Sermon Central
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What Makes The Bible Different? Series
Contributed by Mike Fogerson on Aug 12, 2014 (message contributor)
Summary: The writer of Hebrews was concerned that his audience see the importance of the Word of God. When God speaks (through His Written Word or through the Living Word) it is different from the words spoken of men.
What Makes The Bible Different?
Hebrews Series
4.12,13
March 19, 2014 * Chester FBC, Chester, IL * Dr. Mike Fogerson, Speaker
Introduction:
A The writer of Hebrews was concerned that his audience see the importance of the Word of God.
1 Most of the words the author wrote in the first four chapters of Hebrews were from the O.T.!
a When God speaks (through His Written Word or through the Living Word) it is different from the words spoken of men.
b IL. It is obvious when you play secular music vs. Christian music. There is something different about the songs.
2 Heb. 4.12,13 describes just makes His Word different from all other words.
a Through out Hebrews, the author encourages his audience to give attention to His Word.
b What makes His Word different?
B Hebrews 4:12-13 (NASB) 12 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. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.
1 Let’s look at what makes His Word different.
2 Pray
I The Bible is different in Its Inspiration
A Hebrews 3:7 (NASB) 7 Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says, "TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE,
1 The Holy Spirit is God, who inspired every word that is in our Bible.
a He chose men to reveal His words to over the course of about 4,000 years. (Revelation)
aa The process is called inspiration.
bb The process of His Word becoming the soundtrack of our lives is illumination.
b David wrote Psalm 95, but Heb. 3.7 tells us that the Holy Spirit spoke Ps. 95 to David’s pen.
B It isn’t just David’s poems & songs that are inspired by God.
a The entire Bible is God breathed.
b It is never wrong because God is never wrong.
aa The purposeful placement of this text should not go unnoticed to us.
bb We just read about “rest” in v. 11.
Hebrews 4:11 (NASB) 11 Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience.
cc We can know that rest belongs to us because the Bible tells us so!
II The Bible is different in Its Operation
A Man can come up with some pretty flowery & effective words (Gettysburg Address, FDR’s speech about Pearl Harbor, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” & “Yesterday”).
1 But God’s Word is living/powerful whose operation is described in two ways.
a The Word is Alive/living! (Zao), & is where we get our word for “zoology.”
aa It means more than just being “alive”; it has the meaning of “animate life.”
bb It is constantly active, reproducing life in us.
cc In this context, Paul is warning his listeners who are hesitating in trust Christ, who are even considering falling back into Judaism, had better be urgent & diligent in seeking to enter God’s rest, because the Word of God is alive.
dd The Word is not static, but active/alive!
b The Word is Active! (Means energize, brings life where there is death.)
aa IL. Putting a battery in a toy, plugging in a vacuum.
bb His Word brings activity where there has been inactivity.
2 The Bible stands in witness to itself .
a It converts the soul.
Psalm 19:7-11 (NASB) 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. 10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.
b It encourages the heart
Psalm 119:49-56 (NASB) 49 Remember the word to Your servant, In which You have made me hope. 50 This is my comfort in my affliction, That Your word has revived me. 51 The arrogant utterly deride me, Yet I do not turn aside from Your law. 52 I have remembered Your ordinances from of old, O LORD, And comfort myself. 53 Burning indignation has seized me because of the wicked, Who forsake Your law. 54 Your statutes are my songs In the house of my pilgrimage. 55 O LORD, I remember Your name in the night, And keep Your law. 56 This has become mine, That I observe Your precepts.
