Living by God's Word: A Journey of Faith

Devotional

Day 1: Living by God's Word Daily

God's word is not just for understanding but for living. We must apply it daily, allowing it to transform our lives and not just our minds. This requires a commitment to listen to what God is saying to us today and to live by it. The journey of faith involves more than acquiring knowledge; it demands action and transformation. Jesus emphasized the necessity of living by every word that comes from God, urging believers to integrate scripture into their daily lives. This means being attentive to God's current revelations and applying them personally, rather than merely sharing insights with others. The transformative power of God's word lies in its application, leading to a life that reflects His teachings and character. [01:30]

Deuteronomy 8:3 (ESV): "And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can apply a recent scripture reading to your life today, allowing it to transform your actions or attitudes?

Day 2: Trusting God's Appreciation Amidst Correction

Even when we face rebuke or correction, it doesn't mean God doesn't appreciate our efforts. Like John the Baptist, we may not always understand God's ways, but we can trust that He values our faithfulness. John the Baptist, despite his greatness, faced doubts and challenges when his expectations of the Messiah were unmet. Jesus' gentle rebuke serves as a reminder that God's ways often surpass our understanding. However, this correction does not diminish God's appreciation for our dedication and sacrifices. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's recognition of their faithfulness, even when facing correction or rebuke. [06:49]

Hebrews 12:5-6 (ESV): "And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? 'My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.'"

Reflection: Can you recall a time when you felt corrected by God? How can you find reassurance in His appreciation for your faithfulness during such times?

Day 3: The Journey from Salvation to Victory

The journey from Egypt to Canaan illustrates our spiritual journey. Salvation is just the beginning; God calls us to a victorious life, progressively conquering sin and becoming more like Christ. The Israelites' journey from Egypt to Canaan symbolizes the believer's spiritual journey. While deliverance from Egypt represents salvation, entering Canaan signifies living a victorious Christian life. Many settle for a wilderness experience, living under the law and constant defeat. However, God calls believers to a New Covenant life, gradually overcoming sin and growing in Christlikeness. This process requires perseverance and faith, as believers strive to embody the character of Christ. [14:42]

Hebrews 4:9-11 (ESV): "So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience."

Reflection: What is one "giant" of sin in your life that you need to confront and begin to conquer with God's help today?

Day 4: Restoring Godly Family Relationships

The spirit of Elijah in the last days focuses on restoring godly family relationships. Strong, united families are crucial in God's plan, and the church must prioritize this restoration. In these last days, the spirit of Elijah seeks to restore godly family relationships, emphasizing the importance of unity between parents and children. The church is called to embody this restoration, prioritizing strong, united families as a testimony to the world. Godly family relationships are vital in God's eyes, serving as a blessing and a witness to His transformative power. [12:46]

Malachi 4:5-6 (ESV): "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction."

Reflection: How can you actively work towards strengthening your family relationships today, reflecting God's desire for unity and restoration?

Day 5: Following Christ as Our Ultimate Example

Our ultimate example is Jesus, not the saints of the Old Testament. While we can learn from their lives, we are called to follow Christ, who empowers us to live victoriously through His grace. Believers are encouraged to look to Jesus as their ultimate example, rather than the saints of the Old Testament. While their lives offer valuable lessons, Christ empowers believers to live victoriously through His grace. As followers of Christ, believers are called to emulate His life and teachings, striving to conquer areas of their lives that dishonor God. This journey requires vigilance and a commitment to becoming more like Christ. [10:03]

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to shift your focus from human examples to following Christ more closely? How can you begin to make that shift today?

Sermon Summary

In our journey of faith, it's crucial to not only understand God's word but to live by it daily. Jesus emphasized that man shall live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, highlighting the importance of applying scripture to our lives. This isn't just about past revelations but about what God is speaking to us today. It's easy to get caught up in sharing profound insights with others while neglecting to apply them personally. We must remember that God's word is meant to transform our lives, not just our understanding.

Reflecting on John the Baptist's experience, we see a lesson in humility and trust. Despite being a great prophet, John faced doubts and challenges, especially when his expectations of the Messiah didn't align with reality. Jesus gently rebuked him, reminding us that God's ways are often beyond our understanding. Yet, behind the scenes, Jesus appreciated John's faithfulness. This teaches us that even when we face rebuke or correction, it doesn't negate God's appreciation for our efforts and sacrifices.

