The Word Is Central
The Word of God is central to the believer's witness, providing the foundation for right living and effective communication of the Gospel.
Theodore Epp emphasizes the centrality of the Word of God in a believer's life and witness, urging Christians to study, apply, and live out the Scriptures in a world that often strays from truth. He highlights that the Word is powerful and transformative, capable of penetrating the deepest parts of our being and shaping our thoughts and intentions. Epp asserts that for others to come to faith in Christ, they must first hear and understand God's Word, which is essential for spiritual growth and right relationships with God. He reminds believers that they must first internalize the Word before effectively sharing it with others, as it is through the Word that faith is birthed.
Text
Philippians 2:15,16; Psalm 119:9-16
Never forget the centrality of the Word of God to the believer's witness. The Christian is to study the Word, apply it to himself and then translate it into daily living before a crooked and perverse world. And every believer may be assured that as God's Word is held forth it will have an effect on those who hear it. Hebrews 4:12 says, "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" (NASB).
There is no substitute for holding forth God's Word, for if people are to come into right relationship with Jesus Christ, they must know what God's Word says. Romans 10:17 says, "Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ" (NASB). So if those we witness to are to be able to have faith in Christ, they must have the Word of God presented to them.
We must first benefit from the Word ourselves before we become concerned about passing it on to others. We cannot do the work of God or have the right attitudes (as urged in the previous verses) unless God's Word is doing its work within us. The Word of God goes to the deepest parts of our nature. It exposes, sifts, analyzes and judges even our thoughts (see Heb. 4:12).
"The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple" (Ps. 19:7).
Sermon Outline
- The Centrality of the Word
- The Effectiveness of the Word
- The Necessity of the Word
- Faith comes from hearing the Word
- The Word is essential for right relationship with Christ
Key Quotes
“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.” — Theodore Epp
“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- As believers, we must first benefit from the Word of God ourselves before we can effectively share it with others.
- The Word of God is essential for right relationship with Jesus Christ, and faith comes from hearing it.
- We must apply the Word of God to our daily lives in order to live righteously and effectively communicate the Gospel.