Temple Baptist Church - 8-14-2016
1 Thessalonians 5:27
Introduction:
A. In our verse for tonight,
we find Paul not only stressing the importance of reading the Word of
God to all of the people but command such reading. “I charge you by the
Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.” The word charge means a responsibility or trust.
B. Paul also gave a similar charge to the Church of the Colossians but add that they also read an epistle written to the Laodicean Church.
Colossians 4:16
And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in
the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
C. Paul, when writing to Timothy
in one of the Pastoral Epistles—1 Timothy, gave command that attendance
to reading was equally important with exhortation and doctrine.
1 Timothy 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
D. In the Revelation,
John recorded the words of Christ which commanded that all of the
letters (chapters 2-3) written to each of the 7 churches of Asia Minor
be read by all of the 7 churches.
Revelation 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto
the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna,
and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto
Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
E. The command and practice of reading God’s Word was prevalent in the Old Testament as well.
Deuteronomy 17:18-20 And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: (19) And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: (20) That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.
Joshua 1:8
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt
meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according
to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way
prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Psalms 1:1-3 Blessed is
the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in
the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. (2) But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (3)
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that
bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither;
and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Psalms 119:97-98 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. (98) Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
F. We could continue to look at various verses of Scripture but I want to look at the importance of reading God’s Word, both publicly and privately.
1. The Word of God tells us of Christ Jesus and how to be saved. John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
2. The Word of God is essential to the establishment of sound doctrine. 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
3. The Word of God shows the believer the right path of life. Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
4. The Word of God will keep the believer from sinfulness. Psalms 119:9-11 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. (10) With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. (11) Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
5. The Word of God will help to discern between right and wrong spirits. 1 John 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are
of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
6. The Word of God gives wisdom to the believer. Proverbs 2:6-7 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. (7) He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
7. The Word of God convicts the believer of sin. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is
quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even
to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and
marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
8. The Word of God brings the believer to spiritual maturity. 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:
9. The Word of God gives encouragement to the believer. Romans 15:4-5
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our
learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might
have hope. (5) Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
10. The Word of God chastens the believer. Revelation 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
11. The Word of God helps the believer to withstand and, having do all, to stand. Ephesians 6:14, 17 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness … (17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
12. The Word of God leads the believer in His walk with God. John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
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