Lesson 12: Warring in the Word
Questions 3, 4, 5 and 6
I hope that your desire for God’s word is healthy, but if it isn’t, I understand the struggle. Let’s take a moment and see what we’re up against when it comes to studying God’s Word:
Our Natural Enmity Against God's Word
When God gave the Law on Mt. Sinai to Moses and the Israelites, the people were not eager to hear it. The Israelites said to Moses:
Speak to us yourself, and we will listen. But don't let God speak to us, or we will die.
Exodus 20:19
The people shrunk back from God’s Word, recognizing they would die from the sheer force and power of it. They understood that God is holy, and they were sinful. Oh, they could hear Moses just fine, man’s voice was acceptable, but they didn’t want to hear God’s Word.
You and I have this same propensity within us; our flesh has a natural enmity against God’s Word. This is why many people will listen happily to motivational speakers, new age gurus, self-help teachers, etc. for man’s voice is more palatable than the blazing light and spiritual force of God’s Word.
But we need to hear God’s Word for this very reason: it puts us to death! It crucifies our sin nature and sets us apart from our natural desires and lusts. Jesus prayed,
Sanctify them by the truth, Your Word is truth.
John 17:17
By faith, we must push past the objections of our flesh and press into reading, studying, seeking and hearing from God in His Word.
Listen closely to me, and you will eat what is good; your soul will enjoy the rich food that satisfies. Come to me and listen; listen to me so you may live.
Isaiah 55:2-3
Many people are languishing in sin because they are not feeding on God’s Word.
The Importance of God's Word
Let’s look briefly at the importance of God’s Word in our battle:
12 I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.
13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.
14 I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father.
I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
1 John 2:12-14 (NIV)
Question 3. Where would you say you are currently in the spiritual maturity stages listed in I John 2:12-14?
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Question 4. In 1 John 2:12, what do the “little children” know?
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Question 5. In 1 John 2:13, what is said about young men?
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Question 6. In 1 John 2:14, what is said about fathers?
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