The story of Israel's journey from Egypt to Canaan serves as a powerful illustration of our spiritual journey. While deliverance from Egypt symbolizes salvation, entering Canaan represents the victorious Christian life. Many believers, like the Israelites, settle for a wilderness experience, living under the law and constant defeat. However, God calls us to a New Covenant life, progressively conquering the giants of sin in our lives. This process is gradual, requiring perseverance and faith, as we strive to become more like Christ.

In these last days, the spirit of Elijah is at work, seeking to restore godly family relationships. The unity between parents and children is vital in God's eyes, and the church is called to embody this restoration. As we build the church, we must prioritize strong, united families, for they are a blessing and a testimony to the world.

Finally, we are reminded that our ultimate example is Jesus, not even the greatest saints of the Old Testament. While we can learn from their lives, our goal is to follow Christ, who empowers us to live victoriously through His grace. As we continue this journey, let us remain vigilant, seeking to conquer every area of our lives that dishonors God, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.

Key Takeaways

1. God's word is not just for understanding but for living. We must apply it daily, allowing it to transform our lives and not just our minds. This requires a commitment to listen to what God is saying to us today and to live by it. [01:30]
2. Even when we face rebuke or correction, it doesn't mean God doesn't appreciate our efforts. Like John the Baptist, we may not always understand God's ways, but we can trust that He values our faithfulness. [06:49]
3. The journey from Egypt to Canaan illustrates our spiritual journey. Salvation is just the beginning; God calls us to a victorious life, progressively conquering sin and becoming more like Christ. [14:42]
4. The spirit of Elijah in the last days focuses on restoring godly family relationships. Strong, united families are crucial in God's plan, and the church must prioritize this restoration. [12:46]
5. Our ultimate example is Jesus, not the saints of the Old Testament. While we can learn from their lives, we are called to follow Christ, who empowers us to live victoriously through His grace. [10:03]
** [10:03]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:24] - Living by God's Word
[01:10] - Present-Day Revelation
[02:29] - John the Baptist's Expectation
[03:52] - The Kingdom of God
[05:03] - Trusting God's Ways
[06:29] - Jesus' Appreciation
[07:46] - Encouragement in Trials
[08:39] - New Covenant Life
[10:33] - Elijah and the Last Days
[12:08] - Restoring Family Relationships
[13:33] - Illustrations of Truth
[14:42] - Journey to Canaan
[16:05] - Conquering Sin
[17:32] - Paul's Testimony

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

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.'"
Malachi 4:5-6 - "See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction."
1 Corinthians 4:4 - "My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me."

Observation Questions:

What does Jesus mean when He says that man shall live by every word that comes from the mouth of God? How does this relate to the idea of daily application of scripture? [01:10]
How does the story of John the Baptist illustrate the concept of trust and humility in the face of doubt and correction? [06:05]
What is the significance of the journey from Egypt to Canaan in illustrating the Christian spiritual journey? [14:42]
How does the spirit of Elijah relate to the restoration of family relationships according to Malachi 4:5-6? [12:08]

Interpretation Questions:

How can believers discern what God is speaking to them today through scripture, and why is it important to live by these revelations? [01:30]
In what ways does the gentle rebuke of John the Baptist by Jesus demonstrate God's appreciation for our faithfulness despite our misunderstandings? [06:49]
What does the journey from Egypt to Canaan teach about the process of overcoming sin and living a victorious Christian life? [16:05]
How does the spirit of Elijah's work in restoring family relationships reflect God's priorities for the church in the last days? [12:46]

Application Questions:

Reflect on your daily life: Are there areas where you understand God's word but struggle to live by it? What steps can you take to apply scripture more consistently? [01:30]
Have you ever experienced a time when you felt rebuked or corrected by God? How did you respond, and what did you learn about God's appreciation for your efforts? [06:49]
Consider your spiritual journey: Are you living in a "wilderness" experience, or are you progressing towards a victorious Christian life? What changes can you make to move forward? [14:42]
In your family, how can you work towards restoring and strengthening relationships? What specific actions can you take to embody the spirit of Elijah in your home? [12:08]
Jesus is our ultimate example. How can you focus more on following Christ's example in your daily life, rather than comparing yourself to others? [10:03]
Identify a "giant" of sin in your life that you need to conquer. What practical steps can you take this week to begin overcoming it? [16:05]
How can you contribute to building strong, united families within your church community? What role can you play in supporting others in this mission? [12:46]

