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Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:17-24
Tools We Need to Apply Truth
Intro.
1. God’s truth is practical and life-changing, Heb. 4:12 (Ps. 119:105).
2. Forming Christ within us is the essence of being a Christian, Gal. 4:19 (3:27; Col. 1:27).
3. This involves living acc. to God’s word, John 14:21-23.
4. Our challenge: How do we turn what the Scriptures say into the way we live?
a. How do I shape my heart into this type of heart? (Col. 3:12-15, 16)
b. How do I humble myself as a submissive wife, or lead as a loving husband? (Eph. 5:22-30)
c. How do I grow to maturity? (2 Pet. 3:18)
5. To succeed in any job we need the proper tools and the ability to use them (cf. Plumber, electrician, mechanic, doctor).
6. Tools we need to apply truth to our lives.
I. A GOOD HEART, Psalm 119:9-11.
A. An Unprejudiced Mind that Willingly Receives and Holds Fast to God’s Truth, Luke 8:15 (Acts 17:11).
1. First, cleanse the heart of sin, Matt. 23:25-26.
2. Takes a good heart to willingly submit to the indictments, corrections, and regulation of life in the Bible, 2 Tim. 3:16.
3. Clings to truth, whatever cost (“hold it fast,” ASV), Luke 8:15.
4. Bears fruit (seed-product), Christ formed in us, Luke 8:15.
II. A RESPONSIVE FAITH, Heb. 11:6 (obedient).
A. Trust God’s Word Works and is the Best for Us.
1. Noah (11:7); Sarah (11:11-12); Moses crossing Red Sea (11:29).
2. Succeeded because they trusted God’s way works and is best.
a. Trust relationships can improve, Col. 3:12-15.
b. Wife: Trust submissive purity and godly fear brings contentment. Husband: Trust that honoring your wife is fulfilling (1 Pet. 3:1-7).
c. Trust our labor in the Lord is not vain (1 Cor. 15:58).
3. Our faith responds (obeys) when we trust God’s way works and is best for us.
III. TOTAL COMMITMENT, Matt. 6:24; Rom. 12:11 (purpose of heart, Acts 11:23).
A. We Pursue What is Valuable to Us, Matt. 6:19-21.
1. Why do some have great zeal, diligence, and devotion to godly living? Because that is their treasure, Matt. 6:21.
2. Problem: We see double (one eye on earthly things and one eye on heaven), Matt. 6:22-24.
B. Zealous Christians Use (Nourished by) God’s Word, Heb. 5:13-14.
1. Milk: No progress beyond the basics.
2. Meat: Uses, exercises, and discerns good and evil.
3. Build upon foundational truth to mature in Christ, Heb. 6:1-3.
IV. SERIOUS STUDY OF GOD’S WORD, 2 Tim. 2:15.
A. Bible Must be Our Final Authority (guide us), John 6:63, 68.
1. Life is only in Christ’s words; Our life must be Bible-centered.
2. Consult Scripture often to direct our life decisions.
a. This is the Spirit-filled, Spirit-directed life (Gal. 5:16, 18).
b. Hide God’s word in your heart, Psalm 119:11; Heb. 8:10.
B. Study with the Intention of Obeying God, 2 Tim. 2:15 (John 7:17).
1. Hear and do, Matt. 7:24.
2. Forming Christ in us, Gal. 4:19 (Gal. 2:20).
V. SELF-EXAMINATION USING GOD’S WORD, 2 Cor. 13:5 (James 1:22-25).
A. Don’t Waste Time Comparing Yourself to the Wrong Things:
1. Others (2 Cor. 10:12); Worldly wisdom (Col. 2:8); Opinions (Prov. 14:12); etc.
2. Person who examines himself improves himself by repenting of sins, then bearing righteous fruit (forming Christ within).
Conclusion
1. We can bear good fruit with Christ in us, John 15:4-5.
2. These tools are at our disposal to form Christ within us so we can live with the hope of glory (Col. 1:27).
By: Joe R. Price
Posted November 10, 2021