1. In the last verse of the great love chapter of the Bible, 3 important subjects are mentioned. a. "Faith" is so important that we cannot be saved without it (Hebrews 11:6). b. "Hope" is so important that we are saved by it (Romans 8:24). c. In addition to being the greatest, "love" is so important that everything we do is to be done with it (1 Corinthians 16:14). 2. The Scriptures show that all three have something in common -- they all relate to God's Word. a. According to Romans 10:17, faith comes from hearing God's Word. b. We learn from Psalm 119:114 that hope is in God's Word. c. In Psalm 119:97 we read: "O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day." 3. This morning we are examining a number of passages that will lead us to pursue the theme of our lesson -- "let us love God's Word."
Discussion:
I. FIRST, LET US LOVE GOD'S WORD BECAUSE OF SPECIAL BLESSINGS ASSOCIATED WITH IT
A. These blessings are revealed in both the Old and New Testaments. B. Three blessings revealed in the Old Testament in Psalm 119 include: 1. "cleansing" (vs.9) 2. "power to overcome temptation" (vs.11) 3. "direction" (vs.105). C. From the New Testament we learn that God's Word: 1. provides knowledge that will make us free (John 8:31-32) 2. will enable us to be loved by Christ and the Father (John 14:21, 23) 3. will build us up (Acts 20:32). D. A proper appreciation for these blessings provided by God's Word will lead us to love it.
II. SECOND, LET US LOVE GOD'S WORD BECAUSE OF ITS NATURE
A. God's Word is His gift to us (2 Timothy 3:16-17). B. The Word of God is "the sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17). C. God's Word is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). D. A proper understanding of the nature of God's Word will lead us to love it.
III. THIRD, LET US LOVE GOD'S WORD AS OTHERS HAVE
A. The people by the Sea of Galilee during the Lord's ministry showed how they loved God's Word (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. B. Mary showed her love for God's Word (Luke 10:38-39, 42). C. The 3,000 in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost showed their love for God's Word (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 God's Word. 2. We have examined: a. some of the blessings that are provided by God's Word b. the nature of God's Word c. how Bible characters showed their love for God'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."
