Holding on to God's Word

What do I do when I don't understand the Bible?  Trust when you don't understand.  Sometimes you don't understand until you obey.  

What do I do when I don't like it?  Remember, God has exclusive rights to say what is right and wrong.   

1. Make it the foundation of my life.  

Matthew 7:24 New Living Translation (NLT)

24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.

A. Popular Culture comes and Goes.  Truth never changes.

Exodus 23:2 A New Living Translation (NLT)

2 “You must not follow the crowd in doing wrong. 

B. Tradition is not more important than the truth. 

Mark 7:8 New Living Translation (NLT)

8 For you ignore God’s law and substitute your own tradition.”

C. Reason elevates you not God. 

Proverbs 16:25 New Living Translation (NLT)

25 There is a path before each person that seems right,
    but it ends in death.

D. Feelings will lie to you. 

Judges 21:25 B The Message (MSG)

25  People did whatever they felt like doing.

2.  Make it the 1st part of your life.  

Matthew 6:33 English Standard Version (ESV)

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

First 15 minutes with God. 

A. Invest 5 minutes in the Word.

Psalm 119:105 English Standard Version (ESV)

Your word is a lamp to my feet
    and a light to my path.

B. 5 minutes in Worship.

Psalm 34:1 English Standard Version (ESV)

I will bless the Lord at all times;

    his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 

C. 5 minutes in Prayer. 

Philippians 4:6-7 English Standard Version (ESV)

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

3. Make it grow deeper in my life. 

Colossians 3:16 English Standard Version (ESV)

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

A. Get a translation that I understand.

Formal translations: KJV< NKJV< NASB< ESV.

Functional: NLT, GN, TEV, NIV

Paraphase: LB, MSG  

B. Get a Study Bible.

C. Get in a small group of Christians. (Growth happens in discussion).

4. Make it a weapon for the challenges of life. 

Ephesians 6:13, 17 English Standard Version (ESV)

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 

17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

Matthew 4:3-4 English Standard Version (ESV)

3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written,

“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
    but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

5. Memorize Scripture 

Psalm 119:9-11 English Standard Version (ESV)

How can a young man keep his way pure?
    By guarding it according to your word.
10 With my whole heart I seek you;
    let me not wander from your commandments!
11 I have stored up your word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against you.

Chris Hodges, Church of the Highlands