God isn't impressed by what we build or accomplish. He’s more impressed by our desire, reverence, and humble spirit when we yield ourselves to His awesome Word. Our responsibility as Christians is to make a positive contribution to our society by proclaiming, honoring, and living in accordance with God’s precepts.
Sermon Outline
Solomon built a glorious temple for the Lord, but our heavenly Father desires something more than grand displays: He wants His children to have humble, surrendered hearts and an eagerness to receive His Word. This week, Dr. Stanley explains the importance of the Bible for our spiritual growth.
Key Passage: Isaiah 66:1-2
Supporting Passages: Psalm 119:105; Psalm 119:111; Psalm 119:130; Psalm 119:165; Isaiah 40:8; John 3:16; John 14:27; Romans 10:9; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 5:14-15
We live in a fallen world, but struggles and hardships also come our way because we don’t always want to live as God instructs.
► “What does the Bible mean to you personally?”
God has …
Given us laws and principles that will make life the best it can be for us and those around us.
Commanded us to share the truth of His love, goodness, mercy, and judgment with the world.
Proclaimed that our efforts don’t mean as much to Him as the attitude in our heart (Isa. 66:1-2).
Revealed that His greatest desire is for humble, contrite followers who tremble at His Word (v. 2).
► “Don’t merely listen and forget it. This is the eternal Word of God.”
When we tremble at God’s Word, we have …
• A longing to hear it.
Whether in church or at home, follow along during a sermon, using your own Bible.
Listen carefully when the Word is taught, and write down what God lays on your heart.
A desire to believe it.
Take the promises in God’s Word to the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to fulfill them in your life.
Trust that God is still in control and will do all He says (1 John 5:14-15).
An intention to obey it.
When you read the Word or hear it preached, pledge in your heart to heed it.
► “God will show you the right way and make it possible for you to be the person He wants you to be.”
What are the benefits of reading God’s Word?
It leads to salvation—God can and does save by acting in peoples’ hearts when they open a Bible and seek salvation in its pages (John 3:16; Rom. 10:9; 1 Pet. 1:23).
It guides our steps—The Word tells us what to do and what not to do, how to make decisions, and how to stay on the best path (Ps. 119:105).
► “Reading God’s Word, we become wise.”
It directs us to wisdom—God’s Word gives us understanding. It sheds light on everything, including dangers (v. 130).
It brings us joy—Nothing else we read can bring us such delight. It gives us hope, assurance, and confidence (v. 111).
It gives us peace—Because we belong to Jesus, we have His promise of peace (v. 165; John 14:27).
God’s Word …
Is eternal (Isa. 40:8).
Is His priceless message to us.
Will transform our life.
Should be treasured.
After Watching
One way to dwell on the Word of God is to begin and end the day with it. Try praying Psalm 25:4-5 when you wake up each morning and Psalm 4:7-8 when you lie down to rest.
Another edifying way to interact with Scripture is to copy verses by hand, dwelling on the words as you slowly write them out. Begin with Psalm 1, and as you write, picture the “tree firmly planted by streams of water” and the beautiful green leaves that never wither (v. 3). You can even use different colors or drawings to enrich your text and make it more memorable.
