Treasuring Gods Word in Our Hearts A Special

Treasuring God’s Word in Our Hearts A Special Message for Fall Kickoff Sunday Psalm 119: 9 -16 September 7, 2014 Pastor Paul K. Kim

1 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. 2 For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? Hebrews 2: 1 -3 a

WHY SHOULD WE TREASURE GOD’S WORD IN OUR HEARTS? • It directs us to keep our way pure and godly (v. 9). 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.

WHY SHOULD WE TREASURE GOD’S WORD IN OUR HEARTS? • It directs us to keep our way pure and godly (v. 9). • It has the power to keep us away from sin (v. 11). 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

WHY SHOULD WE TREASURE GOD’S WORD IN OUR HEARTS? • It directs us to keep our way pure and godly (v. 9). • It has the power to keep us away from sin (v. 11). • It keeps us God-centered in a man-centered world (vs. 10, 12). 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! 12 Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes!

WHY SHOULD WE TREASURE GOD’S WORD IN OUR HEARTS? • It directs us to keep our way pure and godly (v. 9). • It has the power to keep us away from sin (v. 11). • It keeps us God-centered in a man-centered world (vs. 10, 12). • It strengthens our spiritual vitality and joy (vs. 13 -16). 13 With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. 14 In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. 16 I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO TREASURE GOD’S WORD IN OUR HEARTS? • It means to store up Scripture in our thoughts, minds and feelings. • It means not wandering from God’s Word but seeking it with our whole hearts. • It means to use our mouth (declare), mind (meditate on), eyes (fix on), feelings (delight in) not to forget God’s Word. • It means to value God’s Word not just as authority but also as our treasure more precious than silver or gold (Psalm 19: 10).

FIVE WAYS TO TREASURE GOD’S WORD IN OUR HEARTS I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119: 11 1) HEARING (Romans 10: 17) Hearing the Word from preaching, teaching, or reading of the Word. 2) READING (Revelation 1: 3) Reading the Word on your own with a plan and consistency. 3) STUDYING (Acts 17: 11) Studying the Word personally/as a group, digging into God's truths. 4) MEMORIZING (Psalm 119: 9, 11) Memorizing God's Word to have the Sword of the Spirit readily available for defeating the devil in various circumstances. 5) MEDITATING (Psalm 1: 2, 3) Meditating on God’s Word--thinking of its meaning and application in your life—to discover the transforming power of the Word in you.

FIVE WAYS TO TREASURE GOD’S WORD IN OUR HEARTS “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. ” – Psalm 119: 11 * Source: The “Word Hand” by The Navigators

FIVE WAYS TO TREASURE GOD’S WORD IN OUR HEARTS “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. ” – Psalm 119: 11 * Source: The “Word Hand” by The Navigators

4 THINGS TO REMEMBER AS WE STRIVE TO TEASURE GOD’S WORD IN OUR HEARTS 1. Remember WHY: you are apt to drift away from God without God’s Word. 2. Remember to begin wit. H “BABY STEPS”—build it into your lifelong way of life. 3. Remember that it is a FIGHT of the good fight of faith, so, don’t give in—fight for joy in GOD!!! 4. Remember the power of COMMUNITY—don’t do it alone; it’s not only easier to do it together but also more fun that way!

THREE PRACTICAL QUESTIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE 1. In what ways are you more convinced of your own need to treasure God’s Word in your heart? 2. What distractions or temptations do you need to abandon in order to treasure God’s Word daily? 3. What practical decisions do you need to make in order to treasure God’s Word in your heart as we kick off the fall season?