Sermon Clips

I've come to see more and more that God gives us his word for us to live by. It was the first words of Jesus in the temptation: man shall live not by bread but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. We know that that doesn't just refer to the written scripture which proceeded past tense over the mouth of God many years ago. [00:43:37]

It is not meant for just for me to understand or it's good to understand definitely and it's good to share it with others. It's more blessed to give than to receive so it's good that we give God's word we receive but man shall live by it. It's very important so I see here I mean a lot of things you would have already heard in the message. [00:49:57]

When Jesus spoke to the disciples of John it was almost like a rebuke that he was giving to this fantastic prophet John the Baptist in 11:6. Don't get offended at me just because you're still in prison and you were expecting that I'd do a miracle for you to deliver you because people had their I don't know whether John had a clear understanding of what the Messiah was. [00:53:40]

The Lord can be very very happy with us with the way we are living denying seeking to please him all that we go through and how we faithfully accept whatever trials and suffering comes our way but what we hear from him maybe word of rebuke and he wants us to trust him but behind our backs he'll be appreciating us and that's a great encouragement. [01:06:53]

Don't get offended when you hear what a rebuke in the meeting in a church meeting or when you read the scripture that's just a challenge to help you to grow a little higher. It does not mean that Jesus did not appreciate all the sacrifice John the Baptist made for his namesake out there in the wilderness preaching the gospel preaching the good news that the Messiah was coming. [01:08:28]

The children of Israel in the Old Testament coming out of Egypt with the blood of the lamp but outside the door is a picture of deliverance from the world. Egypt is the world Pharaoh is Satan delivered from the world and the Satan and through the blood of Christ into the Red Sea is a picture of water baptism the cloud coming down from heaven as a picture the baptism the Holy Spirit. [01:22:40]

That's only the beginning of the journey for many Christians that's all I'm saying I'm on my way to heaven but you read that Old Testament story that's that's only the beginning God's final aim was to get them into Canaan's land to occupy the whole land of care that's the New Covenant life the land flowing with milk and honey but they did not go there they lived in the wilderness for forty years. [01:26:07]

The Giants are the Giants of sin anger murmuring complaining lusting after women bitterness grudges unrighteousness telling lies all types of things hating one's enemies everything else does it happen all together no did they kill the entire all the Giants in one shot no it was little by little there was a difference between the way the Lord destroyed the Egyptians. [01:31:21]

The Egyptians were destroyed in one moment under the Red Sea they were buried under the Red Sea the Egyptians are a picture of the old man buried in a moment finished but when it comes to conquering Canaan the lusts in the flesh they are conquered you conquer a particular giant you get his territory you can turn other giant you get its territory if you allow him to leave there you never get its territory. [01:34:50]

Once you have occupied the whole land of Canaan we have become like Christ there's not a single lust in the flesh left everything has been conquered so that will happen only when Christ comes again but the tragedy you read in the book of Judges is that the Israelites just allowed these Canaanites to live there and that's exactly the condition of many believers even those who claim to believe in victory over sin. [01:38:21]

The Lord said here verse 14 he told the Jews if this is if you accepted then this is Elijah who is to come but the Jews did not accept it and because the Jews did not accept see Jesus was referring to the last two verses of the Old Testament Malachi I will send Elijah before the Great and dreadful day of the Lord those are the last two verses of Malachi to turn the hearts of the father's to the children. [01:44:28]

The spirit of Elijah is seeking to restore the hearts of the father's to the children and the children to the father's there must be no distance between parents and children in our families there must be a closeness in these last days God wants families that are United families that are godly and that's the Ministry of the body of Christ the last days Elijah so the opposite of curse is a blessing. [01:48:04]

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Living by God's Word: A Journey of Faith

Devotional

Day 1: Living by God's Word Daily

Day 2: Trusting God's Appreciation Amidst Correction

Day 3: The Journey from Salvation to Victory

Day 4: Restoring Godly Family Relationships

Day 5: Following Christ as Our Ultimate Example

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Living by God's Word: A Journey of Faith

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