The Power and Relevance of God's Living Word
Summary
In the book of Acts, chapter 7, we find Stephen, the first Christian martyr, on trial before the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. Stephen is accused of blasphemy because he preaches that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God, who came to redeem the world. He asserts that salvation is found in no other name and that Jesus' resurrection is the ultimate proof of His divine nature. Stephen's defense is a profound exposition of the Christian gospel, using the history of Israel to illustrate how the Jewish people have consistently misunderstood and rejected God's messengers, culminating in their rejection of Jesus Christ.
Stephen highlights Moses as a pivotal figure, a prophet who foretold the coming of Christ and a lawgiver who received the living oracles from God. These oracles, or divine words, are what set the Jewish people apart, not their size or strength. Stephen argues that the Jews' troubles stem from their refusal to listen to God's word, a pattern that continues with their rejection of Jesus. This refusal to heed the living word of God is the root of humanity's problems, both then and now.
The living word of God is unique, unlike human philosophies or ideas. It is a revelation from God, not a product of human reasoning. This word is alive, powerful, and eternal, speaking to every generation with relevance and authority. It is a word that convicts, penetrates, and discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart, exposing the true nature of humanity's disobedience and rebellion against God.
The word of God is not only alive but also powerful, capable of creating, sustaining, and transforming. It is the same word that spoke the universe into existence and that can bring new life to those who believe. This word offers forgiveness, new beginnings, and eternal hope through Jesus Christ, the living Word. It is the only word that addresses the ultimate questions of life and destiny, offering salvation and eternal life to those who receive it.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Uniqueness of God's Word: The word of God is not a product of human thought but a divine revelation. It stands apart from all human philosophies as it is the living oracle of God, offering truth and guidance that are eternally relevant. This word is alive, powerful, and capable of transforming lives. [09:29]
2. The Power of the Living Word: God's word is not only alive but also powerful. It has the ability to create, sustain, and transform. It speaks with authority, offering forgiveness and new life to those who believe. This power is evident in the miracles of Jesus and the apostles, demonstrating the divine nature of the word. [29:30]
3. The Convicting Nature of God's Word: The word of God penetrates the depths of the human heart, exposing sin and hypocrisy. It discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart, revealing the true nature of humanity's disobedience and rebellion against God. This conviction is necessary for genuine repentance and transformation. [39:03]
4. The Eternal Relevance of God's Word: Despite being an ancient text, the Bible remains relevant and contemporary. It addresses the fundamental questions of life, offering answers that are not found in human wisdom. The word of God is the only message that speaks to every generation with authority and relevance. [22:35]
5. The Choice Presented by God's Word: The word of God confronts us with a choice between life and death, blessing and curse. It is the only word that addresses the ultimate questions of life and destiny, offering salvation and eternal life to those who receive it. Our response to this word determines our eternal destiny. [46:28]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Stephen's Trial
- [01:08] - The Message of Salvation
- [02:43] - Accusations of Blasphemy
- [03:13] - Stephen's Defense
- [04:07] - Israel's History of Rejection
- [04:48] - The Role of Moses
- [06:23] - The Uniqueness of the Jewish People
- [07:39] - The Rejection of God's Word
- [09:29] - The Uniqueness of God's Word
- [13:12] - The Living Oracles
- [17:26] - The Power of the Living Word
- [22:35] - The Eternal Relevance of God's Word
- [29:30] - The Power of God's Word in Creation
- [39:03] - The Convicting Nature of God's Word
- [46:28] - The Choice Presented by God's Word
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 7:37-38
- Hebrews 4:12-13
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Observation Questions:
1. What accusations were brought against Stephen, and how did he respond to them? ([02:58])
2. How does Stephen use the history of Israel to make his defense before the Sanhedrin? ([03:41])
3. What role does Moses play in Stephen's argument, and why is he significant? ([05:18])
4. According to the sermon, what is the unique characteristic of God's word compared to human philosophies? ([09:29])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Stephen's speech in Acts 7 illustrate the pattern of rejection of God's messengers by the Israelites? What does this reveal about human nature? ([03:53])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the word of God is "alive" and "powerful"? How does this compare to other forms of communication or knowledge? ([17:26])
3. How does the sermon describe the convicting nature of God's word, and why is this conviction necessary for transformation? ([39:03])
4. What does the sermon suggest about the eternal relevance of God's word, and how does it address contemporary issues? ([22:35])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt convicted by the word of God. How did it lead to a change in your life? ([39:03])
2. The sermon emphasizes the power of God's word to transform lives. Can you identify an area in your life where you need transformation? How can you invite God's word into that area? ([29:30])
3. Stephen's defense highlights the importance of listening to God's word. How can you ensure that you are actively listening to and applying God's word in your daily life? ([07:39])
4. The sermon discusses the choice presented by God's word between life and death. What choices are you currently facing, and how can God's word guide you in making the right decision? ([46:28])
5. Consider the unique nature of God's word as described in the sermon. How can you prioritize studying and meditating on the Bible in your weekly routine? ([09:29])
6. The sermon mentions the eternal hope offered through Jesus Christ. How can you share this hope with someone in your life who may be struggling or seeking answers? ([49:58])
7. Reflect on the idea that God's word is relevant to every generation. How can you engage with the Bible in a way that speaks to your current life circumstances and challenges? ([22:35])
Devotional
Day 1: The Divine Origin of God's Word
The word of God is not a mere collection of human thoughts or philosophies; it is a divine revelation that stands apart from all human wisdom. This living oracle offers truth and guidance that are eternally relevant, capable of transforming lives. Unlike human ideas, which are often transient and limited, God's word is alive, powerful, and eternal. It speaks to every generation with authority, providing a foundation for understanding life's deepest questions and challenges. The uniqueness of God's word lies in its ability to penetrate the human heart, offering insights and wisdom that transcend time and culture. [09:29]
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced the transformative power of God's word in your life? How can you make space to hear His voice more clearly this week?
