The Word of God

Michael E. Grooms

Introduction: The Israelites saw the lightning and the smoke. They heard the thunder, and the noise of a trumpet. Konwing that God had spoken to Moses, and knowing they were unworthy to hear His voice they said to Moses, " let not God speak with us less we die".  We too are unworthy of God's word, yet in His love He has chosen to speak to us through the inspired writers.

I.  The Word of God Revealed to Man

     A.  2 Tim. 3:16, 17

            1. Doctrine - What to believe

            2. Reproof - What not to believe

            3. Correction - What not to do

            4. Instruction - What to do

      B.  Inspiration - From Greek word meaning " God breathed"

            1. The Bible is the breath of God

            2. It is God talking to us

      C. God's word must be treated with utmost respect

      D. Dare we tamper with God's breathed word?

            1. Rev. 22:18, 19

                a. If any man add to the book, God will add to him the plagues therein.

                b. If any man take away from the book, God will take his name from the book of life

                c. Speaks of Revelation yet speaks of a principle concerning God's word

      E.  2 Peter 1:20, 21

            1. Not up to writer to write as he wished

            2. Not up to reader to interpret as he wishes

            3. The truth will always stand (read illust. 1)

II.  The Standard of Measure

      A. We recognize "standards" of measure

            1. Carpenter - ruler

            2. Architect - compass, protractor

      B. The Bible is a the standard of measure for life, and worship

            1. The unit of measure on a ruler is inch, foot

            2. The unit of measure in Bible is "absolute truth"

            3. Jesus said " Thy word is truth"  (1 John 17:17)

      C. Standard for lifestyle

            1. The unexamined life is not worth living (Plato)                 

            2. James 1: 19 - 25

               a. mirror in reverse, we eflect God's word

               b. usless to us if not applied to life

            3. Gal. 5: 16 - 26

               a. things to avoid

               b. virtues to have

      D. The Standard of measure for worship

            1. The unexamined religion is not worth having

            2. " God is a spirit, they that worship Him..." (John 4:24)

            3.  " Thy word is truth" ( 1 John 17:17)

            4. Must not  pervert God's word in worship

            5. Matt. 15: 1 - 9  ( Vain worship, commandments of men)

      F.  What is true worship?

            1. Sing Eph. 5:19

            2. Pray Acts 2:42

            3. Teach 2 Tim. 4:2

            4. Give Acts 20:35

            5. Lord's Supper Acts 20:7

III. The Method of Judgement

      A. Jesus spoke the word of God

      B. The words of Jesus will judge us

            1. We can receive or reject his words

            2. We have the answers to the final test

      C.  Peter said  " Thou hast the words of eternal life"

      D.  To deny God's word is to judge yourself unworthy of everlasting life (Acts 13:46)

      E.  Eternal life is God's gift received through baptism

Conclusion:

            You have heard and know God's word. It is your decision. Will you reject Him and lose all hope of eternal life?  Will you obey Him? If you choose to   receive God's word you must apply it to all aspects ot your life and your worship. In the end, you will obtain the reward of eternal life.