1. Some very important information is revealed in Psalm 119:73. a. The writer first acknowledged the fact that God had created him. b. This led him to ask God for "understanding." c. He realized that understanding from God would enable him to do something very special -- "learn God's commandments." 2. Today we are examining a number of passages that relate to "learning God's Word." 3. Since a new school year is beginning, perhaps this is a good time for us to be reminded about the importance of learning the Scriptures. 4. The first point we need to make is that . . .
Discussion:
I. GOD WANTS HIS PEOPLE TO LEARN HIS WORD
A. This principle is taught in both the Old and New Testaments. B. Old Testament: Deuteronomy 6:6-9 C. New Testament: (1 Peter 2:2) "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word." D. One reason why we must follow these instructions is that . . .
II. FAILURE TO LEARN GOD'S WORD RESULTS IN DISASTER
A. This principle is also taught in both the Old and New Testaments. B. Old Testament: (Isaiah 5:13) "Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge." C. New Testament: John 12:48. D. This information should impress us with the importance of learning God's Word. 1. God wants us to learn His Word. 2. Failure to do so will result in disaster. E. Let's turn our attention to the fact that . . .
III. MANY SPECIAL BLESSINGS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH GOD'S WORD
A. These blessings are revealed in both the Old and New Testaments. B. Old Testament: 1. "cleansing" (Psalm 119:9) 2. "power to overcome temptation" (Psalm 119:11) 3. "direction" (Psalm 119:105) C. New Testament: 1. "increasing your 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. For our next point we need to show . . .
IV. WHY GOD'S WORD PROVIDES THESE BLESSINGS
A. (Hebrews 4:12) God's Word is alive and active. B. (John 6:63) Jesus said that His Words "are spirit, and they are life." C. (Ephesians 6:17) The Word of God is "the sword of the Spirit." D. Before we close, let us receive encouragement from some . . .
V. BIBLE CHARACTERS WHO DESIRED TO LEARN GOD'S WORD
A. The Israelites during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 8) 1. (vs.1-3) They asked Ezra to read God's law to them. 2. (vs.5-6, 7b) They were reverent and respectful. 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) 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 learning God's Word. 2. Suggestions for studying the Scriptures: a. Begin with the statement found in Psalm 119:73. b. Develop this attitude toward the Scriptures -- "O how I love thy law! it is my meditation all the day" (Psalm 119:97). c. When you study, make this request of the Lord -- "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law" (Psalm 119:18).