Day 2: The Creative and Sustaining Power of God's Word
God's word is not only alive but also powerful, with the ability to create, sustain, and transform. It is the same word that spoke the universe into existence and continues to uphold it. This power is evident in the miracles performed by Jesus and the apostles, demonstrating the divine nature of the word. For those who believe, God's word offers forgiveness, new beginnings, and eternal hope. It addresses the ultimate questions of life and destiny, providing a path to salvation and eternal life. The power of God's word is a testament to its divine origin and its ability to bring about profound change in the lives of individuals and communities. [29:30]
"By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host." (Psalm 33:6, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a situation in your life that feels chaotic or out of control. How can you invite the creative and sustaining power of God's word into that situation today?
Day 3: The Convicting Power of God's Word
The word of God has a unique ability to penetrate the depths of the human heart, exposing sin and hypocrisy. It discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart, revealing the true nature of humanity's disobedience and rebellion against God. This conviction is necessary for genuine repentance and transformation, as it brings to light the areas of our lives that need change. By confronting us with our shortcomings, God's word invites us to turn back to Him and seek His forgiveness and guidance. The convicting nature of God's word is a gift, as it leads us toward a deeper relationship with Him and a more authentic expression of our faith. [39:03]
"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalm 139:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel convicted by God's word? How can you respond to this conviction with genuine repentance and a desire for transformation?
Day 4: The Timeless Relevance of God's Word
Despite being an ancient text, the Bible remains relevant and contemporary, addressing the fundamental questions of life with answers that are not found in human wisdom. The word of God speaks to every generation with authority and relevance, offering insights into the human condition and the nature of God. It provides a framework for understanding our purpose and destiny, guiding us in our relationships with God and others. The eternal relevance of God's word is a testament to its divine origin and its ability to speak into the complexities of modern life. By engaging with the Bible, we can find direction and hope in a world that often feels uncertain and chaotic. [22:35]
"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." (Isaiah 40:8, ESV)
Reflection: How does the timeless nature of God's word provide comfort and guidance in your current circumstances? What steps can you take to engage more deeply with the Bible this week?
Day 5: The Choice of Life and Death in God's Word
The word of God confronts us with a choice between life and death, blessing and curse. It is the only message that addresses the ultimate questions of life and destiny, offering salvation and eternal life to those who receive it. Our response to this word determines our eternal destiny, as it calls us to choose between following God's path or pursuing our own desires. This choice is not always easy, but it is essential for experiencing the fullness of life that God offers. By embracing God's word, we can find hope, purpose, and direction, even in the midst of life's challenges. [46:28]
"I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live." (Deuteronomy 30:19, ESV)
Reflection: What is one decision you are facing where you need to choose between life and death, blessing and curse? How can you seek God's guidance and wisdom in making this choice?
Quotes
The word of God is quick, that means living again, same thing. The word of God is quick, living, lively, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. [00:13:52]
The whole story of the children of Israel is this: that when they listen to this word, all is well with them. When they don't, things go wrong with them. Now, that's the point that Steven is anxious to establish. He's putting it to these members of the Sanhedrin. [00:07:19]
This is the point I said that is being established by Steven. I want to put it to you in its modern form. Why is it that men and women are not Christian? Why is it that the vast majority of people in this country today are not Christian? That's the great question. [00:08:23]
The first great error, the cardinal error of which we are guilty always, is that we don't realize the uniqueness of this word. What's that? Well, that it is the oracle of God. It is the word of God himself. Now, I try to demonstrate that last Sunday night. [00:09:24]
This is entirely different from everything else. This isn't philosophy. This isn't men trying to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. This is God revealing the truth. This is the point made by Steven about Moses. This Moses, the one I'm talking about, he said, is the one who received the living oracles to give to you. [00:09:43]
This word is altogether different. This word is alive. This word has got life in itself, and that is what makes this word so different from every other word. This is a word that comes to us, and it addresses us. It speaks to us. It's something apart from us. [00:18:19]
This is a word that not only is always alive and has that as its inherent essential characteristic, it is a word that is continually alive. That's inherent in this word quick. Not only is it God life and is alive, it's always alive. Now, that's where this word is so different. [00:19:37]
This is the astounding thing. It's a part of this living quality that belongs to it. It's always contemporary. It is always up to date. Now, this is something I want to open out a little before you for this reason. There are so many people today. [00:21:29]
The answer is perfectly simple. This word is not only alive and up to date and contemporary, it is the only word that is truly contemporary and up to date. What do I mean? Well, I mean things like this: look at the problem of the world as it is at the present time. [00:22:34]
Here is the only word that speaks in life, speaks in death, wherever I am, whatever my conditions and circumstances. Here is a word that goes on speaking. It's a living word. It's alive. It's got the power of God, the life of God, as it were, in it. [00:29:02]
This is the reason I say why we should be listening to this word, because of this power that is in it. This is what you're listening to, my friend. Look at it in this way. Look at it in general, the power of this word looked at in a mere general sense. [00:30:38]
This is a word that can turn the world upside down, has changed the whole course of history. You can't understand history except in terms of this amazing work. But for me to come to the most vital and urgent matter of all for us, you see the power of this word when it deals with us from the standpoint of salvation. [00:38:16]
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