God's Word Which Strengthens Us

Thesis: Christians, those who have been born again, need to nourish their faith, continuing to become more mature Christians. The believer will sin; but hates the sin and moves consistently to desire Jesus Christ. The Word of God strenghtens us in four ways towards growth in Christ:

1. REMOVE BARRIERS (v.1)

   • "malice" - general term = all bad stuff
     -- solution is gospel thinking
   • "deciet" - lure = go after things that look
     good but are really bad.
     -- solution is gospel thinking
   • "hypocrisy" - actor who puts on mask and
     plays a part.
     -- solution is not to be complacent Christian
   • "envy" - makes us question God work for us
     -- solution is to praise Him for work in
     others
   • "slander" is counter gospel - elevates self
     instead of gospel command to deny self.

2. REJECT SUBSTITUTES (v.2)

   • Many "christian" things we substitute for Word.
   • Word is how we learn, grow, mature in Christ
   • Goal is John 4:24 - true/spiritual worship in
     all areas of life. Not some religious
     checklist.
   • "long for" = lust. We should crave pure Word,
     not books, blogs, etc : crave Bible itself for
     Christ himself.

3. RENEW GROW IN WORD (v.2)

   • Not simply knowledge
   • Not for self-help, or other "fix it's"
   • Meditate on word, chew on it, become
     Christ-like

4. REMEMBER SALVATION (v.3)

   • Rejoice and live in work Christ has done
     in you.
   • Put on attitude of praise for blessing of
     salvation