Branded: #5 A Life Built on God’s Word

BRANDED – 5

The Mark of a Disciple

 

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(John 1:1-5) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

 

(1 John 1:14) The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

 

The Bible is Alive

 

(John 6:63) “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.”

 

(Hebrews 4:12) For the word of God is living 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.

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FAITH activates the Word.

(Hebrews 4:2) For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.

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REVELATION activates faith.

 

Logos – written*

Rhema – revealed*

 

(Luke 1:34-38) “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God... For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

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MEDITATION activates revelation.

(Joshua 1:7-8) Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

 

#5 Mark of a Disciple: A Life Built on God’s Word

 

(Matthew 7:24 MSG) “These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock.”

1. I must ACCEPT its authority.

 

(1 Thessalonians 2:13) We also thank God continually because, when you received the Word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it, not as the word of men, but actually as it is, the Word of God, which is at work in you who believe.

 

(John 8:31-32) Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

           

Popular culture.
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(Exodus 23:2) “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong.” 


           

 

Tradition.
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(Mark 7:8) “You have let go of the commands of God and are 
holding on to human traditions.” 


           

 

Reason.*


 

(Proverbs 16:25) There is a way that seems right to a man, but 
in the end it leads to death. 


           

 

Feelings.*


 

(Judges 21:25 MSG) At that time there was no king in Israel. 
People did whatever they felt like doing. 


 

2. I must ASSIMILATE its truths.

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By LISTENING to God’s Word.


(Romans 10:17 NKJV) So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.


 

(Luke 8:18) “Therefore consider carefully how you listen...”

 

By READING God’s Word.

 

(Matthew 4:4) Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Get a paper bible.*

Set aside a time.*

Have a plan.*

Don’t just read the Bible, let the Bible read you.*

 

By EXPLORING God’s Word.


 

(Psalm 119:11) I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.

 

3. I must APPLY its principles.

(James 1:22) Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.