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Relevant- “closely connected or appropriate to what is being done or considered.”
“having significant and demonstrable bearing on the matter at hand.”
Intro- No matter what topic we discuss or situation we face, you’d be hard pressed to not find it in the Bible. The bible contains over 2,000 verses about money. The bible lists over 120 verses on depression in some way. It lists roughly 80 or more verses on marriage. We could go on for hours but those are just a few examples of things most of us are or have dealt with at some point.
The Bible wasn’t given to us strictly as a rule book. It was given to us as a road map or a manual about how to get through life. All of us have traveled different roads to get to where we are today. There are still roads we have yet to travel. But no matter what comes our way, the bible lays out some sort of plan for facing whatever does come.
- GOD NEVER SAID IT’D BE EASY BUT HE DID SAY HE’D PROVIDE A WAY OUT
Moses and the Isrealites
1 Corinthians 10:13(NIV) – No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13(MSG) – No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.
Philippians 4:6 (NIV) – Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
The Devil knows our weaknesses. He will try to slither his way into our lives any chance he gets. God knows our weaknesses, too. But he tries to remind us of the good things he promises us.
- GOD HAS SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT THE BONDAGE YOU WONT LET GO OF
Matthew 11:28-30(NIV) 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Backpack illustration- sometimes we still hold on to our bondage because we feel secure.
Our security should be found in the relevance of the Word and who God says we are and not in the uncertainty of our situation.
Galations 5:1, 5, 7-10, 12-13(TPT)
Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)- For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
- ITS POWER HAS NO EXPIRATION DATE
Soup can illustration- Soon, this can will lose its flavor, value and taste. The Bible will NEVER lose its flavor, value or taste.
Hebrews 4:12-13(MSG)- God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one can resist God’s Word.
Matthew 24:35(TPT )- The earth and sky will wear out and fade away before one word I speak loses its power or fails to accomplish its purpose.”
Conclusion- Just like our words and actions show people our character, The bible tells us of God’s character…love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, comfort, peace, discipline, father, friend, counselor, healer etc. The bible isn’t something to be proven. We don’t have to prove the power of God’s word. We just have to study it, act it out, teach it and live by it every day. The bible has an answer for everything you have faced to this point, are facing currently, and will face in the future. The Bible was relevant before our time and it will continue to be relevant long after we’re gone. Don’t view the bible as this long book that will take you forever to read. View it as a text message from your father as a word of encouragement, correction and love. It hasn’t been a #1 best seller by mistake. Let your mind and your spirit collect the knowledge that God’s word has to offer. Don’t let God’s word collect the dust that your shelf has to offer.