1. God's people have a number of responsibilities that involve "love." a. The first and great commandment is to love God (Matthew 22:36-38). b. The second commandment is to love your neighbor (Matthew 22:39). c. The Lord's followers are to love one another (John 13:34-35). 2. Today we are examining a number of passages that relate to "loving God's Word." 3. The first point we need to make is that . . . Discussion: I. MANY SPECIAL BLESSINGS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH GOD'S WORD
A. These blessings are revealed in both the Old and New Testaments. B. From the Old Testament we learn that God's Word provides: 1. "cleansing" (Psalm 119:9) 2. "power to overcome temptation" (Psalm 119:11) 3. "direction" (Psalm 119:105). 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 that are provided by God's Word will lead us to love it. E. For our next point we need to show . . . II. WHY GOD'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 God's Word will lead us to love it. III. LET US EXAMINE SOME BIBLE CHARACTERS WHO SHOWED THEIR LOVE FOR GOD'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 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."
