My Final Authority

Matthew 7:24-25 The Message (MSG)

24-25 “These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.

1. I must accept God's Word as my final even if I don't understand it. 

1 Thessalonians 2:13 English Standard Version (ESV)

13 And we also thank God constantly[a] for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men[b] but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.

2. I must work God's Truth into my life. 

A. By listening to God's Word.

Romans 10:17 English Standard Version (ESV)

17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Luke 8:18 English Standard Version (ESV)

18 Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.”

B. By Reading God's Word. 

Matthew 4:4 English Standard Version (ESV)

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.’”

Don't just read the Bible.  Let's it read you.  Ask, how does it apply to me?

*Get a paper Bible.

*Set aside a time.

*Dignify it.

*Have a play to apply.

C. By exploring God's Word.

Psalm 119:11 English Standard Version (ESV)

I have stored up your word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against you.

3. I must apply its principles.

James 1:22 English Standard Version (ESV)

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
Chris Hodges, Church of the Highlands