This is a modified outline of a mini sermon I gave several months ago. Many believe going to church on Sunday and having a Pastor, or a priest type person, throw a few verse your way every week is good enough. It's not.
Here are seven scriptural reasons why you must do so.
1. Jesus did it!
We are commanded to live by His example, aren't we? Jesus cited the Old Testament more times than I can count. And that's just from His words we have documented. Be like Jesus and know your Scriptures.
2. We are commanded to do it!
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 - These words which I command you today shall be in your heart...
Colossians 3:16-17 - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly...
And there are so many others. Commands are not suggestions, by the way.
3. Obedience to God
Having an intimate knowledge of the Word allows you to readily resist willful winning. It can halt you mid-sin or even pre-sin.
Psalm 119:11 - Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You...
4. Witnessing
How can you share the word of God with others if you do not know it? Using the word of God has more authority and power (huge understatement) than your own words. Your opinion is meaningless.
1 Peter 3:15 - Sanctify the Lord Goe in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you...
5. Listening to God
When we pray, we talk to God. We ask of God. A healthy relationship involves listening as well. His Word is how we listen to God.
John 8:47 - He who is of God hears God's words...
Romans 10:17 - Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
6. Wisdom/Guidance
Scriptures provide us with wisdok to get us thru everyday life as well as assist us providing wisdom or guidance to others.
2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
7. Fight Evil
The world is filled with hate and evil. Evil words, sounds, visuals, actions. Keeping the Word in your mind (and heart) provides a defense from the world. A cleansing of the mind.
Ephesians 6:10-20 describes putting on the protective armor of God. 6:11 commands to put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand the wiles of the devil. 6:17 describes the one offensive weapon in the armor as "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
Here are seven scriptural reasons why you must do so.
1. Jesus did it!
We are commanded to live by His example, aren't we? Jesus cited the Old Testament more times than I can count. And that's just from His words we have documented. Be like Jesus and know your Scriptures.
2. We are commanded to do it!
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 - These words which I command you today shall be in your heart...
Colossians 3:16-17 - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly...
And there are so many others. Commands are not suggestions, by the way.
3. Obedience to God
Having an intimate knowledge of the Word allows you to readily resist willful winning. It can halt you mid-sin or even pre-sin.
Psalm 119:11 - Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You...
4. Witnessing
How can you share the word of God with others if you do not know it? Using the word of God has more authority and power (huge understatement) than your own words. Your opinion is meaningless.
1 Peter 3:15 - Sanctify the Lord Goe in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you...
5. Listening to God
When we pray, we talk to God. We ask of God. A healthy relationship involves listening as well. His Word is how we listen to God.
John 8:47 - He who is of God hears God's words...
Romans 10:17 - Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
6. Wisdom/Guidance
Scriptures provide us with wisdok to get us thru everyday life as well as assist us providing wisdom or guidance to others.
2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
7. Fight Evil
The world is filled with hate and evil. Evil words, sounds, visuals, actions. Keeping the Word in your mind (and heart) provides a defense from the world. A cleansing of the mind.
Ephesians 6:10-20 describes putting on the protective armor of God. 6:11 commands to put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand the wiles of the devil. 6:17 describes the one offensive weapon in the armor as "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
