Week 6 – God’s Promises

Jesus

But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4

This passage tells us that the Word is our very sustenance, the rule of faith and life, and the supreme authority over all matters to which it speaks.

In Matthew 13:1-23, the “Parable of the Sower,” Jesus emphasizes the need to have good soil in order for the seed to be able to yield good fruit. Some people have “soil” conducive to nurturing the Word of God, others have rocky soil or weeds so the word can’t take root. Through repentance and faith, we can cultivate the soil condition of our heart so that we might bring forth 30, 60, and 100-fold fruit as we meditate on God’s Word every day. Jesus said this parable is the key to understanding everything He taught. Mark 4:13

The Apostle Paul

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) This verse tells us that there are four ways Scripture is profitable:

Teaching – Every area of life is covered in the Word of God.

Reproof – The Word is the mirror to our soul, keeping us humble and close to God.

Correction – This is the positive side of reproof. The Word not only tells us what is wrong but how to change and get things right. God’s Word is always redemptive. His mercy is triumphant.

Training in righteousness – Individuals and societies find it easy to go wrong. We need to be trained to do right. The Word of God is the best source of training available to individuals, families, churches, schools and governments. In a society that is increasingly lawless because of relativism and hedonism, we must bring the standard of God’s Word back as the foundation of our private, church, and public lives.

The Anonymous Author of Hebrews

“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

The Word of God is living. It is spiritually alive because it is God’s Word, not merely a history or textbook.

The Apostle Peter

“…for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” (2 Peter 1:21)

The Apostle John

“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.” (Revelation 1:3)

The Bible includes promises from God about the benefits of reading and meditating upon the Word. Below are only a few.

Scripture Promises for Building on the Word

“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” (Joshua 1:8)

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word.” (Psalm 119:9)

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.” (Psalm 1:2-3)

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

“He sent His word and healed them, and he delivered them from their destructions.” (Psalm 107:20)

“So faith comes from hearing and hearing by the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)

An anonymous author penned these words years ago:

The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. … Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. … Christ is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end.

It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. … It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

Review:

1. Name the 4 ways Scripture is profitable according to 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
2. Name some of the leaders in Scripture who call us to study God’s Word. What do they say?
3. What are some of the benefits of building on the Word?