Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

a. Making one wise regarding salvation by faith in Christ
b. Useful for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness
c. Helping the man of God to become complete, equipped for every good work
-- Christians may not be under the Old Covenant, but it remains an importance
source for truth and happiness
Mark A. Copeland
[If such is true regarding the Old Testament, how much more so when we have the complete and final
revelation from God! In other words...]
II. HOW GREAT IS THE NEW TESTAMENT!
A. IT IS A LIVING WORD...
1. The Word of God is living and powerful - He 4:12a
2. The Word of God is piercing, discerning - He 4:12b
-- This is because it is the sword of the Spirit, the instrument by which He convicts the
world of sin, righteousness, and judgment! - cf. Jn 16:7-8; Ep 6:17
B. IT IS A LIFE-GIVING WORD...
1. The Word of God can save our souls - Ja 1:21
2. The Word of God can produce rebirth and spiritual growth - 1 Pe 1:23-2:3
-- This is because of the power contained in the gospel of Christ - cf. Ro 1:16-17
C. IT IS A LIFE-GUIDING WORD...
1. Producing the faith necessary for our walk in life - 2 Co 5:7; Ro 10:17
2. Equipping the saint for every good work - 2 Ti 3:16-17
-- As Jesus quoted in response to Satan’s temptation: “Man shall not live by bread
alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." - Mt 4:4
[There should be no question that God’s book is great! It fulfills our greatest need, and gives us our
greatest hope. But let us consider...]
III. HOW GREAT IS OUR RESPONSE?
A. IS OUR RESPONSE WORTHY...?
1. Many people (including Christians) are “Biblically illiterate”!
2. Like Israel of old, we suffer from a “famine for the Word” - cf. Amo 8:11-14
a. Israel’s famine was imposed by God by their exile
b. Our famine is self-imposed by our own neglect!
c. The effect is still the same!
1) Our young people faint from thirst!
2) They fall, and do not rise again!
3. For many, they feed upon an “unbalanced diet”!
a. E.g., reading only select passages, often ignoring the Old Testament
b. E.g., reading only to prove themselves right and others wrong
-- Is “God’s Great Book” worthy of such a tepid response? No!
B. WHAT IS A WORTHY RESPONSE...?
1. We must properly value God’s Word
a. More valuable than gold and silver - Psa 119:72
Topical Sermons 143