2 Timothy 3:16-17
Hearsay = information received from other people that one cannot substantiate; rumor, gossip.
ALL Scripture is God-breathed. All of it comes from the mouth of God. We need to equip ourselves thoroughly. Go right to the source!
1. Scripture is necessary for understanding God's will for your life.
"Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[a]”" Matthew 4:4
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect," 1 Peter 3:15
How can you truly love God if you don't spend time with Him?
2. God's word is necessary for discernment.
All the noise of the world blocks out God.
Prosper= Shalom = peace, wholeness, completeness.
"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
We can lay the pieces out of our lives and get the junk out.
“Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?" Jeremiah 23:29
If you don't have God's truth, you will use your own (or someone else's).
3. The Word of God is the instruction book for life. We try it ourselves first and then we go to the book. We should go to the Word first.
"How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word." Psalm 119:9
"but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed." James 1:14
4. The Word of God is the ultimate tool for yourr life. Offensive weapon -- all the hardware you'll ever need. Macgyver our lives with the Bible!!
"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:17
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15
The Bible is a tool you need to learn how to use.