My Sermon For Today, 12/22/2024:
Opening Illustration (Christian Joke): A Sunday school teacher asked her class, "If I sold my house and car, had a big garage sale, and gave all my money to the church, would I get into heaven?" No!" the children answered." Would I get into heaven if I cleaned the church daily, mowed the yard, and kept everything neat and tidy?" Again, the answer was, "No!" Well then," she continued, "how can I get to heaven?" A five-year-old boy shouted, "You gotta be dead first!" (The class laughed but still had much to learn about grace and living the Word daily.)
Opening Statement: Today's message is simple yet profound: If you want to mature in Christ and experience the fullness of His presence, you need to become a doer of the Word. Hearing the Word is essential, but true transformation occurs in obedience. Let's dive into the Scriptures and uncover what it means to know and live the Word.
The Word of God as Our Foundation
Scripture Reference: II Timothy 3:16‑17 (NIV) "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
God has given us His Word as a guide, a teacher, and a trainer for righteousness. It's not merely a book of good ideas or suggestions—it is His authoritative truth. But knowledge without application is like a toolbox never opened or a recipe never followed. What good is having the tools if we don't build?
Illustration: Imagine someone buys a treadmill to improve their health. They read all the manuals, watch countless videos on using it, and even tell others how great it is. But if they never step on it and start walking, their health won't change. Similarly, we can't grow in Christ just by hearing sermons, reading devotions, or nodding during Bible study. We must walk out the Word in our lives.
Obedience Leads to Maturity
Scripture Reference: Hebrews 5:13‑14 (NIV) "Anyone who lives on milk, still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."
The Bible compares spiritual growth to physical growth. Newborns start with milk, but they need solid food as they grow. The same applies to our faith. We remain spiritual infants if we're stuck in the basics and avoid applying deeper truths. Maturity comes from action—obedience to God's commands and a willingness to stretch beyond our comfort zones.
Becoming a Doer, Not Just a Hearer
Scripture Reference: James 1:22‑25 (NIV) "Do not merely listen to the Word, and deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the Word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like."
James uses a powerful metaphor: the mirror. God's Word reflects who we are and reveals who we should become. But if we don't act on what we see, we lose the opportunity for transformation. Obedience isn't optional for the believer—it's the evidence of genuine faith.
Illustration: Think of a GPS. It gives you clear directions, but you'll get lost if you ignore the voice and go your way. God's Word is the ultimate GPS for our lives. Following it leads to blessing; ignoring it leads to confusion and chaos.
Growing in Grace and Knowledge
Scripture Reference: II Peter 1:5-10 (NIV) "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. If you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Peter emphasizes that growth requires effort. Faith is the foundation but must be built upon goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, affection, and love. These are not just lofty ideals but practical steps to living out the Word daily.
A Personal Challenge:
Friends, I challenge you today: Don't settle for being a hearer of the Word. Step into obedience. Ask yourself:
How can I reflect God's love in my daily interactions?
Are there areas in my life where I need to surrender and trust Him?
Am I taking steps to grow in maturity, or am I content with staying where I am?
Remember, God's desire is not just for us to know Him but to show Him to the world through our actions.
Closing Illustration:
A pastor once asked his congregation, "If Christianity were a crime, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" The question isn't meant to condemn but to encourage reflection. Are we living in such a way that people recognize Jesus in us?
A Time to Pray
Let us close this time with prayer. If you've never accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, or if you've drifted and need to renew your commitment, now is the time. Repeat this prayer after me:
"Lord Jesus, I come to You today recognizing my need for Your grace. I confess that I have sinned and fallen short of Your glory. I believe that You died on the cross for my sins and rose again so that I might have eternal life. Today, I choose to follow You, not just in words but in action. Help me to live as a doer of Your Word. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and guide me in all truth. Thank You for saving me. Amen."
Final Encouragement: As we leave today, remember this: Faith without works is dead, but faith in action brings life to you and those around you. Let's commit to being doers of the Word and witnessing His love. Go out and live the Gospel boldly!
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