1. The Lord's followers are to be: a. "people of faith" (Hebrews 10:38) b. "people of hope" (1 Peter 1:3) c. "people of love" (Ephesians 5:1-2). 2. According to Psalm 119:97, the Lord's Word is included in the objects that His people are to love. 3. In our lesson we are examining a number of passages that relate to "loving the Lord's Word." 4. Let us begin by showing how . . .
Discussion:
I. SPECIAL BLESSINGS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE LORD'S WORD
A. These blessings are revealed in both the Old and New Testaments. B. Previously, we listed 9 blessings revealed in the Old Testament in Psalm 119. C. From the New Testament we learn that God's Word provides: 1. "growth in the knowledge of Christ" (John 5:39) 2. "knowing the truth that will make you free" (John 8:31-32) 3. "being loved by Christ and the Father" (John 14:21). D. A proper appreciation for these blessings provided by God's Word will lead us to love it. E. For our next point we need to show . . .
II. WHY THE LORD'S WORD PROVIDES THESE BLESSINGS [ITS NATURE]
A. (John 6:63) Jesus said that His Words "are spirit, and they are life." B. (Ephesians 6:17) The Word of God is "the sword of the Spirit." C. (Hebrews 4:12) God's Word is alive and active. D. A proper understanding of the nature of the Lord's Word will lead us to love it.
III. LET US EXAMINE SOME BIBLE CHARACTERS WHO SHOWED THEIR LOVE FOR THE LORD'S WORD
A. The Israelites during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 8) 1. (vs.1-2) They asked Ezra to read God's law to them. 2. (vs.3-8) They were reverent and respectful. 3. (vs.9-12) They reacted to the words that were read to them. B. The people by the Sea of Galilee during the Lord's ministry (Luke 5:1) 1. Jesus had been sent to preach (Luke 4:43). 2. He "preached in the synagogues of Galilee" (Luke 4:44). 3. By the Sea of Galilee, "the people pressed upon Him" to hear God's Word. C. Mary (Luke 10:38-39, 42) D. The 3,000 in Jerusalem on Pentecost (Acts 2:41) 1. These people had asked what they needed to do (vs.37). 2. Peter answered their question (vs.38). 3. Those who "gladly received" Peter's instructions obeyed them. 4. They were added to the Lord's church (vs.47).
Conclusion:
1. We have seen that the Scriptures emphasize the importance of loving the Lord's Word. 2. We have examined: a. some of the blessings that are provided by the Lord's Word b. the nature of the Lord's Word c. how Bible characters showed their love for the Lord's Word. 3. Let us adopt the sentiment expressed in Psalm 119:97 -- "O how I love thy law! it is my meditation all the day."
