word for peace? If not, how can you remember to do so in the future?
Day 5: The Expulsive Power of the New Affection
Our affections and desires play a significant role in our spiritual growth. As we grow in our love for God and His Word, our desire for worldly things diminishes.
Colossians 3:2 - "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
Reflection: Reflect on your affections and desires. Are they more focused on earthly things or on things above? How can you cultivate a stronger desire for heavenly things?
Quotes
1. "The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of Salvation, the Doom of Sinners and the happiness of Believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true and its decisions immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe and practice it to be holy." - 03:23
2. "Your devotion to God's word reflects your devotion to God. Is there a way to measure and understand and evaluate my devotion to God? Sure, your devotion to God's word. It reflects the truest reflection of your devotion to God." - 04:56
3. "Will you devote the first minutes of each day to reading God's word? Because friends, your devotion to God's word reflects your devotion to God." - 39:36
4. "If you want to live by the horizontal authorities, you're not going to like where they end up. They will always let you down. If you live your ultimate authority is culture or reason or emotion, one day you will discover that you are weary, that you are empty, that you are lonely and maybe even that you are angry. There's a better way, God's vertical authority." - 36:22
5. "How often do you pick up God's word to read it in order to prayerfully hear what God wants to say to you so that you can do it? Don't tell me what you believe about the Bible, show me what you believe about the Bible by what you do with it." - 08:05
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