Sermon Notes

AWAKEN 2022

God’s Word

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” James Clear in Atomic Habits

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your practices.” James Clear in Atomic Habits

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

What is one regular practice that could truly change our lives in 2022 and beyond?

“A discipline is an activity within our power--something we can do--which brings us to a point where we can do what we at present cannot do by direct effort…” Dallas Willard

“You don’t passively find what you don’t actively pursue.”

My goal today:

To convince you of the life-changing power found in the practice of spending time in God’s word

1. Less and less people who claim to follow Jesus are spending time in God’s word.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” Romans 12:2 2. People who claim to follow Jesus are becoming more and more imitators of the world and ignorant of the Bible.

3.People who claim to follow Jesus treat the Bible like an ancient token rather than a timeless treasure.

To convince you of the life-changing power found in the daily practice of spending time in God’s word!

2 timothy 3:14-17

"14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

1. God’s word comes from God

“But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” - 2 Peter 1:20-21

2. God’s WORD changes us

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,”

“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)

1. God’s word teaches us:

2. God’s word calls us out

3. God’s word corrects us

4. God’s word trains us 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul …More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.” Psalm 19:7,10

“It is impossible to practice godliness without a constant, consistent and balanced intake of the Word of God in our lives.” Jerry Bridges

“that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” 2 Timothy 3:17

READ YOUR BIBLE

"Whatever keeps me from my Bible is my enemy, however harmless it may appear to me." A.W. Tozer