On the Rock: How the Bible Changes Me

Pastor Scott Applegate 

Sermon Notes:

“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13 NIV
If I will believe and trust the word of God, it will:
1. Recreate my life

“For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” 1 Peter 1:23 NIV

2. Eradicate my guilt

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” Romans 8:1 NIV

3. Activate my faith

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 NIV

4. Stimulate my spiritual growth

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

5. Transform my thinking

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 NIV

6. Elevate my outlook

“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:130 NIV

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105 NIV

7. Unlock my potential

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,” Ephesians 3:20 ESV

How do I activate the word of God in my life?
• I need to learn the word

“…Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God.” Mark 12:24 NLT
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:14-15 NIV
• I need to accept it as the words of God

“…you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God,” 1 Thessalonians 2:13 NIV

• I need to do what it says to do

“But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” Luke 11:28 NLT